2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2021 Ford Ranger

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty underwent subtle design updates that were noticeable to dedicated Ford enthusiasts. The front bumper featured more black-painted areas, reducing its previous shine, while the grille transitioned from a large two-bar design to a more understated look. This change also resulted in sleeker headlights, maintaining the truck's overall shape. The F-250 was available in various trims, each offering distinct visual elements. The XL trim had a black grille and bumpers, while the XLT added brightwork and alloy wheels. The King Ranch stood out with its two-tone paint and chrome accents, and the Platinum and Limited trims offered additional luxury features. Inside, the F-250's cabin was functional but not particularly inviting, with hard plastics and a utilitarian feel. The base XL model came with essential features, while higher trims like the Lariat and King Ranch added leather upholstery and advanced technology.

The 2021 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew styles, with trim levels including XL, XLT, and Lariat. Our test model, a SuperCrew Lariat with the Tremor Off-Road Package, showcased a rugged appearance with unique wheels, all-terrain tires, and off-road enhancements. Inside, the Ranger's cabin was clean and contemporary, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and comfortable seating. The Tremor package added simulated suede seat inserts and all-weather floor mats. Despite the presence of hard plastics, the interior didn't feel cheap. The Ranger's design emphasized practicality, with features like a spray-in bedliner and a SecuriCode keyless entry pad. However, the step bars were positioned high, limiting their usefulness for taller individuals.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engine options. The standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 produced 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. A 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 delivered an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, a new 7.3-liter gas V8 was introduced, generating 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The gas engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel engine used a six-speed automatic. The F-250 excelled in towing and hauling, with a maximum towing capacity of 30,000 pounds when properly equipped. However, its suspension, designed for heavy loads, resulted in a bumpy ride when unloaded. The Tremor off-road package added features like off-road tires, a lift, and rock crawl mode, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Ford Ranger featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It produced 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for various driving conditions. The Ranger's 4WD system allowed for easy switching between modes, and the Tremor package included a Terrain Management System with multiple settings. The off-road suspension, featuring Fox shocks, improved ground clearance and off-road performance. The Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds and had a payload capacity of 1,860 pounds, though the Tremor package reduced the payload to 1,430 pounds. The Ranger's fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined, and it offered a comfortable ride on paved roads. Off-road, the Ranger Tremor demonstrated impressive capabilities, rivaling other off-road-oriented midsize trucks.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab configurations, with bed sizes of 6-foot-9-inch or 8-foot. The cabin was spacious and functional, with deep cup holders and storage compartments. The center console was large enough to store files or a laptop, and the rear seats in the SuperCrew and Crew Cab models folded up to reveal a load floor for additional storage.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor featured hoop-style step bars with a granular surface, though their high placement limited their usefulness. The SecuriCode system allowed for keyless entry, but the doors felt tinny when closed. Inside, the Ranger offered comfortable power-adjustable seats, though the driver's seat lacked sufficient travel for taller individuals. Rear-seat space was accommodating, but rear air conditioning vents were absent. The tailgate was undampened but lightweight, and the cargo bed offered ample space with four tie-down hooks. Ford provided a range of accessories for customization.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base XL model included a basic audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB-C port. The XLT trim added more speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect was standard, offering a WiFi hotspot and remote access features via a smartphone app.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor came equipped with the Sync 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display. It included voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and FordPass Connect with a 4G WiFi hotspot. The Tremor also featured navigation and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. While Sync 3 was being phased out in favor of Sync 4, it remained competitive in the midsize truck segment. However, voice recognition performance was inconsistent during testing.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered standard safety features such as airbags, trailer sway control, and traction control. Optional features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The truck had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, and some safety features were not standard.

The 2021 Ford Ranger included Ford's Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The blind-spot warning system included trailer coverage, and adaptive cruise control was standard on the Lariat trim. The Ranger received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a three-star rollover resistance rating. IIHS testing showed good crashworthiness, though the headlights received a "Marginal" rating.