2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2021 RAM 1500

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty had undergone subtle updates that were noticeable to keen observers. The front bumper featured more black-painted areas, reducing the previous model's bling. The grille design was less gaudy, and the headlights appeared sleeker due to the altered grille shape. This resulted in a truck that maintained its robust appearance while showing some styling restraint. 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 featured a two-tone paint job and chrome accents, and the Platinum trim included 20-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights. The Limited trim offered a luxurious feel with a satin-chrome grille. Inside, the F-250's cabin was functional, with a logical layout and ample storage, though it felt cold and mechanical. The base XL model was equipped with essential features, while higher trims like the Lariat and King Ranch added leather upholstery and advanced technology.

The 2021 RAM 1500 retained its design from the 2019 redesign, offering no new cosmetic changes. It was available in quad or crew cab configurations, with different bed lengths. The standout model for 2021 was the TRX, inspired by off-road rally races. The TRX had a commanding presence with a functioning hood scoop, massive grille, and fender vents. It was a crew cab-only 4x4 with a 5-foot, 7-inch box. The TRX's dimensions were larger than the standard Ram 1500, with a height of 80.9 inches and a width of 88 inches. It featured 35-inch all-terrain tires, composite fender flares, and a new Ignition Orange paint option. Inside, the TRX's cabin was luxurious and durable, with premium cloth and vinyl upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 12-inch Uconnect infotainment display. The TRX also had unique interior features like a vehicle-specific ID marker and a scale chart in the storage bin.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty came standard with a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine, producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. It also offered a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 with 475 horsepower and an impressive 1,050 lb-ft of torque. A new 7.3-liter gas V8 engine was introduced, delivering 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft 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 could tow up to 30,000 pounds when equipped with the diesel engine, 3.55 axle ratio, and High Capacity Tow Package. The truck's suspension was designed for heavy-duty work, resulting in a bumpy ride when not loaded. The Tremor off-road package added features like 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires and a 2-inch lift for enhanced off-road capability.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX was powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine, producing 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The TRX could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and had a top speed of 118 mph. It had a payload capacity of 1,310 pounds and a maximum towing capability of 8,100 pounds. The TRX offered eight on- and off-road drive modes, including a Baja mode. During testing, the TRX demonstrated impressive performance on various terrains, including off-road tracks and mountain courses. It featured a launch control system for quick acceleration and a Selec-Speed Control feature for off-roading. The TRX's off-road capabilities were expected, given its design and features.

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 cubbies for large items. The center console was massive, capable of storing files, tools, or a laptop. The rear seats in the SuperCrew and Crew Cab folded up to reveal a load floor for large items, providing secure storage inside the cabin.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX's interior dimensions were identical to the standard Ram 1500, with front headroom and legroom measuring 40.9 inches and rear seats offering 39.8 and 45.2 inches, respectively. The cabin had ample storage space, including a large center storage bin. The TRX Level 2 package-equipped test truck featured compliant front seats and powered-adjustable pedals. The seating position offered the most adjustability compared to rivals, providing comfort for long drives. The TRX's interior was designed for both functionality and comfort, with features like a functional steering wheel and adjustable seating.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base XL model came with four speakers, an AM/FM/MP3 radio unit, 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 across the lineup, offering a WiFi hotspot and remote vehicle access via a smartphone app. The system allowed users to lock and unlock the vehicle, receive status updates, and locate the truck remotely.

The 2021 RAM 1500 featured a 12-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 4C infotainment system and navigation. The display was customizable, allowing users to drag and drop controls for quick access. The system offered wireless charging, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and Bluetooth connectivity. The TRX included Performance Pages for vehicle calculations and Off-Road Pages for ride height and accessory gauges. The standard audio system was a 10-speaker Alpine system, with a 19-speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio package available. The Ram 1500 also offered a full-color head-up display, providing real-time driving information.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty included standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, trailer sway control, and AdvanceTrac traction control. Optional features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The truck had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a range of high-tech safety features.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX offered over 100 safety and security features, including a rear backup camera and optional 360-degree view. The Advanced Safety Group package added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pedestrian detection. The Advanced Tech Group included a digital rear-view mirror and brake-activated center high-mount stop lamp. Other available features included adaptive headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear park assistance. The TRX also had passive safety features like an auto-reverse feature for windows and sunroof.