2020 RAM 1500 vs 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty had an updated styling with a more detailed grille and headlights. The new grille moved away from the gaudy chrome-clad bars of the 2019 model, yet remained imposing. The massive headlights, though still large, featured additional detail and contouring, giving them a more refined look. Despite these updates, the design was a modest evolution of the 2017 model year, and as newer models like the 2021 F-150 hit the road, the Super Duty began to look dated. The cabin remained unchanged with blocky styling, ideally suited for work use but less inviting compared to rivals like Ram. The F-350 Super Duty was available in six trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited, each offering a range of features from basic work truck amenities to luxury touches.

The 2020 RAM 1500 continued to be an iconic truck, becoming one of the best-selling models. The redesigned Ram 1500 outsold the Silverado when combining sales with the older Ram 1500 “Classic.” The Ram 1500 boasted a large grille, a design it had been perfecting for over a quarter-century. The journey with the Ram 1500 started with the Tradesman trim, offering basic but essential features. Upgrading to the Big Horn trim added more amenities and options, while the Rebel trim catered to off-road enthusiasts. The Laramie trim introduced luxury features, and the Laramie Longhorn and Limited trims offered even more tech and flair. The Ram 1500 provided a range of options to suit different needs and preferences.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty came with three engine options. The standard 6.2-liter gas V8 produced 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The 6.7-liter turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 delivered 475 hp and an astounding 1,050 lb-ft of torque. New for 2020 was a 7.3-liter gas V8, putting out 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2-liter V8 could be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission or an available 10-speed automatic, which was standard on the 7.3-liter gas engine and the 6.7-liter diesel engine. The F-350 had impressive towing capacities: 24,200 pounds for conventional towing, 32,500 pounds for fifth-wheel towing, and 37,000 pounds for gooseneck trailers. It also offered a maximum payload capacity of 7,850 pounds. The Tremor off-road package added features like 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires, a lifted suspension, and Trail Control.

The 2020 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 paired with a ZF 8-speed transmission, producing 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. This engine featured a mild-hybrid system called “eTorque,” which provided up to an extra 90 lb-ft of torque, improved fuel economy, and smoothed out the start/stop system. The optional 5.7-liter V8 delivered 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 offered 260 hp and a class-leading 480 lb-ft of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 12,560 pounds. The Ram 1500's engines were paired with a reworked ZF 8-speed transmission, enhancing overall drivability. However, the diesel engine still exhibited some turbo lag and lacked power during quick maneuvers.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew configurations. The Super Cab featured rear-hinged half-doors, providing decent space for rear-seat passengers but requiring the front door to be opened first. The Super Crew offered a full four-door crew cab with ample headroom and legroom, and rear seats that folded up to create a large load floor. The F-350 came with either a 6-foot-9-inch bed or an 8-foot bed, with the regular cab only available with the longer bed. The 8-foot bed was also available in a dual-rear-wheel configuration. The bed featured a step that extended from the tailgate, making it easier to load items.

The 2020 RAM 1500 excelled in interior space and comfort, offering a huge interior with plenty of room for adults in both the front and back seats. The rear seats in higher trims could even recline, and the truck featured over 151 liters (5 cubic feet) of interior storage, including a giant center console, hidden pockets, and storage beneath the rear floor. The Ram 1500's rear coil springs provided a more comfortable ride compared to traditional leaf springs. However, achieving the maximum towing capacity required specific configurations, limiting some functionality. The dials around the cabin were also noted to be loosely calibrated, making adjustments a bit challenging.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system had an intuitive menu layout with large icons for easy navigation. However, SYNC 3 occasionally experienced buggy hiccups, especially when switching between SYNC 3 and Apple CarPlay. Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a standout feature, making trailer backing easier by allowing the driver to control the trailer's direction with a dial while the system handled the steering.

The 2020 RAM 1500 shined with its 12-inch, tablet-style touchscreen and the Uconnect system, which was bright, beautiful, and easy to use. The system paired easily with smartphones, though there was an instance of playing both satellite radio and Spotify simultaneously. The 8.4-inch touchscreen was also impressive. The Ram 1500 featured push-button start, a wealth of USB and USB-C inputs, and advanced engine technology with the diesel and eTorque mild hybrid system.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty came standard with a full array of airbags, automatic high beams, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The XLT trim added automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, which could account for trailers. The Lariat trim included a reverse-sensing system, while the King Ranch added Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The Platinum trim featured adaptive cruise control and adaptive steering, with all these features standard on the Limited trim.

The 2020 RAM 1500 received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was the first full-size, body-on-frame pickup to be named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the IIHS, applicable to the Crew Cab model with all active safety equipment and optional LED lights. Most safety features were available across the board, with parking sensors and forward-collision and lane-departure mitigation reserved for Laramie and above. The Ram 1500's hood design improved visibility, and braking feel was consistent, though stopping from 60 mph took 130 feet or more.