2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty displayed a more refined exterior with updates to its grille and headlights. The updated grille moved away from the overly shiny chrome-clad bars of the 2019 model, creating a more imposing yet polished look. The massive headlights, previously likened to a dorm fridge, were recontoured to add some sophistication. Despite these updates, the F-350’s design was still a continuation of the styling introduced in the 2017 model year, which started to appear dated as newer models hit the road. The cabin retained its blocky, utilitarian style, catering primarily to work needs rather than luxury, which contrasted sharply with rival interiors.

In contrast, the 2020 RAM 2500 exuded elegance and upscale design, distinguishing itself from both the chunky Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and the builder-block Ford F-250 Super Duty. Each of the Ram 2500’s six trim levels featured a unique grille, contributing to an imposing yet appealing aesthetic. The truck's LED headlights on the upper trims were sleek and well-proportioned, enhancing its overall stylish demeanor. The Ram 2500’s body panels were rounded and smooth, offering a more carlike appearance, especially along the sides and rear. The interior of the RAM 2500 stood out with superior materials and craftsmanship, akin to a luxury vehicle, making it a top choice for those seeking both utility and refinement.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty came with three engine options. The standard engine was a 6.2-liter gas V8, delivering 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. An optional 6.7-liter turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 provided 475 hp and a whopping 1,050 lb-ft of torque. New for 2020 was a 7.3-liter gas V8, offering 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2-liter V8 was paired with either a six-speed or a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the other engines came standard with the 10-speed automatic. These engines ensured swift acceleration and impressive towing capacities—24,200 pounds for conventional towing, 32,500 pounds for fifth-wheel towing, and 37,000 pounds for gooseneck trailers. However, the F-350 could feel cumbersome in corners and chattery over bumps when not towing, traits common in heavy-duty trucks. The Tremor off-road package added enhancements like 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires and special off-road shocks and springs, providing 10.8 inches of ground clearance.

The 2020 RAM 2500 also offered two engine options: a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque mated to a smooth 8-speed automatic, and a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six diesel producing 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine enabled the Ram 2500 to tow up to 19,780 pounds and haul up to 3,060 pounds of payload. While acceleration was not as sprightly as the F-350, the diesel provided reliable power for highway merging and exceptional braking with its exhaust brake feature. The Ram 2500 was easier to handle compared to its 1500 counterpart but still lacked the precision of a lighter vehicle. It did manage a commendable near 19 mpg in fuel efficiency for highway driving.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty was available in three cab configurations: Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew. The Super Cab, with its rear-hinged half-doors, required opening the front doors for rear access, which could be cumbersome for frequent use. The Super Crew, a full four-door crew cab, boasted a massive cabin with ample headroom and legroom. The F-350 offered either a 6-foot-9-inch or an 8-foot bed, with the regular cab only available with the longer bed. This flexibility made it versatile for various load requirements, with the dual-rear-wheel configuration providing additional options for heavy-duty needs.

The 2020 RAM 2500 also came with three cab styles: Single Cab, Crew Cab, and Mega Cab, paired with either an 8-foot or a 6-foot-4-inch bed. The Single Cab maximized payload and seated three, while the Crew Cab provided a balance of space and utility, even allowing a long bed pairing unavailable in the RAM 1500. The Mega Cab, exclusive for the RAM 2500, offered rear passengers reclining seats and an extraordinary level of privacy with its thick C-pillar. With features like spray-in bed liners and optional RamBox lockable storage, the Ram 2500 provided additional functional benefits, solidifying its position as a multifunctional workhorse.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite occasional glitches, such as the lack of a home icon when in Apple CarPlay, SYNC 3 remained a robust system. Ford’s towing technology was a standout, with Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplifying trailer maneuvering by automating steering inputs based on driver-set trailer paths, while the availability of a 360-degree camera added to its utility.

Meanwhile, the 2020 RAM 2500's infotainment system was anchored by the Uconnect interface. A 5-inch touchscreen was standard, but the 8.4-inch upgrade was more practical and easier to use. The true highlight was the optional 12-inch display, which offered an unparalleled level of functionality. This large screen was flanked by physical controls for ease of use and provided an excellent platform for managing maps, settings, cameras, and shortcut customizations. The split-screen capability made multitasking convenient, and the high-resolution display enhanced overall usefulness, especially for large-vehicle operation.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty included standard safety features like automatic high beams, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The XLT trim added additional features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, which could extend to trailers. Higher trims like the Lariat and King Ranch introduced features like a reverse-sensing system and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, while the Platinum and Limited trims added adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering, and enhanced LED headlights.

The 2020 RAM 2500, while not specifically rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, benefited from the accolades received by the RAM 1500, which earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-star NHTSA rating (with a 4-star rating for the front passenger in a frontal collision). The RAM 2500 offered advanced driver assists such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking, available as options. These features contributed to a strong safety profile, especially when fitted with trailer capabilities, reinforcing the RAM 2500’s robustness in both standard and demanding conditions.