2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty had undergone a subtle yet impactful styling update, featuring a more detailed grille and headlights. The new grille design moved away from the flashy chrome bars of the previous model, presenting a more mature and imposing look. The headlights, while still large, were refined with additional detailing, giving them a less bulky appearance. Despite these updates, the overall design remained a modest evolution from the 2017 model, and as newer models like the 2021 F-150 were introduced, the F-350's design began to feel dated. Inside, the cabin retained its blocky styling, which was not particularly inviting compared to rivals like Ram, but it was well-suited for work use with ample space.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty took the blocky and muscular aesthetics of the F-150 to a more robust level, emphasizing its heavy-duty capabilities. The truck's design was not just for show; it included practical features like long bed lengths for better cargo hauling and a tall ride height for improved ground clearance. The cabin varied from utilitarian to plush, depending on the trim level, with the base XL offering basic cloth upholstery and higher trims like the Limited featuring leather and upscale finishes. The F-250's design was more focused on utility, making it ideal for job sites, though its size made city driving and parking challenging.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty offered a range of powerful engine options. The standard 6.2-liter gas V8 produced 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. A new 7.3-liter gas V8 was introduced, delivering 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The 6.7-liter turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 was the most powerful, with 475 hp and an impressive 1,050 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2-liter engine could be paired with either a six-speed or a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the 7.3-liter and 6.7-liter engines came standard with the 10-speed automatic. The F-350 excelled in towing, with a conventional towing capacity of 24,200 pounds, a fifth-wheel capacity of 32,500 pounds, and a gooseneck trailer capacity of 37,000 pounds. The Tremor off-road package added features like 35-inch tires and a lifted suspension for enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty also offered three powerful engine options. The base 6.2-liter V8 produced 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, while the available 7.3-liter V8 delivered 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine matched the F-350's output with 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The F-250's towing capabilities were impressive, with a maximum payload capacity of 4,060 pounds and towing capacity exceeding 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck setup. The Tremor package was available for off-road enthusiasts, featuring lift kits and robust tires. However, fuel economy ratings were not available for these heavy-duty trucks.

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 passengers but requiring the front doors to be opened first. The Super Crew offered a full four-door setup with ample headroom and legroom, and the rear seats could fold up for additional cargo space. The truck was available with either a 6-foot-9-inch or an 8-foot bed, with the longer bed standard on the Regular Cab. The 8-foot bed was also available in a dual-rear-wheel configuration, enhancing its utility for heavy-duty tasks.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty, while focused on utility, offered a range of creature comforts. The front seats came standard with a 40/20/40 folding bench, providing a comfortable armrest and cupholders. Crew Cab and Super Cab models offered generous rear seating with easy access through large doors. However, the truck's size made city driving and parking challenging, and its tall ride height could make entry and exit difficult. The tailgate design included optional steps and a handle for easier access to the bed, though it was less elaborate than competitors' offerings.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured the SYNC 3 infotainment system, known for its intuitive menu layout and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While newer models like the 2021 F-150 had the SYNC 4 system, SYNC 3 remained one of the best on the market. It occasionally experienced hiccups, particularly when switching between SYNC 3 and Apple CarPlay. The truck also offered impressive towing technology, including Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which simplified trailer maneuvering with a dial on the dash.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty also utilized the SYNC 3 system, praised for its user-friendly interface and minimal distraction. The base XL trim had a non-touch display, but higher trims offered a larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional tech options included a WiFi hotspot, upgraded seats, and adjustable upfitter switches. Diesel-equipped models could be fitted with a rapid heating unit for quick cabin warmth.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty came standard with airbags, automatic high beams, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The XLT trim added features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, which could account for trailers. Higher trims offered additional safety features, including adaptive cruise control and adaptive steering.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a range of safety features, though many were available as options or on higher trims. A trailer tow package included special camera views and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Other available features included blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. As a commercial vehicle, the F-250 was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.