2020 Ford Ranger vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 Ford Ranger marked its return to the American market after an eight-year hiatus, having been sold internationally in a different form. This new generation was larger and more sophisticated than its predecessor. Ford attempted to align the Ranger with its F-Series lineup through similar grille styling, but the similarities ended there. The Ranger's international design avoided the "bigger-and-blockier" trend of American trucks, resulting in a clean, somewhat aggressive appearance that highlighted its sporty and capable nature.

Inside, the Ranger featured a functional, purpose-first cabin that was modern but not particularly welcoming. Hard plastics dominated the interior, making it durable but giving it a low-rent feel compared to competitors like the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline. The Ranger was available in three trims: XL, XLT, and Lariat, each offering progressively more features and upscale touches. Various appearance packages and off-road options like the FX2 and FX4 packages were also available, enhancing its versatility.

The 2020 RAM 2500 stood out for its elegance and upscale design, contrasting sharply with the chunkier Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and Ford F-250 Super Duty. The RAM 2500's grille, unique to each of its six trim levels, and its sleek LED headlights gave it a sophisticated look. The truck's design was more carlike with rounded edges and smoother body panels, making it appear less bulky despite its size. The Limited trim, with its 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, exemplified this elegance.

Inside, the RAM 2500's upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited offered materials and craftsmanship that rivaled luxury vehicles. The interior featured soft-grained, perforated leather, elaborate stitch patterns, light wood trim, and aluminum speaker covers. The attention to detail extended to the grab handles and shifter knob. The optional 12-inch vertical touchscreen and large switches for accessories added to its high-end feel. The RAM 2500's interior was a class apart, offering a level of luxury unmatched by other heavy-duty pickups.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. The turbo engine provided ample power for low-speed driving and highway passing. The Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped and had a maximum payload capacity of 1,860 pounds in the SuperCab 4x2 configuration.

However, the Ranger's ride quality was stiff, similar to a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, and it wasn't as comfortable as a Honda Ridgeline. The FX2 and FX4 Off-Road packages added off-road tires, an electronically locking rear differential, and off-road-tuned suspension. The FX4 package further included Trail Control and the Terrain Management System, enhancing its off-road capabilities with various drive modes for different conditions.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered two engine options: a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six diesel engine with 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. The V8 trims had the highest payloads, up to 4,380 pounds, and could tow up to 17,350 pounds. The diesel engine, tested in the review, could tow up to 19,780 pounds and haul up to 3,060 pounds of payload.

The diesel engine provided strong acceleration and impressive towing capabilities, though it was noisy and caused vibrations. The RAM 2500's steering was loose, and the ride was stiff compared to the RAM 1500. However, the diesel's exhaust brake was highly effective, extending brake life and enhancing safety when towing. The RAM 2500 averaged close to 19 mpg over 515 highway miles, a commendable figure for a heavy-duty truck.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab seated four with a 2+2 layout, featuring rear-opening clamshell half-doors for accessing the tight rear seats, which were more suitable for children. The rear seats could be folded up for additional storage or deleted altogether for more cargo space. The SuperCrew, a full four-door crew cab, seated five with a full rear bench, providing more comfortable seating for adults.

Both body styles offered deep in-door pockets, bottle holders, a center console bin, and a coin/key tray atop the dash. The SuperCab paired with a six-foot bed, while the SuperCrew had a five-foot bed. Features like a remote locking tailgate, LED bed lighting, and a wall-style power outlet were available, though a bed-step was not offered.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered three cab options and two bed lengths. Single cabs seated three with a fold-down center console and paired with either an 8-foot or 6-foot-4-inch bed. Crew Cabs, available with either bed, provided ample space and comfort. The Mega Cab, exclusive to the RAM 2500, allowed rear passengers to recline and offered unmatched luxury. The Power Wagon came with a Crew Cab and short bed.

Power running boards and a retractable tailgate step were recommended for easier access. The Crew Cab offered plenty of space, and features like a power tailgate, adjustable mirrors, and optional RamBox storage bins enhanced functionality. The RAM 2500 also offered a spray-in bed liner, LED lighting, and rear air suspension for easier trailer hitching. Diesel models included features like a countdown timer for glow plugs and an analog gauge for Diesel Emissions Fluid levels.

The 2020 Ford Ranger XL featured a basic AM/FM stereo with four speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. FordPass Connect, included on the XL, allowed remote locking, unlocking, and starting, along with WiFi hotspot capability for up to ten devices. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim included a premium B&O sound system with ten speakers.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came standard with a 5-inch touchscreen, but the 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade was highly recommended. This system was quick, logical, and high-resolution, though climate controls for seats and the steering wheel were hidden in the settings menu. The 12-inch display, available on higher trims, offered a futuristic and highly functional interface, with large maps, customizable home screen tiles, and 360-degree cameras. The display also facilitated trailer settings and other features, making it extremely useful for a vehicle of this size.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a child-seat anchoring system, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. It also included automatic headlights, automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, and pedestrian detection. The XLT trim added Ford CoPilot 360, which included lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse parking sensors. The Ranger earned top scores in most IIHS crash tests and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had a recall for a transmission issue.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the RAM 1500, which shares many safety features, earned a Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Most driver assists, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise, and forward emergency braking, were optional. The RAM 1500's strong performance in crash tests suggested a high level of safety for the RAM 2500 as well.