2020 RAM 1500 vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

2020 RAM 1500
2020 RAM 1500
$28,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
$34,230MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 RAM 1500
$28,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
$34,230MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Ram 1500 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty scores 6.3 out of 10. The Ram 1500 is the recommended choice based on its superior blend of technology, safety, and cost-effectiveness without sacrificing performance and design.

Overview

MSRP

$28,200

MSRP

$34,230

Average price

$32,719

Average price

$50,832

Listings

3711

Listings

1079
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Poor handling
  • Interior materials feel cheap

2020 RAM 1500 Reviews Summary

A full redesign in 2019 left a significant bit of tech on the table for the increasingly popular Ram 1500: the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine. Ram was once the only option for a half-ton diesel pickup, but emissions certification problems resulted in Ram pulling the diesel engine a few years ago. The engineers at Ram have been hard at work updating it ever since. Although the EcoDiesel wasn’t ready for 2019, it’s now available to any 2020 Ram 1500 trim, so it seems it was well worth the wait. With 80% new parts, the EcoDiesel's improvements to power, efficiency, and delivery all mean that Ram is fighting hard to change minds about America’s least-loved engine type.

2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty Reviews Summary

Ford F-Series trucks are America's best-selling vehicles. The Blue Oval builds and sells more trucks than some companies' entire annual sales runs, and as a result, it offers several configurations for the pickup. There's the F-150 full-size truck, which is considered a light-duty pickup, but we're here to talk about the Super Duty trucks, which include the F-250, F-350, and F-450.

Super Duty models are targeted at buyers that need and want hardcore capability in a pickup truck. The Super Duty trucks are offered in several trims: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. Cab configurations include regular cab, crew cab, and super cab. The Ford F-250 Super Duty is available in single-rear-wheel setup only. The F-350 is available in either single-rear-wheel or dual-rear-wheel setups, while the F-450 is dual-rear-wheel only.

Ford's Super Duty line competes with heavy-duty trucks from Ram, GMC, and Chevy. Nissan dropped the medium-duty Titan XD from its lineup after the 2019 model year and Toyota does not offer a heavy-duty version of its Tundra.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.6L 305 hp V6

Engine

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

3

Horsepower

305 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

17

MPG City

MPG Highway

25

MPG Highway

2020 RAM 1500
2020 RAM 1500
$28,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
$34,230MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 RAM 1500
$28,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
$34,230MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Ram 1500 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty scores 6.3 out of 10. The Ram 1500 is the recommended choice based on its superior blend of technology, safety, and cost-effectiveness without sacrificing performance and design.

Overview
MSRP
$28,200
$34,230
Average price
$32,719
$50,832
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.5
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

6.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Poor handling
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Summary
A full redesign in 2019 left a significant bit of tech on the table for the increasingly popular Ram 1500: the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine. Ram was once the only option for a half-ton diesel pickup, but emissions certification problems resulted in Ram pulling the diesel engine a few years ago. The engineers at Ram have been hard at work updating it ever since. Although the EcoDiesel wasn’t ready for 2019, it’s now available to any 2020 Ram 1500 trim, so it seems it was well worth the wait. With 80% new parts, the EcoDiesel's improvements to power, efficiency, and delivery all mean that Ram is fighting hard to change minds about America’s least-loved engine type.

Ford F-Series trucks are America's best-selling vehicles. The Blue Oval builds and sells more trucks than some companies' entire annual sales runs, and as a result, it offers several configurations for the pickup. There's the F-150 full-size truck, which is considered a light-duty pickup, but we're here to talk about the Super Duty trucks, which include the F-250, F-350, and F-450.

Super Duty models are targeted at buyers that need and want hardcore capability in a pickup truck. The Super Duty trucks are offered in several trims: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. Cab configurations include regular cab, crew cab, and super cab. The Ford F-250 Super Duty is available in single-rear-wheel setup only. The F-350 is available in either single-rear-wheel or dual-rear-wheel setups, while the F-450 is dual-rear-wheel only.

Ford's Super Duty line competes with heavy-duty trucks from Ram, GMC, and Chevy. Nissan dropped the medium-duty Titan XD from its lineup after the 2019 model year and Toyota does not offer a heavy-duty version of its Tundra.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.6L 305 hp V6
Drive Train
4X2
Seating Capacity
3
3
Horsepower
305 hp @ 6400 rpm
MPG City
17
MPG Highway
25
Look and feel
2020 RAM 1500
8/10
2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
8/10

While Ford and Ram trucks are often compared, light- and heavy-duty trucks are lined up less often. And yet, the juxtaposition reveals interesting insights about each one’s strengths.

The 2020 Ram 1500 emerged from its 2019 redesign with significant technological enhancements, notably the introduction of the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine. This addition marked a significant comeback for Ram in the half-ton diesel pickup segment, boasting 80% new parts aimed at improving power, efficiency, and delivery. The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty, part of America's best-selling truck series, offered unparalleled hardcore capability with various trims and configurations designed for heavy-duty tasks. This lineup showcased Ford's commitment to providing versatile, powerful trucks for all workloads, emphasizing the F-250's role in Ford's dominance in the pickup truck market.

Performance
2020 RAM 1500
7/10
2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
8/10
The 2020 Ram 1500's diverse engine lineup, including the base V6 with eTorque and the powerful EcoDiesel V6, earns a 7 out of 10 performance rating. Despite some criticisms, notably turbo lag, its towing capacity and fuel efficiency demonstrate Ram's engineering prowess. The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty, with a performance rating of 8 out of 10, offers a choice of powerful engines, including a 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel that leads the segment in torque. Its superior towing and payload capacities highlight Ford's focus on making the Super Duty line the go-to choice for extreme tasks.
Form and function
2020 RAM 1500
8/10
2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
8/10
In terms of form and function, both the 2020 Ram 1500 and the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty earned 8 points out of 10, although they serve different purposes based on their design and capabilities. The 2020 Ram 1500 combines class-leading torque with impressive towing and payload capacities, making it a versatile choice for both work and leisure. Its towing capacity surpasses 12,000 pounds, a figure that speaks to its strength but requires precise configuration to achieve—specifically, opting for the 3.92 axle without a crew cab or four-wheel drive (4WD). The Ram 1500's interior is notable for its comfort and spaciousness, offering more than 151 liters of interior storage space, which nearly doubles that of its nearest competitor. Its design ensures even tall adults can find ample room, with rear seats in higher trims that can recline, adding to the comfort during long drives. Despite these advantages, the maximum towing capacity's dependency on specific configurations may limit the truck's utility for some users, and the cabin's loosely calibrated dials can sometimes frustrate users during simple tasks like tuning the radio. The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty, on the other hand, is built with a focus on hardcore utility without sacrificing comfort. It offers a significant leap in towing and payload capabilities compared to light-duty trucks. With a base engine that produces 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, and an available 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine that boosts those figures to 475 hp and an astonishing 1,050 lb-ft of torque, the F-250 is designed for heavy lifting. This power translates to a maximum towing capacity that can exceed 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck setup and a payload capacity that extends to 4,060 pounds in certain configurations. Despite its rugged utility, the F-250 also provides creature comforts, with cab configurations that range from the utilitarian to the luxurious, accommodating diverse needs and preferences. However, its considerable size can present challenges in parking, maneuverability, and everyday convenience, particularly in tight city spaces or crowded parking lots. Both trucks present compelling options in their respective segments, with the Ram 1500 offering a balanced mix of comfort, utility, and innovation, and the Ford F-250 standing out for its heavy-duty capabilities and rugged durability.
Technology
2020 RAM 1500
7/10
2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
6/10
Technology ratings reflect a divide: The Ram 1500's advanced infotainment options and engine technology earn a 7 out of 10, while the Ford F-250's intuitive Sync 3 system scores a 6 out of 10. The Ram impresses with features like the 12-inch touchscreen and mild-hybrid systems, whereas the Ford focuses on functional tech like Wi-Fi hotspots and rapid heating for diesel models.
Safety
2020 RAM 1500
9/10
2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
5/10
The Ram 1500 shines in safety, with a 9 out of 10 rating, thanks to its Top Safety Pick Plus accolade from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and comprehensive safety features across trims. The F-250 Super Duty scores a 5 out of 10, as its heavy-duty status exempts it from standard crash testing, and many advanced safety features are optional or trim-dependent.
Cost Effectiveness
2020 RAM 1500
7/10
2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
4/10
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