2021 Ford F-150 vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 RAM 2500 stood out with its elegant design, contrasting sharply with the chunkier Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and the builder block Ford F-250 Super Duty. Each of the six trim levels featured a unique grille, and the truck's imposing size was complemented by sleek LED headlights and a domed hood. The Limited trim, in particular, showcased 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, adding to its upscale appearance. The interior was equally impressive, with upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited offering materials and craftsmanship reminiscent of a luxury vehicle. Soft-grained, perforated leather, light wood trim, and a stunning beige-and-navy-blue color combo made the cabin feel like a high-end lounge.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford F-150 retained a similar design theme to its predecessor but introduced a new front fascia with bigger headlights and a rounder grille shape. The truck's aluminum bodywork helped reduce weight, improving fuel economy and payload capacity. Inside, the F-150 offered a mix of spartan and luxurious materials, depending on the trim level. The King Ranch trim featured leather upholstery and wood trim, providing a high-end feel. The truck also included practical features like a fold-flat shifter and Max Recline Seats, making it a versatile mobile office.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered two engine options: a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six diesel with 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. The V8 engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and powerful driving experience, with a maximum towing capacity of 17,350 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 4,380 pounds. The diesel engine, on the other hand, excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 19,780 pounds. Despite its size, the RAM 2500 offered decent ride quality and impressive braking capabilities, thanks to its diesel exhaust brake.

The 2021 Ford F-150 featured a range of powertrains, including a base 3.3-liter V6 with 290 horsepower, a 5.0-liter V8 with 400 horsepower, and two twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engines. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 offered 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, while the new PowerBoost hybrid powertrain combined a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with an electric motor, producing a total of 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. The F-150's maximum towing capacity was 14,000 pounds with the non-hybrid 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, and the hybrid powertrain provided a smooth yet powerful driving experience, although the transition between electric and hybrid modes could be jarring.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered three cab options and two bed lengths, with the Single Cab providing the most payload and seating for up to three. The Crew Cab, available with either bed length, offered ample space for passengers, while the Mega Cab provided reclining rear seats and additional luxury. The truck's interior featured power running boards, a retractable tailgate step, and a range of storage options, including the optional RamBox. The rear air suspension allowed for easy trailer hitch adjustments, and the diesel models included a countdown timer for cold starts and an analog gauge for Diesel Emissions Fluid levels.

The 2021 Ford F-150 catered to those who use their trucks as mobile offices, with features like a fold-flat shifter and Max Recline Seats. The truck offered three cab options: a two-door regular cab, a SuperCab with rear half doors, and a SuperCrew cab with full-size rear doors. Bed sizes included 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8-foot options. The F-150's interior featured generous storage space, including a center-console storage bin and large cupholders. The truck also offered in-bed power outlets with the optional Pro Power Onboard system, providing up to 7.2 kW of output.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came standard with a 5-inch touchscreen, but the 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade was highly recommended for its quick, logical, and high-resolution interface. The 12-inch display, available on higher trims, offered a range of features, including large maps, dual information tiles, and 360-degree cameras. The system's ease of use made it a standout feature, with physical buttons and knobs for climate and stereo controls.

The 2021 Ford F-150 introduced the new Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, but the optional 12-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster provided a more advanced experience. The system included physical buttons and knobs for essential functions, and the Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance features made towing easier.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2020 RAM 1500 received a Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Optional driver assists included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking, which worked even with a trailer attached.

The 2021 Ford F-150 had not yet been fully rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it received a "good" rating for roof strength. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional features included lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and the upcoming Active Drive Assist system, which would handle acceleration, braking, and steering on designated highways.