2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty vs 2019 Ford F-150

The 2019 Ford F-150, which was redesigned in 2015, made headlines for its advanced features. This included the twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine and the extensive use of aluminum in the body panels. Critics from General Motors had taken shots at the F-150’s use of aluminum, suggesting a higher susceptibility to damage. Ironically, the 2019 Silverado used aluminum for the hood, doors, and tailgate, showing an industry-wide recognition of the material's benefits.

The F-150 trim levels included the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Raptor, and Limited. The XL served as a basic work truck, while the XLT added conveniences like power windows and an 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment screen. The Lariat boasted a leather interior, heated and ventilated seats, and satellite radio.

The King Ranch, first offered in 2001, incorporated an eye-catching Camel Back interior option and unique “flying W” embroidery. The Platinum trim took luxury up a notch with a wood-panel interior and power-deploying running boards. The off-road Raptor featured underbody armor and Fox Racing Shox. Lastly, the Limited trim carried exclusive luxury items like 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, a dual-panel moonroof, and massaging seats.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty received updated styling, with a more detailed grille and redesigned headlights. Compared to its 2019 counterpart, the new grille looked less gaudy while still imposing, and the headlights appeared more refined. Despite these changes, the design was still largely an evolution from the 2017 model year.

The F-350 continued to cater to work environments with a blocky, functional interior. However, it fell short compared to rivals like the Ram, which offered more inviting cabins. Trim levels ranged from the workhorse XL to the ultra-luxurious Limited. Standard features on the XL included 17-inch steel wheels and vinyl seats, accentuating its work-focused design. Higher trims like the XLT and Lariat added luxury touches such as chrome bumpers, leather upholstery, and dual-zone climate control.

The King Ranch wore a two-tone exterior and saddle-style leather upholstery. The Platinum trim added massaging seats, and the Limited featured power-retractable running boards and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system.

The 2019 Ford F-150 offered several engine options. New for 2019 was a 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V6, providing 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. It was well-received for its smooth, confident acceleration and quiet operation inside the cabin.

Other engines included a base 3.3-liter V6 with 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, and the highly efficient 2.7-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 making 325 hp and 400 lb-ft. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 was available in two forms: standard at 375 hp and a 450 hp variant. The 5.0-liter Coyote V8 made 395 hp and 400 lb-ft. The F-150’s diesel variant delivered fuel economy figures of 22 mpg city and 30 highway with rear-wheel drive, offering a great balance of performance and economy.

For the 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty, standard power came from a 6.2-liter gas V8 producing 385 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It also featured a 6.7-liter turbodiesel Power Stroke V8 with 475 hp and a monumental 1,050 lb-ft of torque. New for 2020 was a 7.3-liter gas V8, outputting 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission options included a six-speed automatic and a new 10-speed automatic that came standard on the more robust engines. When properly equipped, the F-350 could tow up to 37,000 pounds with a gooseneck trailer and had a payload capacity of 7,850 pounds. Ford's Tremor off-road package introduced new off-road capabilities with elements like 35-inch tires and a 2-inch suspension lift.

The 2019 Ford F-150 offered various configurations, including single cab, extended SuperCab, and full 4-door SuperCrew. Each version allowed for different bed lengths, with the single cab available in standard or long beds and the SuperCab in short, standard, or long beds. The SuperCrew variants had spacious interiors, complete with large cupholders and a massive center console. Rear seats could fold up to create an extensive load floor.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty came in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew configurations. Super Cab had rear-hinged half-doors, perfect for occasional use. The Super Crew offered ample headroom and legroom in the rear seats, and a large center console in the front. The F-350 had two bed sizes, 6-foot-9-inch and 8-foot. The regular cab came exclusively with the longer bed, while the other configurations offered both. The dual-rear-wheel setup was available for all three cab sizes, providing higher payloads and towing capabilities.

The 2019 Ford F-150 equipped the base XL trim with a simple Sync infotainment system, featuring a 4.2-inch screen and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims included Sync 3, an 8-inch touchscreen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Recent iOS updates allowed the use of third-party navigation apps like Google Maps. The King Ranch trim also offered a Wi-Fi hotspot and a premium B&O Play sound system.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty continued using the reliable SYNC 3 system. It also supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering easy menu navigation with large icons. However, SYNC 3 occasionally experienced bugs when toggling between CarPlay and SYNC menus. Despite this, the system’s towing features, including Pro Trailer Backup Assist, stood out. These systems allowed for easier and safer trailer maneuvering by taking control of the truck’s steering.

The 2019 Ford F-150 came standard with various airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. A 360-degree camera system was standard on higher trims and optional on others, providing multiple viewing angles. Additional driver-assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty also included standard safety features like airbags, automatic high beams, and traction control. Moving up trim levels added features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims like the King Ranch and Platinum included adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering, and LED headlights.