2020 Ford F-150 Pros vs Cons

Drivers who are needing a new pickup truck will almost certainly look at the 2020 Ford F-150. When it comes to iconic vehicles, the F-150 is hard to beat. It has a lot going for it, especially when it comes to capability and performance. Changes made for 2020 have helped to keep its technological features competitive. Of course, this is not a perfect pickup. Ultimately, it is a matter of weighing the pros against the cons and then comparing the end result to other truck options.

What's New for 2020?

The Ford F-150 is in its 13th generation, proving how long this truck has been popular. For this year, a Wi-Fi hotspot is not standard on all trim levels. All trims except the entry-level XL and XLT now come with the Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety features. The exact features added by this suite vary by trim level. The good news for the XLT trim level is it is now available with the popular V6 diesel engine.

Other changes involve the appearance of the 2020 Ford F-150. There are three new paint color options, known as Star White Metallic, Rapid Red, and Iconic Silver. Appearance packages are also newly available for 2020, including a Black Appearance package for the XLT and Lariat.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Ford F-150 – The Pros

1. Incredibly High Towing and Payload Capacity

A pickup truck should be able to handle a great deal of weight whether it is being used for work, play, or both. Available for the 2020 Ford F-150 is the best-in-class towing capacity of 13,200 pounds. This is partially due to the high-strength steel frame in combination with the aluminum-alloy body and bed. The exact payload and towing capacity depends on the engine and other options consumers select.

2. Six Strong Engine Options

Drivers have six different engines available, all of which are paired to a smooth-shifting ten-speed automatic transmission. The entry-level option is a very respectable 3.3L V6 that produces 290-horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Drivers can also choose a turbo 2.7L V6 that generates 325-horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque or a 5.0L V8 that makes 395-horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Option four and five are actually slightly different variations of the same engine. It is a turbo 3.5L V6 that can either give drivers 375-horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque or 450-horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Plus, there is the always popular V6 diesel that generates 250-horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. Essentially, there is a good choice for everyone here.

3. Off-Roading Raptor Trim Available

Those whose form of work or play takes them off the beaten path will want to check out the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor. It has many special features that make it more capable than other trims, plus most competitors. These include skid plates, upgraded tires, flared fenders, Fox shocks, reinforced frame, a modified suspension, and a special off-road 4X4 system. When it comes to off-roading full-size pickup trucks, competitors cannot keep up with the Raptor.

4. Ford Co-Pilot 360 Technology

There are many different advanced driver aids available for the 2020 Ford F-150, depending on the trim level selected. One important feature is the blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage. This is great for trying to change lanes with a trailer during rush hour traffic. Other features include a lane-keeping system, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking.

5. Military-Grade Aluminum Alloy Body

Exclusive to the 2020 Ford F-150 is a high-strength aluminum-alloy military-grade body. A special heat-treating process is used by Ford to make the aluminum-alloy as tough as possible. This allows for an incredibly strong yet still very light frame for the F-150. Plus, the tough aluminum-alloy is very dent-resistant.

6. Pro Trailer Backup Assist

Available pro trailer backup assist is yet another class-exclusive feature for the 2020 Ford F-150. With this, drivers can rotate a knob left or right to help direct the trailer the way it needs to go. This can simplify backing a truck and trailer up immensely, something that can be difficult for anyone.

7. Available 8-inch LCD Productivity Screen

An 8-inch LCD productivity screen is standard for the Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trim levels. Drivers can customize this screen to give them the information that they find most important quickly and easily. It can display things such as towing, off-road, and trip information. The bright blue screen is easy to read and can help to minimize distractions by putting information where it can be obtained quickly.

8. Standard Wi-Fi Hotspot

Whether a truck is used for work or play, a Wi-Fi hotspot can be a game-changer. Purchasing a new 2020 Ford F-150 means getting one standard, as well as a three month trial subscription from AT&T. Drivers can use this hotspot up to 50 feet away from their vehicle. It can also support up to ten devices at one time. Select trim levels also offer FordPass Connect, which allows drivers to download an app and gain access to remote features for the F-150.

9. Available Box Features

The bed of the F-150 can be equipped with a variety of features that make the vehicle more practical. Consumers can choose to add things such as deployable box side steps, loading ramps that can be easily stowed, integrated tailgate step featuring lift assist, and LED lighting. There is also a remote tailgate release feature available. This allows drivers to lock, unlock, or even lower the tailgate with the push of a button. BoxLink is an interface system that allows drivers to secure dividers, storage bins, ramps, and other accessories in their pickup bed. It is available for select models.

10. FX4 Off-Road Package

Available on certain models of the 2020 Ford F-150 is the FX4 off-road package. It adds off-road tuned shock absorbers, skid plates, hill descent control, and an electronic-locking rear differential. That last feature can greatly enhance the traction of the truck. Plus, it adds a stylish FX4 decal.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Ford F-150 – The Cons

1. Fuel Economy a Bit Disappointing

Although no one really expects a pickup truck to be incredbily fuel-efficient, the F-150 lags behind competitors slightly. With six different engine options, however, there are some models that will do better than others. Drivers should just be aware of this potential issue and factor it into their decision-making process.

2. Trim Prices Rise Quickly

There are six different trim levels available for the 2020 Ford F-150. While the entry-level XL is a great workhorse truck, those who want more creature comforts will need to look higher on the trim ladder. The trim-ladder topping Limited costs more than twice as much as the entry-level XL. Deciding to add-on available options can drive up the price tag pretty quickly as well.

3. Predicted Reliability Rating is Low

The reliability rating by J.D. Power is something that some buyers put a lot of stock in. While the Ford F-150 has an average rating, it is not quite as high as other full-size pickup trucks. At the same time, Ford offers a very respectable warranty on the F-150, something that may help put drivers at ease.

4. 10-Speed Automatic can be Slow

Although initial test drives of the new F-150 have had mostly positive things to say about the transmission, it is not perfect. In certain situations, it seems a bit slow to respond. This is particularly true when drivers really put their foot down. At the end of the day, it gets the job done and most drivers would agree it is overall a smooth and well-designed transmission.

5. Infotainment System Lag

The Sync 3 infotainment system found in upper trim levels of the F-150 is pretty user-friendly. Sometimes, however, it can take a bit longer than it should to respond. It is also worth pointing out that the XL trim is completely missing any sort of infotainment system. Drivers who go with the XLT or higher may find they need a little time to get used to dealing with its touchscreen.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

There are a few other trucks that regularly compete with the Ford F-150. One is the RAM 1500. Both of these trucks are very comfortable. At the same time, the RAM 1500 cannot tow nearly as much as the Ford F-150. Plus, the Rebel trim, which competes with the Raptor, is not nearly as capable off-road. The Chevrolet Silverado is another long-term competitor with the F-150. It, too, has a lot going for it. However, the interior is not as comfortable and its powertrain options cannot keep up with those of the F-150. GMC offers drivers the Sierra 1500. It is a more luxury-oriented pickup but it falls behind the competition when it comes to capability. Plus, it is ready for an overhaul when it comes to the appearance of the interior. Overall, the Ford F-150 is a more balanced option.

Conclusion

Drivers who go with the 2020 Ford F-150 will find themselves with a well-rounded pickup that hits the mark in almost every way. While it is not the most fuel-efficient vehicle out there, it makes up for it with its impressive towing and payload numbers. With six different trims at several different price points, there is likely a version of this truck for everyone.