2020 Ford F-250 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

For some consumers, a heavy-duty truck is the only type of vehicle that will serve their needs. This segment of the market has a few good options. One of the most iconic is the Ford F-250 Super Duty.

When it first hit the scene, this truck was a pure workhorse. Over the years, redesigns and updates have made the F-250 Super Duty a little more dignified. Now, it is a balanced blend of capability and comfort that appeals to a broad range of people. This year, a brand-new engine becomes available. Models with the diesel engine also get a ten-speed automatic.

When a consumer decides they want the new 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty, they then need to also decide which trim best fits their needs. In total, there are six. Buyers also need to decide what bed length and cab style would best suit their needs.

For this guide, the six different trim levels have been summarized with a special emphasis being placed on the differences. Reading it should better prepare consumers to choose the best trim level for them.

Compare the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty XL vs XLT Trims. What is the difference?

One of the most important features of any truck is the engine. The XL has three different options. Standard is a 6.2L V8 that produces 385-horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This is the same standard engine that drivers will find for F-350 models. Working with this engine is a six-speed automatic transmission.

Available for the XL is also a 6.7L Powerstroke turbo-diesel V8. With this, the F-250 Super Duty produces 475-horsepower and a mind-boggling 1,050 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with the newly available ten-speed automatic. The final engine option is a 7.3L V8 that generates 430-horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. This also is paired with the new ten-speed. The F-250 Super Duty comes standard with rear-wheel-drive but can be had as a 4x4 vehicle as well.

There are many useful exterior options. Automatic high beams are included in the standard equipment. Also included are tie down hooks, two front tow hooks, and a removable tailgate. Optional exterior features can be added as well, such as a tailgate step, a power tailgate, and LED box lighting. Standard illumination features for the XL include quad-dual beam halogen headlights. To make the Ford F-250 Super Duty XL even more capable, drivers can choose to add skid plates, stowable loading ramps, and two different spray-in bedliners.

Inside, drivers will find vinyl upholstery. Tech features are relatively sparse, but FordPass Connect with a Wi-Fi hotspot is included. This hotspot can support up to ten devices at one time. A version of SYNC 3 is included, but not the full-blown system found on upper trims. Drivers get a 2.3-inch productivity screen as well. How many speakers are included depend on the cab type, with the regular cab getting four and the super and crew cabs getting six.

The list of standard driver aids is very short. Drivers get a tailgate-mounted rearview camera and the automatic high beams. They can also choose to add several more features from the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. The XL can be equipped with a blind spot information system including trailer coverage, audible lane departure warning, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning. Also available is a 180/360-degree camera system.

Option number two is called the XLT. It has the same standard and available mechanical options as the XL. The XLT gains a power tailgate and the BoxLink cargo management system as part of its standard equipment. While the XL had a black grille, the XLT shows-off a chrome one instead. This is the first trim level that offers a power moonroof.

Another feature that is available for the XLT is a remote start system. The cabin gets several nice upgrades. The productivity screen gets upgraded to a 4.2-inch LCD one. On top of the two power-points in the instrument panel that are found in the XL, the XLT adds one in the front center under-seat storage area. Cruise control becomes standard.

Tech-wise, the XLT is far superior to the XL. It gets a standard navigation system. The stereo has five speakers in regular cab models and seven in super and crew cab models. The SYNC 3 system here includes an 8-inch touchscreen and adds smartphone integration through both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Drivers will find that many of the previously optional driver aids are now standard for the XLT. It adds the blind spot monitoring and the pre-collision assist system. The audible lane departure warning and 180/360-degree camera remains optional only.

Consumers will be able to add the "Tremor Package" to the XLT. It adds giant tires, a two-inch front end lift, and upgraded differential, among other things. The end result is the most off-road capable version of the F-250 Super Duty ever. This package is also available on the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum models. It is only available if the truck is equipped with the diesel or 7.3L V8 engine.

The XLT is significantly better-equipped, making it a better choice over the XL for most consumers.

Compare the 2020 Ford F-250 XLT vs Lariat Trims. What is the difference?

The third option available to consumers is called the Lariat. Once again, no mechanical changes have been made. The Lariat adds more convenience and comfort to the F-250 Super Duty, making it popular for consumers who want their truck to serve double-duty as a family vehicle.

On the outside, the Lariat is the first model to offer a remote tailgate release feature. Halogen fog lights are now standard, with LED ones being optional. LED headlights are also available. The Lariat is also the first to have powered and heated side mirrors with spot lights standard. This feature is available on lower trims.

Inside, drivers will enjoy dual-zone automatic climate control. The productivity screen is bumped all the way up to 8-inches here. For the pedals, they gain power-adjustment and the option for a memory function. A universal garage door opener is also available for this trim. The rearview mirror gets an automatic dimming feature. For the sound system, drivers now get a ten-speaker B&O Play setup.

Consumers have the option of adding a wireless charging pad. Further adding to the high-end feel of this trim is the steering wheel, which is now wrapped in leather. A heated steering wheel voice is also an option. Leather can also be found on the seating surfaces, and a variety of power-adjustment features for the front seats are available. Heated and ventilated front seats are also an option.

Driver aids remain more or less the same here. Although it does not add any standard equipment, it does add adaptive cruise control and adaptive steering assist to its list of available options. With that second feature, the F-250 Super Duty will adjust the responsiveness of the steering to the speed that it is traveling.

The Lariat is a great option for many, but some consumers may not need the comfort and tech upgrades found.

Compare the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat vs King Ranch. What is the difference?

Powertrain options remain the same for the King Ranch trim. This model does get the remote release tailgate as part of its list of standard equipment. Also added are 6-inch running boards with an illuminated insert. This is the first trim to make the remote start feature standard. Also standard is now a trailer reverse guidance system, something that has been optional up until this point.

Inside, the power-adjustable pedals now have standard memory. The universal garage door opener is also now included. Also joining the list of standard equipment is the wireless charging pad as well as the heated steering wheel. The seating surfaces inside the King Ranch have a unique leather, and the front seats get the heat and ventilation standard. Available for this trim are heated rear seats on crew cab models.

The King Ranch stands out from other trim levels due to its styling. It has a western-theme and is great for fans of the ranch or cowboy lifestyle. Drivers should note that this trim level is only available with a crew cab.

Driver aids are very similar between the Lariat and the King Ranch. The notable exception is the 180/360-degree camera, which is standard for the first time here. Consumers will find that the King Ranch makes several enticing upgrades, but probably not enough to justify the extra expense.

Compare the 2020 Ford F-250 King Ranch vs Platinum Trims. What is the difference?

Nearing the top of the trim ladder is the Platinum trim. It gets a standard tailgate step with tailgate assist. The tow hooks are also chrome rather than black here. LED fog lamps are now standard. Power-deployable cab steps are found on the Platinum trim as well.

Inside, there are not many changes. The leather is unique for the Platinum trim, and crew cab models now get the heated rear seats. This is also the first trim to make adaptive steering a standard feature. The steering wheel is still leather-wrapped, but the Platinum trim shows off color-coordination on the wheel as well.

The Platinum trim is certainly luxurious, but likely does not justify its high price in the eyes of many consumers.

Compare the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty Platinum vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?

If a buyer is after the ultimate version of the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty, they are looking at the Limited trim. This trim comes exclusively with the diesel engine option. The transmission also comes standard with different drive modes, including tow/haul, snow, and Eco. The Limited is the only trim level to make the moonroof a standard feature.

Inside, the Limited stands out with its two-tone leather. Audible lane departure warning, which had disappeared as even an available option on the previous trim, is standard for the Limited. Also standard are upfitter switches, something that was previously only optional. These are designed to make it easy for drivers to install after-market accessories, such as a two-way radio or a wench, to the F-250 Super Duty.

The Limited trim certainly has a long list of features, but are they really necessary for someone looking for a powerful truck?

Which Trim to Choose?

Consumers should skip the XL. A jump up to the XLT simply adds way too many features. In fact, the XLT is one of the best options in most cases. The Lariat would be the other good choice. These two trims have a decent number of tech, comfort, and convenience features without being too expensive.

Although the King Ranch is unique, most people will not want to pay extra for what essentially adds up to styling changes. The Platinum and Lariat trims are a bit excessive and seem to be missing an understanding of what consumers really want when it comes to heavy-duty pickup trucks.

Consumers looking for a work truck should stick with the XLT, while those who need a family vehicle as well should check out the Lariat. These trims have what drivers need and none of the extra fluff.