2020 Ford F-250 Pros vs Cons

The Ford F-250 series has a reputation to keep as one of the most powerful domestic pickup trucks. Not only from international competitors but also from other U.S. manufacturers. Particularly, RAM and Chevrolet. Their full-size, large cab pickup trucks keep banging at the door to overtake this grandfather of the pickup world.

It tries to do this in 2019 with the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty. This thirteenth generation vehicle has some design modifications to keep up with the others. Its goal is to have a powerful vehicle that is also comfortable and quiet. The question on consumers' minds is if this version of F-250 has more positives than negatives to be considered a good purchase.

What's New for 2020?

This model year, the Blue Oval the most powerful engine and tow ratings in the Super Duty's history. Joining the standard 6.2-liter V8 is a 7.3-liter pushrod V8 with a cast iron block. The diesel engine has also been enhanced. The 6.7-liter V8 has an upgraded fuel-injection system to minimize noise levels.

Due to the engine upgrades, the six-speed automatic transmission is no longer. In its place is a 10-speed automatic with a wider gear-ratio span. Though it does have more gears, the new transmission takes up the same space as the old version.

In addition to the powertrain options, the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty has also received design updates for the interior and exterior. Furthermore, the infotainment and driver assist options have also been upgraded.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Ford F-250 – The Pros

1. Immense Power Under the Hood

Consumers looking for a heavy-duty pickup truck don't search for one that's pretty or has a wood-trimmed interior. They want power to handle all road surfaces. In addition, they want it to haul a whole lot of material.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty does this with its engine choices. The gas-powered engines get an average of 425 horsepower and 460 pounds-foot of torque. The 6.7-liter diesel receives a bump to 475 horsepower and 1,050 lbs.-ft. of torque.

These numbers represent a huge towing capacity. The conventional gas engines can handle up to 21,000 pounds of material. The diesel's conventional towing rating hovers around 24,000. This puts the F-250 Super-Duty ahead of the other ones on the market. It also makes them best-in-class in a number of lists.

2. Body Strength

With as much power as these engines provide the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty needs appropriate body strength. Without it, the heavy-duty pickup would break apart. To help out, Ford engineers have enhanced the boxed frame, so it is 95% high-tensile steel. A sturdy axle and suspension help to keep this vehicle low enough to the ground to minimize any roughness.

3. Multiple Trims and Options

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty comes in several trims to accommodate all types of driving. The four trims offer three cab configurations and two bed lengths. The most popular choice is the crew cab. This is a four-door cabin that fits five passengers. While regular cabs come with an eight-foot bed, extended versions provide consumers with a choice between that and a 6.5-foot bed.

4. Designed for Luxury and Work

Though they are designed for work, the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty also features some luxury details. Why do this for a workhorse that may travel through dirty and rough terrains? Drivers need to feel comfortable while hauling material for long periods of time.

Thus, higher trims offer leather seats and a heated steering wheel. They also contain design elements like a suede headliner, ash wood border, and a moonroof.

5. New Off-Road Package

To compete with other manufacturers -- Ram being at the top of the list -- the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty now comes with an optional off-road package called Tremor.

Available on crew-cab models with upgraded engines, Tremor is a complete overhaul of the previous FX4 package. It adds larger, meatier tires and higher suspension to handle the roughest terrains. Those who worry that Tremor greatly decrease the F-250's towing capacity can breathe. Once off-road, it still has the ability to haul 15,000 pounds.

6. Updated Internet Accessibility

Ford wants to make sure drivers of its F-250 Super Duty are always connected, no matter where they are. Therefore, the newest model gives consumers a standard 4G LTE hotspot. Additional items available to maintain connectivity to the outside world are capabilities with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

7. Engine Warming and Cooling

It's frustrating when the engine won't start because it's too cold or overheats because it's too hot. The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty fixes this with two items.

An optional engine warmer is available with higher-end models. This keeps the powertrain at a level to maintain quick startup. Meanwhile, across all trims, the Super Duty's new grille produces enhanced airflow to increase and maintain engine cooling.

8. Updated Driver Assist Features

Driver Assist features are critical to consumers and manufacturers as everyone tries to establish a zero-collision world. The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty has made major advancements to that technology. Driver Assist features blind spot warnings with cross-traffic alerts. When hauling, the Super Duty is equipped with trailer coverage backup assist for operating confidence.

Other Driver Assist options are automatic emergency braking on higher-end trims and adaptive cruise control. Standard on all Super Duty trims are lane-keeping alerts, a rear-view camera, and hill descent control.

9. Ease of Cargo Storage

Storage isn't simply for the truck bed. It's also inside the Super Duty's cabin as well. For instance, the Crew Cab has a folding lockable under-the-seat storage box to hold small items and other objects to keep secure.

Outside, the F-250's bed have a flat load floor to bring on large cargo. The SuperCab goes one step further with a liftgate that opens 170 degrees to simple loading.

10. Voice-Activated Technology

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty offers the technology known as Sync 3. The voice-activated technology is paired with a smartphone-like touchscreen to choose music, find alternate driving routes, and make hands-free phone calls.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Ford F-250 – The Cons

1. Poor Fuel Efficiency

The F-250 certainly has power going for it. However, the massive horsepower of the conventional fuel engines gets poor mileage per gallon. In stop-and-go city traffic, it gets 14.6 mpg. On the highway, it only gets one more mile per gallon. Even with the top-level 48-gallon tank, the Super Duty can quickly go through fuel.

2. Expensive at Most Trim Levels

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty is not an inexpensive truck. At the lowest trim, the pickup runs $35,000. If consumers want a top-of-the-line and fully loaded truck, it can cost them up to $90,000. In other words, this Ford vehicle is not for people who casually drive around the neighborhood or to the supermarket.

3. Infotainment is an Option, not a Standard

If a consumer purchases the standard Super Duty trim, they might be disappointed that an infotainment unit is not included. This is an option, especially if the buyer wants the Sync 3 system or SiriusXM radio.

4. Not Easy to Park

Though there is a 180/360-degree camera option, vehicles come standard with normal rear-view cameras. This may be okay for a full-size sedan or small pickup. It's not okay for a pickup the size of the F-250. Especially when the consumer needs to upgrade to the Crew or SuperCab. This can lead to parking problems.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

While it's at the top of many ratings, the F-250 Super Duty still has competition. Its closest is the RAM 2500. The Super Duty ranks nearly identical to it in power and towing. However, the 2500 comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and premium designs.

When paired against the Chevy Silverado 2500HD, the Super Duty lacks in handling and steering. Yet, the Silverado's towing capacity is lower.

Conclusion

Consumers can't go wrong with the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty if they're looking for a superior heavy-duty pickup truck. With a new design, the vehicle is a plus for any buyer. With its new engine options and 10-speed transmission, Ford has increased the overall towing capacity. This is especially true with the optional diesel powertrain.

Still, there are some minor issues that may hold back buyers. For instance, the Super Duty's fuel efficiency is, for lack of a better term, poor. Add in a high price tag, and its return on investment may not be worth the budget.

However, some consumers are avid fans of the Super Duty, so it won't matter how high the price is. They'll notice the amount of power it provides, the cabin enhancements, and the new off-road package. In the end, a comparison of trims, a test drive, and determination of incentives will determine whether a consumer drives away in a F-250 Super Duty.