In this video, we’re kicking off our thorough testing of the Ram 2500 HD with the 6.4-liter Hemi V8. You’ve been asking us for it, and we’ll be putting the truck through its paces in the coming weeks. But now, there’s a more fundamental question that needs addressing. With a new design and tried-and-true power, is the Ram 2500 better than the 2020 Ford Super Duty with its 7.3-liter “Godzilla” gas V8? Fortunately we have our “Super Tremor” project, so Andre walks through all the details of each truck to see which one is best.
This particular Ram 2500 comes in Billet Silver, a premium color among the twelve available exterior options for 2020. Ram also offers eleven different two-tone color options, with some requiring package options to select. Under the hood, the big 6.4-liter Hemi V8 puts out 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated exclusively to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, which came as an upgrade with the truck’s 2019 redesign.
As for our 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty, the Stone Gray is just one of the ten different colors you can choose. On that front, the Ford does get a few more exciting color choices, like Rapid Red and Velocity Blue. Under the hood here, we have Ford’s brand new 7.3-liter gas V8 with 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
As far as payload and towing capability are concerned, the two trucks are competitive as well. The 2020 Ram 2500 HD Laramie, as equipped, has a payload around 2,800 pounds. The Ford F-250 XLT has a 3,000 pound capacity. As for towing, the Ram can pull 14,300 pounds while the Ford manages 14,500 pounds.
Interiors
Of course, the interiors are where the two trucks separate, based on the trim levels. Our Ford F-250 is an XLT model, which is more or less the entry-level version most retail customers buy. The XL is even more spartan, but you do get a touchscreen display, rear view cameras and an integrated trailer brake controller on this trim level. If you’re looking for a more luxurious Super Duty, you can opt for the Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum or Limited trims, as fits your budget.
While the Ram also has a barebones Tradesman and a Big Horn trim with more equipment, this Laramie sits in the middle of the range. It’s not quite as luxurious as a Limited trim, but it does come packed with technology. You do get more camera views, a 12-inch infotainment display, and front and rear parking sensors, just to name a few. Overall, the Ram also has the upper hand when it comes to the interior. You can also get the heavy duty trucks in a Mega Cab configuration for more leg room.
Price differences
Since this 2020 Ford F-250 XLT is a trim lower down than its Ram counterpart, it does come in less expensive. The base price of our truck was around $55,000, while the Ram 2500 Laramie rings in at $70,000. However, we’ve also fitted an aftermarket suspension system giving it a 3-inch lift. New 37-inch Falken Wildpeak all-terrains are also part of the package, as is an aftermarket exhaust. Take those modifications into account (along with the truck’s stock 3.55 rear axle with an electronic locking differential), and pricing winds up about equal.
At the end of the day, though, which is the best truck to choose? Check out the video above for Andre’s thoughts, as well as a deeper dive into each of these trucks’ more subtle details. Stay tuned to TFLtruck.com for more Ram and Ford updates coming soon!
