When it comes to getting heavy-duty work done right, you need a heavy-duty truck. While there are several quality heavy-duty trucks on the market, there are some that outdo and outperform the competition. At this point in your heavy-duty truck buying journey, there is a good chance you have narrowed down your list to just a handful of the top choices. Most likely, the top two on your list are the 2020 Ram 2500 and the 2020 Ford F-250—and for good reasons.
Both of these heavy-duty trucks are real workhorses and are sure to get the job done. But is one better than the other? To help you whittle your list down to the top overall truck, let’s take a closer look at how these two popular heavy-duty beasts compare to see which is the champion of trucks.
What Matters Most When Buying a Heavy Duty Truck
First, we need to set some parameters for our competition. To do that, it’s essential to consider what the most telling signs of a high-quality, heavy-duty truck really are. Most likely, if you’re in the market for a heavy-duty work truck, something like gas mileage isn’t going to be your primary concern. However, something like a truck’s warranty might be a more critical criterion in your mind. That makes sense because a good warranty means your truck is protected if something happens, but it also shows that the maker is confident in the truck they are selling.
Another factor that you will want to put a lot of weight on is the navigation and infotainment system of a truck. Not that long ago, things like touchscreens and rearview cameras to help you back up and park were seen as extras. That is no longer the case, as they have become far more widespread. Finally, the safety features a truck comes equipped with are another key piece that could determine which truck is really right for you. While it is typically safer to be driving a truck in the first place, there are a host of advanced safety features more, and more trucks are being outfitted with. If you can get your hands on a truck that is one of the safest on the road, it will definitely be a good idea to do so.
With those guidelines established, let’s look at how the 2020 Ram 2500 and the 2020 Ford F-250 stack up against each other.
A Look at Warranties
Things start off strong for the Ram 2500 in this category, and it is a testament to the durability and reliability of this magnificent machine. The Ram 2500 and the entire lineup of Ram trucks are billed as “America’s Longest Lasting Heavy Duty” trucks, and the impressive warranty of the Ram 2500 dares you to test that claim.
For starters, the 2500 comes with a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, so that if something happens to the engine (which isn’t likely to happen), you will be covered. But the coverage doesn’t end there. The 2020 Ram 2500 also comes with 5-year/100,000-mile roadside assistance. If instead of the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 engine, you opt for the 6.4L Hemi V8 engine, you will still be treated to a solid 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance.
While the Ford F-250 does come with a similar warranty regardless of whether you choose their standard engine, or go with their diesel offering, the roadside assistance is capped at 5 years or 60,000 miles either way. This makes the Ram warranty more forgiving and a better deal overall when choosing the version with the 6.4L Hemi V8.
Comparing Navigation and Infotainment
The navigation and infotainment system that comes equipped with a car or truck is starting to be more and more important to many buyers. It used to be the case that only premium trims came decked out with touchscreens and rear cameras. That is no longer the case, nor should it be.
Luckily, the Ram 2500 has been built with this latest trend in mind and comes with a best in class 12” touchscreen in the center console. The screen is packed with features too, such as pinch-and-zoom technology, the ability to customize the home screen, and even the ability to split the screen. The screen size is even more important when you are viewing any one or all of the five available cameras that give you a complete 360-degree view of the truck’s surroundings. The cameras and large screens are also helpful when backing up, parking, and trailering anything.
The Ford F-250 does have a rear camera that can be helpful, but it lacks the same quality as the one on the Ram 2500. The screen, too, is not even close when compared to the 2500’s and makes the Ram seem like it is lightyears ahead when it comes to the navigation and infotainment system.
Safety Features
A final category we can look at when comparing the 2020 Ram 2500 and the 2020 Ford F-250 are the available safety features. From headlights to back bumper, the Ram 2500 is stocked with some of the most advanced safety features available today. The safety features start with the adaptive LED headlights, which can adjust up to fifteen degrees to provide optimal lighting while driving in the dark.
Another incredible safety feature on the front side of the Ram 2500 is the available forward collision warning, which warns drivers when a collision is likely and will even initiate braking if the driver doesn’t. Other important safety features available on the Ram 2500 include lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, which will maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front of you (even when a trailer is attached).
These safety features and others make the Ram 2500 one of the safest trucks on the road, and while the Ford F-250 has some of these features, it lacks the same depth as the Ram 2500 suite. However, many of those with the F-250 are at higher trims and come at a steep price.
The Verdict: The 2020 Ram 2500
While both the 2020 Ram 2500 and the 2020 Ford F-250 are impressive trucks, for the reasons listed above and several others, the Ram 2500 is the better bet. It comes with a superior warranty, which not only gives you peace of mind but also speaks to the confidence Ram has in its truck; it has a premium navigation and infotainment system, and it has unparalleled safety features making it one of the safest trucks on the road.
Again, this was only a partial list—a starting point to help you get a feel for all the ways the Ram 2500 might be one of the best heavy-duty trucks on the road. For a complete understanding of just how awesome this machine really is, you’ll need to test drive one for yourself. Head over to your local Ram dealer to kick the tires, take a peek under the hood, and take a Ram 2500 for a test drive. You won’t be able to fully appreciate the 2500 until you do.
