2020 Ford Super Duty Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty is the most capable passenger vehicle in the Blue Oval's lineup (except the borderline-commercial F-450), offering a maximum payload of 7,850 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 21,200 bumper-pulled pounds or 35,750 gooseneck/fifth-wheel pounds. For 2020, the truck is updated with new styling elements front and rear, a slightly updated interior, and new powertrains headlined by a revised 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V-8 with 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft.
Also new this year is an optional 7.3-liter gasoline V-8 that makes 430 hp and 475 lb-ft. The standard 6.2-liter V-8 is carryover for 2020. However, that engine (and the other two powertrains) is backed by a new 10-speed automatic gearbox, which is based on the unit in the F-150 but strengthened for Super Duty, uh, duty.
What's New
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Re-engineered 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel
- Optional 7.3-liter gasoline V-8
- Tremor off-road package
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty is available with three engines, each mated exclusively to a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. The base 6.2-liter V-8 sends 385 hp and 430 lb-ft to the rear or all four wheels—in the lighter-duty F-250, this engine comes with a six-speed automatic, so if you want the base V-8 and the 10-speed transmission, the F-350 is your go-to.
The one-rung-up optional engine is a 7.3-liter gasoline V-8, offering 430 hp and 475 lb-ft (numbers that Ford says are best-in-class for gasoline heavy-duty trucks). At the top is a re-engineered 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V-8. Stouter engine internals, a revised fuel injection system, and other updates enable a diesel-best 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft.
Safety
Like the lighter-duty F-250, the 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty comes standard with six airbags, AdvanceTrac stability control, and rollover protection technology. Advanced driver assistance features come standard on most models—XLT and above get automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The base XL offers those features as an option.
Utility (Cargo Space and Towing Capacity)
The most capable Ford F-350 Super Duty can haul a maximum payload of 7,850 pounds thanks to available dual rear wheels. The Super Duty can also tow a pretty sizable trailer, thanks to its best-in-class towing capacity of 35,750 pounds when hauling a gooseneck trailer (the retail/commercial hybrid F-450 Super Duty can haul up to 37,000 pounds, amazingly). The F-350 can also haul a conventional trailer weighing up to 21,200 pounds.
Technology
For 2020, the F-350 offers plenty of technology. A standard FordPass Connect 4G Wi-Fi modem comes standard on all models. Sync 3 infotainment is available on some models, and it includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Meanwhile, all models offer Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. Ford's innovative, available Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes its way to the 2020 Super Duty.
Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)
The 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty is a three-seat regular cab, five- or six-seat SuperCab, or a five- or six-seat crew cab pickup, available in six trim levels:
2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty XL: Vinyl upholstery and vinyl flooring; steel wheels; manual door locks, windows, and mirrors; and black front and rear bumpers mean the F-350 XL is a base-model truck, but it does include some appreciated creature comforts. Automatic high beams are standard, as is a basic version of Sync voice activation for a cell phone or media player. Power accessories are optional, and the XL is available in every powertrain and body configuration.
2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty XLT: The XLT is likely the volume seller of Ford's F-350 Super Duty lineup, offering automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assistance, and forward collision warning as standard. Power windows, locks, and mirrors are also standard. Chrome front and rear bumpers dress up the exterior a bit, and the XLT comes with Sync 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other infotainment improvements. Cloth upholstery is standard.
2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat: Lariat used to be one of Ford's most premium trim levels, but it's now relegated to midpack with the addition of even more luxurious trucks. The F-350 Lariat comes standard with leather seating, a bigger productivity screen in the gauge display, premium audio, and automatic climate control. Unlike the XL and XLT, the Lariat is only available as an extended cab or a crew cab.
2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch: The Ford F-350 King Ranch includes a long list of premium features. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard, and available heated rear seats—trimmed in Kingsville Antique leather upholstery—are exclusive to the King Ranch that's named for the largest cattle ranch in Texas. Standard Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps the King Ranch as effective a workhorse as it is a luxury conveyance.
2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty Platinum: The Platinum grade features standard adaptive cruise control, multicontour front seats with massage, polished aluminum wheels, and body-color bumpers and exterior accents. The Platinum's leather upholstery is unique to the trim level.
2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty Limited: One of the best-equipped vehicles on the market, the Limited trim level boasts almost every standard feature in Ford's arsenal. It's only available with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel and four-wheel drive, and it features heated and ventilated front seats, a massive panoramic moonroof, and more.
Key Competitors
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
- GMC Sierra 3500HD
- Ram 3500
