2020 Ford Super Duty Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
The Ford F-Series lineup has been America's bestselling vehicle for decades now, and the 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty is part of that dynasty. Significantly refreshed for this model year, the F-250 now boasts a long list of best-in-class boasts, including the most diesel power and torque; a sky-high towing capacity; and a staggering variety of body, trim, and powertrain combinations.
The 2020 F-250 is again available as a regular cab, SuperCab, or crew cab, with two different bed lengths available. The standard powertrain is a 6.2-liter V-8 with a six-speed automatic transmission, but for the first time in recent memory, the F-250 is available with both a gas and a diesel upgrade engine. Both the all-new 7.3-liter gasoline V-8 and the significantly revised 6.7-liter diesel V-8 come mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox, which Ford says is only a couple pounds heavier than the outgoing six-speed auto. The 10-speed shares its architecture with the transmission found in most F-150 models, suitably uprated to handle the larger truck's torque and loads.
What's New
- Midcycle design updates
- Refreshed Power Stroke diesel V-8
- New 7.3-liter gasoline V-8
- Tremor off-road model
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty is available with three different engines and two different transmissions. The base 6.2-liter V-8 comes mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission, routing 385 hp and 430 lb-ft to the rear or all four wheels (the heavier-duty F-350 also offers this engine, but it's paired to a 10-speed automatic instead). A new-for-2020 7.3-liter gasoline V-8 is optional, and Ford says it boasts best-in-class horsepower and torque at 430 and 475, respectively. It is paired exclusively to the aforementioned 10-speed automatic. Likewise the significantly reengineered 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V-8, which boasts forged pistons, stronger engine block and rotating assembly, and a new fuel injection system that enables 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft.
The Ford F-250 Super Duty isn't rated for fuel economy owing to its size class.
Safety
The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty comes standard with six airbags: front, side impact, and side curtain. AdvanceTrac stability control with rollover prevention technology helps keep the shiny side up.
The Super Duty is also available with a suite of advanced safety technology—automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning come standard on XLT trim levels and above and optional on the base XL. Blind-spot monitoring is also standard on XLT and above and optional on XL.
Utility (Cargo Space and Towing Capacity)
The Ford F-250 can bumper-tow up to 20,000 pounds, going up to 22,800 with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel. Even in its least capable form, the F-250 can still haul an impressive 12,200-pound trailer.
The truck also has a payload rating ranging between 3,110 and 4,500 pounds.
Technology
The Ford F-250 Super Duty offers a Pro Trailer Backup Assist, a 360-degree camera system, and Sync 3 infotainment technology. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come bundled with Sync 3, and all models, regardless of trim, come with a FordPass Connect 4G Wi-Fi modem. Adaptive cruise control and other driver-assistance features are available.
Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)
The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty is 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-250 Super Duty XL: The base F-250 Super Duty comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity and Sync phone integration, vinyl upholstery and flooring, automatic high beams, and black-painted front and rear bumpers and black door handles. The XL is a true base-model truck, with manual door locks, manual windows, and manual sideview mirrors—power adjustments are optional. It is available with each powertrain in regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab variants.
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT: The better-equipped XLT comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features (automated emergency braking, blind spot alert, and lane-keep assistance). The XLT also includes standard power windows, door locks, and mirrors, chrome front and rear bumpers and grille, and Sync 3 infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cloth upholstery replaces vinyl, available with front bucket seats or a front bench. The XLT is available as a regular, extended, or crew cab pickup.
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat: The F-250 Lariat is the entry-luxury trim level, with standard leather bucket seats (although a leather bench is a no-cost option). An 8.0-inch productivity screen is found in the instrument panel, and power-adjustable pedals improve driver comfort. A premium audio system by B&O Play and automatic dual-zone climate control come standard. The Lariat is available as an extended cab or crew cab.
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty King Ranch: The Ford F-250 King Ranch piles on the luxury, with standard heated and ventilated front seats and available heated rear seats, trimmed in unique Kingsville Antique leather upholstery. Multicontour seats with a massage feature are available as well. Pro Trailer Backup Assist, wireless device charging, remote engine start, and unique aluminum wheels add some distinction and convenience.
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty Platinum: The Ford F-250 Platinum features standard adaptive cruise control, multicontour front seats with massage, 20-inch polished satin aluminum wheels, chrome door handles, LED headlights, and body-color front and rear bumpers set the Platinum apart, as well as unique leather upholstery.
2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty Limited: The Limited trim level is one of the most luxurious pickups on the market, with just about every feature standard, including heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats; heated rear seats; and a twin-panel panoramic moonroof. It comes only with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V-8 and four-wheel drive.
Key Competitors
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
- GMC Sierra 2500HD
- Ram 2500
