What’s the difference between the 2020 Ford Ranger and 2020 Ford F-150? When you’re shopping for your next truck, you want the best model for your personal needs. We’re here to help you understand the subtle differences between the midsize Ranger and the full-size F-150.
Power
When it comes to power, both the 2020 Ford Ranger and the F-150 are ready for action. Under every Ranger hood, you’ll find a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. It’s good for 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque – plenty of power for midsize towing and hauling needs. The Ranger comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is always an option.
When it comes to powertrain options, the 2020 Ford F-150 is a bit more complicated. Drivers can choose from five engine options, ranging from an efficiency-minded diesel to a classic V8. The F-150’s most powerful engine is the 3.5-liter turbocharged V6, which cranks out up to 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque.
Performance
Your daily drive is one of the key factors in choosing between a midsize and full-size truck. If you don’t have a lot of weight to move, the midsize 2020 Ford Ranger can help you keep costs down with its lighter price tag and better fuel economy. With the Trailer Tow package and the right configuration, the Ranger tows max loads of 7,500 pounds. With the SuperCab and rear-wheel drive, the Ranger hauls max payloads of 1,860 pounds.
As you can probably guess, the full-size 2020 Ford F-150 is more capable. Depending on powertrain and configuration, this pickup can tow up to 13,200 pounds. That’s a substantial upgrade, making the F-150 the right choice for anyone with an especially big boat or family camper. The F-150 is also stronger in the hauling department, moving payloads weighing up to 3,270 pounds.
Cabin and Trim Configurations
When it comes to cabin options, the Ranger is the most straightforward of the pair. It’s available with one of two cabins: the extended SuperCab or SuperCrew. Every SuperCab comes with a 6-foot bed. The SuperCrew has a 5-foot bed. Choose from three Ranger trim models: XL, XLT, and Lariat. Each offers more comfort and convenience features than the last.
The Ford F-150 is big on configurations. Choose from three cabins: regular, extended SuperCab, and SuperCrew. There are also three bed lengths available, depending upon which cabin you select. Finally, the F-150 is available in six trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. There’s even an off-road-ready variant, the Raptor.
Luxury and Tech Features
Here, the Ranger and the F-150 have a lot in common. Whether you choose Ford’s midsize or full-size truck, the entry-level trim model is the XL, which is pretty no-nonsense and very work-friendly, providing basics like air conditioning and automatic headlights. Step up to the XLT for more in infotainment technology, including Ford’s Sync interface and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone technology.
The Lariat is where things start to get really luxurious, with keyless entry and ignition and leather upholstery. The F-150 offers additional luxury trim levels, the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. The King Ranch and Platinum put their own unique styles on upscale truck driving. The top-trim F-150 Limited goes all out with top-shelf materials, inside and out.
In the end, choosing between the 2020 Ford Ranger and the Ford F-150 comes down to what you need your truck to do. Since both offer spacious cabins and impressive modern tech features, their main differences lie in their powertrains and capabilities. We recommend getting the amount of truck you need and no more. That way, you can fulfill your diving needs without overspending.