2020 Ford Ranger vs 2019 RAM 1500

The 2019 RAM 1500 represented a smart evolution in design, maintaining its big-rig styling while feeling commanding yet manageable. Unlike the oversized 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the RAM 1500's headlights dropped down on either side of the hood, providing decent sight lines. The signature crosshair grille was replaced to distance the RAM brand from Dodge, resulting in each trim having a unique grille design. The interior continued its evolution with a dramatic, contoured layout, featuring distinct sections for the touchscreen, radio/climate controls, and rotary shifter. The Tradesman trim was a workhorse, while higher trims like the Laramie, Longhorn, and Limited offered increasing levels of luxury and technology.

The 2020 Ford Ranger returned to the American market as a larger and more sophisticated truck than its predecessor. It featured a clean, somewhat aggressive appearance that avoided the "bigger-and-blockier" trend of American trucks. Inside, the Ranger had a purposeful, function-first cabin with hard plastics that could withstand abuse, though it felt less refined compared to competitors like the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline. Trim levels included the base XL, mid-range XLT, and upscale Lariat, each offering progressively more features and comfort. The Ranger also offered several appearance and off-road packages to enhance its versatility.

The 2019 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque, producing 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 90 pound-feet of torque from the eTorque system. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8, available with or without eTorque, delivered 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, with the eTorque version adding up to 130 pound-feet of extra torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive or 4WD. The RAM 1500 excelled in everyday driving, offering a smooth ride, responsive handling, and a towing capacity of up to 12,750 pounds with the eTorque V8. Fuel economy for the V8 with 4WD was 15 mpg city, 21 highway, and 17 combined.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A ten-speed automatic transmission routed power to the rear wheels or available 4WD with low-range gearing. The turbo engine provided plenty of power for low speeds and highway passing, with a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,860 pounds in the SuperCab 4x2 configuration. The Ranger's ride was stiff, with some chatter and vibration over bumps, and noticeable body roll in corners. Off-road packages like the FX2 and FX4 added features such as off-road tires, an electronically locking rear differential, and skid plates.

The 2019 RAM 1500 excelled in interior utility, with features like a power-release tailgate, nearly 90-degree rear door openings, and flip-up rear seats that reclined. The Laramie trim included dual rear USB ports, power outlets, and large compartments in the doors and floor. The front featured a massive center console with a sliding mid-level tray, a USB port, and a relocated power outlet. Adjustable pedals and a dual glovebox added to the daily driving convenience.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab seated four with rear-opening clamshell half-doors, while the SuperCrew seated five with a full rear bench. The front row in both styles offered deep in-door pockets, a center console bin, and a tray at the bottom of the center stack. The Ranger paired a six-foot bed with the SuperCab and a five-foot bed with the SuperCrew, offering features like a remote locking tailgate, LED bed lighting, and a wall-style power outlet.

The 2019 RAM 1500 featured a massive 12-inch touchscreen in a portrait layout, customizable for climate or radio controls, or a full-screen map. The Laramie trim had an optional 8.4-inch screen with the latest Uconnect infotainment software, known for its simplicity and responsiveness. The system included physical buttons for frequently used controls, making it user-friendly.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim included an AM/FM stereo with four speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. FordPass Connect offered remote lock/unlock and start, as well as WiFi hotspot capability. The XLT trim added SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim featured a premium B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen with ten speakers.

The 2019 RAM 1500 came standard with a full array of airbags, an electronic parking brake, integrated trailer-sway control, traction control, hill-start assist, and a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines. Higher trims offered a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, dynamic cruise control, and parking sensors.

The 2020 Ford Ranger included front- and side-impact airbags, a child-seat anchoring system, tire-pressure monitoring, automatic headlights, emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, and pedestrian detection. The XLT trim added Ford CoPilot 360 with lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse parking sensors. The Ranger earned top scores in most IIHS crash tests and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.