The Ford Super Duty line of pickup trucks has been the go-to option for folks needing to get serious work (or serious play) done for years now. In 2019, Ford offered drivers a vehicle that looked great and performed even better. But in 2020, Ford has taken things up to an all new level. The 2020 Super Duty has a new look, improved interior and a new powertrain options – and all of it is brought together with new driver-assist technologies.
The first thing drivers will notice about the 2020 Super Duty is the new look from previous years. On the outside, the grille, headlamps and fascia are all new. Ford designers pay attention to their “biggest” customers, and these new designs reflect that feedback. The grille has special enlarged openings on all dual-rear-wheel models to improve cooling. A new bumper also helps keep temperatures at bay.
Meanwhile, Ford promises better performance from the redesigned headlamps. Certain models feature a lighting border around the headlamps, and the new headlamps are slightly more curved. On some variants, a C-shaped element separates the grille from the headlamps now. The new LED headlights improve illumination, while the more exclusive models get new signature daytime running lamps.
There are also three new tail light designs and seven new wheel styles. Inside the luxurious cabin, some interior trim parts and materials have been upgraded, with Limited models getting the biggest upgrade.
Ford knows that to stay on top, you have to keep getting better. Their 2019 Super Duty powertrain was a beast – and the 2020 version is even better. The 2020 Super Duty offers a new, more powerful gas engine, as well as a new, more capable transmission. The new, optional 7.3L V8 gas engine is designed to offer a bit more than the 6.2L V8 and deliver the kind of torque, power and capability needed for handling heavy-duty commercial work. It’s available in all trim levels down to the F-250. To improve performance, the 2020 Super Duty now offers an available all-new 10-speed TorqShift w/SelectShift transmission that optimizes drive rations and improves shift performance and efficiency. This transmission also minimizes wear and tear on the other parts of the truck – and with more torque, it improves power take-off work.
Merging the new designs for the interior and exterior on these 2020 F-250s, F-350s, and above are the incredibly advanced Driver Assist technologies. First up is the BLIS® or Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and trailer coverage that signals you in the outside mirror when a vehicle is detected in a blond spot and provides coverage for the truck you’re driving, as well as the trailer in town.
The Cross Traffic Alert can detect a vehicle passing behind your truck when you’re backing out. The Super Duty also has a pre-collision assist that can detect a potential collision with pedestrians and vehicles in front of you. If the system detects a collision, a warning flashes on the windshield and an alert sounds – and if your natural response is not sufficient, the brakes will pre-charge and increase brake-assist sensitivity to provide increased responsiveness. Finally, if you don’t brake or swerve at all and a collision is imminent, brakes can apply automatically to save a life.
There is the classic trailer reverse guidance system in place to help drivers navigate what they are hauling, as does the Pro-Trailer Backup Assist feature. The 360-degree camera option is helpful in the city or on the jobsite, offering the driver a seamless view of the vehicle and even the option to see around buildings or parked vehicles well before the person in the driver’s seat can. There is even a center high-mount camera that gives a fantastic view of the truck bed for hooking up a fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch. Finally, because not all jobs happen in sight of cable modem, the FordPass Connect with wi-fi hotspot lets up to 10 devices stay connected wherever you are.
Inside and out, the 2020 Ford Super Duty offers a fantastic upgrade over what was already a best-in-class heavy duty truck. It’s comfortable and functional inside, tough and rugged on the outside, and it’s packed with enough safety and driving technology to qualify for a NASA grant. And when it comes down to it, the power is still the heart of this monster. In fact, the only production automotive engine larger than Ford’s is found in a Bugatti – and that one might have a tougher time clearing the mud on a build site.
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