What's New
The 2020 Ford F-350 receives significant updates, from the interior to what’s under the hood. The biggest news is the powertrain changes, which include two new engines and a new 10-speed automatic transmission. In the eternal arms race for maximum torque, Ford comes out swinging.
The towing capacity and payload increase with the new power, and the big truck gets some chassis refinements. Both interior and exterior see minor styling tweaks and new tech features.
Finally, there’s a new Tremor Off-Road Package for off-road addicts. It’s available with either of the larger engines on a variety of trims.
Choosing Your Ford F-350
The Ford F-350 comes in six trims: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. XL trims are basic work trucks that start at $36,815, while a Limited will set you back at least $86,370.
Engine Choices
For 2020, the F-350 returns with three engine choices. The 6.2-liter V8 carries over unchanged, but it’s joined by a new 7.3-liter gas engine and an overhauled 6.7-liter turbodiesel Power Stroke V8.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Max Towing Capacity |
6.2L V8 | 385 hp | 430 lb-ft | 16,700 pounds |
7.3L V8 | 430 hp | 475 lb-ft | 21,200 pounds |
6.7L Turbodiesel V8 | 475 hp | 1,050 lb-ft | 35,750 pounds |
The 6.2-liter V8 is standard everywhere but the Limited, which comes with the turbodiesel. Upgrading to the larger gas-powered V8 is relatively approachable at $1,705, but the turbodiesel comes at a heftier $10,495 premium.
Rear-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission are standard. Four-wheel drive is standard on the Limited, and available elsewhere across the lineup for $2,800 to $3,190. For heavier payloads, Ford will swap in a six-speed automatic transmission for $295.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The F-350's passenger capacity changes with cab choices, of which there are three: Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab. A Regular Cab seats only three, but either the SuperCab or Crew Cab seat up to six passengers – much more comfortably so in the Crew Cab.
The XL and XLT are available with any cab. Upgrading to the SuperCab costs around $2,400, while moving up to the Crew Cab costs $3,600 on the XL and $4,495 on the XLT. The Lariat is available with the SuperCab, and upgrading to the Crew Cab is $2,330.
The King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited are only available with the Crew Cab.
Cargo capacity checks in at 78.5 cubic feet with the 8-foot box, or 65.4 cubic feet with the 6.75-foot box
Safety Features
This is one department where Ford sets itself apart from much of the competition. A base XL won’t come with much besides airbags, but the XLT brings blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and forward-collision warning.
The Platinum and Limited add standard adaptive cruise control. There are truck-specific safety aids as well, like a trailer-backing assist and descent control.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available for $540 on the base XL, as is automatic emergency braking for $115.
Connectivity
Like safety, the F-350's connectivity depends on how much you spend. The XL work trucks start with older software but still come with FordPass Connect, which allows status checks and remote start through Ford’s app.
The XLT and higher get SYNC 3 infotainment with satellite radio. SYNC 3 is a $450 on the base XL, while navigation is available for $570 on the XLT and Lariat. Navigation becomes standard on the King Ranch.
An 8-inch LCD driver display, which comes standard starting with the Lariat, can run apps showing real-time vehicle and towing status.
As the workman of the lineup, the F-350 XL keeps things simple. Seats are upholstered in vinyl and adjust manually. Air conditioning, windows, and locks are all manual, and cruise control isn't included. The tires sit on 17-inch steel wheels with hubcaps.
If you want the latest SYNC 3 system with smartphone compatibility, you’ll first need to add the Power Equipment Group ($915). Included are power locks and windows, heated side mirrors, and keyless entry. From there, SYNC 3 is another $450. Cruise control comes as part of the XL Value Package ($395), which also jazzes up the exterior with some extra chrome.
The XLT looks more like a consumer vehicle, starting with 18-inch aluminum wheels and exterior chrome accents. Safety gets a boost from standard blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. High beams are automatic, and the seats are upholstered in cloth. SYNC 3, cruise control, keyless entry, and power features are all included.
The XLT gets its own XLT Value Package ($1,460), which bundles fog lights, automatic locks, power-adjustable pedals, and some extra security features.
The XLT trim is the first to allow the new Tremor Off-Road Package ($3,975), though you’ll need an engine upgrade, the Crew Cab, and all-wheel drive to unlock it. Doing so brings huge knobbly tires on matte-black 18-inch wheels, a locking rear differential, and a variety of suspension upgrades. The benefits come in the form of 10.8 inches of clearance, 33 inches of water fording, and steep approach and departure angles.
The F-350 Lariat starts to push into luxury features. Leather upholstery is standard, and a 10-speaker sound system is calibrated by Bang and Olufsen. Seats are power-adjustable and climate control is automatic.
For even more creature comforts, the Lariat Value Package ($710) adds remote start, heated and ventilated front seats, LED bed lighting, and memory settings for the pedals and front seats. If you’d rather have your bling on the outside, Ford will add an extra dollop of chrome in the Chrome Package ($1,125).
Despite being two notches from the top of the F-350 ladder, the King Ranch pushes into true luxury territory. The price tag reflects it – the jump from a Lariat to a King Ranch is considerable, though part of it goes toward the Crew Cab.
The rest goes toward the standard features, which include heated and ventilated seats, a comprehensive trailer camera system, and a variety of material upgrades inside and out. The tailgate can be released remotely, the steering wheel is heated, and the upholstery is a unique patterned leather.
The King Ranch can add the usual utilitarian upgrades, but luxury buyers will want the King Ranch Ultimate Package ($3,350) instead. It adds LED lighting all around the exterior, a twin-panel moonroof, multi-contour seats, and power-deployable running boards.
The Platinum trim starts with all the features of the King Ranch and adds everything from the Ultimate Package except the moonroof. A few other bonuses are included, most notably adaptive cruise control. Wheels swell to 20 inches, and the Platinum gets its own collection of exclusive badging and trim.
The Limited trim may look like quite a leap from the Platinum, but most of the premium goes toward the turbodiesel engine, which comes standard along with all-wheel drive.
The rest buys the few remaining creature comforts, including the moonroof and massage-capable bucket seats. Those seats are upholstered in exclusive tan leather, and every Limited model gets unique gauges and an armrest-mounted plaque bearing the truck’s year and serial number.
The Tremor Off-Road Package isn't available on Limited trucks, but neither is much else – aside from a few utilitarian add-ons, everything is included.
Compare F-350 Trims Side-By-Side
The 2020 Ford F-350 is a truck of many personalities, capable of either sumptuous comfort or great feats of strength. For most non-commercial buyers, the XLT or Lariat trims offer plenty of versatility.