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Overview
Brutish power and generous payload ratings remain key traits of Ford's heavy-duty trucks, while aluminum construction brings them into the 21st century. The entry-level Super Duty can be outfitted for a king or stripped down for a contractor. The leader of this ultra-competitive class is decided by what truck can tow the most, hold the most, and be noticed the most—and Ford is waging the war against offerings from Chevrolet, GMC, and Ram. A refreshed F-series Super Duty lineup will go on sale in fall 2019 with more powerful engines and greater towing capacity.
Engines, Ride, and Handling
Headlining the trio of aluminum-bodied behemoths is the optional 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel. It produces a monstrous 935 lb-ft of torque, making the F-450 model capable of towing up to 32,500 pounds. The standard powerplant is a 385-hp 6.2-liter V-8 that produces 430 lb-ft of torque. We drove a diesel F-350 crew-cab dualie, and it was barely fazed by a 10,000-pound horse trailer. An F-450 we drove that was dragging a 15-ton gooseneck flatbed was able to accelerate up a moderately steep grade with ease. You won't forget you're piloting something the size of a tiny house, but these big brutes are surprisingly maneuverable; the ride can be rough over shattered pavement due to the Super Duty's stiff rear suspension that allows it to maintain such heroic towing capacities. Highway slogs are easy and anxiety-free in the Super Duty, though, and for its intended mission that's a critical win.
Interior and Technology
Fashion and function live side by side in harmony inside the Super Duty, which has a handsome dash design and a practical layout. Even stripped-down Super Duty interiors offer a straightforward layout of its controls, along with materials that are fully prepared to get messy. Interiors become more attractive beginning with the Lariat trim, which introduces leather appointments, power-adjustable seats, and upgraded tech. Ante up for the premium King Ranch and Platinum to unlock features no other rival has, such as massaging seats, and feel like royalty—you’ll feel the fortune you spend in your pocketbook, too. Low-end models come standard with a four-speaker sound system with AM/FM radio and very little else in the way of entertainment; moving up the rungs of the Super Duty ladder allows access to plenty of infotainment features, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen system running Ford's Sync 3 software. The F-250 model can be had with the latest and greatest driver-assistance technologies, including automated emergency braking and useful towing assists.
