2021 Ford Super Duty

Overview

Heavy-duty trucks are more powerful and capable than ever, and the 2021 Ford Super Duty is one of the most powerful. Its Power Stroke diesel engine develops 1050 lb-ft of torque, and the mightiest model can tow 37,000 pounds. Both those stats are slightly behind the 2021 Ram HD but ahead of heavy-duty versions of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. While those credentials are great for advertisements, the Super Duty succeeds most at being a versatile truck that can be configured as a stripped-down workhouse or a seriously luxurious towing machine and everything in between. Along with the diesel engine option, there's the standard 6.2-liter gasoline V-8 that makes 430 lb-ft of torque or an optional 7.3-liter gas V-8 that cranks out 475 lb-ft. All of that capability, plus its myriad modern technologies and apartment-sized crew cab, makes it easy to look past its cheap cabin pieces and clumsy highway habits.

What's New for 2021?

The Super Duty only sees a handful of updates for the 2021 model year. All models are now available in Antimatter Blue, Carbonized Gray, and Lithium Gray colors. On base models with the dual-rear-wheel axle, the XL Power Equipment package adds trailer-tow mirrors with heated glass and manually adjustable folding-and-telescoping functions. All Super Duty models can now be equipped with a bed step, too.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The F-250 and F-350 come standard with a gasoline 6.2-liter V-8 that makes 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. While a six-speed automatic is the base transmission, most Super Duties feature a 10-speed automatic gearbox. All powertrains pair with either rear- or four-wheel drive, and all models can be equipped with more-powerful engine options. These include the gas-fed 7.3-liter V-8 that develops 430 horses and 475 lb-ft as well as the mighty Power Stroke diesel 6.7-liter V-8 that summons 475 horses and an enormous 1050 lb-ft of torque. The Super Duty also offers an off-road package—called the Tremor—that adds a lift kit and meatier tires along with other trail-ready upgrades. These heavy-duty Fords perform as one expects big rigs made to tow up to 19 tons would. When unladen the ride is stiff and bouncy, but those sensations smooth out when the bed is loaded up or a trailer is hooked up. The fanciest trims do a better job of muting wind and road noise on the highway, but all models—even those with the optional adaptive steering that Ford says is "more connected and engaging"—have a ponderous feeling on the highway that is exacerbated by the helm's disconnected feedback. Still, the trucks we drove benefited from firm and responsive brake pedals, and their steering was manageable at low speeds and in tight spaces where maneuvering the longest models can be difficult.

View Photos

Towing and Payload Capacity

With a variety of cab and cargo bed configurations, the Super Duty has a wide range of max towing and payload capacities. Every version boasts generous ratings in both categories, but Ford fan boys who want the most impressive figures will appreciate that the strongest Super Duty can haul a 7850-pound payload, pull up to 24,200 pounds with a conventional trailer hitch, and lug a massive 37,000 pounds with a fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Since the EPA doesn't test vehicles as heavy as the Super Duty and its gargantuan competitors, we can only judge them based on our own testing. Now that Ford has overhauled the powertrain options for its heavy-duty pickup trucks, we have to wait until we get our hands on the new ones to evaluate their real-world mpg on our highway fuel-economy route. The gas-fed 6.2-liter V-8 with a six-speed automatic remains the standard setup on F-250 models, and the last one we tested earned 15 mpg on the highway. For comparison, the gas-powered Chevy Silverado 2500HD returned 14 mpg in the same test. We expect the Super Duty's optional Power Stroke diesel to be the most fuel-efficient engine in the lineup.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Fashion and function live in harmony inside the Super Duty, with a sharp dash design and a practical layout. Even stripped-down Super Duty interiors are ergonomic environments with straightforward controls and materials meant to get messy. Proceedings get pretty beginning with the Lariat trim level that introduces leather-trimmed upholstery and upscale options such as ambient lighting, heated and cooled front seats, and wireless charging. Ante up for the premium King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited to unlock features no other rival has (such as massaging seats) and feel like royalty. Still, there are some chintzy bits that cheapen even the snazziest model's interiors. Buyers have the choice of two bed sizes (a 6.75-footer or an 8-foot box), but the regular cab can only be outfitted with the long box. The Super Duty’s many cubbies and versatile trays are highlighted by a massive center-console bin on models with bucket seats. The crew cab takes storage a step further with a lockable box under the rear seat.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All Super Duty models except the base XL come standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that's user-friendly and packed with a wealth of features including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It can also be upgraded with a 10-speaker B&O (Bang & Olufsen) stereo and SiriusXM satellite radio, which requires a paid subscription after the first three months. A pair of large volume and tuning knobs as well as other physical buttons on the steering wheel make the system feel intuitive. Larger cabs can be fitted with enough accessory outlets to light up a Guns N’ Roses’ concert, including up to two 110-volts power points.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has only crash tested the 2021 F-250, where it earned a four-star rating. Meanwhile, no Super Duty has been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Still, most of the lineup can be equipped with extensive driver-assistance technology that includes automated emergency braking and a useful multi-view camera system. Likewise, its blind-spot monitoring system even works when the truck is towing a trailer. Other key safety features include:

• Available automatic high-beam headlights
• Available adaptive cruise control
• Available lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ford's limited and powertrain warranty align with the coverages that Chevy, GMC, and Ram provide on their heavy-duty pickups. However, only the GM trucks come with any complimentary maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs