Ford F-250 Super Duty – 2023

The Super Duty’s base-level XL trim has a standard 6.8-liter V-8 with 400 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Also available is a mightier 7.3-liter V-8 with 430 horses and 485 pound-feet; it’s standard on the XLT and above. Of course, every F-250, F-350, and F-450 can be equipped with the crown jewel of the Super Duty kingdom: the Power Stroke diesel 6.7-liter V-8. This oil-burner makes either 475 horsepower and 1050 pound-feet, or 500 horsepower and 1200 pound-feet, as both low- and high-output versions are available. A dutiful 10-speed automatic transmission handles gearchanges for every configuration, and customers can choose between single- and dual-rear-wheel axles. The Super Duty also offers an off-road package—called 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 on. The fanciest trims do a better job of muting wind and road noise on the highway. 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.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The Super Duty boasts a maximum 8000-pound capacity for payload and can tow up to 40,000 pounds with a gooseneck hitch, 35,000 with fifth wheel setup, and 30,000 with conventional hitch arrangement. To manage all that weight, the automaker has outfitted the truck with a host of trailering-assist features. Among them are onboard scales with Smart Hitch, which estimates cargo weight in real-time and provides guidance on trailer tongue-weight distribution. There’s also Trailer Navigation, which can optimize travel routes based on trailer dimensions and weight.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Since the EPA doesn’t test vehicles as heavy as the Super Duty and its gargantuan competitors, we judge them based on our own testing. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, a 2023 Ford Super Duty F-250 SuperCrew 4×4 with the high-output Power Stroke diesel achieved 20 mpg. We expect the Super Duty’s optional Power Stroke diesel to be the most fuel-efficient engine in the lineup.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Those in the market for the base XL trim should prepare for a fairly spartan cabin, but from there the rest of the Super Duty’s lineup features a more fashionable environment. Better convenience and luxury features become available as you go through the various trims, and Ford has engineered front seats that can recline to a nearly flat position so drivers can properly rest when stopped overnight on long-haul drives. Buyers have the choice of a regular cab, an extended SuperCab, or a four-door SuperCrew cab and two bed sizes (a 6.8-footer or an eight-foot 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

The base XL trim comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while more expensive models get a larger 12.0-inch display. A reconfigurable 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster is also available. A pair of large volume and tuning knobs as well as other physical buttons on the steering wheel makes the system feel intuitive. The rest of the lineup features a 12.0-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 software that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Larger cabs can be fitted with enough accessory outlets to light up a Guns N’ Roses concert, including up to two 110-volt power points. All models come with a Bang & Olufsen–tuned stereo system. A 640-watt, eight-speaker setup is standard; a 1080-watt, 18-speaker one is optional.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

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. However, the Backup Assist that automatically steers while backing up to a trailer didn’t work for us when we tried it. For more information about the Super Duty’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

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

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Gas powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Diesel powertrain warranty covers five years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications