Ford made big changes to their big F-250 Superduty for 2017. An all-new boxed steel frame for more strength, and the aluminum body that had been tested on the light-duty F-150 since 2015. It made a tough truck tougher and lighter, to help buyers haul more while saving at the pump.
Compared with the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 twins and the Ram 2500, the F-250 is the newest of the heavy duty trucks. That means a more modern interior with a better layout. It also means some newer engine and transmission options. Despite that, though, the F-250 offers a harsher ride than the competition. But that's the price of increased payload and towing capacities. After all, this is a truck that's meant to do work. And while it's still a very comfortable truck, heavy loads need stiff suspension.
The big change for 2018 is Ford adding a new Limited trim. Like all of the big pickups, you can get bare bones rubber floors, or you can get a model that's as well trimmed as any luxury car. The Limited sits firmly on the luxury side. The new top trim adds a unique grille, LED headlights, special wood trim, and even the dashboard and armrests are leather. It makes towing comfortable as well as easy.
The F-250 is available in regular, extended SuperCab and crew cab. 6.75-foot and 8.0-foot box lengths are available. There are two engines on option, a 6.2L gas V8 that makes 385 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque and a 6.7L turbodiesel V8 that gets a 10 hp and 10 lb-ft boost for 2018 to 450 hp and a massive 935 lb-ft of torque. Both come with a six-speed automatic, although the diesel uses a heavier-duty version.
F-250 starts with base XL trim. That has the gas V8, and 17-inch wheels. The base truck sacrifices interior comfort for durability, so it has vinyl seats and floors. Cloth seats are optional. There is an AM/FM radio, a CD player is optional. It does have tilt/telescoping steering, but the locks, mirrors and windows are manually operated. Power adjustment of the mirrors, locks, and windows is optional.
XLT adds an improved infotainment system with Sync voice recognition, satellite radio, and a 4.2-inch screen. The seats are cloth with manual adjustment. Windows, mirrors and locks are power adjusted, and cruise control is standard. An XLT driver assistance package adds adaptive steering, automatic high beams, lane-keeping alert and a leather-wrapped wheel.
Lariat trim features 10-way power adjustable leather seats. It also has a 10-speaker Sony audio system with an 8.0-inch screen and dual-zone climate control. Parking sensors are included and power-adjust pedals are standard. A Value package adds heated and cooled front seats and LED box lighting as well as power-extending tow mirrors. Lariat Ultimate adds ambient lighting, the XLT driver assistance features, push-button start, navigation, and the features of the Value package.
King Ranch adds more luxury features like unique King Ranch leather seats. They're heated in the front and - on crew cab - in the rear. It gets a special grille and unique paint as well as other trim inside and out. A King Ranch Ultimate package adds blind-spot alerts that cover the truck and trailer, a massive twin-panel moonroof, and power step rails.
Platinum adds blind spot alerts with trailer coverage, massage seats with Platinum leather, illuminated door sill plates, eucalyptus wood trim, body-colour bumpers, power step rails, and a satin grille. An Ultimate package adds radar cruise control with automated emergency braking, a twin-panel moonroof, and a trailer tow camera system.
The F-250 can tow up to 8,455 kg and has a maximum payload of 1,909 kg.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed