2019 Ford F-Series Super Duty

Apr 14, 2024, 5:12pm ET

Ford offers the hard-working Super Duty line of pickups for buyers who need a tougher, more capable truck than the F-150. Available in F-250, F-350, and F-450 models, the Super Duty possesses eye-popping towing and hauling abilities along with a dizzying number of cab style, bed length, and technology options.

Overview

Large, in charge, and not particularly subtle, the Super Duty's exterior styling reveals much of what you need to know about this truck -- especially the locomotive-like hood and grille, which hints at the big power that lurks beneath. It's more advanced than it might look; Ford notably makes the body out of military-grade aluminum in order to keep weight in check.

The base engine is a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 that produces 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, but most buyers opt for the 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 that boasts 450 horsepower and 935 pound-feet of earth-moving torque. Both engines shift through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The eight-cylinder turbodiesel engine gives F-Series owners the ability to tow 34,000 pounds with a gooseneck hitch or 21,000 pounds with a conventional hitch.

Buyers can choose from three body styles named Regular Cab, SuperCab, and CrewCab, respectively. The Regular Cab features two doors and a singe row of seating; the SuperCab adds a set of rear-hinged doors and a small second row of seating; the Crew Cab has four real doors and an expanded rear cabin area. The Regular Cab only comes with an eight-foot box, while the other two configurations are available with either a 6.75-foot box or the same eight-foot as the Regular Cab.

Life aboard

The Super Duty lineup ranges from work-minded trucks with cloth seats and vinyl floors to upmarket luxury models that rival executive sedans from Germany in terms of opulence. Options are numerous, too.

Every model regardless of trim level features the same basic cabin layout with several storage bins, no shortage of cup holders, and a three-spoke steering wheel. Ford's touch screen-based SYNC infotainment system is offered on most trim levels.

Trim level breakdown

The Super Duty is offered in XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trim levels.

The stripped-out work truck of the lineup, the XL, comes standard with A/C, vinyl upholstery, vinyl floor coverings, a two-speaker AM/FM stereo, black plastic exterior trim and 17-inch steel wheels.

The XLT adds power windows, locks and mirrors, cruise control, SYNC, an upgraded stereo, keyless entry, heated exterior mirrors, cloth upholstery, floor carpeting, an integrated trailer brake controller and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

The Lariat brings leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, MyFord Touch, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, foglights, an eight-speaker audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio, power-adjustable pedals, a power rear window, imitation wood trim and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The King Ranch includes upgraded leather upholstery, a navigation system, unique exterior trim (including two-tone paint), power-folding and telescoping mirrors and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.

The range-topping Platinum gets copious amounts of chrome adorning the door handles, mirror caps, running boards, exhaust tip and tow hook, perforated mesh accents and a satin chrome surround for the grille, and unique 20-inch wheels. Inside, there's unique faux-wood trim, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel and premium leather upholstery.

Occupant safety

All Super Duty models are fitted with dual front, front side and side-curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems.

Key competitors

Though brand loyal buyers of heavy-duty, full-size pickups seldom cross-shop their preferred vehicle with its competitors, those looking at the Super Duty can nonetheless compare the big truck with Ram's 2500 and 3500 models, the Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty, and the GMC Sierra Heavy Duty.