The Ford F-Series Super Duty truck lineup is available with a total of eighteen variations starting with the base F-250 XL starting at $44,970 and the F-450 Limited at the other end of the spectrum starting at $104,030. Variations can be broken out by series and trim level. Ford offers the Super Duty as a F-250, F-350, or F-450 and then further by trim levels, XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. These heavy-duty work trucks with the Super Duty designation have been on the road since 1998 and have seen five different generations. 2023 marked the launch of the fifth generation of Super Duty. 2024 models feature an all-new available Trailer Navigation system, four-wheel drive that is now standard on XLT models and above, Wi-Fi and Ford Power-Up software updates while driving, and the new Ford Pro Upfit Integration System. The new Super Duty targets the most towing, payload, torque, and horsepower of any heavy-duty full-size truck, thanks to four engine choices, including all-new standard 6.8-liter V8 gas engine and new high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8. It's the first pickup in the U.S. with embedded 5G capability, enabling faster mapping, Wi-Fi and Ford Power-Up software updates while driving, plus all-new available Trailer Navigation identifies the best real-time drive route to take based on trailer size. The competition includes the Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD, Ram 3500 HD, and Nissan Titan XD.
My test model for this review was a 2023 F-350 King Ranch 4x4 Crew Cab with the 160" wheelbase that had a base price of $77,025 but was equipped with several options that brought the final MSRP to $95,165. Among those options was the 6.7 High Output Power Stroke, 3.55 Electronic-Locking Axle ($12,495), Power Moonroof Twin Panel, Ford Pro Uplift integration, Max Recline Driver Pass Seat and more. This combined package blended the basic work truck with some useful features for the weekend. Capable of some off-road adventures, towing a boat to the lake or some house projects, the F-350 Super Duty proves to be very good at a lot of things. This massive truck weighs over three and a half tons and is 81.4" tall, 250" long, and 80" wide. This is one of those trucks that requires the use of the power side steps and some upper body muscle to pull yourself up into the cabin. The Super Duty features a military-grade, aluminum-alloy body that lowers the overall weight yet maintains structural integrity.
Under the hood was the new 6.7L High Output Power Stroke V8 with a unique turbo that produces 500 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission. Considering the size of this truck, the 6.7L V8 performed well and is more efficient than expected. Acceleration was decent and it shifted into gears smoothly. The ride on the highway is a little rough around the edges in a truck of this size with a fair amount of road noise, but that is to be expected. The steering and handling were surprisingly impressive for a truck with a 160" wheelbase. Whether on the highway or around town, the truck was easily controlled and never felt too loose, which is likely a benefit of the electronically assisted steering. The F-350 may have taken up more than one parking space at Home Depot, but I truly felt comfortable navigating parking lots and pulling this truck in and out of parking spaces. The 360-degree cameras, park assist, and the truck's steering capabilities all work very well together. Brakes require more pressure than many are likely accustomed to with a large part just due to the size and weight of the Super Duty. It also has upgraded exhaust manifolds and unique tuning targeting optimal horsepower and torque.
The Super Duty runs on regular grade gas which is good considering that the truck doesn't even get an EPA rating like all other heavy-duty trucks. The fuel tank fills at 34 gallons and will generally offer around 612 miles per tank depending on how you drive which is more than enough range for a decent road trip. For my time in the Super Duty, my commute was based on suburban driving, and I averaged around 20 MPG after a week of driving, much better than the 6.8L V8 I have driven in the past.
A truck like this is meant to work for you and that it does. Payload varies based on trim, cab, and box size and falls within the wide range of 3,352 up to 8,000 lbs. Similarly, towing capacity varies from 14,000 up to 40,000lbs. If these numbers are of high importance to your job or weekend hobby, be sure to check out www.Ford.com to ensure the truck you're considering offers what you need. As for that weekend hobby, Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist feature is a great add-on if you're hauling trailers regularly in the Super Duty. The package makes maneuvering a trailer a simple task. The system takes over the steering of the trailer via a knob in the center stack. Utilizing the truck's cameras, the trailer is fully controlled via the dial knob while the driver's hands are off the steering wheel. As a bonus, the F-350 offers telescoping side view mirrors that can extend to increase visibility. While I didn't have the chance to utilize this personally, I have seen it demonstrated and it's impressive.
An all-new exterior includes seven new grilles engineered to maximize cooling performance while under heavy loads. Signature "C-clamp" lighting creates a wide, planted look up front while LED headlamps are now available on all trim levels. Long side vents are functional, reducing under-hood air pressure for improved aerodynamics. Customers looking to make a statement have new STX, Sport, and Black Appearance Packages that offer trim, wheel, and paint combinations for a bit more style. The new XL Off-Road Package available on F-350 models with 4x4 single rear wheels adds rugged 33-inch tires, a raised air dam, water-fording axle vent tubes, skid plates and an electronic locking rear differential. And finally, the Tremor Off-Road Package includes a front-end lift and uniquely tuned suspension, a Dana front axle with limited-slip differential and axle vent tubes, 35-inch Goodyear tires, unique 18-inch wheels, Trail Control, selectable drive modes including a rock-crawl mode and new for this year, Trail Turn Assist.
The King Ranch is among the middle grades available on the F-350 with a starting price of $78,025. Among the exterior highlights, this grade gets a chrome grille, two-tone paint treatment with matching wheels, King Ranch emblem on the fender, and most noticeably a chrome tailgate panel with King ranch embossed across the center. A new feature on F-350 Super Duty models is a dual rear camera set-up on the tailgate which maintains the camera view whether the tailgate is in the upright position or down. Other convenience features include built-in side steps at the front of the bed and at the back of the bed for easier access to climb up to the truck. Within the power tailgate there is also a pull-out step, measuring tape, and various tie down points inside the bed. Another convenient perk is the availability of 2kW Pro Power on board. With an outlet in the bed of the truck, this power access offers a ton of convenience for powering up a tool, air compressor, or home appliances in a power outage.
Hopping inside the King Ranch, drivers will face a 12" digital gauge cluster and you'll also find the King Ranch moniker all over the place including the door sills, door panels, back of the seats and on top of the center console. It's rugged, yet stylish with Kingsville Antique Affect leather interior that offers Southwest style to match its durability. It has a very modern western vibe all-around with two tone brown leather, brushed silver, visible stitching, and other accents.
There are many available convenience features such as power-adjusted pedals with memory, power heated/ventilated driver and passenger seats, power telescoping/tilt steering wheel, Power Scope trailer tow mirrors, remote start and wireless charging pad to highlight a few. When driving a truck of this magnitude, many of these features were nice options as it is essential to be comfortably positioned in the driver's seat when driving a truck of this size. There is plenty of head and legroom for up to five passengers in the crew cab. The seats are positioned high and can easily be adjusted to accommodate drivers of all heights. The rear seats even included anchors for child safety seats along with room for an adult to climb in and tighten those belts for small children.
Ford has made improvements inside the Super Duty as well. All Super Duty's feature Ford's SYNC 3 which is one of the most user-friendly systems available. SYNC 3 integrates with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa and is available on a large 12" touchscreen. All three systems can operate via voice activation, touchscreen, or the steering wheel controls. The overall feel of the inside will greatly depend on the chosen trim level. Base models will have more hard plastics and smaller screens while the top tier Limited models will have materials and features that are at luxury car levels. The test truck sat in the high end of the line-up and had class appropriate finishes. The layout was standard with a touchscreen at the top of the center screen, climate controls below that and plenty of center console storage large enough to hide a laptop. Ford also offers a wireless charging pad for mobile devices located in the center console that will charge the device while the vehicle is running or in accessory mode.
Based on sheer size alone, you'll feel safe behind the wheel of the F-350 Super Duty, but Ford has also integrated the latest Co-Pilot 360 Technology to add some safety reassurance. Features such as pre-collision assist with auto emergency braking will alert the driver and apply the brakes should someone unexpectedly merge in front of you shortening your distance behind them. BLIS (blind spot information system) with trailer coverage is particularly beneficial with large trucks like this, the system will notify of obstacles in the driver's blind spot including a trailer that may be hooked up to the truck. Lane-keep assist, auto high-beams, rear view camera, hill descent control and trail control round out some of the available features built into Ford co-pilot 360 technology.
The Ford F-350 Super Duty is hard to miss, especially in Rapid Red King Ranch edition. This truck garnered a lot of attention for its brawny looks and massive size. This truck comes ready to work and play with comfortable amenities inside that make you forget that you're riding in a heavy-duty truck. Opening the doors was like letting the kids into a small apartment with plenty of personal space for three across the back. If you're in the market for a big truck, the Super Duty lineup is worth a look. The F-Series has been there and done that for many years, so reliability is there. Visit www.Ford.com to configure an F-Series Super Duty to your liking and see where the dollars land.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2023 Ford F350 Super Duty SRW 4x4 Crew Cab King Ranch
Exterior Color: Rapid Red
Interior Color: Java Leather
Notable Options: Rapid Red ($495), 6.7 High Output Power Stroke ($12,495), 3.55 Electronic-Locking Axle ($430), Ford Pro Upfit Integration ($400), Power Moonroof Twin Panel ($1,495), Tough Bed Spray in Bedliner ($595), and Max Recline Driver / Passenger Seat ($335).
MSRP as tested: $95,165 (With Delivery/Destination)
Pros: Variety of powertrain options, spacious interior, updated technology, array of convenience features.
Cons: Can get pricey to purchase and fill at the pump.
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