Ford F-250

The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty full-size pickup truck that is available in three cab styles. The two-door Regular Cab seats up to three passengers, while the four-door SuperCab and Crew Cab versions seat up to six. Available bed lengths include a 6.75-foot and an 8-foot option. In Ford’s truck lineup, it slots between the light-duty F-150 and the even more robust F-350. The F-250’s most recent (fourth) generation debuted in 2017, offering a stronger frame, a new lightweight aluminum-alloy body, and updated powertrains. It also underwent a model refresh in 2020 that included revised exterior styling and the addition of new technology and safety features. Properly equipped, it can tow up to 22,800 pounds.

Ford offers the F-250 in a range of trims, including the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. The base XL is primarily aimed at work use, featuring basic amenities and a limited number of standard features. The XLT adds more conveniences, such as power accessories, cloth seats, and an upgraded infotainment system, while the more upscale Lariat includes additional niceties such as leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and more tech and safety features. At the higher end of the trim range are the Western-themed King Range, the luxurious Platinum, and the top-of-the-line Limited, which comes fully loaded.

Under the hood, the F-250 offers a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine, which (since 2017) produces 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Optional is a 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8, which in 2017 got a bump from 440 to 450 hp and from 860 to 935 lb-ft. Another significant change came with the 2020 model refresh, where the diesel's output was further increased to 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft. Both engines pair with an automatic transmission that was upgraded from six to 10 speeds in 2020, increasing performance and economy. That same year, Ford added an optional 7.3-liter gasoline V8 to the mix. Known as the "Godzilla" engine, it slots between the standard V8 and the diesel, producing 430 hp and 475 lb-ft, and it also pairs with the 10-speed automatic. In earlier models, Ford also offered a 6.8-liter gasoline V10 with 362 hp and 457 lb-ft, mated to a 5-speed automatic; however, it was discontinued after the 2016 model year.

in 2017, Ford upgraded the F-250’s infotainment system on the Lariat and above trims to its well-regarded SYNC 3 platform. It offers an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The XLT trim gained this feature in 2020. Lower trims employ a more basic setup with a 4.2-inch display. Ford also added several advanced safety features starting in 2017, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Most are optional or limited to higher trims, but automatic emergency braking became standard across the lineup in 2020. Available towing aids include trailer sway control, trailer reverse guidance, and trailer backup assist, which debuted in 2020 and allows the driver to steer the trailer using a control knob on the dashboard while the truck automatically adjusts steering and braking.

Buyers who plan to take their F-250 off-road should look for examples equipped with the FX4 package, which offers an upgraded suspension, hill descent control, skid plates, and a locking rear differential. The Tremor Off-Road Package, introduced in 2020, boasts even higher off-road capabilities.