2012 Ford F-250: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important 2012 change is broader factory gooseneck compatibility, which extends to supported trucks with the 6.75-foot bed. Otherwise, the F-250 is largely a carryover from the 2011 redesign, with modest towing-capacity gains for some configurations and a few equipment updates.
About the 2012 Ford F-250
2011 redesign generation, second model year before the 2013 brake and dashboard-tech updates.
The 2012 Ford F-250 is Ford’s heavy-duty pickup for people who tow large trailers, haul heavy payloads, or need a tougher chassis than an F-150. Ford markets Super Duty around tested-tough powertrains, class-leading towing and payload claims, and towing-focused hardware that makes hard work easier. A big part of its appeal is range: the same basic truck can be a simple fleet work truck, a well-equipped everyday tow rig, or a leather-lined luxury pickup.
The 2012 lineup ranges from the straightforward XL work truck to the better-equipped XLT, which adds power accessories, cruise control, and an integrated trailer brake controller. Lariat brings leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a towing-focused information screen, while King Ranch adds distinctive leather, heated and cooled front seats, and two-tone exterior trim.
What changed, by category
2012 Ford F-250 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.2 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.7L / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.2 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.7L / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.2 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.7L / V8, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L | V8, Flex Fuel, 6.2 Liter / V8, Turbo Diesel, 6.7L |
| Transmission | Auto, HD 6-Spd w/SelShft / Auto HD 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, HD 6-Spd w/SelShft / Auto HD 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, HD 6-Spd w/SelShft | Auto, HD 6-Spd w/SelShft |
| Drivetrain | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel | Flexible Fuel / Diesel |
| Horsepower | 385–400 hp | 385–400 hp | 385–400 hp | 385–400 hp |
| Torque | 405–800 lb-ft | 405–800 lb-ft | 405–800 lb-ft | 405–800 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 12500–14000 lb | 12500–14000 lb | 14000 lb | 14000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 31.6–42.1 in | 31.6–42.1 in | 31.6–42.1 in | 42.1 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 3–6 | 6 | 6 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Pedals | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2012 Ford F-250 redesigned?
No. The 2012 F-250 is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2011, so its design, engines, transmission, and basic structure largely carry over.
What is the biggest difference between the 2012 and 2011 Ford F-250?
The biggest difference is broader factory gooseneck compatibility for supported trucks with the 6.75-foot bed. Some configurations also received modest towing-capacity increases, while the rest of the truck changed very little.
Did the 2012 Ford F-250 get new engines or a new transmission?
No. The 2012 F-250 carries over the 6.2-liter gas V8, 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8, and six-speed automatic transmission from 2011.
Did towing capacity improve for the 2012 Ford F-250?
Yes, for some configurations. Maximum towing ratings rose modestly, with the listed diesel trims reaching as high as 14,000 pounds depending on the truck’s configuration.
Which trims received equipment updates for 2012?
Lariat and King Ranch received rear-window defrost through their standard power-sliding rear windows. Trucks equipped with the SYNC touchscreen system also gained phone-app functionality.