The Ford F-150 and F-250 are two of the best-selling vehicles in America and they have dominated the record books for decades. Although they are categorized collectively as F-Series, Ford has split their designs into two main groups - the F-150 and the Super Duty line-up that includes the F-250 as well as the F-350 and F-450. This has allowed Ford to focus on different priorities for the trucks with the F-150 catering to the lighter-duty retail market with a smoother ride, more efficient powertrains, and niche off-shoots such as the high-performance off-road Raptor and the all-electric Lightning.
Both versions are able to be fitted to the nines with amenities typically reserved for flagship luxury vehicles which can drive their prices to the stratosphere. Buyers will also be tempted to check the option box for certain practical high-tech features that make maneuvering and hauling with these large vehicles a more efficient and less stressful task.
The F-150 and F-250 are capable of handling just about any task but each has its specialty. Which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at their key differences with a comparison of prices, towing, size, and more.
F-150 vs. F-250 Price
The Ford F-150 and F-250 are available in a plethora of configurations and while their base prices of about $31,000 and $38,000 (respectively) seem very reasonable considering their built-in capability, you will want to step up the hierarchy for basic creature comforts such as power windows, locks, and painted (or chrome) bumpers.
Expect to pay over $55,000 for the most popular F-150 trim and nearly $60,000 for the most popular F-250 version. If heading all the way up the ladder, both trucks can reach nearly $90,000 and $100,000, respectively.
Ford is offering special financing for the 2022 F-150 while the F-250 is selling at MSRP and is without any notable financing or lease deals. There is a new F-250 on the way which is unlikely to see any special deals at first.
F-150 vs. F-250 Towing
Towing is a measure that trucks like to brag about and while the F-150 is not among the Super Duty line-up, it is still able to pull a significant load. In its most capable configuration, it can tow 14,000 pounds although this rating decreases to about 12,400 pounds with the addition of four-wheel drive, a larger cab, and the hybrid powertrain’s battery pack, all of which add weight.
Towing is the F-250’s forte and with the available diesel engine, it can tow about 20,000 pounds and can be outfitted for fifth-wheel duty. The diesel engine, however, is very expensive.
F-150 vs. F-250 Gas Mileage
Fuel efficiency is another metric that greatly divides these two trucks. The F-150 offers impressive EPA estimates that range from 20 miles per gallon combined with the 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 or 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 to 25 mpg combined with the Hybrid model that can save about $500 annually per the EPA.
The F-250 falls into a dark hole in the EPA’s view as its primary purpose of towing brings on too many variables to accurately reflect real-world use. It should be expected, however, that the standard 6.2-liter V8 would fare far worse. The diesel will score a better rating, however, the added cost of diesel over gasoline may negate any savings.
F-150 vs. F-250 Dimensions & Cab Size
Both trucks are offered in a standard two-door cab, an extended cab with rear-hinged rear doors, and a crew cab with full-sized rear doors - the most popular configuration - that provides over 43 inches of legroom which is exceptionally spacious.
Bed lengths range from 5.5 feet to 8 feet for the F-150 and 6.75 feet to 8 feet for the F-250. The crew cab and short bed F-150 stretch to 230 inches which is about 20 inches less than a similarly configured F-250. Both trucks measure about the same width.
Which Truck To Buy: F-150 or F-250?
It’s a pretty clear choice when it comes down to choosing one versus the other in a practical sense. If you’re planning on regularly towing a large camper, a fleet of ATVs, or a herd of horses - the F-250 will get the job done without much fuss.
If heavy hauling isn’t a requirement, the F-150’s greater maneuverability, better fuel economy, and superior ride and handling make it the clear choice for most consumers. But practicality isn’t the end-all of many conversations. For some, simply knowing that the truck has the capability to perform nearly any truck-realm task is worth the extra expense and sacrifices in everyday drivability.