For 2017 the brawny F-250 Super Duty receives the same top-to-bottom makeover bestowed on the F-150 last year. That means the F-250 offers more technology and capability than ever before, not to mention an all-new aluminum body.
What's New for 2017
The F-250 Super Duty has been completely redesigned.
Choosing Your Ford F-250 Super Duty
The standard 6.2-liter V8 puts out 385 horsepower, the same as last year, but torque has increased from 405 to 430 pound-feet. The optional 440-horsepower 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 gets an even bigger boost in torque, from 860 to 925 pound-feet. As before, both engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission and your choice of two- or four-wheel drive.
Models equipped with the 6.2-liter can tow up to 15,700 pounds. That figure bumps to 18,600 pounds when you opt for the turbodiesel. Payload maxes out at 4,200 pounds.
As usual, you have a choice of three cab styles: the three-person Regular Cab; the Super Cab with rear-hinged access doors and a full-width backseat; and the Crew Cab with full-size rear doors and more legroom in back. All cabs offer more legroom and headroom this year.
The Regular Cab comes only with a long (8-foot) bed, which is optional on the others in place of the standard 6.8-foot bed. Models equipped with the long bed carry a new 48-gallon gas tank for extended range. A removable locking tailgate with lift assist is standard across the board.
Underneath is a beefier frame made of high-strength steel. However, the body itself is now aluminum, so the F-250 is up to 350 lighter than before.
Trim levels run the gamut from utilitarian to indulgent:
XL
Comes minimally equipped with vinyl seats and flooring, black exterior trim, and 17-inch steel wheels. Comfort features are limited to air conditioning and a basic AM/FM sound system.
XLT
Gets a thoroughly upgraded interior with cloth seating and full carpeting, power windows and locks, and Ford's Sync infotainment system with satellite radio. Outside are 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, and full chrome trim. Other perks include a rearview camera, cruise control, keyless entry, and a vehicle alarm.
Lariat (Super and Crew only)
Offers a slew of trim and convenience upgrades, including leather upholstery, power front seats, power-folding mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, and a power-sliding rear window. You also get an upgraded infotainment interface known as Sync 3 and a 10-speaker Sony sound system.
King Ranch (Crew only)
Adds Western-themed design elements throughout, including exclusive leather upholstery and two-tone paint. You also get remote start, navigation, heated and ventilated front seats with driver memory, automatic high beams and wipers, LED box lighting, and a heated power adjustable steering wheel.
Platinum (Crew only)
Carries an urban luxury design theme that includes 20-inch polished wheels, high-grade leather trim, power running boards, and LED exterior lighting. Functional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a remote tailgate release.
The newly available Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System uses a network of seven cameras to provide panoramic views. Two of the cameras are specifically designed to assist with trailer hitching. In addition to that, you can order a Trailer Reserve Guidance System, which provides on-screen steering directions when backing up with a trailer, as well as a jackknife alert.
Most of the functional upgrades found on the King Ranch and Platinum are optional on lesser trims, so you can get the equipment you want without having to spring for the full luxury treatment.