The 2020 Ford F-450 Super Duty gets more power from its diesel engine and a new heavy-duty transmission for even greater towing capacity. The redesigned grille and front bumper enhance engine cooling, while the latest LED highlights provide better illumination under load. The rear fascia has been freshened to complement the visual changes in the front.
With the newly available Pro Trailer Backup Assist, drivers can steer a reversing trailer using a knob synced with the rearview camera.
Like the rest of the Ford F-Series, the F-450 comes in six trims: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. Pricing starts at $51,475 including destination for the XL and tops out at $92,125 for the Limited.
The XL and XLT are available with the two-door Regular Cab, with the four-door Crew Cab available for $4,420. The other four trims are only available in Crew Cab form.
The F-450 comes standard with Ford's brawniest truck engine, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8, which now lays down 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. Dual rear wheels and a 10-speed automatic transmission complete the mechanical setup. The F-450 is rated to tow up to 37,000 pounds, more than any other vehicle in its class.
Four-wheel drive costs $2,765 on the Crew Cab and $3,315 on the Regular Cab. All models are eligible for a FX4 Off-Road Package ($400) with hill descent control, off-road shocks, and underbody skid plates.
Heavy-duty vehicles like the F-450 are exempt from EPA fuel economy testing.
The XL and XLT feature a front bench and seating for up to three (Regular Cab) or six (Crew Cab). The Lariat and above have individual front seats, which reduces capacity to five. All models have an 8-foot bed with 78.5 cubic feet of cargo volume.
The XL starts with automatic high beams and a rearview camera. To that, buyers can add automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning ($115) and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert ($540).
These features are standard starting with the XLT, along with lane departure warning. Rear parking sensors are part of the $1,600 XLT Value Package and come standard on trims above it.
Adaptive cruise control is optional on the Lariat ($740) and standard on the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited.
Ford's SYNC infotainment voice control system is standard on the F-450 XL, along with a seven-speaker sound system (five on the Regular Cab), a built-in wi-fi hot spot, and two front power points. For $450, buyers can upgrade to SYNC 3 with enhanced voice recognition, a touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The XLT gets SYNC 3 as standard, plus satellite radio and front and rear house-hold style power outlets (front only on the Regular Cab). Navigation is available for $570.
Starting with the Lariat, the F-450 carries a 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system, an 8-inch touchscreen, and two rear power points. Among other features, the Lariat Ultimate Package ($3,495) adds navigation, HD radio, and wireless device charging. These items are standard on the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited.
The XL comes modestly equipped with vinyl seats and flooring covering black exterior trim, and air conditioning. Cloth upholstery costs $100, and full carpeting is $60.
The Power Equipment Group ($915) fills out the XL with power windows and locks, a power tailgate lock, heated power side mirrors, and keyless entry. The STX Appearance Package ($1,825) adds chrome exterior trim, cruise control, and polished aluminum wheels. Models with those packages in place are eligible for Pro Trailer Backup Assist, priced at $1,600.
The XLT gets everything in the XL's option packages, plus the safety and connectivity upgrades. The XLT Value Package ($1,460) tacks on fog lights, a power driver seat, power adjustable pedals (Crew Cab only), an exterior keypad, and the rear parking sensors.
All of that is included the $3,025 XLT Premium Package (Crew Cab only), along with heated front seats, a power passenger seat, and additional chrome trim. The Crew Cab can also get a dual-pane sunroof for $1,495.
The Lariat carries a leather interior with a front console and dual-zone automatic climate control.
For $3,495, the Lariat Ultimate Package provides ventilated front seats with driver memory, push button start, remote start, a power adjustable steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, a remote tailgate release, LED box lighting, power-folding side mirrors with memory, and the connectivity upgrades (navigation, wireless charging, HD radio). Automatic wipers with de-icers are a $165 standalone option.
The King Ranch receives an antiqued leather interior and unique styling touches, like two-tone paint on the lower body. Pro Trailer Backup Assist and the automatic de-icing wipers are standard, as is everything in the Lariat Ultimate Package.
The King Ranch can get an Ultimate Package of its own ($3,350) with full LED exterior lighting, massaging front seats, power running boards, a tailgate step, and the dual-pane sunroof.
The Platinum is equipped like the King Ranch, but with an urban luxury design theme. It gets a few more standard goodies, leaving just the sunroof as optional.
The Limited features a premium two-tone leather interior with special badging and gauge faces. The sunroof comes standard, and the front armrest holds a serial number plaque.
The 2020 Ford F-450 XL serves just fine for field work, but the XLT's driver assistance features make it a better companion on the street. Whether to upgrade further is a matter of how much style, luxury, and exclusivity you want in a heavy-duty truck.
