The Ford F-250 is a dependable heavy-duty truck that has all of the great features that make the F-150 so popular, with the extra power needed to tackle tougher jobs. For the 2023 model year, Ford’s Super Duty trucks are entering a new generation, which loyal fans will probably be able to notice at a glance. But the changes to the 2023 Ford F-250 aren’t just cosmetic; they run the gamut, from a bold new face to upgraded interior technology to extra power under the hood. If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of this high-powered workhorse and want to know how the 2023 model is different from the F-250s that came before, you’ve come to the right place.
Engine Upgrades
Arguably the most important thing about a heavy-duty truck is its capability. After all, the main reason to choose the F-250 over the F-150 is to unlock higher towing and hauling capacities. So Ford has decided to focus on the Super Duty’s engine lineup, adding some new options and upgrading others that were already available. All of these engines pair with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
A new standard gasoline-powered 6.8L V8 targets low-end torque in order to improve the truck’s ability to drive up steep grades from a stand-still and merge onto highways.
The air intake and tuning on the gas-powered 7.3L V8 have been enhanced.
The diesel-powered 6.7L Power Stroke V8 doesn’t require oil changes as often.
An all-new high-output version of the diesel 6.7L V8 is also available. This engine features turbo power, unique tuning, and upgraded exhaust manifolds, giving it a maximum horsepower of 500 hp and a maximum torque of 1200 lb-ft.
Pro Power Onboard
Pro Power Onboard is a feature that allows you to power a construction site, a tailgate party, or a campground using outlets built into the bed. It’s been available on the F-150 since the 2021 model year, and now it will be an option on the Super Duty trucks as well. The 2023 F-250 is available with a 2.0-kilowatt version of the system, which can be used to power appliances like a mini-fridge or electric heater or power tools like a drill or circular saw.
Ford Pro Upfit Integration System
While many drivers don’t need anything more than the truck itself, some jobs rely on upfits and body equipment like snow plows or cranes that need to be attached to the vehicle. Ford’s making it easier for companies that make aftermarket equipment to design pieces specifically for the F-250 by introducing the new Ford Pro Upfit Integration System. This is a digital system that allows third-party equipment makers to integrate their products into the truck’s digital displays, so drivers can control them from inside the cabin using a familiar interface.
Towing and Hauling Features
The F-250 is often used for big towing and hauling jobs, so Ford has introduced several new features that make this process safer and easier. Here’s a rundown on some of the new and upgraded tech related to trailering and hauling payloads:
A scale built into the bed of the truck lets you know how much the cargo in the bed weighs and warns you if you’ve gone over the recommended limit. The information can be displayed on the in-vehicle touchscreen, sent to a smartphone app, or communicated through smart tail lights.
The 360-Degree Trailer Camera System gives you a bird’s-eye view of your truck and trailer so that you can be fully aware of your surroundings when parking in tight spaces or maneuvering at slow speeds.
You can attach a blind spot information system to your trailer so that it can let you know when vehicles are right next to the trailer through a light on your side view mirror, making it easier to change lanes while towing on the highway.
With Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, you can easily line your hitch up with the trailer’s receiver without having to get in and out of the cab.
You can enter the weight and dimension of your trailer into the Trailer Navigation feature, and it will work to avoid bridges that are too low or corners that are too tight so that you can drive with confidence.
Exterior Makeover
The new face of the F-250 is both bold and practical. The grilles are designed to keep the engine nice and cool, even when it’s working hard and dealing with heavy loads. Bright LED headlamps are now available across all trim levels. The exterior now features long side vents as well, which reduce the air pressure under the hood and improve the truck’s aerodynamic design.
Interior Redesign
When it comes to a mixture of aesthetic and practical redesigns, it’s not just the exterior that’s gotten a makeover. The interior of the cabin is also getting some upgrades for the 2023 model year, including an eight-inch touchscreen display on the XL model and a larger twelve-inch version on higher trim levels, plus a customizable twelve-inch digital instrument cluster that replaces analog dials like the speedometer and odometer. You can hook your devices up with four USB outlets and an available wireless charging pad. The 2023 F-250 also features Alexa Built-in, a smart personal assistant that allows drivers to control several features using voice commands so that they don’t have to take their eyes off the road.
While most features are meant to be used while en route, there are some that can be used while parked to either catch up on work or take a break. For example, a new slot built into the center console can hold up a tablet. Max recline seats can fold almost completely flat, allowing drivers to really relax while on break at a worksite or stopping at a rest stop during a long road trip.
Faster Internet On-the-Go
The F-250 has been available with Internet-connected features like built-in navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot for a few years now. But new for 2023 is a 5G modem, making all of these features faster than the previous 4G versions. This allows for faster real-time mapping as well as the ability to download over-the-air software updates while the truck is in motion.
More Trims Have Standard Four-Wheel Drive
If you’re in the market for an HD truck, you’re probably interested in the extra traction that four-wheel drive can provide. In previous model years, four-wheel drive has only been a standard feature for the upper-level trims: King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. But for 2023, it now comes standard on the XLT and Lariat as well, leaving only the base XL trim coming standard with rear-wheel drive.
All-New and Better Than Ever
It’s no surprise that heavy-duty trucks like the F-250 are always getting more powerful. These vehicles are in constant competition with other models in their class, and figures like horsepower, torque, and towing and hauling capacities are the main weapons in the battle to come out on top. But the technological upgrades to the Ford Super Duty are just as exciting and practical, from a useful built-in scale to specialized navigation for drivers who have a trailer in tow. Looking at the totality of new features and upgrades, it’s clear that this new generation is taking a big step forward rather than just slapping on a fresh coat of paint.
