Sometimes the standard just won’t cut it. For some drivers, having a ruggedness, versatility, and the next-level power of a pickup truck is a necessity, and not just any pickup truck, a Ford F-Series Super Duty. Ford’s top-ranking line of pickup trucks is no joke, offering heart-racing horsepower and a level of towing capacity that is simply remarkable. That said, these Ford superpowered machines are not for every driver. Designed with utility and rugged power as a priority, some drivers may not be able to fully utilize everything the 2020 Super Duty lineup has to offer.
On the other hand, there are plenty of drivers who cannot purchase anything less, and expect the most out of their vehicle for both work and play. So, when should you invest in a Ford Super Duty Truck, and what can you expect from the future 2020 Super Duty? In this post, we’ll cover every aspect of the Ford Super Duty model, and help you determine whether this unrelenting powerhouse of a truck is a right fit for you.
What is the Ford Super Duty?
Ford has earned quite the reputation for their pickup trucks. Ford’s history in the pickup truck market dates all the way back to its beginnings in 1925, and while the pickup truck of then and now are quite different, Ford has continued to be a heavy hitter in the industry. With fan favorites like the Ford F-150 and the Ford Ranger, its clear that Ford has a level of mastery when it comes to designing great pickup trucks.
Which leads us to the Ford Super Duty. The Ford F-Series Super Duty, otherwise known simply as the Super Duty is a line of pickup trucks recognized for their incredible power and hauling capacity. These aren’t your typical lightweight trucks, these are vehicles designed for work, and expend plenty of power when needed most. There is a Super Duty trim option throughout the F-Series lineup, providing range-topping power for a wide variety of drivers.
The Ford Super Duty series dates all the way back to 1998 and were introduced to amp up the level of power the F-Series delivered. What makes the Super Duty so iconic is the combination of a lightweight F-150 chassis with heavyweight components to provide the best in power and towing capacity. Some Ford Super Duty trucks employ the use of a Ford PowerStroke diesel engine, and have gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR of over 8,500 lbs.
Potential drivers can find an F-Series Super Duty in the Ford F-250, F-350, and F-550 pickup trucks, offering a wide range of configurations. They also employ a variety of drivetrain layouts, ranging from front and rear-wheel drive to a robust four-wheel-drive drivetrain.
The Ford Super Duty lineup is an incredible choice for drivers who need a little more oomph beneath the hood. That said, there are plenty of options to choose from, and knowing what to expect in one of these trucks can help you make the most of your purchase.
What to Expect in a Ford Super Duty Truck
To give you a clear idea of what to expect from a Ford F-Series Super Duty truck, we’ll fill you in on the details of the staggeringly powerful 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty. The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty truly delivers, and the outward appearance alone promises a level of unstoppable performance. It’s important to keep in mind before you buy that the Ford F-250 Super Duty starts high with an entry-level MSRP of $33,150. Prices only jump from there, topping out in the 80K range. While this is far from an ordinary pickup truck, this range of pricing can be deterring for some drivers. Although, for those who truly need the power, these prices can seem like a drop in the bucket compared to the inherent value gained.
Moving on to the good part, the 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty starts out strong with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that pumps out 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft worth of torque. In the rear bed, the Ford F-150 Super Duty can haul up to 7,680 pounds, and with the 6-speed automatic, you can expect a driving experience quite unlike anything else. Although, if you’re on the hunt for true next-level performance, we recommend that you opt for the 6.7-liter turbodiesel V-8 engine, which bumps those numbers up to 450 horsepower and 935 lb-ft worth of torque.
What makes the F-250 Super Duty truly remarkable is over 18,000 lbs of towing capacity. While you’ll need a commercial driver’s license to pilot this powerhouse, those who need it will find this to be a minor hurdle.
Although, the Ford F-250 Super Duty wouldn’t be an incredible pickup truck if we kept an eye on power alone. Ford designed this superpowered pickup truck to offer a safe and intuitive drive as well, including models with variable-ratio steering. This feature allows drivers to slow the steering rack, to take advantage of greater maneuverability at lower speeds. Variable-ratio steering also provides performance benefits at high speeds as well, removing any extra jitteriness felt behind the wheel.
Safety is also a huge deal in the Super Duty lineup, and the Ford F-250 shows this off beautifully. The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty comes packed with a substantial amount of safety features such as blind-spot monitors and adaptive cruise control. While we would have liked to see automatic emergency braking, the Ford F-250 Super Duty is far from a disappointment in the safety department.
So, knowing the kind of power you can expect to find when sat behind the wheel of a Super Duty truck, is it the right pick for you?
To Buy or Not to Buy?
The Ford Super Duty lineup offers up unprecedented power and a level of utility not often found in rival models. While many may find the appeal of the Super Duty for the sake of fun, many who drive off a dealership lot with one utilize this ingenious power for work and business. What we know of the 2020 Ford Super Duty furthers this concept, as future models are expected to pack a more robust 7.3-liter V8 engine and a much smoother 10-speed automatic engine. While the numbers for horsepower and torque are still under a veil of secrecy, we can expect a significant boost to towing capacity. The 2020 Ford Super Duty is also expected to come with a slew of updated tech including a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, and a new feature called Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which is designed to help drivers maneuver in tight spaces.
The Ford Super Duty lineup is remarkable, offering drivers the option of a level of power not often found by other manufacturers. So, should you invest in a Ford Super Duty truck? While the level of power, torque, and towing capacity may not be utilized by everyone, these pickup trucks certainly have plenty of appeal. True workhorses, the Ford Super Duty lineup is a perfect choice for anyone who wants something that won’t hesitate in the face of a challenge, and always perform at peak capacity.
