It’s truly a great time to be a Super Duty pickup truck driver. It wasn’t so long ago that drivers who needed the extra power, stowing, and towing capability of a larger truck had no choice but to accept those stiff vinyl seats, manual crank windows, and AM/FM radio that were considered the most luxurious touches they could expect in their powerful trucks. But with the introduction of the 2023 Ford F-450, it appears that we can consider those dark days to be over.
It’s not surprising that Ford should gussy up the largest sibling of the best-selling F-150 in a variety of trims. After all, if the formula works well and is worth repeating. While the F-450 Super Duty is just as enjoyable as the F-150, it is certainly more capable when it comes to hauling extreme loads and working in intense situations. The F-450 is the kind of truck that attracts a specific driver, but as Ford has realized, that doesn’t mean that driver doesn’t enjoy a few creature comforts when they’re behind the wheel for hours at a time. Take a look at the 2023 Ford F-450 and all that it provides for drivers who need exceptional power and performance. It truly is a new era for Super Duty drivers. Let’s take a closer look at why there is much to be excited about.
Upgraded Power
The entire Super Duty range of Ford trucks, including the F-250 and F-350, have received some serious tweaks for 2023, but one area in which drivers are very interested is the new lineup of engines. Some of the engine options remain the same. For example, the optional 7.3L gasoline engine known fondly as “Godzilla” has appeared in the lineup before. However, Ford has tinkered with the air intake and tuning for the new model year, allowing this engine to provide a best-in-class 430 hp and 485 lb-ft of torque. The new standard engine, however, is a 6.8L V8 gasoline-powered engine. Paired with a brand-new Ford-designed 10-speed automatic transmission, this engine allows for higher low-end torque, making it ideal for towing and driving on inclines or other troublesome terrains for larger trucks. This engine provides 405 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque.
The 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo-Diesel V8, which offers a jaw-dropping 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, has also received a bit of a makeover so that it doesn’t require the frequent oil changes or maintenance that often come with diesel engines. It is joined for 2023 by a high-output version that has drivers and experts in a frenzy to try it for themselves, too. The high-output 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo-Diesel V8 aims for 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque, giving it best-in-class figures for a diesel engine of its size.
Getting the Job Done, F-450 Style
As always, the amount you can tow and stow with your 2023 Ford F-450 depends on the various configurations you select. Available in regular, SuperCab, or crew cab, the F-450 is also offered with a choice of a 6.75-foot bed or an 8-foot bed. Drivers may also select from standard or dual rear wheel (DRW) models. While it’s always important to check the specifications for the trim, configuration, and engine you select, Ford has provided a few stand-out figures to help make the decision easier. The F-450 has the ability to handle gooseneck towing loads of up to 40,000 lbs, 5th wheel loads of up to 35,000 lbs, and conventional towing of up to 30,000 lbs.
Furthermore, Ford has made towing as easy as possible with an array of technology designed specifically for big trucks. An available 360-degree camera system provides a bird’s-eye perspective of everything surrounding your truck and trailer, allowing you to get out of tight spaces without chaos. Another helpful tool available for drivers is the On-Board Scales, which can help you gauge the weight and balance of payload or trailer tongue weight.
The available Pro Trailer Hitch Assist automatically reverses for you, which means you can stay seated behind the wheel while trying to line up your hitch, making flying solo much more enjoyable. In addition, Ford’s Enhanced Trailer Navigation can also help you with solo runs on the road. By taking your trailer height and width into consideration, this program helps determine which route would be best for your load.
Innovative Safety and Comfort Technology
The 2023 Ford Super Duty series is equipped with more standard technology than ever. Offered in XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims, the F-450 offers more comfort and convenience features than ever, allowing drivers to go the long haul and enjoy doing it.
The XL starts things out with features that make sense, like an integrated trailer brake controller, trailer sway control, built-in side box steps and rear corner bumper steps, and an 8-inch LCD touchscreen that provides access to Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system. The XLT adds quite a few extras, like an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a configurable box organization system with locking cleats, and safety features such as forward collision alert and lane-keeping assist.
The Lariat comes blazing into the lineup with leather-trimmed seating, a larger 12-inch touchscreen, and an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system, but things are just heating up when it comes to cool points. The King Ranch includes heated and ventilated seats clad in exclusive Kingsville Antique Affect leather, a power tailgate, and Ford’s 2.0kW Pro Power Onboard technology, which essentially turns your F-450 into a generator to keep things powered up on the road.
The Platinum trim includes an 18-speak sound system, as well as power-adjustable trailer mirrors and pedals with memory settings. The Limited trim tops off the family with heated and ventilated Max Recline front seats for ultimate comfort all day, a power twin-panel moonroof, power deployable running boards, and exclusive two-tone leather seating. Other high-tech gizmos you may not expect to find in a Super Duty truck include a built-in 5G wireless connection and connectivity for up to ten devices via a Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless charging pad, and front and rear emergency braking. Ford is truly ushering in a new generation of Super Duty trucks with these exceptional features.
The 2023 Ford F-450 Takes Super Duty to the Next Level
In addition to the standard features included with each trim, Ford allows drivers to customize their rides with several packages. Some, such as the Tow Technology package, become standard on higher trims, allowing drivers of the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims to take advantage of technology like pro trailer backup assist and trailer reverse guidance. Others, like the FX Off-Road Package, are optional on all trims and include helpful things like skid plates, specifically tuned off-road front and rear shock absorbers, and hill descent control, all of which make things easier when taking your F-450 into the wild.
It truly is a brave new world for the drivers of Super Duty trucks. While the F-450 still earns a spot of honor among hard-working fleet vehicles, it also deserves mention among the trucks that keep drivers happy during long days on the road and job site. The 2023 Ford F-450 is designed to provide super drivers with super convenient features and super comfortable amenities while on the road, which is appreciated by road-weary drivers more now than ever. For the ultimate combination of power, reliability, and comfort, consider the 2023 Ford F-450 for your next workhorse.
