view camera that can be mounted on the tail of the trailer.
Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $77,505 (Base model $37,425)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; automatic headlamps; a removable locking tailgate; a stability control system; a trailer sway control system; a rearview camera; and a hill start assist system
XL Standard Equipment: 17-inch wheels; a 6-speed transmission; four doors; 34-gallon fuel tank; heavy duty gas shock absorbers; a 7-inch wire harness with relays and 7/4 pin connector; rear black painted bumper; 17-inch wheels; a manual a/c system; heavy duty vinyl seats; manually operated front seats; black vinyl floor covering; manual locking hubs; an overhead console with a dual storage bin; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a 157-amp alternator; a manual transfer case with locking hubs; a center mounted stop lamp; a black rear painted bumper; a black grille; and manually operated windows
Platinum Standard Equipment: 20-inch wheels; an electronic shift on the fly; a 48-gallon fuel tank; rain sensing windshield wipers; four premium locking cleats for the boxlink; a utility lighting system; front seat power one-touch up/down windows; power windows (second row-seats); rear power sliding defrost system; rear privacy glass and rear backlight; front body color bumper; chrome door handle; quad beam headlamps; LED foglamps; blind spot system with cross-traffic alert; satin aluminum grille; an automatic dual temperature control a/ system; a 10-speaker audio system; SiriusXM satellite; a voice-activated navigation system; a rearview camera; a reverse sensing system; an electronic rearview mirror; a remote start system; Platinum leather seats with massage controls; power front seats; a memory operated driver’s front seat; four way adjustable front headrests; rear seats with lockable storage, an arm rest and cupholders; a heated steering wheel; steering wheel mounted cruise control; a power heated steering wheel; a memory operated power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; an illuminated visor vanity mirrors; and an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android compatibility
Options: white Platinum metallic tri-coat paint; 6.7-liter power stroke diesel; 3:55 electronic locking axle; a fifth wheel hitch prep package; roof clearance lights; upfitter switches; tough bed spay in bedliner; an oversized power moonroof; a radar activated cruise control system; a lane keep assist system; an ultimate trailer tow; and a camera tag
Other Trim Level: Base; XLT; Limited; and Sport
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM audio system
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
USB Connectivity: Yes
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 6.2-liter, 8-cylinder/385-hp
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard Fuel Mileage:
N/A on 250/2500 trucks, 350/3500 trucks, 450/4500 trucks
Towing Capacity: 14,000 lbs
What’s New: For the 2017 model year, Ford’s heavy duty trucks, which wears a bolder looking fascia that connects the headlights to the grille, is now outfitted with an all-new, high strength still frame. The product planning team enhanced the massive mobility units by offering an 11,400 and a 13,000-pound gross weight vehicle rating for single rear wheel trucks and dual rear wheel trucks, respectively.
Why: Ford
offers its heavy duty trucks in a variety of trims and configurations. The
brand’s heavy duty series is available as a F-250, a F-350 and a F-450. The
trucks can be powered by a gasoline or a diesel engine. We got our hands on the
brand’s signature Power Stroke diesel, which pumped out a whopping 440-horsepower
and 925-pound feet of torque.
With a
GVWR of 13,000 pounds, the F-250 we reviewed is designed to take on most towing
or hauling tasks. Ford’s recently updated trio of heavy duty trucks are great for pulling
campers, snow plowing, farming or making trips to the grocery store. The trucks
are great for off road and on road use. And, they can also serve as a mobile
office, too. In fact, there is plenty of room to conduct work inside the cabin using a laptop
due to the availability of plug in outlets. Also Ford’s signature third
generation SYNC system is compatible with both Android and smartphones.
Moreover, for those who splurge for the top of line Platinum trim, they’ll find that this vehicle is not only constructed to be pushed to the max as a workhorse throughout the week, but after hours, the posh luxurious interior allows the F-250 to be converted to a night cruiser, hitting up the latest chic spots.
In the
Platinum trim we reviewed, we found everything from heated and ventilated front leather
seats to a memory operated driver’s seat to a high end audio system to a
heating steering wheel. In a sense, the Platinum model is the Lincoln of
trucks.
Beyond the luxury touches, the heavy duty trucks offer a remote
tailgate lock, which stops thieves in their tracks from steeling tailgates, and a blind spot lane changing system, with cross traffic alert
and trailer tow technology, a radar-activated cruise control system and a 360-degree camera..
Lastly, the
cabin is spacious, both front and rear. And unlike is other vehicles, there is no need to make second or
third trips, when hauling or moving. Ford’s heavy duty trucks are almost like
mini rigs. We’re surprise a CDL isn’t required. The truck is relatively easy to
drive, until one is faced with narrow lanes, turning, parking or backing up.
And the ride and handling capabilities are as a close to car-like one will get
from any truck of this size.
But:
The F-250, with the long
box, is a lot of truck to maneuver. Even when equipped with the latest safety
driving aids, parking and changing lanes requires some negotiation.
Also,
buyers might experience sticker shock, too. Our well-equipped F-250 topped out
near $80,000. That is a lot of dough for a truck. It’s the most expensive
vehicle in the segment.
Verdict: It’s no wonder why Ford continues to dominate the truck segment and why the F-Series is the number one best-selling vehicle in America. Both the light duty and heavy duty trucks are leap years beyond the competitors in terms of the bold styling, technological advances and the towing/hauling capabilities. Oh yes, and we can’t forget the riding and handling capabilities are bar none, one of the best in the segment. Ford’s heavy duty trucks are available in an array of configurations and price points. It’s obvious why many believe it is worth paying a slight price premium over the segment competitors.
Ram 2500 CrewCab Longhorn; and Nissan Titan XD King Cab SV
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