The Ford F-250 Super Duty is a full-size, heavy-duty truck that is more robust and capable than the Ford F-150 truck, as part of the brand’s long-running line of F-Series trucks. These heavy-duty pickup trucks have beefed chassis and suspension components from the factory that better enable its impressive payload and towing capacity. It is generally available with gasoline and diesel engines and a wide variety of cab and bed configurations. There are also F-350 through F-650 iterations.
Ford F Series Super Duty F-250 Generations
2023 - Present Ford F-250 (5th Generation)
For 2023, the F-250 received a complete facelift. Engine options include the base V8, which has gotten a larger displacement of 6.8 liters from last year’s 6.2 and puts out 400 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. Also available are a 7.3-liter V8 putting out 430 hp and 485 lb-ft of torque and a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbodiesel with a massive 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque.
All of these engine options run through a ten-speed automatic transmission and with its highest power output, the F-250 has a payload capacity of 8,000 pounds and towing capabilities of up to 40,000 pounds. Four-wheel-drive also became standard on the XLT and Lariat trim levels.
The new F-250 also features new exterior styling more in tune with the smaller F-150, including "C-clamp" lighting and fully functional side vents. The rounded, sleek look is all-new and incredibly striking when compared to previous iterations of this Super Duty truck.
The interior of the 2023 F-250 was also redesigned with a new programmable digital gauge cluster and towing features like blindspot monitoring and a “tailgate down” backup camera. The base trim level comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that can be upgraded to 12 inches and comes with features like a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot and fleet management software for business owners.
2017 - 2022 Ford F-250 (4th Generation)
The fourth-generation Ford F-250 welcomed the first all-new truck for the Super Duty lineup since its 1998 debut. All models now had a frame made from 95% high-strength steel and a body made from aluminum — the same material specs as the F-150. The lighter body and frame helped the F-250 shed as much as 750 pounds in gross weight.
A significant styling departure included the removal of the stand-alone front grille and stepped front fenders. In addition, the two-bar grille introduced in 2011 became wider, integrating the truck's headlights into the exterior design.
Trim levels for the fourth generation included the base XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. In addition, a Limited model joined the line for 2018.
The 6.2-liter gasoline V8 and the 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engines carried over from the previous generation, though each was retuned for slightly more torque. The F-250 also picked up a new six-speed automatic transmission.
Driver assistance and safety features were improved and added for 2018. These include adaptive cruise control and a pre-collision assistance system with pedestrian detection ability. In addition, all models came in rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel-drive configurations.
For 2020 (read the review here), the Tremor trim level returned for the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty models, having last time appeared in 2014 as an appearance package on the F-150. This time, the Tremor served as an off-road-oriented version for the two Super Duty trucks with a suspension lift, a Trailer Reverse Guidance System, and upgraded wheels and all-terrain tires.
While 2021 only saw a rearrangement of colors, the 2022 (read the review here) models saw the addition of a much larger 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, there was a new Lariat Sport Appearance Package and a new exterior color, Atlas Blue. Rear-wheel-drive also became standard across the lineup, with four-wheel-drive as an option.
2011 - 2016 Ford F-250 (3rd Generation)
Ford's third-generation Super Duty lineup received a significant exterior upgrade that included a more prominent fascia and powerful engines that could compete against trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado HD and Ram 2500/3500.
A new 6.2-liter V8 gas engine made 385 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. Ford dropped the V10 option for F-250 models in this generation.
A new 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 initially had 390 horsepower and 735 lb-ft of torque. However, Ford quickly upgraded it to 400 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque to stay competitive with the newly unveiled Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 3500HD. A new optional locking differential was also on offer.
Trim levels for the third generation included the base XL, XLT, Lariat, and King Ranch.
In 2015, it upgraded the PowerStroke diesel to 440 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque. The automaker also dropped the manual transmission, and a six-speed automatic was standard on all models.
2008 - 2010 Ford F-250 (2nd Generation)
The 2008 model year welcomed the second-generation F-250. It featured more rugged and bold styling and came in trim levels such as XL, XLT, Lariat, Cabela's, King Ranch, and Harley Davidson (this last model was a new limited-edition model for the Super Duty series).
The 5.4-liter V8 and the 6.8-liter V10 engines carried over from the previous generation, while a new 6.4-liter PowerStroke turbodiesel engine was added, which produced 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. It was also available with a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
For the second generation, Ford introduced its all-new optional "Rapid-Heat Supplemental Cab Heater." However, it was only available on Super Duty trucks with a diesel engine and TorqShift automatic transmission.
This generation also welcomed modest interior changes to the Ford F-250, including a new instrument cluster, center dash bezel, interior door panels, and steering wheel.
In 2009, the Ford SYNC entertainment system became available on some trim levels. The new system added Bluetooth hands-free calling and wireless stereo audio streaming.
1999 - 2007 Ford F-250 (1st Generation)
For the 1999 model year, Ford redesigned the F-250 and F-350 and introduced them as the first generation for the Ford F-Series Super Duty lineup. The first generation included three trim levels for the Ford F-250: the base XL, midrange XLT, and the top-of-the-line Lariat model.
The Super Duty models were highlighted by an upgraded chassis, powertrain, and new body style, giving them a higher payload and towing capacity. Three cab configurations were available for the first generation, including the standard two-door, a 2+2-door Super Cab, and a Crew Cab with four full-sized doors and seating for up to six people. In addition, the SuperCab configuration added two full-sized rear-hinged doors for the first time in the F-Series lineup to create an actual four-door truck.
The available engines ranged from a 235-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 to an optional 310-horsepower 6.8-liter V10 with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.
In 2003, Ford introduced its King Ranch Package for the first time.
In 2005, Ford gave its Super Duty trucks an interior and exterior update, including a new grille, headlights, and bumper. A locking tailgate was added to all variants of the pickup truck. Updated gasoline engines were also introduced, offering more horsepower. In response, all trucks received four-wheel disc brakes to handle the added power. In addition, the Ford TowCommand was introduced for the 2005 models, while a trailer brake controller was also introduced.
Ford F-Series Generation History
1992-1997 Ford F-Series (9th Generation)
In 1992, the hood line of the F-Series dropped, and the front fenders and grille were rounded even more in their quest for improved aerodynamics. Once again, an interior redesign occurred. In 1996, engine options included a 4.9-liter I6, a 5.0- and 5.8-liter V8, a 7.5-liter V8 and a 7.3-liter Powerstroke V8 turbodiesel. In addition, the F-250 had significant differences from the standard F-250. These included a heavier rear axle and heavier springs and shocks.
1987 - 1991 Ford F-Series (8th Generation)
For the 1987 model year, further aerodynamic improvements were made, and an interior makeover also took place. Supercab models came with four- and five-speed manual transmissions and the regular cab models offered an automatic transmission. In 1988, electronic fuel injection was offered for the first time to the 4.9-liter six-cylinder engine and the 5.8- and 7.5-liter V8 engines.
1980-1986 Ford F-Series (7th Generation)
No changes specific to the F-250 occurred in this generation, but the F-Series had a complete redesign from the chassis upward. The 5.8-liter 351M and 6.6-liter 400 M-Series V8 engines were replaced with 4.2-liter and 5.8-liter Windsor engines from the Panther platform in 1981. In 1982 and 1983, the base engine was a 3.8-liter Essex V6. Ford also added a 6.9-liter diesel powertrain to the F-Series lineup, while electronic fuel injection made its debut in 1985 on the 5.0-liter V8 engine.
In 1982, Ford's trademark "Blue Oval" logo made its first appearance front and center on the truck's front grille. In addition, amenities like power door locks, mirrors, and windows first appeared in this generation of the F-Series.
1973 - 1979 Ford F-Series (6th Generation)
The sixth generation saw the addition of front disc brakes, and the gas tank was relocated outside the cab to lie below the bed. Ford improved the heating and ventilation system, and more of the truck used galvanized steel. In 1976, the FE engine series retired, and the 351 and 400 series engines replaced it. But 1979 was the final year for the 460 big block engine.
1967-1972 Ford F-Series (5th Generation)
The F-Series continued on the same platform, and all 1969 F-Series models had 100 percent interchangeable suspension components.
1961 - 1966 Ford F-Series (4th Generation)
1961 introduced the unpopular, longer, lower unibody design style, which disappeared in 1964. This fourth generation of the F-Series introduced a front suspension style called "Twin I-Beam," which the F-250 used until 2016.
1957-1960 Ford F-Series (3rd Generation)
While there were no changes specific to the F-250, this third generation brought a few F-Series changes, such as front fenders integrating with the body and a new bed design with smoother lines.
1953-1956 Ford F-Series (2nd Generation)
The 1953 model year saw the emergence of the Ford F-250 as its predecessors, known as the F-2 and F-3, were phased out. While the significant body parts did not change during the second generation, the cab and dashboard were redesigned. Still, most significantly, the rear window offered a panoramic option.
1948 - 1952 Ford F-Series (1st Generation)
The F-Series originated as the "Bonus-Built" in 1948 with eight weight ratings and body styles, including cab-over-engine (COE), conventional truck, panel truck, pickup, and school bus chassis.
