2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty Review: Reporting For Super Duty

There is a brand-new Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck for 2023, and Ford has listened to owners' input to give them more of what they want and less of what they don't. A new 6.8-liter base gas V8 now produces 405 horsepower, but the headline figures belong to the high-output version of the redesigned 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo-diesel, which now sits at a class-leading 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse allows the higher-tier F-450 to tow a headline-grabbing 40,000 pounds, but even the regular Ford F-250 Super Duty we review here is capable of an impressive 23,000 pounds. This wholesale mechanical overhaul goes along with the current Ford family look, and the F-250 adopts the familiar frontal aspect of the F-150 and Maverick. An aluminum cab and bed still set it apart in its class, while its road manners and cabin have been brought up to date, with a comprehensive new infotainment system fitted even to the base model. The new car should have no trouble maintaining the F-Series' sales lead in the USA, ahead of its Chevy Silverado 2500 HD and Ram 2500 HD truck rivals, even though the Ram still leads the class on comfort and luxury.

What's the Price of the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty?

The price of the Ford F-250 Super Duty ranges from $43,970 to $96,095, starting with the XL and topping out with the Limited. This is for the truck in its respective trims in base configuration - this varies between grades, so it's worth checking what engine, bed length, and cab is standard on each model. Of course, adding 4x4 will cost extra, and opting for the 7.3L V8 will add $1,705 to the bill on the XL.

On some models, the 475-hp diesel engine can be added to your build for just under $10k, while the high-output 500-hp oil burner costs $12,495 extra. Long beds can be added to select trims for around $200, and upgrading to SuperCab or Crew Cab can cost as much as $3,990, depending on the trim.

The price details of the Ford F-250 Super Duty mentioned here are MSRP and don't include the $1,995 destination fee.

2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty Handling and Driving Impressions

Many HD truck owners opt for diesel engines, and the redesigned new Power Stroke 6.7-liter V8 is a gem. It's impressively refined for an oil burner and vastly overpowered for empty running, setting the rear tires alight from a stop at the flex of your big toe so the traction control is on permanent alert to keep it in check. It is effortless, and yanks big rigs up steep hills without a fuss, the ten-speed automatic keeping it in the sweet spot of its torque band. Remember, this engine is rated to tow 40,000 pounds in the F-450, so it's never really working hard in the smaller F-250. The gas engines are all most people will need, and even the base XL with its 405-hp 6.8L V8 is more than powerful enough for most purposes.

There is a newfound refinement on the move too, and while the ride is a bit bouncy in the fashion of most HD trucks, it's now very good compared to rivals, and whatever vibrations come through are absorbed by the excellently sprung and very comfortable seats. Its unladen ride quality is firm, but surprisingly not punishing, although the typical body-on-frame shudders following impacts are still in evidence. Of course, lifeless steering is par for the course in this class, but it's accurate and light, and the truck doesn't wander at speed. The brakes are powerful, but the pedal feels rather spongy. Off-roading is on the cards, and with the Tremor Off-Road package with its lifted suspension, LS diff, and 35-inch tires, the F-250 will manage even tight trails, thanks to the innovative new Trail Turn Assist system that brakes the inside rear wheel to reduce the turning radius.

Verdict: Is The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty A Good Truck?

In terms of the headline figures, the F-250 Super Duty sits at the head of the class, and there's nothing touching that high-output diesel until Chevy or Ram comes up with more impressive numbers. Its family aesthetic, pleasantly familiar F-150-style new interior, and the vast array of trims, specs, and options available ensure that it will maintain its sales lead. The infotainment and trailer tech is right up there, and at this price, other HD trucks don't offer you features such as a rust-resistant aluminum body. It does everything expected of an HD truck and more, and it can pull a house, should you so desire. The Ram 2500 is even more refined and comfortable, and there's still no truck with quite such an upmarket interior, but the Ford now runs it quite close, especially in the upper trims.

What 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty Model Should I Buy?

In an HD truck, it's often more about ability than preference, and if you need a spartan base truck, the XL fits the bill. You can upspec it to any of the diesel engines if you need to tow the biggest of loads, and while it's very thin on luxuries or driver assists, it has proper infotainment at least. But for family duty, the Lariat is undoubtedly the high-value sweet spot and has all the luxuries and features most people will need for a little over $60k. You get LED exterior lighting, dual-zone climate control, heated/ventilated leather front seats, a full suite of driver assists that even includes a surround-view camera, and the large 12-inch infotainment screen with navigation. It's everything you need and nothing you don't.