F-250 Super Duty

Make
Ford
Segment
Sports Car

Ford recently invited us to Arizona tocheck out the 2020 Super Duty series of pickup trucks. We had a chance to test drive the 2020 Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 and get a taste of the commercial F-550 and F-650 models by driving a dump truck configuration. Most of the improvements for 2020 are found under the hood but Ford has made sure its latest Super Duty is better than ever in a variety of ways. After sampling numerous versions of the truck, we've picked out five of our favorite features that deserve your attention.

1. Tremor Off-Road Package

Ford has captured lightning in a bottle with its F-150 Raptor model, so it only makes sense for the Blue Oval to transfer some of that off-road prowess onto its Super Duty trucks. The Tremor Off-Road Package can be selected on the F-250 or F-350 with the Crew Cab body style on the XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trim levels.

For $3,975, the package adds 35-inch off-road tires, 18-inch matte black wheels, a front-end lift, Trail Control, a locking rear differential, and Raptor-inspired running boards. Buyers can select either the 7.3-liter gas V8 or the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel and opting for the Tremor does not impact towing capacity. The Tremor is by far the most aggressive Super Duty in the lineup and we predict many customers will opt for it.

2. Power Stroke Diesel Engine

Ford has introduced a new 7.3-liter gasoline V8 into the Super Duty lineup but it is the updated 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 that we prefer. The Power Stroke has been updated for 2020 with an all-new fuel system, double-axle variable-geometry turbocharger, steel piston heads, variable displacement oil pump, and structural enhancements in the cylinder head, block, connecting rods, and bearings.

The results are astonishing. Best-in-class 475 horsepower and a whopping 1,050 pound-feet of torque. With Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission, a Power Stroke Super Duty can tow up to 37,000 pounds with a gooseneck trailer. We didn't have any advanced testing equipment on hand at the drive event, but we have a suspicion that the Power Stroke will lay down some serious acceleration times.

3. Front End Accessories

Ford knows many buyers will use the Super Duty for work purposes and for off-road pleasure, so the 2020 model is available with a host of front end accessories. An available Snow Plow Prep Package for $250 adds heavy-duty springs and an upgraded alternator so owners can attach a snowplow and earn some extra cash in the winter. Ford says the 7.3 V8 will be able to plow up to 1,400 pounds while the diesel can plow up to 1,290 pounds.

Off-road enthusiasts will love the available front-end winch, which is priced at $3,000 on top of the Tremor Off-Road Package. The winch can be installed by the dealer or ordered after purchase. It includes 12,000 pounds of winching power on either the gas or diesel models. While there was no snow in Arizona for us to plow, we did have a chance to test the winch by pulling an old semi-truck.

4. Trailer Technology

Towing a trailer has never been easier thanks to the latest technology. Ford's Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System with Pro Trailer Backup Assist comes standard on King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited models and can be optioned for $1,600 on XL, XLT, and Lariat trims. It includes a 360-degree camera system, Trailer Reverse Guidance, LED Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp, and a high-mounted rear camera.

The system uses a rotating knob in the cabin that makes it easier for drivers to hook up a trailer. That 360-degree camera system also comes in handy off-road when you don't have a spotter to help you avoid large rocks and obstacles.

5. Massaging Seats

It may seem a bit silly on a pickup truck built mostly for work purposes, but Ford offers massage seats on the higher end Super Duty trim levels like the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. If the massage offered by Lexus, Mercedes, and Volvo were a high-end spa, Ford's would be more comparable to a massage you'd get in a mall. Despite this, we still enjoyed the feature and think it could come in handy in the Super Duty. If, for example, you needed to tow a trailer across the country, getting a massage might keep you in the driver's seat for a bit longer without needing to stop for a break.