2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Those in need of a full-size one-ton pickup with style, features, and comfort might want to wait for the redesigned and up-powered 2017...

Those in need of a full-size one-ton pickup with style, features, and comfort might want to wait for the redesigned and up-powered 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty, scheduled to go on sale in fall 2016. The new generation will debut the aluminum body that has been so successful in the half-ton F-150 lineup, and is expected to add high-strength steel components to the frame and suspension system, making it 45% stronger than the current version. These improvements will also add up to a weight loss of 350 pounds.

The 2017 F-350 Super Duty will return in 5 trim levels: the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. Three cab configurations will be available, the 3-passenger, 2-door Regular Cab, the 5- or 6-passenger, 4-door Super Cab, and the larger 5- or 6-passenger, 4-door Crew Cab. Note that the Super Cab trims sport rear doors that open nearly flat against the body, allowing much easier access in crowded work (or parking) spaces. Two bed lengths are also available: the 6.8-foot standard bed and the 8-foot long bed.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) comes standard on the 2017 F-350 Super Duty, and part-time 4-wheel drive (4WD) is available, with a 2-speed transfer case, locking rear differential, and auto-locking hubs. Buyers can also choose between a standard single rear-wheel (SRW) configuration and an available dual rear-wheel (DRW) setup.

New and upgraded equipment aboard the 2017 F-350 Super Duty includes an optional safety-oriented driver assistance package with adaptive cruise control, forward collision-mitigation braking, Ford’s Blind-Spot Information System (BLIS), and lane-departure warnings. An available surround-view camera system includes up to 7 cameras, one of which will be a dedicated bed-focused camera with guidelines to help with hooking up a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer. Higher trims will also sport new LED headlights and taillights, an LED bed light, and LED spotlights mounted on the exterior mirrors. An optional trailer camera and trailer tire-pressure monitor will help out with towing.

The power-steering system has been outfitted with a small electric motor, which is intended to provide easier turning at low speeds under heavy loads. And look for a few upgrades to the state-of-the-art SYNC 3 and MyFord Touch infotainment technology, both of which come standard on higher trims.

The 2017 F-350 Super Duty lineup is scheduled to pack a slightly up-powered version of the standard 385-hp Flex Fuel (FFV) 6.2-liter V8 powerplant. The updated V8 will mate with Ford’s new 6-speed TorqShift-G shiftable automatic transmission for an expected boost to the current 405 lb-ft of torque. Look for the added torque to bump max towing capacity on DRW versions to over 12,500 pounds with the standard hitch and 16,000 pounds with the fifth-wheel mount. The V8 can also be adjusted to run on compressed natural gas (CNG), if an optional conversion kit is installed.

A 440-hp 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine will be optional on all trims, and, like the standard V8, it should see better torque than its current 860 lb-ft. According to Ford, the turbodiesel is managed by a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, and its towing capacity is expected to climb above the current max of 26,500 pounds with a fifth-wheel trailer mount (in the DRW configuration).

Depending on the selected trim level, the 2017 F-350 Super Duty will feature standard alloy wheels, a power-sliding rear horizontal window, side steps, and a trailer hitch and wiring. Inside, look for cloth or leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front bucket seats, full power accessories, and memory for driver settings. Further returning features include cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering, with upper trims offering dual-zone automatic climate control, a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, power-adjustable pedals, and a heated steering wheel.

The upgraded Bluetooth-integrated SYNC 3 infotainment system aboard higher trims is again expected to be complemented by MyFord Touch technology and an 8-inch touchscreen display that also includes a navigation feature. Expect all trims to offer a CD player and up to 6 speakers, while the King Ranch and Platinum add a standard premium Sony audio system with 9 speakers, satellite radio, a video monitor, and a memory card slot.

Returning optional equipment for 2017 includes various rear-axle ratios, heavy-duty suspension components, a heavy-duty alternator, a power moonroof, upgraded towing equipment, Ford Work Solutions and Crew Chief packages, power-folding outside mirrors, and a spray-in bedliner.

Standard safety features (in addition to the new driver assistance technology) in the upcoming year’s F-350 Super Duty lineup include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, and front and rear head curtain airbags. Front fog/driving lights and a post-collision safety system also return, and higher trims add standard turn-signal-integrated mirrors, SYNC 3 emergency telematics, and a remote antitheft alarm.