Redesigned, repowered, and already a contender for heavy-duty truck of the year, the 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty full-size pickup is ready for delivery right now. This sizable heavy-hauler again comes in four trim levels - the base XL, midlevel XLT, upper-crust Lariat, and top-shelf King Ranch - each of which can be delivered with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The XL and XLT are available in three-passenger Regular cab, five/six-passenger SuperCab, or six-passenger Crew cab versions, with the Lariat delivered in SuperCab and Crew cab variations, and the King Ranch only in Crew cab garb. The choice of a 6.5-foot or 8-foot bed is available across the lineup, while all trims additionally can be powered with the standard gasoline V8 engine or the torque-heavy turbodiesel V8 powerplant. Designed to give the Dodge Ram, Chevy Silverado HD, and GMC Sierra HD a run for their money, the F-250 Super Duty traditionally ranks right up there with the best trucks America has to offer.

Bumped from 5.4 to 6.2 liters, the 2011 F-250 Super Duty’s standard Flex Fuel (FFV) V8 puts out 385 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque under the tutelage of its accompanying six-speed auto-manual transmission. Capable of towing up to 15,400 pounds in the fifth-wheel version, this variable-valve-timed V8 is also alleged to get 15% better fuel economy than 2010’s 5.4-liter mill. Optional throughout the F-250 Super Duty lineup is a 390-hp, 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 that’ll pound 735 lb-ft of torque into the pavement (or the mud) with its six-speed auto-manual transmission. This beast can tow up to 16,100 pounds of fifth-wheel-mounted trailer, and Ford claims an additional 18% better mileage with this updated turbodiesel. Additionally, the F-250 Super Duty’s part-time 4WD system features, depending on trim level, manual or auto-locking hubs, electronic hi-lo gear selection, and brake hill holding. Topping things off, a standard auxiliary transmission fluid cooler is standard with both engines.

Though considered a dedicated workhorse, the 2011 F-250 Super Duty XL still sports a few standard appearance features and cabin comforts, including 17-inch steel wheels, class III trailer hitch and wiring, vinyl upholstery, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio with two speakers. Also seen as a workaholic, the XLT trim adds standard 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, power accessories, including driver’s seat, heated mirrors and keyless entry, cruise control, and a single-CD player with four speakers to the list. The upper-level Lariat weighs in with additions such as standard 18-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, satellite radio, and Bluetooth/SYNC infotainment and communications technology, while the King Ranch boasts standard chrome upgrades, step running boards, heated front seats, power-folding outside mirrors, remote start, and memory for driver settings, as well as leather and simulated-wood cabin accents.

Options for the F-250 Super Duty’s lower trims include many of the standard features found on higher trim levels, with the XL and XLT trims offering Ford’s popular Work Solutions Package. Meantime, depending on trim level, 20-inch alloy wheels, hard-drive navigation, fifth-wheel setup (long-bed trims only), transmission power takeoff, and spray-in bed liner are also available, while the King Ranch is available with a factory-installed power sunroof. Additionally, the FX4 Off Road Package, with all-terrain tires, skid plates, beefed-up shock absorbers, and an electronic locking rear differential is available for all trims.

Though its sheer size and heft provide a lot of protection, the 2011 F-250 Super Duty nevertheless comes with a sizable number of standard safety features. The traditional four-wheel ABS, stability control, front side-mounted airbags, and front and, for the SuperCab and Crew cab trims, rear head airbags are complemented by trailer sway control and hill-start assist. The XLT and higher trims additionally feature a standard trailer brake controller, with the Lariat adding rear parking sensors, and the King Ranch throwing in the standard rear-view camera system that’s optional for the XLT and Lariat.

Such owner complaints as there are with the 2010 F-250 Super Duty concern the unavailability of factory or dealer-installed splash guards, a huge turning radius, poor placement of a few buttons and controls, and some chintzy cabin trim materials. These gripes, however, don’t keep most owners from enjoying the hearty performance, strong work ethic, roomy SuperCab and Crew cab interiors, quality build, quiet ride, and the ever-popular SYNC infotainment system this heavyweight pickup has going for it. Even gas mileage has many owners smiling as they fly past the pumps on the way to the job site or the campsite.