In 2011, Ford gave its entire lineup of Super Duty pickups a major overhaul. The 2013 F-250 Super Duty pickup line remains the same as what was seen in dealers’ showrooms in 2012, except for the debut of a new trim level: Platinum.

The 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup can be configured a bunch of different ways, depending on the buyer’s tastes. The basis for these combinations are 5 different trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. Buyers can opt to have their F-250 Super Duty come with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD); with a 6.8-foot or 8-foot bed length; and with a Regular, Crew or SuperCab cab style.

There are two options for engine packages in the 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup. All trims are equipped with a 6.2-liter SOHC 2-valve Flex-Fuel V8 engine that reaches 385 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque standard. For those seeking extra power, an optional 6.7-liter PowerStroke V8 turbo-diesel engine that makes 400 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque can be had. A TorqShift heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift is paired with all engines. The Flex-Fuel engine can tow up to 15,000 pounds (15,800 pounds with dual rear wheels), while turbo-diesel trims are capable of towing 17,500 pounds, depending on configuration. Duallys can tow up to 22,700 pounds. Mileage estimates for the F-250 Super Duty were not available as of publication date.

Regular, Crew and SuperCab cabs are available for the 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty XL and XLT trims, while the Lariat trim is available with a Crew or SuperCab. The King Ranch and Platinum trims can be ordered with a Crew cab only. Otherwise, all trims can be had with RWD or 4WD and include a 6.8- or 8-foot bed. All trim levels can by set up with single rear wheels, while those equipped with 8-foot beds can have dual rear wheels.

Standard features found on all 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup trim levels are 17-, 18- or 20-inch wheels and a trailer tow package with a 12,500-pound trailer hitch receiver. Other choices, depending on trim, include manual temperature control or dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control; vinyl, cloth or leather-trimmed seating surfaces; split-bench or individual front seats; 60/40-split rear bench seats; 10-way power driver's and front passenger seats; front seat manual lumbar support; a 2-speaker AM/FM stereo with or without a CD player; Sony premium stereo system; navigation system; Sync Basic or with MyFord Touch; power adjustable pedals; power door locks; power windows; a rear-view camera; vinyl- or leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; manual or power-telescoping trailer tow mirrors; fixed, manual-sliding or power-sliding rear privacy glass; fog lights; and dual beam halogen headlights.

Numerous safety features can be found on the 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup, such as 4-wheel vacuum boost power disc brakes with an antilock braking system, AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, engine-only trailer-sway control, hill start assist and hill descent control, integrated trailer-brake controller, tire pressure monitoring system and 6 airbags, including front seat front airbags, front seat side airbags and a safety canopy system with roll-fold side-curtain airbags. Security measures available include a SecuriLock antitheft ignition system and remote keyless entry and perimeter antitheft alarm (optional on XL trims).

Those looking to buy or who have already bought a 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup generally have one thing in mind: a hard-working truck that can haul whatever they need. And the F-250 Super Duty has been able to deliver, if what current owners say is true. With class-leading towing and payload hauling, many owners are happy with the F-250. The power is there when you need it, the ride is pretty smooth for a work truck, and the comfort level is fine inside the cabin, especially in the King Ranch and the new Platinum trims.

Buyers looking for variety when it comes to configuring their pickup will be pleased when they find their way to a Ford showroom, as the 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup delivers, whether you are looking for a base work truck or one with a little luxury available. Competition in the heavy-duty pickup truck market remains the same, with offerings from Chevrolet (Silverado HD), GMC (Sierra HD) and Ram (Heavy Duty). Ford continues to outshine them all with its variety and ability and should remain the top choice on the market for the coming year.