Heavy-duty trucks have come a long way in the past several decades. What were once spartan work trucks are now big, powerful pickups that major on comfort and technology. This change took place largely from the mid-2000s onward. Within the heavy-duty truck segment, the Ford Super Duty line has been one of the true workhorses. That means it can tow a lot, but the cost is often ride quality. If you need your truck to be a Ford, the various generations of the F-350 Super Duty will get the job done, but look to later models for modern tech and safety features.

Generations: Four

• Ford F-350 Super Duty 1st Generation
• Ford F-350 Super Duty 2nd Generation
• Ford F-350 Super Duty 3rd Generation
• Ford F-350 Super Duty 4th Generation

Pros: Immensely powerful engines, wide range of trims and bed/cab configurations, later models offer modern tech and safety features
Cons: Gets very pricey very fast, rough on-road ride when bed not loaded

Ford F-350 Super Duty Fourth Generation (2017-Present)

The current generation of the F-350 Super Duty was introduced for the 2017 model year. There are five available trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. This new generation brought with it modern driver assistance and safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision avoidance, adaptive cruised control, and lane departure warning. It’s also available with a surround-view camera system complete with seven cameras. One of these cameras provides a view of the bed and includes guidelines to assist in backing up to a gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailer. In upper-tier trims, the Super Duty gains signature LED headlights and taillights, as well as LED side-mirror-mounted floodlights, and an LED bed floodlight. You can select options such as trailer tire-pressure monitoring and a trailer camera. Inside, the available SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system has been updated, as well as the MyFord Touch system.

The base engine in the 2017 F-350 is a 6.2-liter V8. It puts out 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the rear wheels or available four-wheel drive through a 6-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, this engine can help the F-350 tow up to 12,500 pounds, or 16,000 pounds with the fifth-wheel hitch. There is also a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) variant of this V8 engine.

For real towing power, look to the 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine. It puts out 440 horsepower and an astounding 860 pound-feet of torque. This engine also routes power to the rear wheels or available four-wheel drive through a 6-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, this engine can tow 26,500 pounds using a fifth-wheel hitch.

For 2018, the luxurious Limited trim was added to the top of this pickup truck’s lineup. 2019 saw the addition of a Lariat Sport package, and the Sony premium stereo was replaced with a B&O upgraded sound system.

There were a few changes for 2020, including the addition of the Tremor off-road-ready trim. A big 7.3-liter gas V8 was added to the lineup, putting out 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Power Stroke V8 diesel engine now routes power through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Ford F-350 Super Duty Third Generation (2011-2016)

The most recognizable change to the 2011 F-350 Super Duty is the updated front grille. Behind that grille, the fuel-thirsty V10 engine had been dropped and the base gas V8 is larger than before. It routes power through a six-speed automatic transmission. There is also a turbodiesel V8 trim.

For 2011, the Cabela trim was dropped, leaving four trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, and King Ranch. All trims are available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with low-range. These trims are also available with a 6.8-foot bed or an 8-foot bed, the latter with a dual-rear-wheel (DRW) setup. A single cab is offered with the 8-foot bed, and the SuperCrab (extended cab) and SuperCrew (four full doors) can be had with both bed sizes.

The base 6.2-liter V8 engine makes 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. The EPA does not state fuel economy numbers for heavy-duty trucks, but Ford claimed the mileage had been improved by 15%. This engine allows the F-350 to tow up to 16,500 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch.

The best engine for big-time towing is the 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine. It makes 390 horsepower and 735 pound-feet of torque. With this engine, the F-350 can tow up to 21,600 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch. Ford also claimed an 18% increase in fuel economy over the older turbodiesel engine.

The base XL trim performs work-truck duties admirably. It’s all about the basics, which means 17-inch painted steel wheels, bench seating, an AM/FM stereo, and vinyl upholstery, along with a tilt-telescoping steering wheel and air conditioning. Moving up to the XLT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, heated power side mirrors, cruise control, and keyless entry.

The Lariat trim is where the more upscale truck starts to take shape. It comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front passenger seat, leather upholstery, satellite radio, dual-zone climate control, and the SYNC touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The King Ranch delivers similar equipment, with its own western stylistic flair. Unique touches on the King Ranch include added chrome, simulated wood cabin trim, and saddle-inspired leather upholstery. This range-topping trim also comes with power-folding side mirrors, heated front seats, and side step running boards.

There were many options and packages on the 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty. There is a Work Solutions Package that even features a dash-mounted computer. Other options include a fifth-wheel hitch installation (long-bed versions), as well as a spray-in bed liner, transmission power take off (PTO), a hard-drive-based navigation system, and 20-inch chrome wheels. The King Ranch trim is available with an optional power sunroof and most trims offer the FX4 Off-Road Package.

The 2011 F-350 comes equipped with traction control, stability control, four-wheel ABS disc brakes, front-and-side-impact airbags, and a post-collision safety system. All trims but the XL come with a remote anti-theft alarm, and the Lariat and King Ranch trims feature rear parking sensors and turn signals integrated into the side mirrors.

For 2012, changes were minimal and included the addition of AppLink in the SYNC infotainment system. Tow ratings were also slightly increased. The Platinum luxury-level trim was introduced for 2013. That same year, Ford added MyFord Touch and upgraded brakes to the F-350.

For 2015, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo-diesel V8 was upgraded, now putting out 440 horsepower and 860 pound-feet of torque. It could now tow up to 26,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Ford F-350 Super Duty Second Generation (2008-2010)

The F-350 was completely redesigned for the 2008 model year. It was available in three trims; XL, XLT, and Lariat. Buyers could select Regular Cab, Crew Cab, and Super Cab extended cab versions, with a choice of short bed or long bed setups. The Lariat added more upscale touches, such as leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, wood cabin accents, and an upgraded stereo.

If you need to do serious towing, look to the dual-rear wheel (DRW) F-350 with the tow package. This setup is offered with the Crew Cab and Super Cab variants with the 8-foot bed. It can tow up to 18,000 pounds using a fifth-wheel connection. It also has a payload capacity of 5,720 pounds. The single-rear-wheel (SRW) version can tow up to 18,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of 4,320 pounds.

For 2009, the trim lineup included XL, XLT, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch, and Harley-Davidson. There were as many as ten wheelbases across bed and cab configurations. The XL and XLT were the only trims offered with the regular cab and the King Ranch and Harley-Davison trims were only found with the Crew Cab. The mid-tier FX4 and Lariat were available in Super Crew and Crew Cabs. If you want an FX4 or Harley-Davidson trim, they were exclusively offered with four-wheel drive.

All trims but the range-topping Harley-Davidson trim came standard with a 5.4-liter Triton gas V8. It puts out 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. There was also an optional 6.8-liter gas V10 engine that comes standard on the Harley-Davidson. It puts out 362 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. The 6.8-liter turbodiesel V8 makes 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options are either a 6-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

Standard features on the XL trim for 2009 included 18-inch steel wheels, solar-tinted glass, air conditioning, vinyl seats, a Class-V trailer hitch, and an AM/FM radio with two speakers. Moving up to the XLT added chrome wheels, power locks, power windows, cruise control, a trailer brake controller, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, remote keyless entry, and a CD player stereo with four speakers.

The FX4 was geared towards off-road fun and capability. It features added skid plates, 4.01 rear axle gearing, and a limited-slip differential. If you select the DRW dually version of the FX4, it comes standard with the V10 engine. The Lariat trim features a universal garage door opener, satellite radio, fog lights, power-sliding rear window, Bluetooth connectivity, and SYNC hands-free communications.

For 2009, the top-end of the lineup was made up by the King Ranch and Harley Davidson trims. They come equipped with leather upholstery and the 6.4-liter diesel V8, routing power through a five-speed automatic transmission.

Standard safety features in the 2009 F-250 include an anti-theft alarm, SOS post-crash system, airbags, and four-wheel ABS disc brakes. Traction control and a stabilizer package are options. The latter features a rear-stabilizer bar and heavy-duty front springs.

For 2010, a Cabela’s trim was added to the mix, replacing the FX4 trim.

Ford F-350 Super Duty First Generation (1999-2007)

For 2005 three engine choices were available for the F-350 Super Duty: the standard 5.4-liter V8 produced an additional 40 hp to take it to 300 hp, while the 6.0-liter, 325-hp turbodiesel V8 offers up 570 ft-lbs of torque. New for 2015 was a 6.8-liter, 364-hp V10 that delivers 457 ft-lbs of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission was standard, with a 5-speed shiftable automatic also available. Depending on the engine and choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, the 2005 F-350 Super Duty can tow between 12,000 and 17,000 pounds.

There are three trim lines: the utilitarian XL, which doesn't even come with air conditioning; the mid-range XLT, which adds air, power features, and chrome bumpers; and the upscale Lariat, featuring leather seats, a power driver's seat, and a sliding rear window. The Harley-Davidson package adds sportier wheels, badging, flame paint, and chrome step rails, while the King Ranch offers more interior features. All trims but the Lariat are offered in RWD and 4WD; the Lariat came only in 4WD. Three cab lengths include the two-door/two-person Regular Cab, the four-door/four-person Crew Cab, and the Extended Cab, with two regular doors and rear half-doors.

Cargo bed length ranges from 6.75 feet to 8 feet. Being work- rather than family-oriented, the 2005 F-350 Super Duty did not offer much in terms of safety equipment. Dual front airbags and ABS were standard, but customers had to pay more for backup sensors, daytime running lights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Aside from the engine improvements, the 2005 F-350 Super Duty featured a new front suspension, exterior styling tweaks, and a new Tow Command system with the first-ever electronic trailer brake controller.

For 2006, the Lariat trim added a trip computer, dual-zone climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror to its standard equipment. A new Amarillo Package combined bright yellow paint, aluminum wheels, and chrome exterior trim with black leather seats. A Chrome Package for the XLT and Lariat is exactly how it sounds, with chrome adorning the front grille and bumper, tow hooks, cargo bed tie-downs, tubular step rails, and the exhaust pipe.

Despite its behemoth-like size, the 2006 F-350 Super Duty has a surprisingly tight turning radius, thanks to front coil springs. Drivers report being happy with its four-wheel-drive performance, and they love the interior space. Most often they praise the truck's engine power and hauling capabilities and say the optional electronic trailer brake is a must-have. Other than its abysmal gas mileage, drawbacks include bland interior materials and lackluster uphill acceleration.