2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Ford's Super Duty trucks take the blocky and muscular looks of the F-150 midsize pickup to the next level. Larger in every way, Super Duty models truly look like heavy-duty trucks. That styling isn't just for show, however, as Super Duty trucks carry many upgrades over their light-duty counterparts. Long bed lengths allow for better cargo hauling and the trucks' tall ride height gives them better ground clearance for climbing over tough terrain or navigating a messy job site. The trucks feature giant grilles, heavy-duty bumpers, and bodywork that can stand up to taking a beating on a daily basis.

Depending on the cab configuration, the Super Duty's cabin can range from tight and utilitarian to spacious and plush. The base XL trim offers good headroom and legroom, but is otherwise a stripped-down work truck. Lower trims get simple cloth upholstery, but higher trims, such as the Super Duty Limited, can be decked out with leather and upscale finishes that rival the quality of those in many luxury cars.

Ford offers three powertrains in the 2021 Super Duty line. The base engine is a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. A 7.3-liter V8 is available, which produces 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. A 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine is also available, which is rated at 475 hp and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. All engines come paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Super Duty trucks come standard with rearl-wheel drive (RWD) but can be upgraded with four-wheel drive (4WD). The Ford F-350 can be ordered in a dual-rear-wheel configuration for better towing capacity. Maximum payload capacity specs are impressive, and extend to 4,060 pounds in some configurations. Towing can reach over 36,000 pounds for models with a gooseneck setup. The turbodiesel V8 engine offers the best capabilities of any Super Duty drivetrain.

With options, the Super Duty can become a capable off-roader. Super Duty Tremor models feature factory lift kits, beefy tires, and muscular styling.

The EPA does not require fuel-economy ratings for heavy-duty trucks or commercial vehicles, so the Super Duty trucks don't have an official number in that arena. That said, expect mpg levels to drop considerably during towing or while hauling heavy loads.

Despite being built with a focus on hardcore utility, Ford's Super Duty trucks offer plenty in the way of creature comforts. The front seats come in a 40/20/40 folding bench setup as standard, which gives the driver and front passenger a comfortable arm rest with cupholders. Crew Cab and Super Cab models offer generous rear seats with easy access through the trucks' huge doors.

In terms of driving, Super Duty trucks are much more at home on job sites than they are cruising tight city streets. Their size makes parking, maneuvering, and visibility difficult, while their large doors and tall ride height make entering and exiting a real pain at times. From behind the steering wheel, the F-250's flat hood and towing height can make it feel like you're driving a bulldozer at times, for example. Loading child seats and entering the truck can be difficult at times as well. Sure, there are running boards to get in, but that's little consolation in a crowded parking lot.

Ford's heavy-duty pickups also offer a clever tailgate design that can be optioned with steps and a handle for easy entry into the bed. It's not as elaborate as the tailgate functions on the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks, but works well for its intended purpose.

Ford's Sync 3 is one of the most intuitive and easy to use infotainment systems on the market today. Menus are clearly labeled and do not require several taps to navigate, making the infotainment system far less distracting to use on a daily basis than other automakers' systems. The base XL trim gets a non-touch display as standard, but a larger touchscreen is available on other trim levels. The system runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and higher trims get upgraded audio systems.

The trucks are available with a variety of tech options that include a WiFi hotspot, upgraded heated and ventilated seats, adjustable upfitter switches for accessories and other powered gear, and more. Ford also offers a rapid heating unit for diesel-equipped trucks that can quickly raise the cabin temperature before the engine warms enough to provide heat.

Trucks are hit or miss with safety features, as most hold the best advanced driver aids back as added-cost upgrades or for higher trims. The same is true for Super Duty models, though Ford offers a variety of packages and options for different scenarios.

A trailer tow package is available that brings special camera views and Ford's excellent Pro Trailer Backup Assist feature. Blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision alerts, and more are all available.

Super Duty trucks are considered commercial vehicles and are not crash tested in the same way that light-duty trucks, such as the Ford F-150 are. As such, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have not issued scores for the trucks.

Trucks rule the road in the United States, so it's not surprising to see people buying them as everyday vehicles instead of as the dedicated workhorses they once were. But Super Duty models are built for work they are priced accordingly. Adding trim levels and packages quickly drives the price skyward, so upgrading with the Tremor Off-Road Package, for instance, costs nearly $4,000. At the top end of the lineup, the F-450 Limited has an MSRP that starts at nearly $93,000.

Those prices aren't out of line with pricing from the competition, but they are stout enough that a buyer should think twice about spending for a Super Duty truck over an F-150 or similar light-duty truck. That, coupled with the additional fuel costs, make the larger trucks a real hassle for most peoples' wallets.

Ford covers the Super Duty with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.