Ford F-150 Raptor vs Ford F-250 Super Duty Platinum

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty was a testament to the grandeur of full-size trucks, with its imposing presence and robust design. Its massive dual-bar grille and squared-off headlights gave it a commanding front-end appearance. The truck was available in six trims, each with its own distinct personality. The base XL trim was utilitarian, featuring dark plastic bumpers and 17-inch steel wheels, while the XLT added a touch of style with 18-inch aluminum wheels and chrome accents. The Lariat trim, which we tested, offered a blend of practicality and luxury, with features like dual-zone climate control and leather upholstery. The King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims elevated the luxury experience with unique styling elements and premium features, such as massaging seats and a panoramic moonroof.

In contrast, the 2019 Ford F-150, redesigned in 2015 and refreshed in 2018, maintained its modern appeal with a lightweight aluminum body and a range of trims from the basic XL to the luxurious Limited. The King Ranch trim, which we drove, showcased a luxurious interior with Camel Back upholstery and the iconic "flying W" emblem. The F-150 offered a variety of configurations, including the off-road-ready Raptor and the high-end Limited, which featured 22-inch wheels and a dual-panel moonroof. The F-150's design was both functional and stylish, making it a popular choice for those seeking a versatile and comfortable truck.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty was equipped with a choice of V8 engines, starting with a 6.2-liter V8 producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Our test model featured the more powerful 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 935 pound-feet of torque. Despite its immense power, the truck's acceleration was moderate due to the 6-speed transmission. The F-250 excelled in towing and hauling, with a maximum towing capacity of 18,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 4,270 pounds. However, its ride quality was somewhat compromised when not loaded, and it averaged just over 17 miles per gallon in combined driving.

The 2019 Ford F-150 offered a diverse engine lineup, including a new 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 with 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. The base engine was a 3.3-liter V6 with 290 horsepower, while the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 provided 325 horsepower. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, available in two power outputs, and the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 rounded out the options. The F-150's diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered smooth and quiet performance, with a towing capacity of up to 11,400 pounds. Fuel economy for the diesel was impressive, with estimates of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for rear-wheel drive models.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in various cab and bed configurations, including a regular cab with an 8-foot bed, a Super Cab with standard or long beds, and a Crew Cab with both bed options. Our Lariat test truck featured a standard bed with a spray-in bed liner, LED lights, and an adjustable tie-down system. The F-250's interior was spacious, with ample storage and a practical layout, although the ride could be harsh without a load.

The 2019 Ford F-150 offered a range of cab and bed configurations, including single cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew body styles. The SuperCrew model we tested boasted a cavernous cabin with deep cupholders, a large center console, and generous rear legroom. The rear bench folded up to create a vast load floor, ideal for carrying gear. The F-150's interior was both functional and comfortable, making it a versatile choice for various needs.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured the SYNC infotainment system across all trims, with the XL and XLT offering a basic version with a 4.2-inch screen. Higher trims included the SYNC 3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat and above trims also offered a B&O premium audio system. While SYNC 3 was user-friendly, it lacked a dedicated home button, which could be inconvenient when navigating between screens.

The 2019 Ford F-150's base XL trim came with a basic SYNC system, while the XLT and higher trims featured the SYNC 3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. SYNC 3 supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which now allowed third-party map apps like Google Maps. Our King Ranch test truck included a Wi-Fi hotspot and a B&O Play premium sound system, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty came equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and trailer-sway control. Higher trims offered additional features like automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Our test truck also included a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring, which were invaluable for maneuvering the large truck.

The 2019 Ford F-150 included standard safety features such as airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. The 360-degree camera system was standard on the Limited trim and optional on others, providing various viewing angles for safe maneuvering. The F-150 also offered driver-assistance features like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing its safety credentials.