The 2023 Ford Super Duty Is The 'Superest' Super Duty Ever | F-250, F-350, F-450 Review

With 40,000 pounds of max towing capability, just over 8,000 pounds of payload (although not in the same truck), 1,200 lb-ft of torque and 10-speeds of automatic transmission, the 2023 Ford Super Duty (F-250, F-350 & F-450) is officially the biggest, baddest pickup truck in America. Until of course GM or RAM say "hold my beer," which we all know is coming... While we wait for even crazier numbers, let's dive into what you need to know if you're shopping 3/4 and 1-ton trucks in America.

First up: the engines. Ford ditched the 6-speed in all models and added a new base engine, a 6.8L gasoline V8 based off the 7.3L. It'll be less expensive and likely offer slightly better economy (EPA testing isn't required in this weight class so we don't know for sure). Power comes in at 400 HP / 445 lb-ft which is close to the 430 / 485 output of the 7.3 but the torque curve isn't quite as flat. Then we have the 6.7L diesel which comes in two power levels. 475 HP / 1050 lb-ft or the nutso 500 HP model with 1,200 lb-ft at just 1,800 RPM (HP peak is around 2,800 RPM). Turns out the 10-speed auto behind the 7.3 and 6.7L form last year is up to the task as no major changes were made to the 10R140 transmission for the extra twist.

How do you get the max tow and payload numbers? Easy: base trims of the right models. Max payload happens in the RWD F-350 DRW in low trims while max towing happens in the RWD F-450 DRW in low trims. From then on it's a sliding scale based on trim level, 4WD or RWD, cab size, bed length, etc. A big-cab high-output diesel 4x4 Platinum trim F-350 could drop things down to around 5,000 lbs of payload for instance.

So, how does it drive? Like a champ, even with 40,000 pounds on the back. Ford held their event at their proving grounds in Michigan so those of us without Class A licenses could test the heavy tow rigs on steep grades. Even with 40,000 lbs pitted against a 7% grade, the F-450 had no issues getting the load moving and even accelerating up to highway speeds. Clearly however, this is a bleeding edge case as most Super Duty sales are likely to be F-250 models driven by folks that can't legally tow more than between 10,000 and 15,000 lbs. It's this trailer weight range where the 10-speed automatic really shines regardless of the engine you choose. The evenly spaced ratios and wide spread between 1 and 10 mean there's always the right ratio for pulling uphill, or controlling your speed downhill. With 19,500 lbs on the back the 7.3 gasoline engine and 6.7L diesel had no problem keeping speeds either level or slowing down on the same 7% grade. At 40,000 lbs I needed occasional brake input to stay at 50 MPH, but it was far less than I had anticipated.

What about the rest? It's what you'd expect out of a Ford truck. The interior is a variation on the Ford theme with plenty of borrowed parts from the F-150, although not the fold-flat work surface in top trims which seems odd. The massaging seats are comfortable, 2.4 kW of 120/240V power is available, and Ford's onboard scales are available in essentially every trim to help you stay safe.

GM's Silverado and Sierra 2500 and 3500 provide stiff competition for Ford's Super Duty for most folks. The GM diesel is peppy and similarly fuel efficient, GM also offers a 10-speed auto (although not behind every engine) and GM's newest interior is a winner. RAM on the other hand has been left behind. Rather than redesign their 3/4 and 1-ton trucks last time, we got a heavy refresh. The result is a mix of old a new on the interior, seats that are below average in comfort level, and RAM is the only one left still mating a 6-speed to their diesel. Admittedly the Aisin 6-speed ands Cummins engine have a sterling reputation, but Ford and GM's 10-speed and diesel V8s are simply better to drive, tow and haul with.

What do you think? Is the Super Duty as Super Duper as you'd expected or did Ford miss something?

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[Tully]

It is evident how much homework Alex does before the camera turns on (for all his videos). Kudos!!

[SuppressedAce]

Why do those tires look so much bigger on that blue platinum Tremor than any other tremor I see on Youtube? Great Video by the way!! So much information on the new trucks!

[MurphyTheBandChild]

Thanks for being so thorough when making videos of these new vehicles.
If I were to ever need a full-size truck to replace my '07 Tacoma, I would definitely go with one of these new F-250s. 1/2-ton trucks have gotten way too car-like for my tastes, and I am hoping that manufacturers continue to at least make heavy-duty pickups for people that might actually use them for their intended purpose. The new Silverado 1500 we have a work is absolutely horrible as a work vehicle.
Also, I do have a Class A CDL, and if I was going to consider towing 30, 000+ pounds of cargo with a pickup truck, I would like to see the manufacturers come out with some kind of extra braking assistance (preferably some kind of pickup-sized compression brake system like you get in bigger commercial vehicles).

[wtwoffroad]

The blue platinum you were going over had the 6 3/4’ bed, you said 8

[AceEverett]

Huge step back in looks from the last 2 generations, though the amber turn signals are nice. Would hope the extra tailgate features are an option. Only nice thing it brings really is the high output engine, though I wonder how much that costs.

[Davido]

Absolutely love this all new Superduty. Everything that could be updated was improved & even things that were ahead of competition was improved! 2 new, efficient & modern gas V8s impress me alot. I've seen durability testing of these engines it was obscene the torture involved. If you can't get an F250/350/450/550 to last 20yrs easily..your doin somethin wrong. I'm all in! 💯

[leerobinson]

Hey Man im going through a hard timenin my life but i love cars .I came across your video and your the most clear and informative.Thanks for making my day

[cherrychevys]

I would not pintle tow with that connection. You shown, that's just putting a tone of leverage on your connection. Stay away from the one hitch does all types and have specific hitches. All that extra length from adjustable heights/types are bade for your receiver as you can see how the leverage has the bumper bending in the video. I have the 3" direct Pintle hitch, a 3" direct ball hitch, and a 3 inch direct tow shackle. Avoid using the adapter sleeves and etc for heavy towing.

[harisjaved]

Alex we appreciate all the work you do my friend! I am the car guy in my family, as in everyone comes to me for car advice and I always watch your videos before recommending a car or truck to my family. So far I have helped my friends and family get a Carnival, Telluride, Expedition, and soon for myself a grand wagoneer or grand wagoneer L. I am just waiting for the prices to drop a little. Thank you for all your detailed reviews!

[cherrychevys]

Coming from a 2014 Ram 3500 DRW, to a 2023 Ford F250 is simple incredible. Before yall attack me 😅, I was pulling 26K regularly with my Ram. But that thing had a rough ride empty. Knowing I wouldn't be towing super heavy, or all the time, I wanted something that gave me comfort to daily drive. The 2023
Ram 2500 just feels sluggish, takes a bit of pedal to merge on Interstate 95S. The 2023 GMC 2500 felt bouncy, and I didn't like the interior. After test driving the Ram 2500, I went to test drive the Ford F250 (which I'm not a Ford person, I've hated on that brand for years from past stereotypes)... And was impressed by the ride and performance. The Ford doesn't need alot of pedal to accelerate as I did an accidental burnout rolling down the off-ramp. It kept me pinned to the seat. I was and still am in a state of shock by that. I didn't know this big beast of a truck was so fast. Anyway, I'm 700 miles in. Love this truck so much. The features, the ride, the comfort. But in 2023, no matter what truck you get, you're getting a good truck. I've owned them all 2014 and up. DPF and SCR will be the issue with all of them. Just expect it.

[TomSarelas]

Thanks, always. DRW 350 or 450 avail with Tremor? Seeking rear locker + Torsen front. TFS

[jaytaylor]

I've already seen lots of these new Super Duties where I live. Definitely very similar looking to previous one but still an impressive truck. Mammoth of a vehicle.

[shearenergy]

Yes it’s true my F-350 6.7 HO DL regular cab Illini or towing keeps up with t stop and go traffic without people getting it n front of me with 13.7mpg @17mpg highway . It’s an amazing aluminum truck I use for personal. Girlfriend likes the cloth bench seats too.

[skyknight]

Great review Alex. I really appreciate the comparison to the Ram trucks which I’ve been a loyal buyer since 2013. I’ve owned six Ram 2500’s and a Dynamax Isata 5 30FW which is a Ram 5500 chassis motorhome. I’ve been wanting to get a new Ram 2500 but they have been slow to update their engines, cabin architecture and especially their antiquated transmissions. Although I can’t believe I’m saying it, Im going to order a new Ford F350. Ram, unfortunately, is shitting the bed when it comes to updating their 2500 and 3500 trucks.

[editz]

You look like a Hobbit standing next to these things. ;)

[OrianIglesias]

Great review. You did your homework going into this and it's appreciated!

[MrBufordWilson]

Another thorough review. Great job.
But one suggestion: please stop saying "obviously" so frequently. If something is obvious, you don't need to say so. Because it's obvious.

[naveenthemachine]

This seems like the easiest choice if you didn’t own a Durango

I’m sure you could easily just get a class A license and tow 10+k lbs

[ejshelby]

Alex cites the same scripts across various locations and shoots and seamlessly splice them together...lots of work

[ezequielv]

what's the towing capacity for Ford f350 7.3 dually?