2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty Review

It's not very often that a new model comes on the market that's so vastly improved it raises the bar for the entire category. That's the case, however, with the debut of the all-new 2017 Ford F-250.

Along with the other two models that make up the Ford Super Duty truck lineup (namely the F-350 and F-450, both reviewed separately), this full-size pickup has been reworked from the ground up. The improvements to the F-250 range from beefier underpinnings and more powerful engines to roomier interiors that can be equipped with a host of convenience and technology features, all designed to make this heavy-duty pickup a good deal more capable.

Knowing these trucks will be doing some heavy lifting, Ford's engineers started by giving the F-250 substantially larger frame rails and crossmembers made out of 95 percent high-strength steel. To compensate for the extra bulk, the truck's body panels and pickup box are now made out of lightweight aluminum (just as the F-150 received recently) that Ford says is both more dent-resistant and makes the new truck hundreds of pounds lighter than previous generations.

Then there's the list of newly available technology, from bright LED headlights to adaptive cruise control with collision warning to a multicamera system that gives the driver a 360-degree view around the truck, something that's invaluable in maneuvering through tight spaces. A host of towing-related technologies have been added, too, including an improved blind-spot monitoring system that covers the length of the trailer, a pair of rearview cameras to aid trailer hookup, an integrated trailer tire-pressure monitoring system, and a backup camera that can be mounted on the tail of the trailer itself.

Of course, the F-250 has some equally burly competitors in the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD (and its GMC Sierra 2500HD sibling) and the Ram 2500 pickup. Though all offer serious hauling and towing capabilities and surprisingly civilized demeanors, the Ford Super Duty F-250 has enough new features to give it an edge in this hotly contested category.

Standard safety features on the 2017 Ford F-250 include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control and hill start assist. Front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags that cover both rows of seats are also standard. Inflatable rear seat belts are offered as an option on all crew-cab models. Ford's post-crash alert system is standard, as is the automaker's MyKey feature that allows owners to set restrictions for the protection of younger drivers.

Rear parking sensors are standard on Lariat and higher trim levels, while a rearview camera is standard on XLT models and above. A surround-view camera system that provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle is part of the optional Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System. This option package can also be had with a separate camera meant to be mounted on the customer's trailer and viewed on the in-dash display.

Other options include a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert and coverage for trailers up to 33 feet, adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support, and lane departure warning and intervention. Available trailer tire-pressure monitoring reduces the chance of a trailer tire blowout.

The 2017 Ford F-250 is a full-size, heavy-duty pickup available in five trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. It is also offered in regular cab, extended-cab (a.k.a. SuperCab) and crew-cab body styles and with a choice of 6.75- and 8-foot bed lengths.

On the road, the 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty's beefier frame and fine-tuned suspension combine to give it a more solid feeling. Handling feels more confident than the previous generation, and the ride quality is also improved.

The steering has the familiar slow and deliberate response with the standard set-up. The optional adaptive steering makes a distinct improvement by altering the steering ratio — i.e., how many turns of the wheel it takes to turn the vehicle — to quicken response and make the truck far more maneuverable in tight quarters. At highway speed and when in Tow/Haul mode, the system slows response to improve straight-line stability.

Performance from the 6.2-liter gasoline V8 is robust enough that it's a realistic choice for many applications. That said, it pales in comparison to the 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8, which generates brisk unladen acceleration and moves heavy payloads or trailers without seeming to break a sweat thanks to its abundant torque.

One new feature, adaptive cruise control, takes much of the tedium out of long highway miles by maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead. What's noteworthy is that the system performs equally well when towing a trailer, even on downhill stretches, where downshifts from the transmission's Tow/Haul mode and automatic engine braking on diesel models work together to keep vehicle speed in check.

Leave the pavement behind and a properly equipped four-wheel-drive F-250 will impress with its off-road capabilities, even in situations that far exceed anything the majority of buyers will ever want to tackle.

Inside, the 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty is noticeably roomier than its predecessor thanks to body shells shared with the automaker's recently revamped F-150 pickup. For example, extended-cab models gain 6 inches in length, while crew-cab models grow 3 inches longer compared to cabs of the outgoing models, making for more spacious interiors all around.

Seating comfort is especially good in upper trim levels with the 10-way-adjustable power seats. The available multicontour seats on top trims take things to the next level with heating, cooling and a built-in massage function. Not surprisingly the rear jump seats on extended-cab models are still best suited to kids, but the crew cab's rear bench now offers adults more room to stretch out.

As for the interior materials and amenities, they run the gamut from plain to posh. The XL is a no-nonsense work truck with vinyl floor coverings and upholstery and manual windows, door locks and mirrors, while the cabins of King Ranch and Platinum models are decked out in sumptuous leathers and sport all the comfort and convenience features you'd expect in a luxury car.

Topping the list of useful options is an Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System with seven cameras, including a grille-mounted unit with a 180-degree view that offers enhanced visibility when pulling out of a street or driveway with limited sight lines. The package also includes four cameras that give a top-down image of the truck and two separate rearview cameras designed to make hooking up a conventional or fifth-wheel/gooseneck trailer much less labor-intensive. A new Trailer Reverse Guidance System helps when backing up a conventional trailer and includes a jackknife warning and even on-screen directions on which way to turn the steering wheel when attempting to back up in a straight line.

Other neat tricks include a rear under-seat lockable storage area that folds flat when not in use, and a two-place cupholder in the center console that can be slid sideways to double its capacity.

Out back, both long- and short-bed models use aluminum that is 20 percent thicker than that of F-150 and backed by more substantial crossmembers to better withstand heavy use. Long-bed models also get a new 48-gallon fuel tank that will noticeably improve the truck's range between fill-ups.