2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty Review

The optional 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine in the 2015 Ford F-250 has been revised, resulting in improved horsepower, torque, fuel economy and towing capacity with the conventional trailer setup and with the fifth-wheel gooseneck.

For the truck shopper who needs ultimate capability, it's hard to go wrong with the 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty.

At some point, even full-size pickup trucks run out of power, and that's where heavy-duty trucks come in to save the day. If you've got way more than the average amount of cargo to haul around or something serious to tow, a heavy-duty pickup like the 2015 Ford F-350 might be right for you.

The 2015 Ford F-350 is designed with maximum capability in mind, and this year Ford has made significant revisions to the optional turbocharged diesel engine. If the standard power from the 6.2-liter gasoline-powered V8 isn't enough, the optional 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel engine now has 440 horsepower and 860 pound-feet of torque (up from 400 and 800, respectfully). Properly equipped, the turbodiesel F-350 can now tow a massive 26,500 pounds, and according to Ford, returns better fuel economy.

So there's more power and the promise of higher mpg, but lately we've come to expect a bit more out of heavy-duty pickup trucks. Many of these dedicated workhorses are now surprisingly comfortable and have long lists of luxury options, and although it's getting on in years, this big Ford is no exception. Base trim levels of the F-350 are pretty sparse, but cabin surfaces and interior touches are luxurious on upper trim levels. Features like the optional MyFord Touch infotainment system and its large 8-inch dash-mounted display prove you don't have to give up modern conveniences for old-fashioned truck capability. Those luxury extras do add up quickly, though, so be ready to open up your wallet if you want the finest leather and wood trim.

Despite its strengths, the 2015 Ford F-350 does have some serious competition from the usual suspects. The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD was redesigned this year and is definitely worth a look. The 2015 Ram 3500 is also an extremely capable heavy-duty pickup that deserves attention. The Ram has a more composed ride and a higher-quality cabin to go with its massive towing capacity, making it our top pick in this segment.

And of course there's always the F-350's little brother, the 2015 Ford F-250, which is only marginally less capable, as well as the mighty 2015 Ford F-450. It's the only heavy-duty truck of its kind, so if you need the most towing capacity this side of a big rig, it's your best bet. When all is said and done, though, the Ford F-350 Super Duty is a stout truck that's definitely worth a test-drive.

All 2015 Ford F-350 models employ a six-speed automatic transmission and offer a choice between rear- and four-wheel drive, as well as single- (SRW) and dual-rear-wheel (DRW) configurations. The base engine is a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 that produces 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Maximum towing capacity from the trailer hitch is 12,500 pounds (SRW) and 16,100 pounds (DRW), while adding a fifth-wheel hookup changes that limit to 15,900 (SRW) and 16,000 pounds (DRW).

Optional is a turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel V8 engine that produces 440 hp and 860 lb-ft of torque. Maximum towing capacity from the trailer hitch is 14,000 pounds (SRW) and 19,000 pounds (DRW). The fifth-wheel setup boosts the max up to 16,800 (SRW) and 26,700 (DRW).

The 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty comes standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, trailer sway control, hill start assist, side curtain airbags and the SOS post-crash alert system.

An integrated trailer brake controller is standard on XLT and higher models, while the Lariat trim level adds rear parking sensors and power-adjustable pedals. A rearview camera is optional on the XLT and standard on the Lariat and above.

In Edmunds testing, an F-350 Platinum 4x4 with the 6.7-liter diesel engine came to a stop from 60 mph in 138 feet. This is a typical performance for a 1-ton truck.

There's no doubt that behind the wheel, the F-350 is impressive. It feels quick and capable, while the ride is quiet and supple by segment standards. Bumps can temporarily ruffle the F-350's composure, though, especially with an empty bed. The biggest flaw in the F-350's formula is its steering, which feels slow and vague. Chevy and Ram deliver a more confidence-inspiring feel through the wheel. We haven't had the chance to test the new diesel engine yet, but past versions felt smooth and capable while towing heavy loads.

Heavy-duty trucks haven't historically been known for their luxurious cabins, but that has changed in recent years, and the F-350 has fallen a bit behind. One look at the Ram 3500's comparatively lavish new interior will convince you that Ford's got a little room for improvement. The F-350 has a lot of hard plastics on lower trim levels, and for better or for worse, the overall look screams "work truck." But to be fair, the Lariat creates a distinctly upscale vibe with leather and the MyFord Touch interface, while the King Ranch and Platinum models are fancier still.

There's no shortage of storage in the Ford F-350. There's a lockable bin under the middle of the available 40/20/40-split front bench seat, and the middle seatback folds down to serve as an armrest. Another lockable bin for longer items lives under the rear seats and includes a 12-volt power point. An optional, alternate front bench design features a middle seat section that can be configured to swallow a laptop and even hanging files or other business-related items; it also provides a 12-volt power point of its own, along with a 110-volt inverter.

Standard from the Lariat on up is a large multifunction display in the instrument cluster that allows the driver to customize settings, and relays trip computer, fuel economy, towing and off-road information. Lariat and higher trims also get the MyFord Touch infotainment system, which includes two USB ports, an SD card slot and an 8-inch touchscreen that controls phone, climate control, entertainment and navigation features. Note that this version of MyFord Touch incorporates large physical buttons for the climate and audio controls that allow them to be operated by those wearing work gloves.