2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty Review
2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Highest tow rating of any pickup
- relaxed highway ride
- availability of work- and recreation-related packages and options.
Cons
- Big footprint is unwieldy in traffic and parking lots
- steering doesn't instill confidence
- high price
- dated and overwrought interior
- available only in one configuration.
What’s new
Other than increases in tow and payload ratings, the 2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty is unchanged.
Edmunds says
Designed first and foremost as a workhorse with superior towing and payload numbers, the 2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty also offers refinement and luxury with the premium trim levels and options.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty XL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for F-450 Super Duty XL
F-450 Super Duty XL
vs
$257/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
Not long ago, truck buyers looking for comfort as well as towing capability above the F-350 or any competitive 3500 pickup had to purchase Ford's commercial medium-duty F-450 or F-550 chassis cab. An aftermarket outfitter would then install a custom cargo bed, restitch the interior with leather seating and add other amenities favored by RV enthusiasts, racecar haulers or ranchers pulling a 10-stall horse trailer.
Ford added those responsibilities to the factory assembly line a few years ago, and the result continues with the consumer-friendly 2012 Ford F-450. Just like other F-Series models, the 450 is available in a wide range of trim levels, including the cowboy-chic King Ranch edition. The downside is that only one configuration is offered: crew cab with a long bed, diesel engine and four-wheel drive.
Endowed with big-rig styling and plus-size dimensions, the F-450 can tow up to 24,500 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch. Pulling power is generated by a 6.7-liter V8 turbodiesel. It's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that draws favorable comparisons to GM's venerable Allison automatic for its tow/haul shift strategy on mountain roads, which is especially helpful for controlling downhill speeds.
Judging solely by the numbers, the Ford F-450 Super Duty is in a class by itself as the only 4500 model available in full cargo-bed dress for the consumer market. Competitive 3500 models (including the Ford F-350) max out with around 22,000 pounds of towing capacity for crew cab models. If your trailer weighs another 2,500 pounds, you have only one choice. It will be a big hit in the pocketbook, as the base XL model starts at just under $50,000 while a fully loaded F-450 King Ranch easily clears $70,000.
Performance & mpg
A turbocharged 6.7-liter V8 diesel is the only engine available in the F-450 pickup. It packs a healthy 400 horsepower with 800 pound-feet of peak torque. To meet the latest emissions standards, the diesel engine uses an after-treatment system that requires replenishment of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) about every 7,500 miles. The F-450 also features engine exhaust braking to help maintain control on downhill grades while towing.
A six-speed automatic and four-wheel drive are standard, as is a limited-slip rear axle. Properly equipped, the F-450 Super Duty can tow up to 17,500 pounds with a conventional trailer setup, some 1,500 pounds more than the 2011 model. When configured for fifth-wheel towing, this figure increases 100 pounds from the previous year to a class-leading 24,500 pounds. Maximum payload capacity is also up, jumping 340 pounds to 5,260 pounds.
Safety
The 2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty comes standard with antilock brakes, trailer sway control, hill start assist, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and an SOS post-crash alert system. Ford's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control isn't available on DRW models and traction control is handled strictly through throttle management; there is no interaction with the brake 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 Lariat and standard on the King Ranch model.
Driving
There is no direct competition for the 2012 Ford F-450, but the overall line of Ford Super Duty trucks is noted for a pleasant ride quality and relatively restrained noise from the engine, road and wind. The Ford F-450 is nearly 22 feet long and 9 feet wide at the mirrors, so it can be awkward in tight traffic and crowded parking lots. The front track on the F-450 is 6 inches wider than its F-250 and F-350 brethren, so turning around also requires more room. Another downside is the steering, which feels numb and instills less confidence (especially when towing) than other heavy-duty trucks.
Of course, towing is a big part of the Super Duty's capabilities, and the 6.7-liter V8 turbodiesel is up to the task. Even when lugging a 10,000-pound trailer up a steep grade, the diesel climbs with ease and the six-speed transmission is never caught hunting between gears. Drivers may also selectively lock out higher gears to ensure optimal towing prowess, going uphill or down, and descents are also more secure due to the diesel's exhaust brake.
Interior
The 2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty has an industrial-themed interior and it looks a little dated compared to heavy-duty trucks from GM and Ram, especially in the lower trim levels where hard plastics prevail. Opting for the Lariat will provide a decidedly upscale experience, with rich leather and added amenities, and the King Ranch model is arguably the best-executed theme truck on the market.
Storage and utility options for the Ford F-450 include lockable bins under the front and rear seats. The rear bin can accommodate long items like a hunting rifle and provides a 12-volt power point to charge computers or cell phones. The available front seat console can be configured to accommodate a laptop, hanging files and other mobile-office supplies. It also includes a 110-volt household-style outlet. The 4.2-inch LCD multifunction display standard on Lariat and King Ranch models allows the driver to customize settings and relays trip computer, fuel economy, towing and off-road information.
2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty models
The 2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty is offered in just one configuration: a crew cab mated to an 8-foot cargo bed, with four-wheel-drive and dual rear wheels (DRW or dually). Customers, however, do get a choice among the four familiar trim levels also found on the F-250 and F350 models: XL, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch.
Standard on the base XL are 17-inch forged aluminum wheels, a black grille and bumpers, running boards, roof clearance lights, manual-telescoping trailer-tow mirrors, air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery and floor coverings, a 40/20/40-split front bench, a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a two-speaker AM/FM radio.
Stepping up to the XLT adds a chrome grille and bumpers, heated outside mirrors, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, an integrated trailer-brake controller, carpeted floor, cloth upholstery, lockable second-row underseat storage with a power point, and a four-speaker sound system with CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio jack.
The Lariat trim level features foglights, power-telescoping mirrors, rear parking sensors, a power rear sliding window with defrost, chrome tubular step bars, dual-zone automatic climate control and leather interior upholstery. Additional standard equipment on the Lariat include a 4.2-inch LCD multifunction screen, wood-grain trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-adjustable pedals, the Ford Sync voice activation system and an eight-speaker audio system with satellite radio. The front seat also features a center console and 10-way power seats for the driver and passenger.
The range-topping King Ranch piles on power-folding and telescoping tow mirrors, two-tone paint, a body-colored grille with chrome insert, lighted running boards, unique exterior and interior badging, remote start, upgraded Chaparral leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, driver seat memory and a rearview camera.
Some features on the Lariat and King Ranch trims are available on the XL and XLT models. Other add-ons (depending on trim level) include a stowable bed extender, a transmission power take-off (for powering accessories like snow plows), fifth-wheel mounting points (compatible with Reese hitch units), a spray-in bedliner, a sunroof, integrated accessory switches and a hard-drive-based navigation system.
The available Ford Work Solutions package is offered on XL and XLT models and adds an in-dash computer that is customizable to suit commercial users and fleets. Other work-related options include snow plow and camper prep packages and the FX4 Off-Road package that provides skid plates and Rancho-brand shock absorbers.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty.
5 star(89%)
4 star(11%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
9 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great Hauler
norse56, 07/09/2011
2011 Ford F-450 Super Duty Lariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
Replacement for 2008 F-450.
In pulling 20,000 horse trailer, 2011 gets 10+ mpg vs 7 mpg.
Difference in power/torque is remarkable with the new engine.
Unloaded ride is much better with the smaller, non-commercial tires that came on the 2008.
Unloaded highway mileage is 16+ mpg vs 12 in the 2008.
Only have 800 miles on truck, so mileage should climb, once broken in.
5 out of 5 stars
*Update* Love my 2011 Ford F450 King Ranch
Jim B, 04/10/2017
2011 Ford F-450 Super Duty King Ranch 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
Update 10-9-18. I have this truck running like new with huge improvement in power and stability. Bought 7 new tires, steering stabilizer, rear airbags and new shocks. Also, changed out the old EGR cooler to Fords improved design for better airflow and less likely to coke up. Update: 4-10-18. I continue to make little repairs and putting accessories on too. Bringing this truck to new … like condition is a daunting task. Every part is expensive and heavy duty. I don't mind the expense since I am improving my highly capable truck and making it last longer. If I lost this truck to an accident at total loss, I would look into buying a new F-450.
I picked this truck up last month (3-2017) and I am very impressed of fords design and 6.7l diesel power. I can leave a traffic light just as fast as any car on the road. This truck can haul most anything with GCWR @ 33,000 lbs.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Time will tell
cul8ertx, 12/03/2010
2011 Ford F-450 Super Duty Lariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
A bit early to make a lot of noise about this truck as I have only driven it 350 miles to get it home after an out of state purchase. However, there is a lot to be excited about. The turning radius is "tight" for such a large truck and the throttle response is all there! Average MPG (computed) 13.9 @ 75 MPH and I've only driven it 350 miles! The ride is very nice for a 450 and the … cab is roomy and well laid out. I can't wait to put a big trailer behind it and see what it can do.
5 out of 5 stars
2011 F450 Lariat Dually - What a HORSE!
Mike Reeder, 12/02/2016
2011 Ford F-450 Super Duty Lariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
The external sensors stopped working at year 5. Same year as one of the brake rotors actually broke in half! This truck cost $70,000 when new! That's too much and I will not do it again. 6.7 L diesel is a real work horse and it will lose traction way before bogging down the engine. The dual rear wheels are ok for highway pulling but for use in the country they are a hindrance and will … not bite into frozen or wet ground well. Loved the interior, however and it's overall appearance is absolutely GREAT!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty, so we've included reviews for other years of the F-450 Super Duty since its last redesign.
2012 F-450 Super Duty Highlights
XL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $49,395 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Diesel |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 17,500 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the F-450 Super Duty include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Post-collision safety system
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