F- 250 is a howling hauler
2015 Ford Super Duty Lariat Crew Cab lives large in every way
Lost in all the hyperbole of the aluminum- bodied 2015 Ford F- 150 is another Ford pickup that quietly goes about its work. Rarely getting the leading role, yet so often the backbone of the industrial, commercial and agricultural set, is the Ford F- 250 Super Duty — a truck that has for years been one of the bestdressed pickups.
Little has changed in the F- 250’ s appearance for 2015, but under the chiselled hood is a reworked engine option: the 6.7- litre Power Stroke V8 diesel. Pricey, at $ 9,950 on a truck that already costs plenty, but the diesel removes any cost apprehension the moment it’s started. Feel the smoothness, hear the quiet, with just the right hint of clatter, and there’s an instant gratification, a reassurance the diesel was the better pick.
The diesel might be costly, but its power and refinement will prove worth it for this 3,478 kg beast.
And how could it not be, with 440 horsepower and 860 poundfeet of torque? That’s enough power to not only perform NHRA- style burnouts, should one be so inclined, but to haul a dozen top- fuel drag cars at once on a fifth wheel trailer, too.
Of course, the extra hauling muscle comes more from the fierce competition. Until recently, Ram held the heavyweight title for towing supremacy, its HD trucks boasting a max tow rating of 30,000 pounds — a massive figure by any standard. Ford’s revised number nudges the Super Duty ahead of the Ram, giving the F- 450 diesel a max tow of just over 31,200 lb. ( 14,152 kg) using a fifth wheel hitch. Ford says in conventional guise with a regular receiver, the rating is an equally impressive, 19,000 lb. ( 8,618 kg).
Our F- 250 4x4 Crew Cab, by comparison, could pull a maximum load of 14,000 lb. ( 6,350 kg) with a regular hitch and up to 15,900 lb. ( 7,212 kg) with a goose neck: Still huge numbers.
I wasn’t able to tow anything nearly as heavy as that, but the truck felt more relaxed with a smaller load. Fuel economy when empty wasn’t terrible, its highway achievement of 13.2 litres per 100 km respectable for speeds averaging 100 km/ h. In the city, the unloaded figure climbs closer to 19.
The added grunt for towing — what the majority of F- series buyers do with their trucks — thanks to a new exhaust manifold, more efficient fuel injectors, and a larger turbocharger. The six- speed TorqShift SelectShift automatic transmission gets a beefier torque converter to handle the 6.7- L V8’ s bigger power output. The standard 6.2- L gasoline V8 in the F- 250 and 350 remains unchanged, at 385 hp.
On the diesel, engine exhaust braking has been improved, thanks to the bigger turbo, kicking in with a single tap of the brake pedal in Tow/ Haul mode.
Inside, there’s a taller centre stack, crowned in our tester by the optional MyFord Touch infotainment and navigation system. The navigation system is a little fussy to operate when setting destinations, and it lacks up- to- date mapping software, but graphics are clear and point- bypoint instructions are spot on.
In our top- line Lariat tester, there was still too much plastic and some of the switchgear felt too delicate for a work truck. But the array of knobs and controls, backed by similar touch screen controls in the Sync system ( which also responds to voice) is decently laid out, as is the pleasing instrument cluster. The onscreen- controlled heated seats deserve a dedicated button.
The seats themselves, however, are extraordinarily comfortable, even on long hauls.
Less comfy were the shocks that came with the FX4 package, which also brings some skid- plate protection for the underbelly. The FX4, when coupled with the already stiff ride common to a ¾ - ton pickup, made for some seriously unpleasant jiggling and bouncing on certain roads.
The all- black interior also felt a bit dark, though the sunroof, part of the Lariat package, did brighten things, and the power- sliding rear window was convenient.
While the F- 250 contains plenty of nooks, door pockets and a huge centre cargo bin and unique upper dash compartment, the execution of these spaces and their power outlets could be better thought out to have fewer dangling cords and power feeds. And there needs to be more cargo space in the rear seat area.
The unique Ford built- in rear step on our tester’s tailgate is the best there is, and it’s almost essential for a truck of this size. The heavy tailgate still drops with a bang, though. Extra lights in the bed would be nice too.
Obviously, the F- 250 is not meant for a life in the city. No, this is a truck meant to spend its life in the field, where it will continue to show smaller trucks how to get things done.