The Ford truck has been a bestseller for over 40 years, and this F-250 sports some firsts for the popular truck line — a new V8 joins the lineup.
The big 7.3L V8 packs a 430hp punch and it sounds great as well. It is a $2,045 option — a big savings compared to the turbo diesel V8 we looked at in the other F-250.
This F-250 Super Duty also offers a new Tremor off-road package that gives the big Ford a suspension upgrade. The ride is more compliant than the F-250 Lariat with less bounce over bumps with an empty bed. The looks of the F-250 with the optional Tremor package makes this big truck standout too. With a two-inch lift, the F-250 sits even higher than the already tall heavy-duty pickup. It looks tough and ready to tackle anything with large 35-inch tires. You can see the special shocks peeking out between the heavy duty tires and raised body.
The F-250 Super Duty I drove is the luxurious Platinum trim level and it was fancy for a big truck. The upgraded leather seats are very comfortable and the quality of leather is a step up from the lower trim one. The seats are heated and ventilated and the front seats offer massage — a nice benefit, after some hard work.
The spacious interior also features some clever storage options, including lockable storage compartments under the rear seats. This truck sits way up there and the cool looking off-road running boards do not come down very far.
Cost: $66,225; as tested $77,480
MPG: 11.6 MPG in 182 miles of mixed driving
Options: $2,045 7.3L V-8 engine; $395 Rapid red; $135 all-weather floor mats; $3,975 Tremor off-road package; $1,495 power moonroof twin panel; $500 5th wheel hitch prep package; $95 roof clearance lights; $325 wheel well liners front & back; $595 spray-in bed liner
Safety: advanced security pack; BLIS with cross traffic alert; lane keeping assist; pre-collision assist with AEB; reverse sensing and rear view camera; trailer sway control; trailer brake control; ultimate trailer camera system with pro trailer backup assist; adaptive cruise control; SOS post-crash alert system
Things to know: The Ford F-250 with the Tremor package is one big truck that can tackle or flatten off-road trails with ease. The new V-8 engine makes plenty of power and it sounds good too.
Pros:
- New 7.3L V8 can haul and work hard, plus it costs less than the Power Stroke diesel
- Technology and driving aids make this heavy duty truck a smart ride
- Upgraded interior with the Platinum trim level ups the luxury for a truck
Cons:
- Gas mileage with the powerful V8 suffers
- Price tag jumps with options and higher trim levels
- The taller F-250 with the Tremor off-road package makes it harder to get in and out
