Car Review: Ford Super Duty F-250 sports the off-road ready Tremor package

The Ford truck has been a bestseller for over 40 years, and this F-250 is equipped with some firsts for this popular truck line.

The Ford F-250 Super Duty with the off-road ready Tremor package is ready to play as hard as it works. (WTOP/Mike Parris)

The Ford F-250 is a worthy work truck with the optional Power Stroke turbo diesel engine. It is happy towing heavy trailers. This big Ford is not fazed by a few thousand pounds in the bed. This turbo diesel also delivers better fuel economy than the regular gas engines in the lineup.

The Tremor package adds some off-road-ready suspension pieces and heavy-duty shocks that do a nice job of providing a more comfortable ride than you would expect from a heavy-duty truck. Extra ground clearance allows this Ford to tackle some serious off-road trails, as long as you can fit on the trail. As you would predict, its size does make it a chore to park or drive into small spaces.

The looks of the F-250, with the optional Tremor package, make this big truck standout. With a 2-inch lift, the F-250 sits even higher than the already tall heavy-duty pickup. It looks tough and ready to tackle anything with its 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 Lariat trim level adds some luxury to the more basic work truck. The leather-trimmed seats are heated, ventilated and comfortable enough for some serious distance driving. When you choose the crew cab, there is plenty of room and comfort for five adults. 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: $52,730; as tested $75,620

MPG: 15.6 MPG in 302 miles of mixed driving

Options: $10,495 6.7L Power Stroke diesel; $3,975 Tremor off-road package; $995 power running boards; $2,785 high cap trailer tow package; $3,495 lariat ultimate package; $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 Power Stroke Diesel is ready for hard work and delivers better MPG than a regular gas engine.

Pros:

  • Ready for hard work and play with the heavy-duty off-road Tremor Package.
  • Technology and driving aids make this truck a smart ride.
  • Pricey Turbo Diesel returns with better MPG and towing capability.

Cons:

  • Large size makes it hard to drive in tighter spaces.
  • Price tag jumps with options and higher trim levels.
  • It is harder to get in and out of the truck with the taller F-250 Tremor off-road package.

The Ford F-250 Super Duty with the off-road ready Tremor package is ready to play as hard as it works.

Extra ground clearance allows this Ford to tackle some serious off-road trails, as long as you can fit on the trail.

With a 2-inch lift, the F-250 sits even higher than the already tall heavy-duty pickup.

The pickup is ready to haul heavy loads.

This big Ford is not fazed by a heavy haul.

The trailer knob allows you to maneuver a trailer like a pro.

Leather-trimmed seats and plenty of space will allow five adults to sit comfortably.

Leather trimmed seats and plenty of space will allow five adults to sit comfortably.

Leather-trimmed seats and plenty of space will allow five adults to sit comfortably.

Technology and driving aids make this truck a smart ride.

Technology and driving aids make this truck a smart ride.

Storage abounds when rear seats aren’t in use.

A center console can hold a book bag or laptop with room to spare.

A center console can hold a book bag or laptop with room to spare.

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