Strengths

Towing and hauling capability; toughness; wide range of configurations; standout convenience features.

 

Changes

For 2010, Ford's Super Duty F-Series trucks receives no major changes, a 5-speed automatic transmission is now standard on many XL, XLT, and Lariat models. The Harley-Davidson package is now a diesel-only offering and FX4 Plus, Luxury, and Luxury with Chrome packages have been discontinued.

New exterior colors include Ingot Silver, White Platinum Tri-Coat and Black with Tuxedo Black flames (on Harley-Davidson model).

 

Value

The 2010 Ford F-250, F-350 Super Duty and F-450 pickups are intended for those who regularly need to tow large trailers or haul heavy loads. When properly equipped, the F-450 can carry nearly 6,200 pounds and tow up to 16,000 pounds. These Super Duty trucks also have several features not otherwise offered in their class, such as a rearview camera system and PowerScope mirrors that fold in and telescope.

 

Overview

Like the regular-duty F-150, Ford's Super Duty F-250 and F-350 are available in an array of configurations for 2010, with three cab styles: regular, SuperCab and Crew Cab as well as two bed lengths. The extra-tough F-450 comes equipped only as a Crew Cab with an 8-foot bed and dual rear wheels.

Three different engines power the range of Super Duty trucks. A 5.4L V8 making 300 hp and 365ft-lb of torque is standard, and for heavier work there is either the 6.8L V10 with 362 hp and 457 ft-lb or the 6.4L Power Stroke turbo diesel V8, which produces 350 hp and a whopping 650 ft-lb. Each engine is available with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission on the F-250 and F-350. The F-450 comes only with the Power Stroke, and 2-wheel-drive models are equipped with a 5-speed automatic, while 4-wheel-drive F-450s utilize a 6-speed manual.

The 6.4L turbo diesel is a new generation engine that uses dual-sequential turbochargers to help improve low-end performance and high-pressure common-rail fuel injection to help reduce emissions; emissions numbers are on par with competing gasoline engines, according to Ford.

With either the diesel or V10, the Super Duty can tow up to 15,000 pounds using a conventional trailer hitch (16,000 pounds on the F-450). The F-350 and F-450 are available with a dual-rear-wheel setup that allows better stability for towing the heaviest trailers, and there's also an available TowCommand system, which includes a unique trailer-braking strategy that works in conjunction with the Super Duty's anti-lock braking system when it detects poor traction. The Super Duty has a fully boxed front frame section, and Ford claims to use the thickest-gauge steel of any pickup in its frame.

The Super Duty models have a more upright appearance compared with the standard-duty F-150, especially at the front. The front end is more squared-off, with an upright grille that borrows some elements of its appearance from big rigs.

All versions of the Super Duty trucks can be specified with 4-wheel drive, and all come in XL, XLT and Lariat trims. XL includes a vinyl front bench seat, air conditioning and AM/FM stereo, while XLT models feature integrated trailer brake control, a 40/20/20 split front seat, 60/40 rear FlexFold rear seat in Crew Cabs, AM/FM/CD stereo with MP4 capability, cruise control and power locks and windows. The luxury-oriented Lariat adds a limited-slip rear differential, front seats with a center console, an overhead console with storage, power driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and fog lamps.

An available rearview camera system, mounted within the rearview mirror, activates when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, using a camera mounted onto the tailgate to help guide drivers in tight-clearance situations. Green lines help guide the driver, marking the width of the vehicle, and they turn red as the truck gets too close to a barrier or object. Another standout feature are the PowerScope power-folding, power-telescoping mirrors, which include a spotter mirror and extend outward an additional 2.75 inches as space permits. Settings for the mirror system are integrated with the seat and pedal-memory system.

There are also several special appearance packages available across the Super Duty line. Among them, the King Ranch brings unique wheels and trim and an interior with Chaparral leather, plus other additional luxury and interior appearance items. The Cabela's package adds unique 2-tone paint, woodgrain accents to the instrument panel, special wheels and captain's chairs stitched with the Cabela's logo. There's also a Harley-Davidson edition that adds a variety of unique styling features inside and out and comes in all-black or in one of two two-tone combinations. Black leather is used throughout the interior, and 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels are standard.

Unique options include the $1,195 Ford Work Solutions in-dash, touch-screen computer that