You’d expect a truck with Super Duty in its name to be designed for serious towing, hauling and jobsite capability. And that’s the case for the 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty. It’s not the most refined or well-rounded heavy-duty truck, but it sets the bar high when it comes to sheer capability.
Base Price: $52,690
As Tested: $72,005
Horsepower: 405
Mileage: heavy-duty pickups are not rated by the EPA
The F-250 sits between the half-ton F-150 and the more extreme F-350 and F-450 in Ford’s Super Duty lineup. It is aimed at buyers who need heavy towing and payload capacity without fully stepping into commercial-grade trucks.
For 2026, the F-250 gets some updates rather than a full redesign. These include new packages, additional configurations, and expanded availability of towing technology features.
The F-250 comes in five trim levels, with three different cabs, and two bed lengths so you can get the truck you need. The trims range from bare-bones work trucks to fully-loaded luxury trims: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. The cab choices are regular (two door), SuperCab (extended cab with rear-hinged back doors that only open after the front doors are open) and crew cab. The bed lengths are 6.75 feet or 8 feet.
Starting prices range from $45,975 to $78,965. Those prices can climb quickly with packages and options.
Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive is available on all trim options.
One of the F-250’s biggest strengths is its range of powertrains, offering something for budget-conscious buyers and those who need maximum capability.
The engine options are a 6.8-liter V8 that makes 405 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque; a 7.3-liter V8 that produces 430 hp and 485 pound-feet; a 6.7-liter turbocharged Power Stroke Diesel V8 that puts out 475 horses and 1,050 pound-feet, or a stronger version of the diesel engine that cranks out up to 500 hp and 1,200 pound-feet. All engines are paired with a 10-speed TorqShift automatic transmission which is designed to manage heavy loads and provide smoother gear transitions under stress. It has selectable drive modes for varying conditions: Normal, Eco, Slippery Roads, and Tow/Haul.
The diesel engines are the best choice for heavy towing, delivering massive torque for pulling large trailers or RVs. However, for many buyers, the 7.3-liter gas-powered V8 offers a good balance of power and lower upfront cost.
My test vehicle has the 6.8-liter V8. The engine provides plenty of smooth power, and the 10-speed shifts quickly and smoothly without missing a beat. Handling is what you’d expect in a large pickup. The ride is firm but not jarring – you’ll likely notice rough roads but the ride is pretty smooth on city streets and highways. Steering doesn’t have much feedback and there’s some body roll when cornering. Braking can take some effort so it may take you longer than expected to slow or stop the F-250. And, as you’d expect, the truck’s large size can make it challenging to maneuver in busy city traffic and park in tight spaces.
Towing and hauling capabilities are excellent, making the F-250 a top performer in its class. Payload capacity is rated between 3,000 and 4,300 pounds, depending on the powertrain. For towing, the F-250 can handle 14,000 and 23,000 pounds.
Unlike lighter trucks, heavy-duty pickups are not rated by the EPA. Without towing or hauling a load, you can expect to get roughly 8 to 10 mpg city and 12 to 15 mpg highway with the gas engines. The diesel engines will get about 13 to 15 mpg city and 18 to 20 mpg highway. I got 12 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
Ford has upgraded the cabin, and it strikes a good balance between durability and comfort. The cabin is very roomy, especially in crew cab models. I joked that my front passenger was in another zip code from where I was sitting. The front seats are comfortable, even on long drivers. The second-row bench seats are also comfortable and roomy enough for taller adults.
All trims have Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system. The XL and XLT trims come standard with an eight-inch touchscreen, while the upper trims get a 12-inch touchscreen. The SYNC 4 system is user friendly with logically arranged menus, and the system responds quickly to inputs. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on all trims. There are several USB ports in the cabin so everyone can plug in.
Here are the trims of the 2026 F-250:
XL – MSRP $45,975. This is the durable, work-focused trim, primarily for fleets and contractors as well as budget-conscious buyers.
- Remote keyless entry
- Vinyl seating and flooring
- SYNC 4 infotainment system with eight-inch display
- Basic towing hardware
XLT – MSRP 49,175. This is a solid mid-level option for those who want more comfort and safety features without breaking the bank.
- Cloth seating and improved interior materials
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Trailer brake controller
- Added safety features including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
Lariat – MSRP $63,035. This is arguably the sweet spot for pricing and features and works well for those who use the truck for both work and daily driving.
- 12-inch touchscreen
- digital instrument cluster
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Premium B&O audio system
- Wireless device charging
King Ranch – MSRP $78,075. This trim blends luxury with some rugged touches.
- Signature Western-themed leather interior
- Premium leather upholstery
- Unique interior styling
- Enhanced towing features
- Standard 7.3L engine (diesel optional)
Platinum – MSRP $78,965. This is for those who want maximum luxury, comfort and tech.
- Top tier luxury interior
- High-end finishes and tech
- Many advanced driver assistance features
Standard driver assistance technologies include
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot information system
- Lane-keeping assist
- Automatic high-beam headlamps
Avalable driver assistance technologies include
- 360-degree camera system
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
- Intersection Assist
- Trailer reverse guidance
- Pro trailer backup assist
- Pro trailer hitch assist
The good:
Wide range of powertrains, cab configurations and bed lengths
Excellent towing and hauling capabilities
Roomy cabin
User-friendly infotainment system
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Spendy high trims and diesel engines
Poor fuel economy (as expected in a large pickup)
Challenging to maneuver in urban settings
Pricing info:
My 2026 F-250 XL 4X4 Crew Cab test vehicle starts at $52,690. Race Red paint is $395. The XL Off-road Package is $995. The Vehicle Integration System 2.0 is $400. Platform running boards are $445. The hard folding tonneau cover is $1,280. The power sliding rear window is $505. The trailer brake controller is $300. The interior work surface is $140. The 5th Wheel Hitch Prep Package is $750. Roof clearance lights are $150. Front and rear wheel well liners are $325. Front splash guards are $130. LED box lighting is $160. Upfitter switches are $250. 410 amp dual alternator is $215. Payload Package upgrade is $100. Remote start system is $250. Tailgate step is $375. Tough Bed spray-in bedliner is $625. Dual battery is $210. Retractable rear bed step is $390. Retractable bed side step is $780. 360-degree camera package is $1,150. Cloth 40/20/40 seats are $315. On-board scaled & Smart Hitch is $650. Privacy glass is $100. The XL Driver Assist package is $730. The Ford Performance Parts by Warn Super Duty Winch Kit is $4,375. SecuriCode wireless keyless entry is $230. The destination fee is $2,595, bringing the grand total to $72,005.
Bottom line:
The 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty is one of the most powerful and capable heavy-duty trucks and excels at towing, hauling and jobsite work. It comes in a wide array of trims, and with different powertrains and cab configurations so you can get the truck you need. It’s an excellent choice for contractors, RV and trailer owners, and anyone who regularly needs to tow or haul heavy loads. The F-250 isn’t as refined or well-rounded as some rivals for everyday driving, but it will more than do the job as a heavy-duty truck.
