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Tesla’s Wild Ride Continues2023 Ford F-250: More, more, MORE!
What do our experts think of the 2023 Ford F-250? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2023 Ford F-250?
The 2023 Ford F-250 kicks off the all-new fifth-generation of the Blue Oval’s Super Duty lineup with a tagline that should read “More, More, More!” More power from a new 6.8L V8 and a new high-output variant of the 6.7 PowerStroke V8 that makes a whopping 1,200 lb-ft of torque.
More trailering with a 23,000-pound max capacity. And more technology like 5G connectivity and a Tailgate Down camera angle. The 2022 F-250 that we review here was a beast, but this 2023 model is an absolute monster that continues the relentless game of more everything in the heavy-duty pickup truck segment.
2023 Ford F-250 – media.ford.com | Shop 2023 Ford F-250 on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Bonkers power output
That Tremor package
Slick towing tech
Good luck in parking lots
What’s fuel efficiency?
Needs to be Raptorized
A street-legal monster truck
2023 Ford Specs
- 400 horsepower from base engine
- 445 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 6 3/4 or 8-foot cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Rear-cross traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring available at higher trims
- Generator integrated into cargo bed
- Pro Trailer Hitch Assist lines up hitch for you
- 100,000 miles of diesel powertrain coverage
2023 Ford F-250 Powertrain
A new 6.8L V8 powers the entry-level 2023 Ford F-250 XL with 400 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque. From XLT trim up to the Platinum model, a 7.3L V8, putting out 430 horses and 485 torques is on hand. A potent 6.7L turbodiesel V8 from the PowerStroke series with 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque is available. And new for 2023 is a high-output version of the PowerStroke rated for a thundering 500 horsepower and 1,200 torques.
That last engine, the most powerful ever fitted to a Super Duty, is standard on the Limited or optional across the lineup for nearly $13,000. In this comparison of the prior Super Duty to the Ram equivalent, the Ram’s biggest motor was rated for 1,050 lb-ft of torque, which is an outrageous figure. And yet, the 2023 Ford F-250 is even more so.
All engines pair with a 10-speed automatic that spins the rear wheels or all four with 4WD standard on all models except the XL. The suspension consists of twin I-beam axles up front with coil springs and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. As for cabs, the F-250 comes in regular, extended, and crew cab configurations. Notable specs include a max length of 22 feet and 33 inches of water fording ability with the lifted Tremor package.
Towing & Payload
The base 2023 Ford F-250 can tow 14,800 pounds. Not enough? In 4WD crew cab setup, that figure hits 23,000 with a gooseneck connection, which happens to best the latest Chevy 2500 by 450 pounds. You could spend a lifetime deciphering the multitude of towing packages and systems that Ford offers for the Super Duty, but highlights include a 4,268-lb payload capacity, standard trailer sway control and brake controller, plus options for semi-autonomous tech like Pro Trailer Backup and Hitch Assist.
2023 Ford F-250 Fuel Economy & MPG
The EPA doesn’t bother testing heavy-duty pickups, which is a shame as the results would surely be eye-popping – in a bad way. Fortunately, gas tanks are offered in size 29-, 34-, or 49-gallon so you’ll go quite a distance between fill-ups.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
If your F-250 is mainly for workday duty, the regular cab – available in XL or XLT trim – with two doors and a 3-position bench seat should work. SuperCab models sprout two rear half-doors and a 3-passenger rear bench. But for hauling all the cargo AND people, a four-door crew cab that brings 44 inches of backseat legroom is where it’s at.
Upholstery ranges from vinyl and cloth to quilted two-tone leather with heated and ventilated cushions. Every 2023 F-250 has power accessories and air-conditioning but from the Lariat on up, standard fare includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-sliding rear window, heated rear seats, and power-adjustable pedals.
A Max Recline feature enables the driver’s seat to lay completely flat for those times when you need a quick nap. And a deployable flat work surface within the center console is designed to make working on a laptop, signing documents, or just eating lunch that much easier.
Out back, the cargo box comes in 6 ¾- or 8-foot lengths with the option for an integrated scale and “Smart Hitch”. These systems will estimate cargo weight in real-time and show trailer weight distribution on the infotainment screen. With LED bed lighting and side mirror spotlights, setting up the cargo bed at night is a breeze.
Entertainment & Technology
Wireless smartphone mirroring is standard across the 2023 Ford F-250 lineup, but you’ll need at least a Lariat model for the 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12-inch digital gauge cluster. A 5G Wi-Fi hotspot is also standard, but again the Lariat shows its value by including a wireless charging pad, connected navigation, and an 8-speaker stereo from Bang & Olufsen.
If you plan to install aftermarket gear like an exterior light bar, a set of pre-wired upfitter switches on the overhead console can be optioned as can a head-up display, surround-view monitor, and 2.0-kW generator in the cargo bed. For audiophiles, Bang & Olufsen also supplies an 18-speaker “Unleashed” system with 1000 watts of juice and a subwoofer.
Safety Features
The 2023 F-250 has not yet been tested by the NHTSA, but the agency awarded the 2022 model a 4- or 5-star overall crash rating depending on configuration. Unlike the rest of its lineup, Ford does not include any standard advanced safety systems on the F-250.
Forward collision mitigation requires at least an XLT with the Lariat adding rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage. Adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system, and driver alertness monitor are included with the King Ranch and above, but Ford’s semi-autonomous Blue Cruise tech is not available on any model.
2023 Ford F-250 Trims & Pricing
XL – $45,865
As the base model, the F-250 XL keeps things simple with vinyl upholstery, steel wheels, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple and Android integration are on hand as is a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, but most everything else requires a package.
XLT -$52,000
XLTs are dressed up with 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior accents, and fog lamps. A power-adjustable driver’s seat, FCM, and automatic high beams are also part of the deal. From here on up, the 7.3L V8 and 4WD are standard equipment.
Lariat – $63,305
Lariat models and above have a fully digital gauge cluster, 12-inch touchscreen, remote tailgate release, LED headlights, climatized front seats, connected navigation, and so much more. Tick the Tremor box for 35-inch all-terrain tires, a jacked-up suspension with off-road-tuned components, skid plates galore, and special low-speed driving modes.
King Ranch – $77,870
The King Ranch F-250 has a two-tone exterior paint job and King Ranch logos inside, outside, and on the wheel center caps. Exclusive, and unoriginally named, Kingsville leather is draped across the cabin to impressive effect in two tones of brown. Other highlights include power running boards, an integrated cargo bed scale, and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist.
Platinum – $78,760
In Platinum spec, the 2023 F-250 sports full exterior LED lighting, satin aluminum accents, and polished 20-inch rims. The exclusive Platinum Black Onyx leather with Carmelo inserts makes this work truck ready for black-tie affairs that can be powered and entertained by the Pro Power Onboard Generator and thundering 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo.
Limited – $97,990
For nearly 100 large, Limited models come with the stonking PowerStroke diesel ready to tear out tree stumps thanks to 1,200 lb-ft of twist. The panoramic moonroof, suede headliner, and quilted Admiral Blue leather seats ensure you look good in the process.
Warranties
Ford’s warranty is nothing special with basic coverage for three years or 36,000 miles and a 5-year/60,000-mile term on the powertrain that extends to 100,000 miles for diesel-powered F-250s. Unlike Toyota, there is no complimentary maintenance.
What we think
2023 Ford F-250 – ford.com | Shop 2023 Ford F-250 on Carsforsale.com
For those that regularly fill up their pickup bed with cargo and haul giant trailers, the 2023 Ford F-250 is the perfect vehicle. For those who don’t, the latest F-250 is wholly unnecessary and totally drool-worthy. I mean, what’s not to like about a 22-foot-long, 7,000-pound pickup with 500 horsepower and 1,200 coiled-up torques? Not to mention tech galore and top-shelf luxury appointments?
Lariat is where it’s at with loads of standard systems. And if you’ve got an extra $4,500, adding the Tremor package is encouraged. However, be sure to check out the latest new vehicle incentives first as the 2023 F-250 is no cheap date!
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