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Overview
Big pickup trucks aren’t exactly known as breeding grounds for new technology, but Ford is changing that. Last year, Ford took a less-traditional approach when it introduced the new version of the F-Series Super Duty® truck, using a lighter aluminum body and adding a host of new tech features not previously available in this segment. In its second year, the 2018 Super Duty continues to prove Ford's value as America's best-selling brand.
Performance
The 2018 Ford F-Series Super Duty is available in F-250, F-350, and F-450 pickup truck configurations, as well as an F-550 chassis cab for commercial applications. Ford offers both single and dual-rear-wheel versions, depending on the model, as well as two of the most muscular engines in the business.
The standard engine is a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 that produces 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. This engine has flex-fuel capability, meaning it can run on standard gasoline or E85, a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Ford also offers compressed natural gas or propane prep kits as additional alternative-fuel options.
Buyers looking for more pulling power can opt for the 6.7-liter Power Stroke® turbodiesel V8. This monster engine produces 440 hp and 925 lb-ft of torque and is B20 biodiesel-capable. These torque figures for both the gasoline and diesel engines are the best in their respective classes. Both engines are coupled to six-speed automatic transmissions with standard rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive.
When properly equipped, the Super Duty can tow some serious loads. A dual-rear-wheel F-450 SuperCrew 4x4 can tow up to 32,500 pounds with a gooseneck hitch, or 27,500 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch. Maximum conventional towing is 21,000 pounds for dual-rear-wheel models or 18,000 pounds for single-rear-wheel models.
Features
The 2018 Ford F-Series Super Duty is a heavy-duty pickup truck. Ford offers Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew cab configurations with seating for up to six as well as two bed length options. The Super Duty is available in five trim levels starting from $32,890.*
Standard equipment on the base Super Duty XL includes a 40/20/40 split-fold vinyl bench seat, black-painted grille and bumpers, illuminated pickup box, trailer-tow mirrors, Tailgate Assist and quick release, tie-down hooks in the pickup box, manual climate control, and audio system with auxiliary input jack.
The XLT model builds on the XL, incorporating its applicable standard features and adding equipment like Luxury Cloth seats, lockable under-seat storage, SiriusXM® satellite radio, SYNC® Basic infotainment system, cruise control, chrome grille and bumpers, heated exterior mirrors, a lockable power-release tailgate, and more.
The Lariat model adds power-adjustable leather front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Sony® 10-speaker audio system, SYNC® 3 infotainment system, power-adjustable pedals, fog lights, power-adjustable, folding exterior mirrors with LED spot lights, and tailgate step.
The King Ranch model takes the Super Duty in a more luxurious direction with standard features including heated and ventilated front seats, a memory system for the front seats and pedals, navigation, 8.0-inch Productivity Screen, cab steps with illuminated accent, LED pickup box lighting, tailgate remote release, and model-specific interior and exterior trim elements.
The top Super Duty model is the appropriately named Platinum, which includes additional standard features like body-color bumpers, a satin chrome grille, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, and special interior trim.
Design
The 2018 Ford F-Series Super Duty boasts tough exterior styling, but also a more efficient approach to construction. Like the smaller F-150 truck, the Super Duty features an aluminum body to save weight. Ford used weight savings from the body to beef up the frame without increasing the overall weight of the truck. This contributes to the Super Duty’s impressive towing and hauling ratings, and even allows it to tow larger loads with a conventional hitch.
The interior puts an emphasis on functionality. All cabs are borrowed from the F-150, meaning they are longer than the old Super Duty cabs and feature the F-150’s more ergonomic interior layout. Ford also includes an 8.0-inch Productivity Screen that displays vehicle information between the speedometer and tachometer, as well as lockable under-seat storage on SuperCrew models.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2018 Ford F-Series Super Duty includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include a rearview camera, forward-facing camera, CHMSL-mounted camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
Verdict
The 2018 Ford F-Series Super Duty may be the smartest heavy-duty truck around.
For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2018 Ford F-Series Super Duty, contact us online or visit Mills Ford Chrysler at 4100 U.S. 71, Willmar, MN 56201.
*Starting MSRP excludes destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Optional equipment not included. Starting A, Z and X Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan. All Mustang Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R prices exclude gas guzzler tax.
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