Used 2008 Ford F250 Super Duty Regular Cab

In a year in which the big news – both literally and figuratively – was presumably focused on Toyota’s launch of its new Tundra, Ford arguably trumps Toyota’s thunder with its debut of an all-new Super Duty. Constituting some 40 percent of Ford’s F-Series sales, the Super Duty is intended to secure the most profitable segment of the pickup market. Ford stakes its claim to "best in class" with improved platforms, upgraded drivetrains and dramatically enhanced capability, particularly with the availability of the new F-450.

In most recent redesigns much is made of a "stiffer structure." Ford’s design team complies, with higher-strength front-end structures, fully-boxed front frame rails, thick C-channel frame rails and crossmembers secured by, according to Ford, a "method that optimizes frame capability." The end result, enjoyed over some two hundred miles of south Texas roadway, is a truck offering the maximum in capability while still providing a full measure of comfort and control. This is a big truck but, from steering, to braking, to ride motion – enhanced by lengthened rear leaf springs – to interior quiet, the Super Duty impresses as one highly refined tool, and not merely a "truck."

With the debut of the current F-Series, Ford established a benchmark for pickup interiors. In the new Super Duty the benchmark is moved upward in available choices, functionality and appointment. The XL interior provides feet-on-the-dash utility, XLT and Lariat trim levels give the customer more expressive design and the King Ranch package coddles you in highly refined Chaparral leather. All trims benefit from new materials, surfaces and accents. Lariat and King Ranch owners will enjoy dual-zone climate control. All audio systems are MP3-capable, so download your Toby Keith collection.

A walk-around with Ford’s head of truck design, Pat Schiavone, begins with the grille. The Super Duty’s corporate three-bar opening is flanked by expansive vertical inlets and topped by "SUPER DUTY" in big capital letters. The expansive grille is for more than simply show – it fronts a confluence of cooling capability for engine, transmission and the intercooler that serves the diesel’s two sequential turbochargers. Better cooling means, of course, bigger towing. Beyond the imposing edifice are new fender-mounted vents, available telescoping mirrors and optional 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. When compared to the previous Super Duty, the grille and hood blister provide the main visual differentiation.

King Ranch Trim
In an era of $70,000 Cadillac Escalades, a $50,000 pickup shouldn’t be cause for alarm. A King Ranch-equipped Super Duty, however, will raise eyebrows not with its window sticker but, rather, its level of refined "tough" luxury. Constituting both interior (Chaparral leather) and exterior (PowerScope mirrors) upgrades, the King Ranch enhances over-the-road comfort with material, workmanship and appointment upgrades, adding immeasurably to the Super Duty’s attractiveness. And, unlike some luxury pickups, there’s no intention of appealing – overtly – to the Country Club set; this remains a work truck and not a work-in-progress.

Power Stroke Diesel
With its 6.0-liter predecessor, the clattering came from both under the hood and consumer websites. But now Ford has created a diesel offering more power (350 horsepower) and torque (650 pound-feet), along with a cleaner burn, quieter operation and better throttle response (via dual sequential turbos). Add a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for peace of mind and you’ve got a segment-leading package.

We’ll start at the front, where Ford has located a front step bumper – under-the-hood checks are made easier when the step-stool is built-in and not something you need to carry with you. In back Ford includes a hitch receiver – matched to each model’s capabilities – on every Super Duty, along with seven-pin and four-pin connectors. Given the importance of towing capability to the Super Duty mission, the receiver is a standard feature any owner can appreciate.

As noted, the Super Duty order form provides a wealth of choices for virtually any commercial or recreational use. Those intending to tow with their Super Duty trucks will appreciate Ford’s factory-installed TowCommand System. The system fully integrates the trailer brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS), TorqShift automatic trans and tow/haul mode into one safe, capable towing platform. Functional enhancements include a foldable bed extender, which improves load utility when in place and stays out of the way when not needed. Accessing the bed is made easier – and safer – by the why-didn’t-they-think-of-this-before tailgate step option. And for those venturing off into the Great Unknown, an optional navigation system should get you there and – hopefully – back again.

Ford offers three engine choices for work, play or any combination of the two. Base powerplant is a 5.4-liter Triton V8 offering 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more from the gasoline side of the Ford family, the 6.8-liter Triton V10 should satisfy, putting 362-horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque under your right foot. Finally, there’s the aforementioned 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel, infusing the Super Duty with both "tow" and "go."

5.4-liter V8
300 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
365 pound-feet of torque @ 3750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

6.8-liter V10
362 horsepower @ 4750 rpm
457 pound-feet of torque @ 3250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

6.4-liter V8 Turbo Diesel
350 horsepower @ 3000 rpm
650 pound-feet of torque @ 2000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA