Used 2021 Ford F250 Super Duty Super Cab

The 2021 Ford Super Duty truck range takes over where the F-150 leaves off. The ubiquitous Ford F-150 is a half-ton truck. The F-Series Super Duty encompasses the F-250 to the F-450, three-quarter and one-ton trucks for the more serious jobs. In essence, these are mobile tools, which is why they’re often found at work sites across the United States.

They can handle tough towing demands, carry massive payloads, and/or negotiate untamed terrain. Heavy-duty competitors from Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan, and Ram offer impressive towing ability, but the Ford Super Duty is the champ, able to pull a maximum of 37,000 pounds when equipped appropriately.

Undoubtedly strong, the Super Duty uses a lot of aluminum in its construction, making it relatively light as well. It allowed Ford to reinforce the frame, axles, and brakes. And the gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) can include more of the things the truck is meant to transport and less of the truck itself. On top of all that, the 2021 Super Duty offers an array of plush cabins.

The base gasoline-powered 6.2-liter V8 is the budget-minded choice and comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It’s certainly a muscular drivetrain, able to propel the 2021 Super Duty at a decent rate. Passing moves on the highway are easy enough, and acceleration is relatively swift. It’s a good deal for the money. Beyond this setup, however, are significant increases in power, greater capability, and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The newest engine (which debuted last year) is a 430-horsepower 7.3-liter gasoline V8. Power is easily accessible, and response is excellent. It also has that unmistakable growl of a great American V8.

Those seeking the awesome force of the turbodiesel V8 will have to spend more for it, but there’s incredible capability and impressive range in return. It has the greatest ability to get things moving, thanks to a remarkable 1,050 lb-ft of torque, the attribute that enables a maximum towing capacity of 37,000 pounds. In the F-250, this engine delivers the best-in-class diesel-powered payload of 2,940 pounds. When it’s in the F-350 with a dual-rear-wheel (dually) setup, maximum payload is 7,030 pounds.

However, for the ultimate payload capacity, check out the regular-cab F-350 dually with the 6.2-liter gasoline engine, which can take 7,850 pounds. Most of the F-Series Super Duty range will pull between 15,000 to 18,000 pounds (still respectable numbers) when using conventional towing methods.

Big trucks like these are normally set up to ride better when there’s a load involved, but the Ford Super Duty is also civilized while unladen. At work or play, the suspension is wonderfully compliant. We also like the optional Adaptive Steering, as it helps reduce effort during low-speed maneuvering.

Despite the Super Duty’s rugged construction, ensuring the truck’s ability to perform hard work, the F-250 and F-350 are quite civilized on the road. Significant updates to the 6.7-liter turbodiesel’s engine allow easier access to power at lower rpm. Other engine improvements over the years, as well as the 10-speed automatic transmission, make the Super Duty more efficient, with better response from standstill, more power overall, and greater efficiency, meaning a longer range on a single tank of fuel.

Among the assistance features are Pro Trailer Backup Assist with a self-steering function and Trailer Reverse Guidance showing the trailer’s angle and direction, then makes steering suggestions. Both setups work with gooseneck adapters and fifth wheels. There’s also the Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System that employs no less than seven cameras.

There’s an undeniable confidence when towing with the F-250 and F-350. Shifts are smooth, the steering is nicely weighted, and braking is linear and predictable. Additions like hill-hold assist and optional adaptive steering make the process even more stress-free. The engine brake allows the driver to preserve the truck’s disc brakes. Put it in Auto mode, and it’ll use engine braking to keep the truck at a set speed on steep descents.

All three 2021 Ford Super Duty cabs (regular, SuperCab and crew) are roomy and built for comfort, with plenty of luxury in the upper trims. For example, heated, cooled, and massaging front seats with 10-way power adjustment are available.

The cowboy-themed King Ranch, Platinum, and the top-of-the-line Limited versions coddle occupants in swaths of leather while supplying all the power-operated equipment anyone could want.

Although not as glitzy as rival systems, Sync 3 is a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. It’s standard in XLT models and above. Wi-Fi, with connections for up to 10 devices, comes as standard even in the base XL. And the Super Duty also offers USB Type-C ports. This truck can be a workhorse and a mobile office at the same time.

Not only does the 2021 Super Duty come across like it can tow a monument, it looks monumental itself. As if it was created by an architect instead of a truck designer. A modernist architect at that — if the right-angled shapes, sharply cut grille, headlights, and flared fenders are any indication.

Exterior details include a tailgate step, LED lighting, power-retractable running boards, storable loading ramps, and a remote-operated power-locking tailgate.

The F-450 has a wider front track than the rest of the Super Duty range, complementing its standard-issue dual-rear-wheel setup.

New colors for 2021 are Antimatter Blue, Carbonized Gray, and Lithium Gray.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE TECHNOLOGY
Seven electronic eyes assist with everything from connecting a trailer to revealing objects outside the driver’s line of sight. Numerous camera lenses show a 360-degree view around the Super Duty, as well as a forward view of 180 degrees; blind-spot monitors even take the trailer into account. The tire pressure monitoring system keeps tabs on the trailer as well as the truck, which is cool. Trailer backup assistance is available, making maneuvering with a gooseneck, fifth-wheel, or conventional trailer much easier.

TREMOR OFF-ROAD PACKAGE
Consider this a Ram Power Wagon-type alternative. It brings a lifted suspension (by two inches), specialist shock absorbers and springs, 35-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires, limited-slip differential on the front axle, locking rear differential, and Trail Control. Its combination of impressive approach and departure angles, impressive fording depth (33 inches), and a rock-crawl driving mode help create the most off-road-capable Super Duty. There’s also the option to add a Warn winch. Unlike the Power Wagon, the Tremor package is available with gasoline or diesel power, as well as a choice of trim levels.

The entry-level 2021 Super Duty F-250 XL is the version that owners won’t mind getting dirty, since it has things like manually extending mirrors, 17-inch steel wheels, and vinyl flooring/upholstery. It still brings the right equipment for its target buyer, though, such as an integrated trailer-brake controller, trailer-sway control, 7-pin/4-pin connector, trailer hitch receiver, cargo bed lighting, and a damped tailgate. Equally welcome but perhaps a little more surprising is the inclusion of Wi-Fi, remote start/lock/unlock, and automatic high beams.

Safety is addressed in all 2021 Super Duty models by AdvanceTrac with roll-stability control and six airbags.

For 2021, Super Duty buyers have the option of a more powerful gasoline V8 as well as the diesel engine. Once that decision has been made, get a fresh pot of coffee and check out the rest of the extras, because it’s going to take some time.

A Ford Super Duty can be purely functional or crazily fabulous. On the functional side, there are options for snowplow attachments, the Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, fifth-wheel/gooseneck packages, heavy-duty alternator, heavy-duty front suspension, spray-in bed liner, power takeoff (PTO) to run pumps/compressors, etc., and a 110-volt outlet. Then there’s the Tremor off-roading package mentioned above.

Higher up the trim levels come leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a twin-panel moonroof, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. Many items that are standard in the upper trims are optional at the lower end.

As mentioned in the What’s New section, a retractable bed step is optional for every trim level up to and including the Platinum model. And the lowest XL trim with a dual rear wheel arrangement is also eligible for heated, extendable (manually) side mirrors with a heated convex spotter mirror as part of that version’s Power Equipment group.

The base engine is a perfectly adequate 6.2-liter gasoline V8, using regular gasoline and producing 385 horsepower along with 430 lb-ft of torque. It’s linked to a heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission.

A 7.3-liter V8 also runs on regular gasoline, developing 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbocharged diesel V8 cranks out a mighty 1,050 lb-ft of torque and connects to a 10-speed automatic. This engine requires diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to maintain acceptable emissions.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the default configuration. Some variants have 4-wheel drive (4WD) as standard, but otherwise, it’s optional.

Trucks of this size are not rated for fuel economy by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

6.2-liter V8
385 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm
430 lb-ft of torque @ 3,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

7.3-liter V8
430 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
475 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

6.7-liter turbocharged diesel V8
450 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm
1,050 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A