Used 2020 Ford F350 Super Duty Super Cab

There are half-ton pickup trucks, like the ubiquitous Ford F-150. And there are three-quarter and one-ton trucks for the more serious jobs. The 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty range picks up where the F-150 leaves off, from the F-250 to the F-450. These are in essence mobile tools, which is why they’re often found at work sites across the United States.

They can handle tough towing demands, 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 2020 Super Duty offers an array of plush cabins.

The diesel engine has the greatest ability to get moving, thanks to its remarkable 1,050 lb-ft of torque. And it’s this attribute that enables the maximum towing capacity of 37,000 pounds. Most of the Super Duty range will pull between 15,000 to 18,000 pounds (still respectable numbers) when using conventional towing methods.

Even so, the other engines in the range, the base 6.2 gasoline V8 included, are still gutsy and able to propel the 2020 Super Duty at a decent rate. Passing other vehicles on the highway is easy enough and acceleration is relatively swift.

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, assuring 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, as well as the introduction of a new 10-speed automatic transmission, make the Super Duty more efficient. The end result is better response from a stop, more power overall, and more efficiency, meaning you can go further on a single tank of fuel.

The newest engine in the lineup, a 430-horsepower 7.3-liter gasoline V8, slots into the engine lineup – in terms of horsepower, torque, and price — between the 6.2-liter gas and 6.7-liter diesel. The 7.3-liter’s power is free-flowing and response is excellent. It also offers the throaty sound of a good ol’ American V8. If you want the quick, hotrod-like response of a gas V8, Ford has you covered. If you are wowed by the awesome force of the turbodiesel, you’ll spend more for it, but the awesome capability and impressive range will win you over.

The 6.2-liter is a budget-minded Super Duty option, and only comes with the 6-speed automatic transmission. While it’s certainly a powerful engine and a good deal for the money, you can get a significant power increase, more capability, and a 10-speed automatic if you so choose.

When towing with the F-250 and F-350, there is an undeniable feeling of confidence. Shifts are smooth, steering is nicely weighted, and braking is linear and predictable. Niceties like hill-hold assist and optional adaptive steering make towing stress-free. The engine brake allows you 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 while you descend a grade.

All three 2020 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 offering all the power-operated equipment anyone could want.

While not as glitzy as systems offered by the competition, Sync 3 is a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay. It is 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 now offers USB Type-C ports. This truck can be a workhorse and a mobile office at the same time.

Not only does the 2020 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.

DRIVER-ASSIST TECH
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. Also cool is how the tire-pressure monitoring keeps tabs on the trailer as well as the truck. Trailer backup assist is now available on the Super Duty, making maneuvering a gooseneck, fifth-wheel or conventional trailer much easier.

TREMOR OFF-ROAD PACKAGE
Consider this a Ram Power Wagon-type alternative. It offers a lifted suspension, unique shocks and springs, 35-inch tires and Trail Control. Its combination of impressive approach and departure angles, excellent fording depth, and a rock-crawl drive mode make this by far the most off-road-capable Super Duty available. Unlike the Power Wagon, it’s available with a gasoline or diesel engine, as well four trim levels.

The entry-level 2020 Super Duty F-250 XL is the version that owners won’t mind getting dirty, since it has things like manually telescoping mirrors, 17-inch steel wheels, and vinyl flooring/upholstery. It still offers the right equipment for its target buyer, though, such as an integrated trailer-brake controller, trailer-sway control, 7/4 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 2020 Super Duty models with AdvanceTrac with roll-stability control and six airbags.

For 2020, Super Duty buyers now 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 bedliner, power takeoff (PTO) to run pumps/compressors, etc., and a 110-volt outlet. Then there’s the new Tremor off-roading package mentioned above.

Higher up the trim levels come leather upholstery, heated rear seats, 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.

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

The new-for-2020 7.3-liter V8 also runs on regular gasoline, developing 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. It’s 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 – up 125 from the previous-gen engine — and also connects to a 10-speed automatic. This engine requires DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) 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