2010 Ford Super Duty

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

Reviewers say that buyers shouldn't have any problems with the performance of the Ford Super Duty trucks, so long as they in mind that the trucks are built to be heavy-duty towers and haulers -- not zippy sports cars. 

• "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.'" -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Refined ride and handling, smooth-shifting automatic transmission, available trailer brake controller." -- Edmunds
• "If you're not accustomed to driving full-size pickups you may find yourself trapped in a strip mall feeling unable to escape. Otherwise you'll find the Super Duty has no obvious drawbacks in maneuverability for such a behemoth, and the cut-down front windows, mirrors, and clear bodywork edges give good indications of presence relative to surroundings." -- Autobytel

Acceleration and Power

Given the size of the F-250, F-350 and F-450, you might expect acceleration to be a weak point of the Super Duty.  However, while reviewers say you won't win any drag races in your Super Duty, you'll have more than enough power to use it to tow your dragster to the strip.

The F-250 is available with a 5.4 liter V8 that makes 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque; a 6.8 liter v10 that makes 362 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque; and a 6.4 liter  Power Stroke diesel that makes 350 horsepower and a whopping 600 pound feet of torque. The same engines are available on the F-350 (though the F-350 Harley Davidson edition comes only with the Power Stroke Diesel).  The 6.4 liter diesel is the only engine available on the F-450.  A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a five-speed Torqshift automatic is optional.

The EPA does not rate the fuel economy of heavy duty trucks, but you can expect all incarnations of the Ford Super duty to be thirsty.

• "The standard 5.4-liter V8 is the cost leader, and it's a good choice if you don't plan on towing anything more than 5,000 pounds over relatively rolling countryside." -- Autobytel
• "Like all modern diesels, the F-250 meets strict government regulations that dramatically limit sooty exhaust, so you won't see black smoke coming from its tailpipe." -- Cars.com
• "Lag is, not surprisingly, noticeable when trying to get 7,000 lbs of truck to take off, but the sequential setup of the turbos makes it quicker than you'd expect. One turbo gets you moving, then the other one helps the truck pull aggressively and confidently until you either wimp out or the physics of pushing this giant brick through the air take over." -- Jalopnik
• "The transmission is strong, set for smooth shifts rather than direct, hard shifts. It works best when feeding throttle in gradually, where the engine responds the torque converter stays locked and road speed accumulates gradually." -- Motor Trend

Handling and Braking

Though drivers should never forget that no matter the trim of the Super Duty, these are big, ponderous trucks, reviewers say that the Super Duty can be an admirable highway cruiser, and handles well enough for its size and weight.

• "Steering a bit numb on-center, but responsive enough. Decent overall handling given their size. Hard stops swift and undramatic even on slick roads." -- Consumer Guide
• "Refined ride and handling" -- Edmunds
• "Our sense is that the empty F-250 probably rides a little better than an empty Tundra. Even with nothing in the bed, the ride is far from punishing." -- Motor Trend
• "The word handling isn't ascribed to heavy-duty pickups as much as control is, and the Super Duty feels comfortable even with heavy loads." -- Autobytel
• "With suburbs come interstate highways and the F-350 performs well as a highway cruiser if your definition of "well" includes being able to see over everything but buses and suck diesel fuel with a typically Texan disregard for moderation." -- Jalopnik

Towing and Hauling

As can be expected in a large, powerful group of trucks, the Ford Super Duty has little trouble pulling and hauling heavy loads. Reviewers particularly appreciate features like trailer brake control that allow for more controlled towing.

• "Tows and hauls so easily it makes light-duty trucks look like Tonka toys" -- Car and Driver
• "For the most part, the F-250 handled this load like it wasn't there. Clearly, there was plenty of power. " -- Motor Trend
• "The Super Duty series boasts the highest payload and tow ratings for non-commercial trucks. A properly equipped F-250 can carry 3,200 pounds and tow more than 16,000 pounds. The F-350 goes up to 5,700 and 18,400 pounds, respectively. The F-450 can carry three tons of payload and has a maximum tow rating of 24,500 pounds (with a fifth wheel)." -- Cars.com
• "Those who might carry a full load of tools or cement and tow a trailer but not drive a lot of miles should consider the stronger V10. For maximum towing or high-mileage service, the diesel can't be beat, and neither can its price tag, around $7000." -- Autobytel