2021 Ford F-250

History/Overview

Since branching out on its own from the light-duty trucks in 1998, the Super Duty badge has applied to the Ford F-250, F-350, and some even higher-capacity trucks. This guide talks about the F-250, which is sort of the first step above a conventional "half-ton" pickup, offering a significantly more heavy-duty platform with not just higher payloads and tow ratings, but a completely different design meant for more serious daily workloads. In short, if you're doing heavy work every day, this is your first step, and the current model is now four years into its fourth generation.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

2020 included upgrades to gas and diesel engines as well as the gearbox, so changes for 2021 are limited to some small items like exterior and interior colour changes. Adaptive steering has been added to the Co-Pilot360 driver assistance suite.

Available Trims

The F-250 is offered for 2021 in six total trims. XL is offered in all three cab configurations, as is XLT. Lariat comes in SuperCab and Crew Cab, while King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited are Crew Cab only. Regular cab models get an eight-foot box while all others can have that or a 6-3/4' box. Engine choices include a 6.2L V8 with a six-speed automatic, a 7.3L gas V8 with a 10-speed auto, or a 6.7L Powerstroke diesel with 10-speed auto.

Standard Features

XL comes with 17-inch painted steel wheels, air conditioning, vinyl floors, a 2.3” driver info display, tilt-and-telescopic steering, a four-speaker stereo, and tire pressure monitoring.

XLT adds 18-inch wheels, cruise control, carpeted floors, a 4.2-inch driver info display, a 110-v power outlet, more stereo speakers (the number depends on the cab), Sync 3 infotainment, satellite radio, power-adjustable/heated side mirrors, dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry.

XLT driver assistance features include blind spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and forward collision warning with automatic braking.

Lariat trim adds power-adjustable pedals, an 8.0-inch driver info display, an additional 110-v power outlet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-trimmed steering wheel, backup sensors, under-seat storage, a B&O stereo, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, chrome tubular running boards, leather seating, body-colour door handles, LED box lighting, and a power-sliding rear window.

King Ranch piles on the features with remote engine start, wireless smartphone charging, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, lane keeping alert, navigation, upgraded leather seating, heated rear seats, LED fog lights, LED headlights, two-tone paint, and a remote tailgate release.

Platinum gains adaptive cruise control, 20-inch wheels, upgraded leather seating, power running boards, and chrome tow hooks.

Limited is standard with the diesel engine, a suede headliner, adaptive steering, and extra switches for more gear.

Key Options

Towing and plow prep packages are available on all trims along with various appearance packages. XLT and up offer enhanced trailering with Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera and Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

Fuel economy

If you build trucks this big you aren't required to provide fuel economy estimates, so, like the rest of the market, Ford does not.

Competition

The F-250 competes with the similarly sized and capable Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD 2500 models as well as the Ram 2500.