2018 Ford F-350

The Ford F-350 was all-new for 2017, with a new boxed steel frame and a lighter aluminum body. That means that there aren't any big changes to the truck for 2018. But that certainly doesn't mean that it's lagging behind. The F-350 is still the newest truck in the one-tonne class.

Compared with the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 3500 twins and the Ram 3500, the F-350 is the newest of the heavy duty trucks. That means a more modern interior with a better layout. It also means some newer engine and transmission options. The F-350 rides more harshly than the competition, but that's the tradeoff for massive towing capacities. After all, this is a truck that's meant to do work. And while it's still a very comfortable truck, heavy loads need stiff suspension.

The big change for 2018 is Ford adding a new Limited trim. Like all of the big pickups, you can get bare bones rubber floors, or you can get a model that's as well trimmed as any luxury car. The Limited sits firmly on the luxury side. The new top trim adds a unique grille, LED headlights, special wood trim, and even the dashboard and armrests are leather. It makes towing comfortable as well as easy.

The F-350 is available in regular, extended SuperCab and crew cab. 6.75-foot and 8.0-foot box lengths are available. There are two engines on option, a 6.2L gas V8 that makes 385 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque and a 6.7L turbodiesel V8 that gets a 10 hp and 10 lb-ft boost for 2018 to 450 hp and a massive 935 lb-ft of torque. Both come with a six-speed automatic, although the diesel uses a heavier-duty version. Single rear axle and dual rear axle models are avaialble. For maximum towing and hauling as well as trailer stability, take the dual rear wheel option.

F-350 starts with base XL trim. That has the gas V8, and 17-inch wheels. The base truck sacrifices interior comfort for durability, so it has vinyl seats and floors. Cloth seats are optional. There is an AM/FM radio, a CD player is optional. It does have tilt/telescoping steering, but the locks, mirrors and windows are manually operated. Power adjustment of the mirrors, locks, and windows is optional.

XLT adds an improved infotainment system with Sync voice recognition, satellite radio, and a 4.2-inch screen. The seats are cloth with manual adjustment. Windows, mirrors and locks are power adjusted, and cruise control is standard. An XLT driver assistance package adds adaptive steering, automatic high beams, lane-keeping alert and a leather-wrapped wheel.

Lariat trim features 10-way power adjustable leather seats. It also has a 10-speaker Sony audio system with an 8.0-inch screen and dual-zone climate control. Parking sensors are included and power-adjust pedals are standard. A Value package adds heated and cooled front seats and LED box lighting as well as power-extending tow mirrors. Lariat Ultimate adds ambient lighting, the XLT driver assistance features, push-button start, navigation, and the features of the Value package.

King Ranch adds more luxury features like unique King Ranch leather seats. They're heated in the front and - on crew cab - in the rear. It gets a special grille and unique paint as well as other trim inside and out. A King Ranch Ultimate package adds blind-spot alerts that cover the truck and trailer, a massive twin-panel moonroof, and power step rails.

Platinum adds blind spot alerts with trailer coverage, massage seats with Platinum leather, illuminated door sill plates, eucalyptus wood trim, body-colour bumpers, power step rails, and a satin grille. An Ultimate package adds radar cruise control with automated emergency braking, a twin-panel moonroof, and a trailer tow camera system.

The F-350 offers a best in class payload rating, with a maximum of 3,468 kg. That's enough to put another F-350 in the bed. It can tow up to 14,545 kg when properly equipped.