2021 Ford F-450

History/Overview

The Ford F-450 arrived almost a decade back when the automaker decided that it needed a pickup that would eclipse every other pickup for towing and payload capacity. Intended for owners with large RVs, horse trailers, and the like, it was at first only offered in luxury trim levels and with a crew cab. Now, recognizing that there are other buyers who need the capability without the fancy, you can buy lower-trim trucks and even two regular cab options.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

Ford upgraded the Super Duty series last year, so changes this year are limited to small trim and colour differences.

Available Trims

Regular cab F-450 is offered in XL or XLT, while crew cabs are offered in XL and XLT, plus Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. The only engine is a 6.7L diesel V8 matched with a 10-speed automatic.

Standard Features

XL comes with 19.5-inch polished aluminum 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 1cruise 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 adds more luxury features including remote engine start, wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, lane keeping alert, navigation, upgraded leather seating with an antique-finish appearance, heated rear seats, LED fog lights, LED headlights, two-tone paint, and a remote tailgate release.

Platinum gains adaptive cruise control, upgraded multicontour leather seating, power running boards, and chrome tow hooks.

Limited adds a suede headliner, twin-panel moonroof, adaptive steering, and extra switches for more aftermarket 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-450 doesn't have direct competition, though top-tow spec versions of the Ram 3500, Chevrolet Silverado HD 3500 and GMC Sierra HD 3500 come close. It's closet competitors might be from the lower end of the commercial truck market, Class 5 or 6 trucks like the International CV series, Freightliner M2, and other similarly-sized rigs that offer a much less luxurious experience.