Home Market & Buyer's Guides Ford F-450 – Is This The Most Capable Truck You Can Buy?

Ford F-450 – Is This The Most Capable Truck You Can Buy?

by Kelvin Yates

One of the biggest, most powerful trucks (besides the F650 super truck) in the USA is the Ford F-450 Super Duty, which sits right at the top of the manufacturer’s Super Duty lineup. Since the 1999 model year, the Ford Motor Company has been building a line of heavy-duty pickup trucks under the name Ford Super Duty (F-Series Super Duty).

The Ford F-Series range, which includes the F-250 to the F-550, is expanded by the Super Duty trucks, which are positioned above the consumer-oriented Ford F-150. Super Duty trucks include pickup trucks and chassis-cab vehicles. These have been designed as a specialized variety of the Ford F-Series, as opposed to modifying lighter-duty trucks for heavier use.

The Ford F-450 is the largest pickup truck available to purchase in North America. Super Duty trucks are currently surpassing their fourth generation with the fifth generation just around the corner. These trucks employ a different chassis from the F-150 with a heavy-duty frame and chassis components. This enables them to tow and haul heavier loads. Read on to understand all about the Ford F-450.

Ford F450

Ford F-450 – First Generation PHN131 (1999 – 2004)

The Ford F-Series Super Duty went into production in early 1998 for the 1999 model. The lineup included the F-250 pickup truck, F-350 pickup truck, and chassis cab as well as the F-450 and F-550 chassis cab trucks.

Ford created the F-450 and F-550 Super Duty versions to fill the space between the pickup line and the significantly bigger medium-duty F-650/F-750. With a GVWR range of 17,950 to 19,500 lb, these models push the Super Duty into the Class 5 truck market. Both models, which were only offered as a chassis cab, had two back wheels.

Although primarily designed for fleet purchasers, Super Duty pickup buyers could configure the F-450 and F-550 models in XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels.  The sole gasoline engine offered was the 6.8 L V10 while the diesel option was a 7.3 L Power Stroke.

Ford F-450 – First Generation Facelift PHN131 (2005 – 2007)

The 7.3L Power Stroke diesel powertrain was replaced by a 6.0 L Power Stroke engine in 2003 (just be wary of the 6.0 PowerStroke years to avoid). Compared to the rest of the Super Duty range, the F-450 and F-550 received more external modifications in 2005, including an enlarged front bumper and front fenders.

Ford F-450 – Second Generation P356 (2008 – 2010)

The second-generation Super Duty was slated to make its debut in 2007 but was delayed to 2008 due to quality concerns. In place of the 6.0 L PowerStroke single-turbo diesel V8, it had a brand-new 6.4 L PowerStroke diesel V8 with piezo fuel injectors and sequential turbos. Regardless, it performs well when you compare it to Ford’s other truck engine, PowerBoost vs PowerStroke.

The F-450 from 2008 to 2010 was offered with a regular production pickup bed, while it was previously only available as a chassis cab. This generation came with a few noteworthy unique features. It has two axle ratios that are available: 4.30 and 4.88:1.

The maximum payload capacity of the F-450 was 6,120 lbs and the maximum towing capacity was 24,500lbs. The standard GCWR climbed from 26,000 to 33,000 lb when equipped with the optional “High Capacity Trailer Tow Package”.

Ford F-450 – Third Generation P473 (2011 – 2016)

A new, larger front fascia is part of a considerable cosmetic makeover for the Super Duty range. To more effectively compete with the new Silverado HD and Ram HD, its engines were also upgraded. Ford claimed that the 2011 model has the thickest gauge steel frame of any truck in their class because the frame is the same design as the 1999 frame.

Ford F-450

The F-450 was now able to 24,400 pounds and carry up to 4,920 pounds. The crew cab with a dual-rear-wheel, 8-foot bed was the sole configuration of the F-450 pickup truck that was offered. The 6.7 L Powerstroke turbodiesel V8 paired with a six-speed TorqShift automatic transmission was the only available powertrain setup.

Although it was no longer an option for the standard Super Duty models, the 6.8-liter V10 was still available with the F-450 and F-550 chassis cabs.

Ford F-450 – Fourth Generation P558 (2017 – 2019)

Ford unveiled the 2017 Ford Super Duty range on September 24, 2015. This was the first completely new Super Duty range since its debut in 1998. The body, like the modern F-150, was composed of 6000 series aluminum alloy, which was marketed as a high-strength military-grade aluminum alloy. The frame was made of 95% high-strength steel.

Ford achieved 700 pounds of weight savings by switching to a body made primarily of aluminum like the F-150. The F-450 line’s powertrain range for 2017 production is the same as that of its 2016 predecessor: a 6.8L V10, with a 6.7L diesel V8 being offered as an option in all models.

With the inclusion of the new Limited trim, which initially debuted on the 2013 Ford F-150, the 2018 F-450 became the first pickup truck to reach the $100,000 mark straight out of the factory.

Ford F-450 – Fourth Generation Facelift P558 (2020 – 2022)

The 2020 facelift offered a sole power source which was a 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel V8 with 475 horsepower and an astonishing 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission are standard, but a four-wheel drive was an option.

The Limited trim of the 2020 Super Duty came with improved interior materials, new wheel options, and updated grille and tailgate designs.

For 2022, the new Sync 4 infotainment system and an eye-catching 12-inch touchscreen were added to the higher-trimmed F-450 trucks. It featured over-the-air upgrades, an enhanced voice activation system that could recognize natural speech, and gave the cabin a modern, tech-forward aesthetic.

Ford F-450 – Fifth Generation (2023-)

The new F-series Super Duty, the company’s heavy-duty pickup truck is entirely redesigned for 2023. In order to compete effectively in the fiercely competitive truck industry, the new Super Duty receives major upgrades. These include completely new exterior and interior designs, new technology, and new powertrain options.

Ford claims that the 2023 Super Duty is now prepared to produce the most engine output, as well as the highest payload and towing capabilities, of any big-muscle HD pickup. We will further discuss the features and specs of the latest and greatest 2023 F-450 further down the line.

2023 Ford F-450

For the 2023 model year, Ford completely overhauls its heavy-duty pickup truck, giving it a fresh new appearance in addition to reinvigorated engines. The exterior of the new Super Duty follows the design language of Ford’s smaller F-150 and Maverick pickup truck. This incorporates the company’s distinctive “C-clamp” lighting. Also, the Super Duty uses real side vents, not fake ones that are currently trending.

A new digital instrument cluster, a revamped dashboard, and an infotainment screen up to 12.0 inches may all be found inside the cabin. In addition, instead of only being available on the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited variants, four-wheel drive is now standard on the XLT and Lariat models. The base XL continues to come standard with rear-wheel drive.

F450 Specs

Other noteworthy additions in the 2023 Ford Super Duty lineup include a 2.0-kW Pro Power Onboard option. On Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited versions, a tailgate-down camera, and a tailgate-down reverse park aid will be available in the spring.

The XL trim’s 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard, but pricier trims feature a 12.0-inch screen instead. There is also a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster that is configurable.

The truck includes a 5G integrated modem and FordPass Connect as standard equipment to enable up to 10 devices to connect to Wi-Fi for Internet access on the job site. The use of a Vehicle Security Package and Ford Pro Telematics for fleet management are both made possible by the same modem, along with over-the-air software updates.

Every model includes a stereo system tuned by Bang & Olufsen. A 640-watt, eight-speaker setup is standard while a 1080-watt, 18-speaker system is an option.

Ford F-450

F450 Engine

Every 2022 Ford F-450 truck model featured a powerful diesel engine, although this model lacks the variety of powertrains available in the one-ton F-350 trucks. A turbo helped the 6.7L diesel V8’s max outputs of 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft.

A 10-speed automatic transmission is included with it. Although the four-wheel powertrain is an option for all models, the standard power distribution is to the rear wheels.

For 2023, the same 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque are still produced by the 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel. However, Ford is releasing a high-output variant this time, similar to how Ram handles its own Cummins engine. 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque are produced by the High Output 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine.

Along with upgraded exhaust manifolds, special tuning, and a new turbocharger, the Power Stroke engine also gets a new, unique tuning.

This engine is now in a class of its own among the competitors for full-size trucks with GVWRs of 8,500 pounds and higher. The top-of-the-line 10-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment on all 2023 Ford Super Duty trucks. The previous 6-speed transmission has been retired.

F450 Towing Capacity

The 2022 F-450 could pull up to 37,000 lbs when equipped with a gooseneck hitch. This is significantly higher compared to a typical towing limit of 24,200 lbs. These are excellent stats, but the 2022 Ram 3500 had a maximum towing capacity of 37,100 lbs, which is somewhat higher.

However, the 2023 F-450 Super Duty can tow a trailer (make sure you also take into account how to adjust trailer brakes) weighing up to 40,000 pounds or haul up to 8000 pounds of cargo, depending on its configuration.

Speaking about towing, the 2023 Ford Super Duty is marketed as having the best towing in a number of sectors. Of course, its maximum towing capacity of 40,000 pounds is the most important statistic.

It’s a crazy figure in and of itself, but it does need some nuance. If you purchase the F-450 Regular Cab with the 6.7-liter High Output Power Stroke diesel engine and Max Haul Package, you can tow that amount of weight. As always, the configuration of the vehicle, the load, the number of passengers, and the accessories all affect the actual towing capacity.

F450 GVWR

How about the towing numbers? Again, the 2023 Ford F-450 asserts that it has the highest towing capacity there with a 30,000 lbs Class III/14K GVWR. This figure is for the F-450 Crew Cab powered by the 6.7L High Output turbodiesel engine.

F450 Payload

Each of the Big Three truck-makers strives to crush their rivals with increasingly greater numbers every couple of years. That goes beyond the horsepower and torque numbers for the 2023 Ford Super Duty series.

Larger capacities, both in terms of weight and towing, are also a result of the constant need to perform more and more. In the proper configuration, an F-450 DRW can haul up to 8,000 pounds in the bed.

F-450 Interior

Inside the Super Duty, style and utility coexist in perfect harmony thanks to the slick dash design and useful layout. Even the most basic Super Duty interiors are comfortable spaces with simple controls and materials that can get dirty.

The updated interior in the 2023 model is an upgrade over the 2022 model. But buyers interested in the lowest XL trim should still be ready for a sparsely furnished interior. But as you move up the trim levels, more comfort and luxury options become available.

Ford has designed front seats that can recline to almost a flat position. This is so that drivers can comfortably relax while halted overnight on long-distance travels. The Lariat trim level, which adds leather-trimmed upholstery and upmarket features like ambient lighting, heated and cooled front seats, and wireless charging, is where things start to look good.

Invest in the deluxe King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited to gain access to things no rival offers (such as massaging seats) and experience kingly comfort. However, even the swankiest model’s interiors can be made to look cheap by a few chintzy details.

On models with bucket seats, a large center console bin highlights the Super Duty’s numerous nooks and adaptable trays. With a lockable box under the back seat, the crew cab goes beyond standard storage.

F450 Price

The 2023 Ford F-450 Super Duty is available in six trim levels. These are XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and the top-of-the-line Limited. While the other trims are only offered as crew cabs, the XL and XLT trims are available in both regular and crew cab variants.

Ford F-450

Dual rear-wheel axles and an 8.2-foot bed are standard in both configurations. All Super Duty trucks come with a variety of aftermarket/upgradation options, of course. The following is the pricing of each trim of the brand-new 2023 Ford F-450.

  • XL – $58,455
  • XLT – $65,695
  • Lariat – $78,665
  • King Ranch – $91,090
  • Platinum – $92,535
  • Limited – $103,030

The selection for the 2023 Super Duty uses the same trim level system as the previous generation. The midlevel Lariat offers commendable creature comforts—such as LED lighting, power front seats, a 360-degree camera package, and a B&O audio system—at a more affordable price point than the more expensive King Ranch and Platinum trims, so we’re inclined to suggest it.

The F-450 King Ranch, which is only available as a crew cab, gives the F-450 a Western flair. It comes with unique exterior and interior ornamentation and unusual leather upholstery. The F-450 Platinum trim further adds luxury features including LED headlights and foglights. It further gets built-in tailgate steps, adaptive cruise control, and heated rear seats.

The top-end F-450 Limited, which only comes with 4WD, also has some major upgrades over the lower trims. These include features such as adaptive steering, a distinctive grille design, massaging front seats, and two-tone leather upholstery.

F450 MPG

It’s worth noting that the EPA doesn’t evaluate vehicles as heavy as the Super Duty and its enormous rivals. So, we will have to wait till fuel economy data comes out on the new 2023 F-450 from Ford. However, there are always the fuel economy figures for the 2022 model.

Your F-450’s gas mileage may not be that fantastic, depending on the model. The Lariat gets around 10.7 MPG, while the F-450 crew cab XL gets about 11.5 MPG. The F-450 King Ranch gets about 9.6 MPG.

Depending on how you drive, how much payload you have in the rear, and how much weight you are towing at the moment, your mileage may vary. Whether you frequently travel through mountainous areas or mainly stick to flatlands

Ford F350 Vs F450

The Ford F-350 and F-450 are both heavy-duty trucks. But the F-450 will allow you to haul the largest trailer. However, the added features come at a higher cost. You might notice two differences right away.

The F-450’s cargo is significantly heavier than the F-350’s, to start. Second, for improved turning, the F-450 features a broader front end. These two differences can appear minor, but while carrying a high burden, they become significant variations.

The way governments view the F-450 and the F-350 is one of the key differences between the two chassis. Most F-450 models are categorized as a vehicle of the commercial class. The weight capacity and other variables contributed to the rating.

Due to its slightly smaller chassis and lesser weight, the F-350 is classified as a personal-use vehicle. Depending on how the two vehicles are classified, it might cost you or save you money.

Additionally, the F-350 features a superior, tighter chassis that prevents it from wandering while you are driving. The F-450 has a somewhat looser model and is very capable of wading.

The F-450 has a similar ride quality to the F-350. That puts the two on par in terms of riding enjoyment. But a good turning radius does not result from the ride experience. The turning radius of the F-350 is worse compared to the F-450.

Additionally, even though the axles on both trucks may be the same in name only, they are not. The axle on the F-450 is thicker and has more splines. Finally, getting your new F-450 can take longer than getting an F-350.

Ford F-450: Final Conclusion

Towing heavy loads is obviously the Ford F-450 pickup truck’s main focus. It could actually be configured to serve as a family vehicle as well, especially with the roomy Crew Cab. However, doing so quickly raises the price beyond the means of blue-collar people and into the realm of the top 1% of the income scale.

The XL base model with the Regular Cab is actually the one that can raise the most weight. However, we recommend getting the Lariat trim that includes a host of luxury features. These include leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone climate control, and an 8.0-inch display in the gauge cluster in addition to the new 12.0-inch Sync 4 touchscreen as standard equipment.

Ford claims that its Super Duty trucks are the company’s financial pillars. Even so, they face fierce competition from the recently upgraded Chevrolet Silverado HD. The GMC Sierra HD will receive an update soon that takes a more opulent and upmarket approach to heavy-duty pickups. Additionally, Ram HD trucks have the most luxurious interiors and the highest ride quality in their class.

Ford F-450’s upgrades and improvements will probably be enough to maintain it on top despite the fierce competition. This is not just because it’s the newest competitor but also because of the ingenious combination of features, design, and heavy-duty capabilities it offers.

FAQs On Ford F-450

What Is The Biggest Truck Ford Makes

The largest Ford pickup truck ever produced is the F-750. The Ford F-750 is a brand-new vehicle that can be customized with modular bodies tailored to particular occupations. The F-750 sometimes adopts the layout of a flatbed, dump truck, or other commercial vehicles.

How Much Does A Ford F450 Weigh

The weight of the F-450 varies based on the configuration you select. The F-450 Super Duty trucks have a weight range of 7,712 to 8,587 pounds unladen. For F-450 Chassis Cab versions, the curb weight ranges from 6,956 pounds to 8,222 pounds.

Is F450 A 1 Ton

No, although there are several heavy-duty models on the market, only the F-450 is a 1.5-ton truck that people can purchase as a standard pickup. Similarly-capable trucks are available from GM and Ram. However, they are exclusively chassis cab-style trucks intended for commercial use.

How Much Can A F450 Haul

The F-450 Super Duty can tow a trailer weighing up to 40,000 pounds or haul up to 8000 pounds of cargo, depending on its configuration.

Is Ford American Made

Ford Motor Company, also known simply as Ford, is a global American automaker with headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. Henry Ford founded it, and the company was incorporated on June 16, 1903.

Where Is Ford Made

In addition to the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, India, the United Kingdom, and Germany, Ford has production facilities all around the world. Ford also has a cooperative agreement with the Russian automaker GAZ.

How Many Cars Does Ford Sell A Year

The Ford Motor Company sold over 1.7 million cars to distributors and dealers across the country in 2021. A total of around 14.9 million cars and light trucks were sold in the United States in 2021.

What Brands Does Ford Own

The Ford Motor Company owns three automotive brands which are Ford, Lincoln, and Troller.. Henry Ford established the well-known automaker Ford in 1903.

How Much Does A Ford F150 Cost

The base pricing of the 2023 Ford F-150 is one of the lowest in its class at $33,695. The starting prices for some other popular trims are $41,800 for the XLT, $57,480 for the Lariat, $64,695 for the Platinum, and $76,775 for the Raptor.

Does GM Own Ford

No, Ford and GM are both market leaders and fierce rivals in the world of automobiles. The name-brand Ford itself is the biggest brand for Ford, whereas Chevrolet is the biggest brand for GM.

Image Notes:

  • Ford-F-450.jpg sourced from https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/products/trucks/super-duty/2023-f-series-super-duty.html
  • Ford-F-450-1.jpg sourced from https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/products/trucks/super-duty/2023-f-series-super-duty.html
  • Ford-F-450-2.jpg sourced from https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/products/trucks/super-duty/2023-f-series-super-duty.html
  • Ford-F-450-3.jpg sourced from https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/products/trucks/super-duty/2023-f-series-super-duty.html

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