2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty vs 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty was a robust and imposing vehicle, taking the muscular design of the F-150 to a more substantial level. Its heavy-duty appearance was not just for aesthetics; it was built to endure tough conditions with features like long bed lengths for enhanced cargo capacity and a tall ride height for improved ground clearance. The truck's massive grilles, durable bumpers, and resilient bodywork were designed to withstand daily wear and tear. Inside, the cabin varied from basic and utilitarian in the lower trims to luxurious in the higher trims, with options for leather upholstery and upscale finishes that could rival luxury vehicles.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty Limited was a blend of luxury and utility, often described as the Lincoln of pickups. It featured a striking Iconic Silver paint, chrome grille, and polished wheels, exuding a stately yet purposeful presence. The interior was lavish, with plush leather seats, a high-end audio system, and a spacious cabin that could comfortably accommodate five people. The F-350 offered a range of trims, from the work-focused XL to the luxury-oriented Limited, each providing varying levels of comfort and functionality. The Limited trim, in particular, included premium features like a panoramic sunroof, real wood and aluminum trim, and a powerful turbodiesel V8 engine.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three powertrains, starting with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful 7.3-liter V8 was available, delivering 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The most robust option was the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, which generated 475 hp and an impressive 1,050 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The F-250 came standard with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive was available. The truck's maximum payload capacity reached 4,060 pounds, and towing capacity exceeded 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck setup. The Tremor models offered enhanced off-road capabilities with lift kits and beefy tires.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, equipped with the 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8, delivered remarkable power with 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. During testing, the truck averaged 15.4 mpg on a standard loop and improved to 16.5 mpg with heavy highway use. The diesel engine provided effortless power, making it suitable for towing and hauling heavy loads. The Tremor off-road package enhanced the F-350's capabilities with features like a front suspension lift, custom dampers, and 35-inch all-terrain tires. The truck's adaptive steering, standard on the Limited trim, offered improved handling, although it required some adjustment for urban driving. The F-350's brakes were robust, and the engine-braking system proved useful for mountain driving.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty, despite its utilitarian focus, offered a range of creature comforts. The standard 40/20/40 folding bench setup in the front provided comfort and convenience, while Crew Cab and Super Cab models offered generous rear seating. However, the truck's size made it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, and its tall ride height could be cumbersome for entry and exit. The F-250 featured a clever tailgate design with optional steps and a handle for easier bed access.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty crew cab provided ample space for five passengers, with power-adjustable front seats that were heated and ventilated. The Limited trim offered a commanding driving position and extensive storage options, including a large center console and dual glove compartments. Rear-seat comfort was impressive, with heated outboard seats and under-seat storage. The truck's high ride height made bed access challenging, but the integrated tailgate step and BoxLink system facilitated cargo management.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured the Sync 3 infotainment system, known for its intuitive interface and ease of use. The base XL trim had a non-touch display, while higher trims offered a larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The truck was available with various tech options, including a WiFi hotspot, upgraded seats, and adjustable upfitter switches.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty Limited came with an 8-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 system, which was starting to show its age compared to competitors. Despite this, it included features like smartphone integration, wireless charging, navigation, and a B&O premium sound system. The screen size was a drawback for parking and trailer assistance technologies, but the system was generally user-friendly. The F-350 also offered a Live Drive Power Take-off system and upfitter switches for additional equipment.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a range of safety features, though many were optional or reserved for higher trims. Available features included a trailer tow package with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. As a commercial vehicle, the F-250 was not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, weighing around 7,300 pounds, likely provided good protection in collisions with smaller vehicles. It offered driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The adaptive cruise control system was sometimes uneven in traffic, and the lane-keep assist was subtle. The blind-spot monitoring system required careful mirror adjustment for optimal visibility.