2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Upping the grunt factor over its immensely popular F-150 full-size pickup line, Ford once again offers the three-quarter-ton F-250 Super...

Upping the grunt factor over its immensely popular F-150 full-size pickup line, Ford once again offers the three-quarter-ton F-250 Super Duty workhorse for 2016. Taking a cue from its bestselling F-150 cousin, the 2016 Super Duty stable is slated to offer the lighter-weight (and, thus, more fuel-efficient) aluminum body panels, as well as the high-strength steel chassis that keeps its smaller kinfolk atop the best-seller list. Furthermore, besides the upgraded body and frame materials, the 2016 F-250 Super Duty is also expected to sport a few minor tweaks to standard and optional equipment offerings.

The F-250 is expected to return with 5 trim levels: the base XL and up-featured XLT, the well-wrought Lariat, the western-themed King Ranch, and the downright plush Platinum. This up-sized brute also returns in 3 cab configurations: a 3-passenger Regular Cab, 5- or 6-passenger, 4-door Super Cab, and the roomy 5- or 6-passenger 4-door Crew Cab. Additionally, look for the 6.7-inch standard bed and the 8.2-foot long-bed to also remain available in each trim level.

Furthermore, each 2016 F-250 Super Duty iteration will still be offered with either standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), or with an available part-time 4-wheel drivetrain (4WD) equipped with a 2-speed transfer case, auto-locking hubs, and a locking rear differential.

Also returning in the 2016 F-250 Super Duty lineup is the standard 6.2-liter Flex Fuel V8 powerplant and the 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Expect 385 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, providing enough oomph to tow 12,500 pounds of trailer with the proper equipment. Once again, this hefty V8 returns with the available conversion kit that allows it to run on compressed natural gas (CNG), and an auxiliary transmission cooling system.

A potent 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8, furthermore, also remains available for each 2016 F-250 Super Duty trim level. Look for 440 hp and an astonishing 860 lb-ft of torque from this V8 oil-burner, managed by the same 6-speed shiftable automatic. Towing capacity is slated to total 14,000 pounds with the standard tow hitch and wiring combo, while the available gooseneck or fifth-wheel setup improves this rating to 16,600 pounds. However, because of their hefty dimensions, neither the gasoline-burning F-250 Super Duty, nor the turbodiesel version has been rated for fuel efficiency by the EPA.

Because folks now expect their pickup to provide good looks as well as muscle, depending on the trim level, the 2016 F-250 Super Duty stable offers such standard amenities as 17-, 18-, or even 20-inch steel or alloy wheels, side-steps, heated power-adjustable mirrors, a power-sliding rear window, and a power sunroof.

Inside, and again depending on the trim level selected, look for next year’s F-250 Super Duty lineup to offer such standards as vinyl, cloth, or leather upholstery, full power accessories, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, memory for driver settings, cruise control, and telescoping tilt-wheel steering. Dual-zone climate control is also standard in higher trim levels, as are added perks like power-adjustable pedals, rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera. Additionally, the King Ranch and the Platinum levels boast further standard amenities, including remote engine start, a remote garage door opener, and simulated wood cabin accents.

Techno-goodies, meanwhile, are expected to include a CD player with up to 9 premium speakers in the higher trim levels, along with standard Bluetooth-integrated SYNC infotainment in all but the base XL variations. Look for GPS navigation with real-time traffic to return standard in both the King Ranch and the Platinum trim levels for the upcoming model year.

As for options, the 2016 F-250 Super Duty is slated to remain eligible for other add-ons including multiple rear-axle variations and a heavy-duty front suspension, as well as a heavy-duty alternator, spray-in bedliner, integrated accessory switches, Ford’s Work Solution package, and a power sunroof. Of course, various exterior and interior improvements are also slated to return, as is the popular FX4 Off-Road package boasting an electronic locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, descent control, skid plates, and Rancho shock absorbers.

It should be noted that as of now, any upgrades to the above standard and available bling are a closely guarded secret.

Finally, look for standard safety equipment in all trim levels to once again include 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags and head airbags, and, in Super Cab and Crew Cab editions, rear head airbags. A post-collision safety system is also scheduled to return in all iterations of this big pickup, as is Ford’s touted MyKey programmable speed and audio governing system. Furthermore, the XLT and higher trim levels add on a standard remote antitheft alarm, SYNC emergency telematics, and an integrated trailer brake controller. The King Ranch and Platinum trim levels also boast standard front fog/driving lights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors. Both a perimeter antitheft alarm and back-up chimes are among the optional safety offerings slated to return for 2016.

Among the very few owner complaints heard regarding this jumbo-sized Ford, is that the middle front seatback, when occupied, doesn’t adjust from its indisputably uncomfortable straight up-and-down position. Otherwise, owner satisfaction remains traditionally high as folks needing a full-size beast of burden can look for the 2016 F-250 Super Duty, with its new aluminum panels and beefed-up chassis, to go on sale in the late summer of 2015.