The Ford F-150 has been the number one selling truck for many years, and when the cargo becomes heavier or the towing becomes too much for the ½-ton, up steps the F-250 Heavy Duty. For 2015, the F-250 is available in five trim levels that range from the base XL up to the XLT, the Lariat brings in additional features, while the King Ranch has a cowboy luxury look and feel, and the top of the line Platinum just about has it all. There are three cab styles that include the regular cab, the SuberCab, and the full four door Crew Cab. The Lariat is only available in the SuperCab and crew cab, while the King Rand and Platinum are only available in the crew cab. From there, two bed lengths are available, as well as a choice of 2WD or 4WD. Then there are the stand alone options that can be used to change a full-size heavy-duty work truck into a truck with a variable amount of comfort while being equipped with the latest technology in the form of the available SYNC with MyFord Touch infotainment system.
Under the hood of the F-250 Super Duty, the standard engine is a 6.2L EFI V8 that is rated for 385 horsepower and backed by a 6-speed automatic transmission that can be outfitted with a towing package. The F-250 does come with several heavy duty cooling features, as this is still a work truck at heart, and rolls on several different wheel choices. The optional engine for more power is the turbo-charge 6.7L engine that produces 440 horsepower and is also backed by the six speed automatic transmission.
The interior of the F-250 can be as stark as a stripper regular cab work truck that can take a beating out in the mud and crud, or it can be a mid-level work vehicle capable of transporting a work crew of five. It can also step up to the luxury level where there are leather heated seats with power adjustments, deep storage compartments in the center console and door panels, as well as neatly designed hidden storage compartment. The SYNC with MyFord Touch can bring in a wide array of technology applications that include navigation, convenience controls, and several nice choices in audio. The rear seats five passengers, with several trim levels including the 60/40 seats that will not only fold down, but fold up to expose the floor for more cargo storage options.
Getting behind the wheel of the big Ford F-250 is a step up, literally, as the big truck rides high in the saddle. Running boards are a definitely advantage, as it the available tailgate step that not only allows for easier access to the cargo bed area, it is also safer. The view from the cockpit is open, and very user friendly when looking at the surrounding area. It is only when the driver is interested in the very close areas that the big truck shows just how big it is, but this is not a typical grocery getter run the kids to school, although it can. Out on the highway, and empty load has the truck speaking to the conditions of the road, although much better than previous models.
Pricing Notes on the 2015 Ford F-250 SD 4X4 Crew Cab
There is a wide variety of configurations for the F-250, with a base 2WD XL starting near a $33,000 MSRP, with a top of the line Platinum easily having a $55,000 MSRP. The review vehicle came with a base MSRP of $41,965, then added in $5,120 in options, $1,195 in destination charges for a total MSRP of $48,280 in the drive.
For more information on the 2015 Ford F-250, visit your local Ford dealer or online at www.ford.com.