2016 Ford F-450 Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
Changes for the 2016 model year includes a standard rapid-heat supplemental cab heater (for cold-weather states), available rearview camera and prep kit (requires pickup box delete) and four-corner LED warning strobe light kit (for fleet vehicles). Shadow Black replaces Tuxedo Black and Race Red replaces Vermillion Red on the exterior paint palate.
Vehicle Summary
The Ford F-450 Super Duty sits at the top of the automaker's pickup lineup above the F-350 and F-250 Super Duty pickups and the light-duty F-150 pickup.
Overview
Although the F-250 and F-350 are available with a 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine, the Ford F-450 comes only with the 6.7-liter Powerstroke turbodiesel V-8, rated 440 hp at 2,800 rpm and 860 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. The engine is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission with a standard tow/haul mode.
The only body style offered for the Ford F-450 pickup is a Crew Cab with eight-foot box and dual rear wheels. Four-wheel-drive is also standard on the F-450. Five trims are offered including XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. Max payload for the F-450 is 5,300 pounds, and max towing is rated up to 26,500 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch and 31,200 pounds with a gooseneck tow hitch.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes front, front seat side and side curtain airbags, Belt-Minder, child seat tethers, height adjustment seatbelts (outboard seats), and SOS Post Crash Alert System.
What We Think
"However, and despite weighing nearly half a ton more, the F-450 is quicker than the Chevy when working," we said in our 2015 Ford F-450 Super Duty Platinum First Test. "With just over 2,000 pounds in the bed — and with Tow/Haul mode activated — the Chevy needed 9.1 seconds to go from 50 to 70 mph up Arizona's notorious Davis Dam, whereas the Ford needed just 8.6 seconds. Moreover, when hooked up to 10,000-pound fifth-wheel trailers, the Chevy needed 18 seconds to hit 60 mph, compared to 17.1 seconds for the F-450. However, unladed, the Chevy could hit 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, whereas the big Ford needed 8.3.
"Conclusion: If you have a serious need to tow and haul very heavy things and do not care about fuel economy, Ford builds your perfect truck."
Cool Fact
At 263.0 inches long overall, the Ford F-450 is nearly 22 feet long.
Key Competitors
- Ford F-350 Super Duty
- Ram 3500 Heavy Duty
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
- GMC Sierra 3500HD
