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The next-generation Ford Super Duty combines the finery and technology of the F-150 with the capability and connected services ecosystem that is designed to make life behind the wheel more productive for hundreds of thousands of skilled workers who keep America running.
Super Duty is the most popular commercial truck in America. It is the preferred vehicle for the mining, utility, construction and emergency responder segments of industry, representing an over 50 percent share of the sales.
The Super Duty alone generates more revenue for Ford Motor Company than many Fortune 500 companies do standing on their own, including Southwest Airlines, Marriott International and Nordstrom, according to 2021 reporting figures.
While its looks, power and packaging may not be a surprise to Ford enthusiasts, the model hits the nail on the head for its customer base, a formula that worked for its most recent version of the F-150.
"Ford arguably knows its truck buyers better than anyone in the market, and the next generation F-Series Super Duty proves the brand takes customer feedback to heart and won't be complacent with its trucks," Paul Waatti, manager of Industry Analysis at AutoPacific told Newsweek. "It stays true to an established Super Duty design that's been well-received in the market and tacks on a host of useful and innovative features that truck owners will appreciate."
Looks of the new Super Duty follow that of the modern F-150. It's a strong, sturdy and plus-sized take on that truck inside and out. There's seven grilles to aid cooling and signature C-shaped headlights. The new fascia has the added advantage of increasing the truck's slipperiness through the air.
Buyers can customize their truck with a variety of packages that have their roots in the smaller F-Series offering. There's STX, Sport and Black Appearance Packages that offer a variety of trim, wheel and paint combinations.
Ford F-250 and F-350 4x4 single rear wheel pickups can get 33-inch tires, a raised air dam, water-fording axle vent tubes, skid plates and an electronic locking rear differential as part of the new XL Off-Road Package.
Opting for the Tremor Off-Road Package gives the truck a front-end lift, uniquely tuned suspension, a Dana front axle with limited-slip differential and axle vent tubes, 35-inch Goodyear tires, 18-inch wheels, Trail Control, drive modes and Trail Turn Assist.
The 2023 Super Duty comes standard with a 6.8-liter V8 gas engine that has been refined to deliver more low-end torque, which makes starting on steep grades and merging onto roadways easier.
Three other engines are available: a 7.3-liter V8 that is targeting best-in-class horsepower and torque numbers, a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel that is designed to go longer between oil changes, and a new high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel that has a unique turbo, upgraded exhaust manifolds and unique tuning.
All engines are paired with Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower and torque figures for each of the Super Duty engines has not yet been released.
Four-wheel drive is standard on Super Duty XLT models and above.
Improved upfitting capabilities and the available Pro Power Onboard, an integrated solution that allows the pickup to be used as a mobile generator, are designed to allow the new Super Duty to seamlessly integrate into and enhance existing fleets and give drivers new opportunities for personalization.
Ford says that approximately 96 percent of heavy-duty pickup owners use their trucks to tow. On its new Super Duty, the automaker will offer a host of available technologies to simplify that experience including onboard scales that estimate cargo weight in real time and smart hitch technology that provides guidance on trailer tongue weight distribution on the truck's infotainment touch screen, via the FordPass app and within taillamps.
Camera angles on the Super Duty are improved from a generation ago thanks in large part to a 360-degree system that provides a bird's eye view, which can be combined with an available tailgate view and sensor system that allows for a look at what's in back of the truck when the tailgate is down, and makes docking or hitching a gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailer easier.
Super Duty XL comes standard with an 8-inch infotainment display while other versions of the truck get a 12-inch display. A 12-inch customizable digital instrument cluster, four USB ports (a wireless charging pad is available), a center console tablet holder, Max Recline Seats, and an 8-speaker B&O Sound System (an 18-speaker B&O Unleashed Sound System by Bang & Olufsen is available) round out the list of standard fineries in the cabin.
Ford has installed a 5G modem from Qualcomm Technologies in the Super Duty. It can support up to 10 devices and enhances the abilities of over-the-air (OTA) updates and connected services technologies.
A host of safety and driver assist technology has also made its way to Super Duty including adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centering, Trailer Theft Alert (sends an alert via the FordPass app should anyone attempt to disconnect the trailer when the truck is locked) and Vehicle Security (monitors impact and towing events and sends alerts even when the vehicle is off). Front and rear brake assist work to prevent and mitigate the impact of low-speed collisions.
"Features like an additional rearview camera and sensors on a folded down tailgate, and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist will help remove some stress from often frustrating situations (like reversing with a tailgate down or hooking up a trailer without any help from another person). These are useful updates that will ultimately make truck tasks easier and save time, and for the commercial or small business truck owner that means saving money," said Waatti.
The fifth-generation 2023 Ford Super Duty will be built at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake, Ohio.
Pricing for the model is expected to be announced closer to its early 2023 on-sale date. The 2022 Ford Super Duty F-250 starts at $39,445. A top-tier 2022 F-450 approaches $100,000 before any upfitting or subscriptions are factored in.
About the writer
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull leads the Autos team at Newsweek. She has written extensively about the auto industry for U.S. News & ... Read more