2014 Ford F-450 Super Duty Crew Cab2014 Ford F-450 Super Duty Crew Cab

PREVIEW

While a lot of people continue to drive smaller pickups as a lifestyle statement, it's a pretty safe bet that anyone you spot behind the wheel of a 2014 Ford F-450 Super Duty means business.

That's because this full-size truck is all about getting the job done, whether it's shuttling a pallet-load of concrete blocks to a job site or pulling a supersize fifth-wheel camping trailer. With the ability to tow up to 24,700 pounds when fitted with a fifth-wheel hitch (18,500 pounds with a bumper hitch) and more than two tons of payload capacity, this big boy will haul just about anything most folks are ever likely to want hauled.

Unlike lesser members of Ford's Super Duty truck family, the F-450 is offered in just one body style and one powertrain: a four-door crew cab with an 8-foot bed and a turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel V8 mated to a six-speed automatic and four-wheel drive. On the upside, that means that buyers need only decide which trim level suits their needs, be it a no-nonsense work truck or a gussied-up cowboy cruiser. The selection of available comfort and convenience features is just as broad, ranging from practical items such as lockable storage compartments to nice-to-have extras like heated and ventilated front seats.

While there's no arguing the 2014 F-450's capabilities, it will be worth your time to check out the latest incarnation of the 2014 Ram 3500 pickup. Various revisions this year result in a mind-blowing 30,000-pound max tow capacity, and that's on top of the truck's already superior interior design. Still, although it may no longer lead the heavy-duty pack in terms of sheer numbers, the 2014 Ford F-450 remains a strong contender for anyone with a big job to do.

FEATURES

The 2014 Ford F-450 Super Duty is offered in just one configuration: a four-door crew cab with an 8-foot cargo bed and dual rear wheels, powered by a 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine and four-wheel drive. There are five trim levels available: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum.

Standard equipment on the XL base model includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a black grille and bumpers, roof clearance lights, manual-telescoping trailer-tow mirrors, running boards, air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery and floor coverings, a 40/20/40-split front bench, a 60/40-split-folding rear bench seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a two-speaker AM/FM radio.

Stepping up to the XLT gets you a chrome grille and bumpers; heated outside mirrors; deep-tinted rear privacy glass, keyless entry; cloth upholstery; a carpeted floor, lockable second-row underseat storage with a power outlet; an integrated trailer-brake controller; cruise control; full power accessories; Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity; the Ford Sync voice activation system; and a four-speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary audio input jack and USB interface.

The Lariat trim level adds foglights, power-folding and telescoping tow mirrors, rear parking sensors, chrome tubular step bars, a power rear sliding window with defrost, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats (with power lumbar adjustment), a center console, power-adjustable pedals, wood-grain trim and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Electronic upgrades include a 4.2-inch multifunction screen, the MyFordTouch interface with an 8-inch touchscreen display, upgraded Sync functionality, a rearview camera, a 110-volt household-style power outlet and a nine-speaker premium Sony audio system with satellite radio.

The King Ranch model ups the ante with two-tone paint, a body-color grille with chrome insert, lighted running boards, unique exterior and interior badging, remote start, exclusive leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, driver memory settings and a navigation system.

The top-of-the-line Platinum includes all of the Lariat's goodies, plus additional chrome exterior trim, a tailgate assist step, upgraded leather upholstery, unique wood-tone interior trim and a heated steering wheel.

Some of the upper trim levels' standard features are available on lower trims as options. Other add-ons (depending on trim level) include a stowable bed extender, different axle ratios, a transmission power take-off (for powering such accessories as snow plows), fifth-wheel mounting points (compatible with Reese hitch units), a drop-in or spray-in bedliner, a sunroof and integrated accessory switches.

The available Ford Work Solutions package is offered and adds an in-dash computer that is customizable to suit commercial users and fleets. Other work-related options include snow plow and camper prep packages and the FX4 Off-Road package, which provides all-terrain tires, skid plates, a locking rear differential and Rancho shock absorbers.

INTERIOR

One look at the range of trim levels offered by the 2014 Ford F-450 will erase all notions of heavy-duty pickups being bare-bones workhorses. While the XL base model's no-frills interior matches the stereotype with its vinyl seats, bare floors, hard plastics and sad little two-speaker AM/FM radio, upper trim levels are another story altogether.

Though the F-450's cabin looks less stylish than those found in competitors like the recently updated Ram 3500, the atmosphere in upper trim levels can be quite upscale with quality leather upholstery and attractive simulated-wood trim. In fact, some of the features that come standard in the King Ranch and Platinum models are the stuff of which premium sedans are made.

At its core, however, the F-450 is all about getting the job done, and that explains the thought that went into interior details such as lockable storage bins, conveniently placed outlets for charging cell phones and other electronics, and the available front seat console designed to hold laptop computers and hanging files.

Available technology like Ford's Sync system, which allows the driver to make calls or play music from a compatible smartphone using voice commands, complements these low-tech features by making the hours spent behind the steering wheel more productive and enjoyable. The premium Sync system with MyFord Touch that's standard on the Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum models takes things to the next level with customizable color displays, including a large 8-inch touchscreen in the dash, and added capabilities like the ability to receive and respond to text messages without taking your eyes off the road. Redundant knobs and buttons for the climate control and audio systems make it easy to access these functions even while wearing work gloves.

UNDER THE HOOD

The 2014 Ford F-450 is powered by a turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel V8 engine that produces a robust 400 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of peak torque. The F-450 also features engine exhaust braking to help maintain control on downhill grades while towing.

A six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive are standard. Properly equipped, the F-450 Super Duty can tow up to 18,500 pounds with a conventional trailer hitch. When configured for fifth-wheel towing, this figure increases to 24,700 pounds. Maximum payload capacity is a stout 5,880 pounds.

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2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty Crew Cab

PREVIEW

Up until fairly recently, truck buyers who had rather extreme towing and/or hauling requirements had nothing above the F-350 or its "3500" series rivals to consider. The only option was to make the leap to commercial-grade chassis cab rigs, which would then have to be turned over to an aftermarket outfitter who would supply a custom cargo bed and a reupholstered interior chock full of other amenities favored by RV enthusiasts, racecar haulers or ranchers pulling a 10-stall horse trailer.

Ford saw this niche need and met it with the F-450 Super Duty pickup. Just like other F-Series models, the 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty is available in a wide range of trim levels, including the cowboy-chic King Ranch edition. The downside is that only one configuration is offered: crew cab with a long bed, diesel engine and four-wheel drive.

With its imposing big-rig styling and hefty dimensions, the F-450 can tow up to 24,700 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch. The muscle is supplied by a 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8. It's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that draws favorable comparisons to GM's venerable Allison automatic for its tow/haul shift mode on mountain roads, which is especially helpful for controlling downhill speeds.

Judging solely by the numbers, the 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty is in a class by itself, as it's the only 4500 model available in full cargo-bed dress for the consumer market. However, competitive 3500 models (including the Ford F-350) aren't that far behind in terms of towing capacity. Nor do they apply as big of a hit in the pocketbook as the F-450 does. But if you want the most capable towing rig possible, the F-450's your truck.

FEATURES

The 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty is offered in just one configuration: a crew cab mated to an 8-foot cargo bed, with four-wheel drive and dual rear wheels (DRW or dually). Customers, however, get a choice among the five trim levels also found on the F-250 and F-350 models: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum.

Standard on the base XL are 17-inch alloy wheels, a black grille and bumpers, running boards, roof clearance lights, manual-telescoping trailer-tow mirrors, air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery and floor coverings, a 40/20/40-split front bench, a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a two-speaker AM/FM radio.

Stepping up to the XLT adds a chrome grille and bumpers, heated outside mirrors, cruise control, full power accessories, the Ford Sync voice activation system, keyless entry, an integrated trailer-brake controller, carpeted floor, cloth upholstery, lockable second-row underseat storage with a power point, and a four-speaker sound system with CD player and auxiliary audio jack.

The Lariat trim level features foglights, power telescoping mirrors, rear parking sensors, a power rear sliding window with defrost, a rearview camera, chrome tubular step bars, dual-zone automatic climate control and leather interior upholstery. Additional standard equipment on the Lariat includes a 4.2-inch LCD multifunction screen, MyFord Touch, wood-grain trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-adjustable pedals and an eight-speaker audio system with satellite radio. The front seat also features a center console and 10-way power seats for the driver and passenger.

The King Ranch piles on power-folding and telescoping tow mirrors, two-tone paint, a body-colored grille with chrome insert, lighted running boards, unique exterior and interior badging, remote start, upgraded Chaparral leather upholstery, a navigation system, heated and ventilated seats and driver seat memory.

The top-of-the-line Platinum includes all the Lariat features and adds more chrome exterior trim, 20-inch polished alloy wheels, unique wood-tone interior trim, upgraded leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, driver seat memory and power-adjustable pedals.

Some of the upper trims' features are available on the lower trims as options. Other add-ons (depending on trim level) include a stowable bed extender, a transmission power take-off (for powering accessories like snow plows), fifth-wheel mounting points (compatible with Reese hitch units), a drop-in or spray-in bedliner, a sunroof and integrated accessory switches.

The available Ford Work Solutions package is offered on XL and XLT models and adds an in-dash computer that is customizable to suit commercial users and fleets. Other work-related options include snow plow and camper prep packages and the FX4 Off-Road package that provides skid plates and Rancho-brand shock absorbers.

INTERIOR

The 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty has an industrial-themed interior and it looks a little dated compared to heavy-duty trucks from GM and Ram, especially in the lower trim levels where hard plastics prevail. Opting for the upper trims will provide a more upscale experience, however, with rich leather and added amenities.

Storage and utility options for the Ford F-450 include lockable bins under the front and rear seats. The rear bin can accommodate long items like a hunting rifle and provides a 12-volt power point to charge computers or cell phones. The available front seat console can be configured to accommodate a laptop, hanging files and other mobile-office supplies. It also includes a 110-volt household-style outlet.

A large multifunction display in the instrument cluster that's standard on Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum models allows the driver to customize settings and relays trip computer, fuel economy, towing and off-road information. Platinum models feature a storage area atop the dash that includes two USB ports, audio-video connections, an SD card slot and an additional 12-volt charging port. Another perk of the Platinum trim is MyFord Touch, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen that controls phone, climate control, entertainment and navigation features and also includes an expanded voice control vocabulary. This version of MyFord Touch also includes large physical buttons for the climate and audio controls that allow operation by those wearing work gloves.

UNDER THE HOOD

A turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel V8 is the only engine available in the F-450 pickup. It packs a healthy 400 horsepower, with 800 pound-feet of peak torque. The F-450 also features engine exhaust braking to help maintain control on downhill grades while towing.

A six-speed automatic and four-wheel drive are standard. Properly equipped, the F-450 Super Duty can tow up to 17,500 pounds with a conventional trailer setup. When configured for fifth-wheel towing, this figure increases to a class-leading 24,700 pounds. Maximum payload capacity is also impressive, rating a stout 5,880 pounds.

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