2021 Ford F-450 Super Duty Review

　　

2021 Ford F-450 Super Duty Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　While Ford's F-150 pickup is among the eternally best-selling vehicles in America, the 2021 Ford F-450 Super Duty represents the pinnacle of the automaker's truck ambitions. This full-size truck is purpose-built for moving the heaviest stuff possible from a truck you can still park in your (very wide) driveway.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Ford F-450 Super Duty XL 2dr Regular Cab DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for F-450 Super Duty XL

　　F-450 Super Duty XL

　　XL 2dr Regular Cab DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $50,410 MSRPXL 2dr Regular Cab 4WD DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $53,720 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $54,825 MSRPXL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $57,590 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $56,270 MSRPXLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $59,590 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $60,610 MSRPXLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $63,365 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $67,265 MSRPLariat 4dr Crew Cab 4WD DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) (Most Popular) - $70,030 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr Crew Cab DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $75,810 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr Crew Cab 4WD DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $78,575 MSRPPlatinum 4dr Crew Cab DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $80,045 MSRPPlatinum 4dr Crew Cab 4WD DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $82,810 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD DRW (6.7L 8cyl Turbodiesel 10A) - $91,125 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　Central to these feats of strength is the F-450's turbodiesel V8 engine. With 1,050 lb-ft of torque, there's not much in the realm of weekend recreation that it can't pull. It also makes the F-450 an ideal pickup for the lighter hauling jobs of the heaviest commercial and construction work.

　　For 2021, the F-450 carries over with only a few minor feature changes, and its fundamental strength remains the same: This truck can handle some weight. Sure, it boasts a massive 37,000-pound maximum tow rating, but the F-450 is more than just a hearty mule. Wildly checking off the options list can produce a truck with sophisticated features and luxuries, such as massaging seats and a leather-wrapped dashboard. The F-450 also comes with an impressive list of tech features, including driver assistance features such as trailering blind-spot warning and semi-automated steering that eases the stress of backing up a trailer.

　　You'll likely end up paying more for the F-450 than other heavy-duty trucks such as the F-350 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and Ram 3500HD. But it will be worth it if you need all of that maximum capability that the F-450 provides.

　　

Which F-450 Super Duty does zzdcar recommend?

If you need to tow things that move earth or make office buildings, you can probably get by with the F-450's XL and XLT workhorse trims. But if long trips with big boats, horse trailers or fifth-wheels are more your style, consider the extra luxuries of the Lariat and Platinum trims. We think the XLT hits the sweet spot. It's available with either a regular or crew cab, offers maximum towing and hauling capabilities, and covers the essentials with Sync 3 infotainment, Co-Pilot360 safety systems, and a handful of options such as heated seats and step bars.

　　

2021 Ford F-450 Super Duty models

The 2021 Ford F-450 Super Duty is a full-size heavy-duty pickup available in six trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited.

　　XL and XLT trims are available in regular-cab and crew-cab configurations, while the other trims are only available as crew cabs. Either configuration comes with an 8.2-foot bed and dual rear-wheel axle.

　　The only engine is a turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel V8 that makes 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, and four-wheel drive is optional.

　　XL

　　The base workhorse of the lineup, the XL comes with:

　　19.5-inch alloy wheels with commercial tires Limited-slip rear differential Automatic headlights Air conditioning Vinyl seat coverings Vinyl flooring Manual windows and door locksThe handful of tech and driver assistance features include:

　　Rearview camera Bluetooth Wi-Fi hotspot (can accommodate up to 10 devices) 4.2-inch central display USB input Four-speaker audio systemXLT

　　Gains a few extra features, such as:

　　Chrome exterior trim Power-adjustable, heated side mirrors Keyless entry Power windows and door/tailgate locks Cloth upholstery Carpeted floorsFord's Sync 3 infotainment system comes standard and bundles:

　　8-inch touchscreen display Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Satellite radio Two USB inputs Five-speaker audio systemThe XLT also comes with the Co-Pilot360 package of driver assistance features, which add:

　　Automatic high beams Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time) Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front)Lariat

　　Picks up where the XLT leaves off with:

　　Chrome step bar Foglights Power-folding and extending side mirrors Power-sliding rear window Auto-dimming rearview mirror Dual-zone automatic climate control Power-adjustable pedals Power-adjustable front seats Leather seating Leather-wrapped steering wheel 10-speaker premium B&O audio system Rear parking sensorsKing Ranch

　　Offered as a crew cab only, the King Range adds Western styling flair to the F-450 with special exterior and interior trim and unique leather upholstery. It also has:

　　Power-remote tailgate release Remote engine start Push-button start Automatic wipers Ambient cabin lighting Memory functions (driver's seat, pedals, steering wheel) Heated and ventilated seats Power-adjustable, heated steering wheel Navigation system Wireless device charging pad Camera-based trailer towing aids Trailer reverse assist The Platinum trims adds:

　　Satin aluminum grille LED headlights and foglights Built-in tailgate steps Adaptive cruise control Power-deploying side steps Premium leather upholstery Heated rear seats Finally, the top-trim Limited comes exclusively with four-wheel drive and includes:

　　Unique grille design Massaging front seats Two-tone leather upholstery Leather-wrapped dashboard and armrests Faux suede headliner Dual-panel sunroof Adaptive steering Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Ford offers a handful of option packages for each trim. Typically, these make desirable standard features from a higher trim level available on the preceding trim level. Other optional highlights include:

　　FX4 Off-Road (all 4WD trims)

　　Off-road-tuned suspension Hill descent control Transfer case Fuel tank skid plates Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System with Pro Trailer Backup Assist

　　360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the F-450 and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Backup assist (dash-mounted knob helps you keep the F-450 and towing trailer aligned while reversing) Several stand-alone options are also available for various trim levels, such as:

　　Tailgate step Spray-in bedliner Fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailer hitch kits LED bed lighting Enhanced blind-spot monitoring for trailering Power tap system (can power accessories such as snowplow, pump or compressor using the engine) Supplemental rapid cab heater (quickly heats cabin until diesel engine warms enough to take over)

　　

2021 F-450 Super Duty Highlights

Type: Crew CabRegular CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: XLXLTLariatKing RanchPlatinumLimitedXL

　　

Base MSRP	$54,825
Engine Type	Diesel
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	24,200 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles