Ford F-150 vs F-250

If there’s one pickup that stands out among the rest in the history of American trucks, it’s the Ford F-150. The F-150 has helped carry the torch from the F-100, preserving the light-duty F-series legacy as America’s best-selling vehicle. the Ford F-150 is a popular light-duty truck that doubles as a great daily driver. But how about the F-250? What separates the F-150 from the F-250?

While the F-150 is a light-duty pickup, the F-250 is included in Ford’s Super Duty truck line. With a three-quarter-ton rating, the F-250 is a bit heavier than the half-ton F-150. Because the F-250 is a heavy-duty truck in comparison to the F-150, it’s going to pack more power. Not all the differences are under the hood, however. While they are both part of the famed F-Series line of trucks, the F-150 and F-250 have their fair share of differences.

F-150 vs F-250: Exterior

While the two trucks are similarly structured when it comes to design, there are a few differences that set the F-150 apart from the F-250. Both the 2018 Ford F-150 and F-250 are constructed from a fully boxed high-strength steel frame with a military-grade, aluminum-alloy body. Not only does aluminum-alloy prevent corrosion, but it is also resistant to dents and dings, removing weight from the truck without sacrificing strength or durability. The F-250’s frame is also constructed with 10 cross members for increased rigidity and stiffness, while the axles are also built stronger. Stronger axles are able to handle the increased power from the larger engine as well as additional weight.

Both the Ford F-150 and F-250 offer three different cab styles, including a Regular Cab and SuperCab option as well as a third crew cab choice. The F-150 refers to its crew cab as the SuperCrew, while the largest cabin for the F-250 is simply called a Crew Cab. While the cab offerings are similar, the box lengths vary from the light-duty pickup to the heavy-duty pickup. Box options for the F-150 are 5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, and 8 feet. The F-250 only has two box lengths, 6.75 feet and 8 feet. As the F-250 is larger than the F-150, it’s going to have a bigger front end and sit higher off the ground. Quad-dual beam halogen headlights are prominent features of the Super Duty. While the grilles look similar, they are going to vary from model to model.

F-150 vs F-250: Engines

While the Ford F-150 is going to have a smaller engine than the F-250, it’s certainly not lacking in power. Several engine options are available for the 2018 Ford F-150, ranging from a 2.7L V6 engine all the way to a 5.0L V8 engine. Ford also began offering the first diesel-powered F-150 starting in 2018, with the release of the 3.0L Power Stroke V6 turbo diesel engine.

2018 Ford F-150 Engines:

• 3.3L Ti-VCT V6
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6
• High-Output 3.5L V6 EcoBoost
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6
• 3.0L Power Stroke V6

For the most basic F-150 models, the XL and XLT, the standard engine is the 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 that puts out 290 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. The F-150 Lariat features the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine, which is a bit more powerful than the 3.3L engine with horsepower coming in at 325 and torque at 400 lb.-ft. A unique high-output 3.5L V6 EcoBoost powers the F-150 Raptor, Ford’s off-roading machine, producing an incredible 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3.3L Ti-VCT V6, 2.7L EcoBoost, and high-output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 are all equipped with a dual-port fuel and direct-injection system, or PFDI, meaning that there are two injectors for each cylinder, one located inside the cylinder and the other inside the air intake port. The 3.0L Power Stroke V6 engine offers 250 horsepower and 440 lb.-ft. of torque along with an impressive EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon fuel economy.

The largest engine option that Ford offers for the F-150 is a Coyote 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine, which produces an impressive 395 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Found in the F-150’s more expensive models, the King Ranch and the Platinum, the 5.0L engine has an available CNG/Propane Gaseous Engine Prep Package that allows the engine to run on either propane or natural gas. Ford’s most luxurious F-150 model, the Limited, comes with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. All the engine options, excluding the 3.3L engine, are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission that has five driving modes: Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Snow/Wet, and EcoSelect. Improved acceleration and performance help the 10-speed transmission stand out from the six-speed automatic transmission that comes with the 3.3L engine.

In comparison to the Ford F-150, the 2018 F-250 doesn’t offer as many engine options. With two engines available, the F-250 offers the 6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel as well as the 6.2L FFV Gas V8 engine. The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine delivers 450 horsepower and a massive 935 lb.-ft. of torque. Constructed with a compacted graphite iron engine block and aluminum cylinder heads, the 6.7L engine is equipped with a single turbocharger that is located above the engine block and between the cylinder heads. The engine is paired with Ford’s TorqShift SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2L FFV Gas V8 engine offers 385 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque. Featuring the TorqShift-G SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission, the 6.2L gas engine also offers the CNG/Propane Gaseous Engine Prep Package that permits the engine to run on natural gas or propane.

F-150 vs F-250: Specs

When comparing the F-150 vs F-250, it’s important to look at their specs. Let’s check out the most basic XL models to see how these two trucks stand up against each other.

F-150 vs F-250: Which is Right for You?

If you’re still having a difficult time deciding between an F-150 vs F-250, then one thing to consider is how much you will be hauling on a daily basis. For those who plan on towing heavy loads frequently, then a Super Duty F-250 might be a better investment than the F-150. However, the F-150 is a very capable truck and less expensive than the F-250. For a majority of people, the F-150 will offer more than enough power and towing capacity in a much more affordable package. While the F-150 makes a great family truck, if you’re looking to pull a camper or trailer for those family vacations, then the F-250 will be much better suited. No matter which you go for — Ford's famous light-duty F-150 or the tough Super Duty F-250 — you are sure to have a reliable truck for the foreseeable future!

Sources: Ford F-150 vs F-250: What's the Difference?, RiverBend Ford | Ford F-150 vs Ford F-250, CarsDirect | What's the Difference Between a Ford F-150 and F-250, Anyway?, MotorTrend | Image Credit: Ford.com