Ford pulled out all the stops when it came to creating the 2023 F-Series Super Duty and the truck will be offered with three different off-road packages.
Kicking things off is an all-new XL Off-Road package, which will be offered exclusively on XL versions of the F-250 and F-350 with four-wheel drive.
Designed to appeal to customers and fleets that need something a bit more rugged than the standard model, the XL Off-Road package adds 17-inch wheels that are wrapped in meaty 33-inch tires. The upgrades don’t end there as the package also includes a raised air dam, skid plates, and water-fording axle vent tubes. Last but certainly not least, there’s an electronic locking rear differential.
More: 2023 Ford Super Duty Debuts With Two New Engines, Class-Leading Tech
Customers with higher-end tastes can opt for the familiar FX4 package. Available on four-wheel drive models, the package adds skid plates, off-road shocks, and all-terrain tires. Buyers will also find hill descent control and an electronic locking rear diff.
Serious off-roaders will want to opt for the Tremor package, which adds unique 18- inch wheels shod in 35-inch Goodyear tires. Other highlights include a front lift, a uniquely tuned suspension, and a Dana front axle with vent tubes as well as a limited-slip diff.
More importantly, the Tremor has Trail Control and a new Trail Turn Assist system. The latter is the star of the show as it increases maneuverability in tight quarters by braking the inside rear wheel. This significantly reduces the turning radius and makes it easy to deal with common trail issues such as rocks, trees, and tight turns.
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Overview
For 2023, Ford is introducing an all-new F-series Super Duty, the next generation of its heavy-duty pickup truck. The new Super Duty gets entirely new exterior and interior designs, new tech, and new powertrain options to help it stay strong in the fiercely competitive truck marketplace. According to Ford, the 2023 Super Duty is now poised to deliver the highest engine output, as well as the highest towing and payload ratings, of any vehicle in the big-muscle HD pickup segment. Depending on how it's equipped, the Super Duty is capable of hauling up to 8000 pounds of payload or towing up to 40,000 pounds worth of trailer. Supplementing these efforts are gobs of new tech that make driving and towing safer and more convenient, including a blind-spot-monitoring system for fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailering. The Super Duty also flexes its innovation muscles with an industry-first “tailgate down” backup camera and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot.
What's New for 2023?
Ford's heavy-duty pickup truck is new from the tires up for the 2023 model year and gets revitalized engines in addition to its new looks. Under the hood, the 7.3-liter V-8 gets a revised air intake and refined tuning, and there's an all-new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 diesel engine. On the outside, the new Super Duty adopts a design language already familiar from Ford's smaller F-150 and Maverick pickup trucks, which includes the brand's signature "C-clamp" lighting. We're happy to report that the Super Duty makes use of functional side vents rather than trendy fake ones. Inside the cabin, you'll find a redesigned dashboard along with a new digital instrument cluster and an infotainment display as large as 12.0 inches. Additionally, four-wheel drive becomes standard on XLT and Lariat models rather than just on the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. Rear-wheel drive is still standard on the base XL.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
XL
$43,000 [est]
XLT
$49,000 [est]
$56,000 [est]
King Ranch
$73,000 [est]
Platinum
$77,000 [est]
Limited
$95,000 [est]
Ford hasn't yet released pricing for the 2023 Super Duty lineup, but we expect it to cost more than the outgoing model and follow the same trim level structure. In the past, we've recommended the midlevel Lariat since it provides worthwhile creature comforts at a more modest price point than the upper models.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The standard V-8 engine now boasts a 6.8-liter displacement, up from 6.2, and is said to have improved low-end grunt. While the larger 7.3-liter gas-fed engine sees a couple of minor enhancements, our attention is drawn by the high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel, which makes 500 horsepower and 1200 lb-ft of torque. The Power Stroke engine also features a new turbocharger along with improved exhaust manifolds and unique tuning. All engine options are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford hasn't yet revealed horsepower or torque figures for any of the Super Duty's engines, but the company's claim that the truck will have the most powerful engine in the class most certainly will apply to the Power Stroke diesel.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Ford says it built the 2023 Super Duty to be the class leader in towing and payload capacity. The Super Duty boasts a maximum 8000-pound capacity for payload and can tow up to 40,000 pounds. To manage all that capability, the automaker has outfitted the truck with a host of trailering-assist features. Among them are onboard scales with Smart Hitch, which estimates cargo weight in real-time and provides guidance on trailer tongue-weight distribution. There's also Trailer Navigation, which can optimize travel routes based on trailer dimensions and weight.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Since the EPA doesn't test vehicles as heavy as the Super Duty and its gargantuan competitors, we judge them based on our own testing. Now that Ford has overhauled the powertrain options for its heavy-duty pickup trucks, we'll have to wait until we get our hands on the new ones to evaluate real-world mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route. We expect the Super Duty's optional Power Stroke diesel to be the most fuel-efficient engine in the lineup.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The new interior design is an improvement over the 2022 model, but those in the market for the base XL trim should still prepare for a fairly spartan cabin. More convenience and luxury features become available as you go through the various trims, though, and Ford has engineered front seats that can recline to a nearly flat position so drivers can properly rest when stopped overnight on long-haul drives. Ford hasn't released a full list of the 2023 Super Duty's interior features and options, but we'll update this story with details once we learn more.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The base XL trim comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, while more expensive models get a larger 12.0-inch display. A reconfigurable 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster is also available. Ford has integrated a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot as well as fleet management software and onboard telematics to help businesses keep track of their trucks' locations and help operators stay on top of maintenance. All models come with a Bang & Olufsen–tuned stereo system. A 640-watt, eight-speaker setup is standard; a 1080-watt, 18-speaker one is optional.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
A host of new driver-assistance tech is integrated into the 2023 Super Duty's design, including some novel trailering features and adaptive cruise control, but many features are still optional. For more information about the Super Duty's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety [IIHS] websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ford's limited and powertrain warranties align with the coverages that Chevy, GMC, and Ram provide on their heavy-duty pickups. However, only the GM trucks come with complimentary maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Gas powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Diesel powertrain warranty covers five years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance