Engine and Performance
The 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty boasts a powerful engine lineup designed to deliver exceptional performance for heavy-duty tasks. The standard engine is a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel, producing an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. For even greater power, the optional 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 gasoline engine generates a remarkable 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission options include a 10-speed TorqShift automatic transmission, which provides smooth and efficient gear changes, and a 6-speed manual transmission for those seeking a more direct driving experience. The F-450 Super Duty also offers a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configurations to suit various terrain and hauling requirements.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine with the 10-speed automatic transmission achieves an estimated 20 mpg highway, while the 7.3-liter Godzilla gasoline engine with the same transmission returns an estimated 17 mpg highway. These ratings make the F-450 Super Duty a competitive choice in the heavy-duty truck segment, balancing performance with fuel economy.
Towing and Payload Capacities
The 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty boasts impressive towing and payload capabilities, surpassing previous model years and competing trucks. These capabilities vary based on cab configuration and bed length, impacting the overall weight distribution and stability of the vehicle.
Maximum Capacities
The F-450 Super Duty with the Crew Cab and 8-foot bed configuration offers the highest towing capacity of 37,000 pounds. The Regular Cab and 6.75-foot bed configuration provides the greatest payload capacity of 7,850 pounds. These capacities exceed those of the 2025 F-450 Super Duty by a significant margin.
Comparison to Competitors
Compared to its rivals, the F-450 Super Duty stands out with its exceptional towing and payload capabilities. The Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD offers a maximum towing capacity of 36,000 pounds, while the Ram 4500 can tow up to 35,100 pounds. The F-450 Super Duty surpasses both competitors in terms of towing capacity.
Impact of Cab Configuration and Bed Length
The choice of cab configuration and bed length significantly influences towing and payload capacities. Crew Cab models with longer beds offer higher towing capacities due to the increased weight distribution and stability provided by the extended wheelbase. Conversely, Regular Cab models with shorter beds prioritize payload capacity by reducing overall weight and enhancing maneuverability.
Exterior Design and Features
The 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty sports a bold and muscular exterior, embodying the strength and capability synonymous with the F-Series legacy. Its imposing stance is accentuated by a redesigned front grille with a prominent Ford logo, flanked by sleek LED headlights and integrated daytime running lights. The chiseled hood features a power dome, hinting at the formidable power lurking beneath.
The F-450 Super Duty is available in a range of exterior colors, catering to diverse preferences. These include classic shades like Oxford White and Agate Black, as well as bolder options such as Velocity Blue and Rapid Red. To enhance its rugged appeal, the truck can be equipped with various trim levels and optional packages, offering customizable styling and functionality.
Functional Exterior Features
Beyond its striking aesthetics, the F-450 Super Duty’s exterior boasts an array of functional features designed to enhance its practicality and safety. The LED lighting system provides exceptional illumination, ensuring optimal visibility during nighttime driving or inclement weather conditions. Running boards facilitate easy entry and exit, while power-folding and heated side mirrors improve visibility and convenience.
For enhanced towing capabilities, the F-450 Super Duty can be equipped with massive towing mirrors, providing an expanded field of view when hauling heavy loads. These mirrors are designed to minimize blind spots and ensure safe maneuvering in tight spaces or while reversing.
Interior Design and Technology
The 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty boasts a spacious and well-appointed cabin that prioritizes both functionality and comfort.
The interior layout features a user-friendly design, with all controls and displays within easy reach of the driver. The cabin offers ample seating space for up to six passengers, with various seating configurations available. Upholstery options range from durable cloth to premium leather, catering to different tastes and needs.
Infotainment System
At the heart of the F-450’s interior is the advanced infotainment system. It features a large touchscreen display that houses a suite of connectivity and entertainment features. The system supports smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless access to navigation, music, and messaging. Additionally, the infotainment system offers Bluetooth connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and multiple USB ports for charging and data transfer.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty comes equipped with an array of advanced safety and driver-assistance features to enhance protection for drivers and passengers. These technologies utilize sensors, cameras, and radar to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and intervene when necessary.
The suite of safety features is designed to reduce the risk of accidents and mitigate the severity of collisions. Let’s explore these features and their contributions to overall safety.
Standard Safety Features
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: Detects potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and applies brakes automatically to prevent or reduce impact.
- Lane-Keeping System: Monitors lane markings and gently corrects steering if the vehicle drifts out of its lane, preventing potential lane departures.
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed and even coming to a complete stop in heavy traffic.
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Coverage: Uses sensors to detect vehicles in blind spots, including when towing a trailer, and alerts the driver with visual and audible signals.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Detects oncoming traffic when reversing and alerts the driver with visual and audible warnings, reducing the risk of collisions while backing up.
Available Safety Features
- 360-Degree Camera System: Provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, enhancing visibility during parking or maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Adaptive Steering: Adjusts the steering effort based on speed and driving conditions, making handling easier at low speeds and more precise at highway speeds.
- Evasive Steering Assist: Helps drivers avoid collisions by providing steering assistance when a potential obstacle is detected, such as a pedestrian or cyclist.
- Trailer Reverse Guidance: Assists drivers in reversing with a trailer by providing a top-down view of the trailer and guiding the steering wheel to maneuver safely.
Effectiveness and Ratings
The effectiveness of these safety features is evident in industry ratings and crash test results. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty a 5-star overall safety rating, the highest possible rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave the F-450 Super Duty its highest rating of “Good” in all crashworthiness tests.
Pricing and Availability
The pricing and availability details for the 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty are yet to be officially announced by Ford. However, based on the pricing of the current F-450 model and industry trends, we can anticipate the following:
Expected Price Range:
- The base XL trim is expected to start around $60,000.
- The mid-level XLT trim is likely to be priced around $65,000.
- The top-of-the-line Platinum trim could cost approximately $80,000.
Availability:
The 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty is expected to arrive at dealerships in late 2025 or early 2026. Pre-orders and reservations are likely to be available closer to the official launch date.
Comparison to Competitors
The 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty faces stiff competition from established rivals like the Ram 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. Each of these heavy-duty trucks boasts unique strengths and weaknesses, making the choice dependent on specific requirements and preferences.
Key Similarities and Differences
Comparing the specs, features, and pricing of these three trucks reveals both similarities and distinctions:
- Engine Options: All three trucks offer a range of engine options, including gasoline and diesel powertrains with varying horsepower and torque ratings.
- Towing and Payload Capacities: These trucks are renowned for their impressive towing and payload capabilities, with each offering different maximum ratings depending on the configuration.
- Exterior Design: While each truck has its own distinct styling, they share a rugged and utilitarian appearance with bold grilles and muscular lines.
- Interior Features: The cabins of these trucks offer a mix of comfort and functionality, featuring advanced infotainment systems, spacious seating, and ample storage.
- Safety Features: All three trucks come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features, including advanced airbags, stability control, and lane departure warnings.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Ford F-450 Super Duty:
- Strengths: Powerful engine options, impressive towing and payload capacities, comfortable interior with advanced technology.
- Weaknesses: Lower fuel economy compared to rivals, higher price point for higher trims.
Ram 3500:
- Strengths: Best-in-class towing and payload capacities, luxurious interior with high-quality materials, innovative features like the RamBox storage system.
- Weaknesses: Limited engine options compared to rivals, less refined ride quality.
Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD:
- Strengths: Reliable and durable Duramax diesel engine, spacious interior with plenty of legroom, affordable pricing for base models.
- Weaknesses: Lower towing and payload capacities than rivals, less advanced infotainment system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty?
The maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty is an impressive 40,000 pounds, making it one of the most capable heavy-duty trucks on the market.
What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty?
The payload capacity of the 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty ranges from 7,850 pounds to 8,350 pounds, depending on the specific configuration.
What engine options are available for the 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty?
The 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty offers a choice of two powerful engines: a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel engine and a 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 gasoline engine.
What are the key safety features of the 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty?
The 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
What is the estimated price range for the 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty?
The expected price range for the 2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty is between $55,000 and $85,000, depending on the trim level and options.