We recently had the chance to drive the full lineup of 2015 Ford Super Dutys, some of which are relatively unchanged from 2014 with the exception of the newly upgraded and tuned 6.7-liter V-8 turbo-diesel and stronger transmission combination. The new engine leads the HD segment with 440 horsepower and 860 pounds-feet of torque and feels impressive, but that singular change does not make up for all of the Super Duty's faults.
After a full-blown media test-drive event we were able to take an all-new F-450 Super Duty (which does offer a stronger front axle, rear springs, steering components, torque converter, and an upgraded transmission) from West Virginia to Detroit. The good thing is that we spent enough time behind the wheel to be sufficiently impressed with this new truck and powertrain. The problem was that we weren't towing or hauling anything (in fact, we made the run completely empty), which meant we had to deal an exceptionally stiff and punishing suspension.
Still, there is a lot to like about this up-sized one-ton Super Duty, so we found some nice spots along our route to stop and talk about the truck. Yes, this is the monster that has Ford stating it is the best-In-class towing champ of the segment, but we can say that the trade-off (the unloaded ride quality) might be too much for many pickup truck customers to handle.
If you're thinking about buying this truck, you better have a sizable trailer (upward of 20,000-plus pounds) that you have to tow more than 75 percent of the time. Until we get our hands on one of these new trucks to do a more thorough and controlled towing and payload test, this will have to do. Look for our full story on the 2015 Super Dutys to come.
From www.pickuptrucks.com
Cars.com photo by Mark Williams
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