Model tested: 2020 Ford F-350 SRW 4X4 Platinum Crew Cab
Engine: 7.3-liter V-8
Transmission: 10-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive
Horsepower: 430
Torque: 475 lb.-ft.
EPA rating: Not required
Base price: $67,745
As tested: $74,980
Overview: The Ford F-350 Super Duty is the most capable Blue Oval pickup — except perhaps the borderline-commercial F-450. Delivering best-in-class power and torque, it offers a 7,850-pound maximum payload with a maximum towing capacity of 21,200 pounds at the bumper or 35,750 gooseneck/fifth-wheel pounds.
New this year is the optional 7.3-liter, gas-powered V-8, which powered our Platinum model test driver. This review will focus on that model alone.
Walkaround: The F-350 is updated with new styling elements front and rear, and in spite of a slightly updated interior as well, styling is attractive but still somewhat dated. However, it does feature polished aluminum wheels, and body-color bumpers and exterior accents. The 2021 F-150 is due for a major styling remake and we’re told the more rugged F-Series models — F-250, F-350 and F-450 — will follow a bit later.
Interior: The Platinum’s leather upholstery is unique to this trim level. The Platinum grade features abundant front legroom, and the power 10-way multicontour seats have a massage function. Both front seats offer heating and cooling, along with power lumbar support. The rear seat is spacious as well, with the outboard seats heated. Making the interior seem even larger is the full-length moonroof, which brightens the entire cabin. Making ingress and egress easier are the big grab bars on both the A and B pillars.
The F-350 offers plenty of technology. FordPass Connect 4G Wi-Fi comes standard on all F-Series models, with Sync 3 infotainment that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. Ford’s innovative Pro Trailer Backup Assist is also available on the F-350 Super Duty.
Under the Hood: The standard powerplant is a 6.2-liter V-8. A reengineered 6.7-liter power stroke turbodiesel is also available. The new 7.3-liter gas-powered V-8 under the hood of our test driver delivered 430 ponies to the pavement with 475 lb.-ft. of torque. All engines are married to a new 10-speed automatic based on the one in the F-150, but reinforced for the Super Duty series.
Behind the Wheel: The F-350 offers a comfortable highway ride — both loaded and empty — with no noticeable tire noise. The 7.3-liter V8 features strong acceleration and quick, smooth but firm shifts from the 10-speed automatic, which downshifts well on steep grades. It actually sounds like a big truck — but not in a bad way. While the 4-by-4 capability will handle any terrain, this truck is just too big for Jeep-style off-roading.
Bottom Line: The F-350 Super Duty is everything you expect in a truck this size. It offers excellent interior room, great comfort and best-in-class towing capacity. At $67,745 base price and $74,980 as tested — plus with an optional diesel adding another $10,000 — it is a bit spendy but not out of line with the competition.
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