Ford F-150 vs. Ford F-250 Review

Utility
Both F-150 and F-250 Super Duty full-size pickups are loaded with different cab/bed configurations each with 10 trim levels, three cab styles and two bed lengths. With seating for up to six occupants in the F-150 and five in the F-250 Super Duty, the latter is the winner in most interior dimension categories, with the exception of rear legroom, where the F-150 offers 43.5 inches compared to the F-250's 31.8 inches. The F-250 is also slightly taller, wider and longer; however, the F-150 has a longer wheelbase at 144.5 inches compared to the F-250's 141.8 inches. If you're going to be doing some towing, the F-250 clearly has the edge with a maximum towing capacity of 16,300 pounds while the F-150 can tow up to 11,200. Maximum payload capacity for the F-250 is 3,200 pounds compared to the F-150's 1,390-3,030 pounds. In the F-150, the backseat flips up to offer 57.6 cubic feet of cargo volume and a hinging rear step in both trucks pulls out of the tailgate to allow easier entry into the truck bed. FlexFold seats in the F-250 provide a flat loading floor for cargo. Maximum passenger volume is comparable with the F-150 offering 131 cubic feet compared to the F-250's 135 cubic feet.

Performance
Both trucks are available in two- and four-wheel-drive configurations. The F-150 and F-250 are equipped with three powerful V-8 engine options: a 248-horsepower, 4.6-liter; a 292-horsepower, 4.6-liter; and a 310-horsepower, 5.4-liter flex-fuel, each coupled to either a four-speed automatic or six-speed automatic. The F-250 can be ordered with dual rear wheels and an off-road package with skid plates.

Fuel Economy
Full-size trucks aren't exactly known for their fuel efficiency and because they share the same powertrains, the F-150 and F-250 are dead even with EPA estimated fuel economy ratings at 14-15 mpg in the city and 18-20 mpg on the highway. If you're concerned about your carbon footprint, both trucks emit 11.4 tons of carbon annually.

Technology
Both the F-150 and F-250 Super Duty are loaded with standard and available technology. The F-150 features a reverse-sensing and backup camera, a capless fuel-filler system, premium leather seating, a telescoping tow mirror, running boards, an integrated trailer brake controller, Ford's Sync voice-activated multimedia system is available with 911 Assist, navigation system uses an 8-inch touch-screen that can show real-time traffic and gas prices and Sirius Satellite Radio. The F-250 adds a manual telescoping trailer mirror, power sliding rear window, available Rapid-Heat supplemental heater to warm up the cab quickly, a premium sound system with eight speakers and a subwoofer and power adjustable pedals.

Safety
Both trucks are loaded with standard safety features. The F-150 includes front airbags, side curtain airbags to protect front and backseat occupants, antilock brakes, and an electronic stability system with traction control and roll stability control, which uses a sensor to detect the start of a rollover and attempts to counter it, new head restraints and new seats designed to help keep passengers properly positioned. The F-250 adds an available backup camera, larger four-wheel disc brakes and an SOS post-crash alert system.

Five-Year Cost of Ownership
The F-250's five-year cost of ownership is $47,764, which largely consists of depreciation (33%), fuel (28%) and insurance (12%). The F-150's five-year ownership cost is $41,938 and consists mostly of depreciation (31%), fuel (30%) and insurance (13%).

Other
For 2010, the F-150 sees the return of the FX2 and Harley-Davidson edition pickups and the introduction of the all-new SVT Raptor model. Since the redesigned F-150 went on sale, the half-ton pickup has earned numerous awards and recognition, including PickupTrucks.com's Best Overall Light-Duty Pickup. For the F-250, trim designations have been changed slightly for 2010. The FX4 off-road package is available for the XL, XLT and Lariat trims. The new Cabela's trim incorporates the FX4 package. According to Ford, more than 75 percent of F-Series owners hunt or fish, so the Cabela's package is designed to appeal to those likely to shop at the outfitter. There are interior materials unique to the package and additional lockable storage for firearms.