The Ford F150 versus F250 Comparison. The Ford F-150 has been one of the most prominent light-duty vehicles on the automotive market for the past seven decades. However, the demand for bigger vehicles was strong enough for Ford to launch the super-duty lineup in 1999. For drivers that required larger towing capacities as well as overall power and performance characteristics, this lineup includes the F250 through F450 models. Even in 2022, many truck drivers believe the F150 and F250 to be large enough to meet the majority of their needs. Despite the entrance of numerous alternative light-duty trucks into the American automobile market over the last few decades, the popularity of the F150 has easily maintained.
The F150 is designated as a light-duty half-ton truck as of 2021. The F250, on the other hand, is a three-quarter-ton heavy-duty truck. Throughout this tutorial, we will describe and investigate the effects that size disparities have on drivers. This includes describing the towing capability, fuel consumption, overall dependability, and other differences between the Ford F150 and the F250.
With that said, let’s go into some of the current model configurations and costs in the section below. Following that, we’ll go over some of the more technical differences between the Ford F150 and F250 models.
Configurations and pricing for the Ford F150 and F250
The Ford F150 is available in six different versions and three different cab configurations as of 2021, as stated below:
- XL – MSRP starts at $28,940.
- XLT – MSRP starts at $35,050.
- Lariat – MSRP starts at $44,695.
- King Ranch – MSRP starts at $56,330.
- Platinum – MSRP starts at $59,110.
- Limited – MSRP starts at $70,825
The F150 comes in three cab configurations: Regular (5.5 ft. box), Super-Cab (6.5 ft. box), and Crew Cab (8 ft. box). The 2022 F250 was available in the trims, cab combinations, and costs listed below:
- XL – beginning at $30,495
- Starting at $38,130 for the XLT.
- Lariat – beginning at $48,065
- King Ranch begins at $59,290.
- Platinum models begin at $62,070.
- Starting at $76,595 for a limited time.
- Tremor – beginning at $53,085
- Raptor – beginning at $69,525
The F250, like the F150, is available in three different cab configurations: Regular, Super-Cab, and Crew-Cab. However, what characteristics, like as horsepower and towing capacity, do these various packages include? Let’s look at the differences in size and towing capability in the following parts to find out.
Size Comparison of the F150 with the F250
The overall size of the Ford F150 and F250 is one of the most obvious variances. The F150 has a maximum length of 250.5 inches, whereas the F250 has a maximum length of 266.2 inches. This may not appear to be much, but when comparing larger vehicle trims, an extra foot or two might imply a significant difference in power and towing capacity. Furthermore, the F150 has a maximum cab height of 77.3 inches, while the F250 has a maximum cab height of 81.5 inches.
As previously noted, the F150 is classified as a half-ton light-duty truck, whilst the F250 is classified as a quarter-ton heavy-duty truck. Despite their size disparities, both vehicles have a similar design from the A-pillar to the back of the truck. However, the F150 and F250 differ in terms of box length and other features.
These large disparities can be attributed to the fact that each model has distinct objectives. The F150 is designed to meet the needs of drivers with smaller towing projects by travelling more efficiently at highway speeds and providing some of the amenities associated with modern applications, such as a quieter overall ride. The F250 hauls more, is more difficult to park in everyday areas or urban districts, but it is intended to satisfy individuals who require a larger engine and total vehicle application for significant towing projects. This leads us to the overall towing capacity of each model shown below.
Towing Capacity of the Ford F150 vs. the Ford F250
When comparing towing capabilities, the F250 emerges as the clear winner in terms of strength. This isn’t to say that the F150 can’t meet many of the day-to-day needs of drivers with towing jobs. Ford claims that the F150’s towing capacity ranges from 5,000 to 11,300 pounds. The F250 has a much wider range of towing capacity, ranging from 12,300 pounds to 15,000 pounds. The variable weights are attributable to the various trim sizes and engine selections that allow for greater towing capacity. These reported weights also do not include aftermarket items or dealership upgrades that can significantly boost the towing capabilities of both models.
For example, as of 2020, the F250’s smallest towing capability was advertised as 12,500 pounds with the 6.2L 44 engine. However, the F150 with a 3.3L V6 two-wheel drive package had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds the same year. As a result, it’s critical to understand that towing capacity varies substantially depending on package.
Payload ratings might also differ, with the F250 once again outperforming the F150 due to its larger size. The F150 has a payload rating of 1,745 to 2,238 pounds as of 2022. The larger F250 has a payload rating of 2,462 to 4,323 pounds in 2022. With these distinctions described, drivers should have a better grasp of how each of these trucks may fit their needs.
Engine Configurations for the Ford F150 and F250
We’ve only scratched the surface of the effects that different engine options have on the Ford F150 vs F250. But first, let’s have a better idea of the various alternatives that Ford now offers for both vehicles, including pricing and basic power specs. In 2022, the F150 will be available with a total of five engine options:
- 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 (290 horsepower, 265 pound-feet of torque)
- 2.7L Twin-Turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 (325 horsepower, 400 lb-ft torque)
5.0L Ti-VCT V8 (400 horsepower, 410 pound-feet of torque) - 3.5L Twin-Turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 (400 horsepower, 500 lb-ft torque)
- 3.5L PowerBoostTM Full Hybrid V6 (430 horsepower, 570 pound-feet of torque)
These engine variants have fuel efficiency ranging from 17-25 mpg city to 24-26 mpg highway. The Ford F250 is available with three engine sizes that gradually increase power output:
- 6.2L SOHC 2-Valve Flex Fuel V8 (385 horsepower, 430 pound-feet of torque)
- 6.7L Powerstroke V8 Turbo Diesel (475 horsepower, 1,050 pound-feet torque)
- 7.3L 2V DEVCT NA PFI V8 (430 horsepower, 475 pound-feet of torque)
In comparison, the larger F250 has an estimated fuel mileage of 14 to 16 MPG. However, given the larger engines and overall curb weight, this is to be expected. Given the power of the F250’s engine options, this is considered average fuel mileage for a heavy-duty truck. Because of the various packages and operating conditions, estimating fuel consumption for these larger trucks is tricky. The F250 and Ford’s heavier super duty vehicles, on the other hand, are frequently sought after for their power rather than their fuel economy.
F150 vs. F250 Overall Dependability
In general, the F150 has higher dependability ratings in current applications than the F250. However, the reliability ratings differ widely between sources. For example, according to one respected source, the F150’s reliability rating is 3.5 out of 5, ranking it seventh out of 17 full-sized trucks built in 2022. In comparison, the F250 is rated 2 out of 5 by the same authority, making it 15th out of 17 full-sized trucks built in 2022.
Many of the issues that F150 and F250 drivers may face will differ based on the quality of maintenance, timely repairs, and the use of high-quality oil. Certain engine configurations in both vehicles, however, have a preference among drivers for dependability and durability. Some of the earlier 4-cylinder engines in the F150, for example, are renowned to be the pinnacle of dependability. Furthermore, drivers adore the older 7.3L V8 engines that came standard with the F250 in the early 2000s. Regardless of the various levels of respect for specific Ford truck engine applications, Ford has strived to maintain a high level of overall reliability.
Related : The Guide: Toyota 4Runner vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Common Issues with the Ford F150 and F250
Many drivers, however, reported a variety of faults with the 2021 F150 applications, including brake issues, malfunctioning electronic components, and even problematic seat belt systems. Furthermore, numerous F250 drivers claimed problems with coolant leakage, oil pump failure, and broken electronic components. However, it is crucial to note that these concerns may not arise for the majority of drivers, and drivers can avoid many problems with good maintenance and upkeep.
Check out our earlier article comparing the 5.0 Coyote and 3.5 Ecoboost choices for more information on diverse F150 applications, difficulties, and reliability.
Also, for more information on the numerous difficulties that may arise with the base F250 engine, see our previous article on the four most typical problems with the Ford Boss 6.2L V8.
Summary of the Ford F150 vs F250 Comparison
Aside from the obvious size differences, the Ford F150 and F250 have significant differences in power and towing capabilities. The F150 is far from a dud, but when compared to its bigger brother, the F250, drivers can clearly notice the increase in power. Most casual truck drivers may not require the extra power that the F250 provides. However, drivers with heavier towing needs or construction projects, for example, may demand the F250’s higher towing capacity.
Ford truck enthusiasts have a plethora of alternatives to pick from, including larger engine options, larger bed sizes, and certain performance trims. With such a wide spectrum of performance and price, Ford drivers may hopefully find their sweet spot while staying inside their budget. The F150 is one of the most durable pickups on the market. Its heavy-duty counterpart, the F250, has done an outstanding job of upholding the Ford brand’s values.
Finally, the Ford F150 and F250 are two quite different trucks. The F150 is a considerably more casual option, with reduced performance and towing capabilities, fitting the “light duty” designation. For individuals that require more muscle in their vehicle, the F250 and its super-duty characteristics are significantly more weighty and robust. More power means a greater price, larger size, and lower fuel efficiency.
The F150 attempts to retain some of the modern conveniences found in smaller applications in Ford’s portfolio while retaining the performance value associated with the Ford trucking brand. These trucks were designed for two distinct drivers with distinct lifestyles. Regardless, both the F150 and F250 are excellent choices for people looking for high-performance pickups. However, it’s critical to understand how significant the power gap between the F150 and F250 is.
