Seems like we don't hear a whole hell of a lot about the 6.2L trucks, so went to the dealership and drove the ONLY 2017 6.2L V8 they currently had on the lot. I was impressed with it, Granted I don't own nor have I ever owned a Diesel so, I'm not as affected by the supposed lack of low end torque gas engines have. The truck I drove was an F-250 6.2L 4X4 STX Crew Cab with an 8-foot bed...So in other words if it was painted bright yellow, it might be mistaken for a School bus.

My 2011 F-150 FX4 always feels like a Monster truck after driving family/friends usually much smaller vehicles, but I have to say, this F-250 made my F-150 feel like a Ranger. The first thing I noticed about the truck was how tall the thing was, I'm 6,2 and it felt like a long exaggerated step up into the drivers seat for me. Once seated, I was amazed at just how high off the ground I really was. Upon pulling out into traffic, I don't think I encountered a single non commercial vehicle that I couldn't look down on the roof of.

My first observation was how heavy the steering was in comparison to my F-150's. It by no means required any real muscle, but I guess I've gotten very use to the feathery light steering in my F-150. The brakes seemed plenty strong and felt like they could stop this behemoth without breaking a sweat.

My second observation was the ride quality. Gone was the expected jiggle and reverb of the previous generation trucks. The new fully boxed frame worked wonders for improving overall ride quality. In all honesty the trucks ride quality felt very comparable to my F-150's. A friend of mine owns a 2012 F-250 6.2L Lariat and his trucks ride quality is down right terrible. It shimmy's and shakes over even the smallest of bumps, Ford really stepped up ride quality in the 2017's.

My Third observation was directed towards the 6.2L. As I accelerated onto a freeway on ramp I noticed that the 6.2L moved this truck authoritatively. Unfortunately I did not think to look at what rear end this particular truck had. But I certainly didn't feel like it was lacking for any power. It did not feel like it would be quiet as fast as my 5.0L F-150, however it likely weighed 2000+lbs more. So I didn't expect it to be. But the 6.2L is certainly no slouch, and compared to the 6.0L GM's and the one 6.4L Hemi I've driven, I think the 6.2L is top dog. Also, the 6.2L sounds freaking amazing and purely hot rod at wide open throttle, but is whisper quiet when cruising or driving with sanity.

Overall I LOVED the truck, and if I truly didn't wan't to dive back into more car payments, I would be strongly considering trying to get behind the wheel of a new F-250 6.2L 4X4. It's different from the 1/2 ton trucks, but that's expected. I think the hardest livability issue with owning one of these things would simply be parking the damn thing. But I always park at the back of the parking lot anyway, so that's a none issue for me.

 

Wow, thanks for the review! So have you driven the previous gen 6.2? Did you notice any difference due to the new tune and cams?

 

Pretty much agree with everything you have stated with one exception . I have a 17 6.2 truck and a 16 Ram 2500 with a 6.4 . Not that I like to admit it but the 6.4 will blow the doors off my 17 with the 6.2.
I like the fit and finish of the SD way better but with that being said both trucks side by side and both having 3;73 gear the Ram has more low in TQ and smokes my 6.2 ..

 

Yes I did actually!

The new 6.2L seems to rev quicker to me. Maybe it was psychological, but even at partial throttle accelerating onto the highway, the new 6.2L seemed completely content running right up to 3500RPMS. It feels pretty punchy off the line.

However, one aspect that disappointed me was the delay from the fly by wire throttle system seemed a little more exaggerated on the 2017 truck vs my friends 2012 6.2L. But it something that a custom tune could fix no problem. And even so, it wasn't by any means overly noticeable.

 

I'd stick with a 5.0 F150 you get a stout truck and sports car rolled into one....I haven't come across a gas or diesel Superduty I can't put in my rear view with ease. Now if I needed a heavy tow vehicle it'd be my choice.

 

It was certainly close with the 6.4L. Unfortunately I've only driven one 6.4L powered Dodge and I was impressed with the power it had, but was very un impressed with its lack luster transmission turning. It's hard for me to decisively say which truck I really think is faster than the other given that I don't know the rear end ratio's for either of the one's I drove. But one thing I know is that the 6.2L and 6.4L will blow the doors off of the 6.0L GM trucks.

 

Oh yeah, my F-150 won't be going anywhere anytime soon, It's been great so far and I love the 5.0L, it does make the truck feel like a sports car lol. Just really like the look of these new Super Duty's so I had to go give one a try. I'll probably go drive a Diesel this or next weekend just to see how it drives as well.

 

That I also agree with . Not impressed with the 6.0
My work truck is a 6.0 and is the most gutless thing I have ever drove . I ill say with 139K on the clock not one issue out of it buy doesn't even feel like its moving when you put it to the floor .

 

The RAM 6.4 won't blown the doors off a Ford 6.2. The Ford makes 1lb-ft more and at a lower RPM. TFL tested a 6.4 towing a decent load. That engine cannot run wide open with a load or it upshifts to protect itself. It was slower than the old 6.2 and the ancient GM 6.0 up the hill because of this "feature." It's a hot rod engine, not a truck motor.

 

I'm having a hard time getting it straight on the first turn in -- when parking in crowded lots. I don't know if it's the adaptive steering, or me just needing practice, but I'm finding that I have back up, straighten it out, etc. when pulling grill forward to a parking space that I've just turned in to.

At home, I back it in with plenty of room and the cameras make that an easy, perfect park, first try, every time.

I've noticed with my F250 CC 170" WB (~22'2.5") that it takes up every bit of most parking spaces, and is a few inches too long for some (even with the wheels touching the concrete parking curb / wheel stop.

I'm not complaining -- it's exactly what I wanted. But did want to document for others reading that you hit it on the head -- at least for me, the only challenge has been parking. I'm sure with more practice I'll get it sorted out.

Thanks for your excellent review! I agree with all of those points, and a lot more. Off the lot I'd say it's perfect. I'm hoping the quality holds up; and I expect it to. I owned my '06 Navi for 10 years and only ever had one problem with it. Owned my '98 F150 for 10 years and never had a single problem with it.