The latest F-250 takes on the Ram 2500 and Silverado 2500HD in a heavyweight battle.
Heavyweight Showdown
As competitive as the light-duty pickup market is in the U.S., heavy-duty haulers are arguably even more competitive. Automakers continuously one-up each other in terms of towing and other important measurables in this heated segment, to the point where today, they're incredibly capable. Thus, we were particularly interested to see how the latest Ford F-250 performed against the Ram 2500 and Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD in this comparison test from MotorTrend.
Photos: MotorTrend
Pricing
This test pits a 2021 Silverado HD Carhartt special edition with a sticker price of $75,875 against an F-250 Lariat with the Tremor package and 6.7L Power Stroke V8 ($75,625) and a Ram Laramie that tops the price comparison with a sticker of $78,055 with options.
Photos: MotorTrend
>>Join the conversation about the Super Duty vs the competition right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Power
Ram's Cummins diesel produces 420 hp and 1,075 pound-feet of torque in its latest configuration. GM's Duramax mill lays down 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet in this configuration, while Ford's Power Stroke tops them both with 475 horsepower but falls just short of the Ram in the torque department with 1,050 pound-feet.
Photos: MotorTrend
>>Join the conversation about the Super Duty vs the competition right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Performance
Despite its power advantage and the fact that it weighs less than the other two, the F-250 is a bit sluggish off the line, while the Silverado won the acceleration contest overall. This has something to do with the Ford's 10-speed automatic, which MT found to be a bit sluggish and often hunting for the right gear.
Photos: MotorTrend
>>Join the conversation about the Super Duty vs the competition right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Payload and Towing
The F-250 wins the payload contest between these three trucks with a max rating of 2,926 pounds compared to Chevy's 2,797 and Ram's 2,020. It also wins the towing contest with a max rating of 20,000 pounds, or 22,400 with the optional fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch, while the Ram is rated to tow up to 19,020 pounds, and the Chevy sits at 18,500.
Photos: MotorTrend
>>Join the conversation about the Super Duty vs the competition right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Ride and Handling
MT gives the Ram the edge in ride quality, thanks mostly to its rear air springs that soften up bumpy roads. Meanwhile, the F-250 comes in last here, mostly due to its front coils and rear leaf springs that are good for towing but not so great for ride quality. The Chevy features an independent front control-arm and torsion-bar suspension but didn't impress with its constant shuddering over bumpy roads. Ram also impressed with its high-quality interior, which was also more comfortable on long drives.
Photos: MotorTrend
>>Join the conversation about the Super Duty vs the competition right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Winner?
Ultimately, MT gave Ram the win for its comfortable ride and quality interior, while the Silverado finished behind it thanks to its performance and towing tech that's hampered by a disappointing interior. Shocking, the F-250 finished last because of its rough ride quality and harsh, underperforming drivetrain. But in the real world, Ford dominates the sales charts, so perhaps buyers know something that this rag doesn't.
Photos: MotorTrend
>>Join the conversation about the Super Duty vs the competition right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
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