2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty blends power, refinement and high-tech gadgetry that appeal to work and recreational demands. The entire Ford Super Duty line was redesigned last year, so little is different for the 2012 F-250. Some models receive a 100-200-pound boost in towing capacity. Other notable upgrades or additions include gooseneck/fifth-wheel hitch availability for the 6.75-foot cargo box and new “AppLink” smartphone integration functionality for the Ford Sync system.

The 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty is more versatile and appealing than its bigger brothers, the F-350 and F-450. The towing and payload numbers are lower, of course, but the lighter F-250 is a little more nimble and might return better fuel economy. The lower price point gives customers more flexibility in accessorizing and personalizing their trucks with factory options or aftermarket equipment to suit their needs. Ford’s integration of high-end electronic features is another top selling point for the Super Duty. Besides available navigation, HD radio, satellite radio, the Sync electronics interface and AppLink features, there’s the unique LCD productivity display on the instrument panel that provides vital fuel economy, towing and off-road-driving information.

Overall, the F-250 Super Duty represents a total package befitting a widely defined market and customer. The big-rig character is personified by the massive but well-proportioned styling that includes an imposing chrome grille and football-sized Blue Oval badge. The truck’s gentler side offers comfortable seating and interior amenities to soothe the soul on long trips.

2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat Crew Cab Pickup

The 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty is offered in two- or four-wheel drive with the choice of three cab styles: two-door regular cab, four-door SuperCab and four-door crew cab. The SuperCab has rear-hinged, access-style rear doors, while the crew cab has four full-size conventional-opening doors. SuperCab and crew cab models can be mated to either a standard (6.8-foot) or long (8-foot) cargo bed, but the regular cab model is only available with the long bed.

Buyers have a choice among four trim levels: base XL, midlevel XLT, upscale Lariat and luxury King Ranch. The Lariat is available on SuperCab and crew cab models, while the King Ranch is offered only on the crew cab. The XL is the workhorse of the stable, with standard equipment that includes 17-inch steel wheels, a black grille and bumpers, manual-telescoping trailer tow mirrors, air-conditioning, vinyl floor coverings and upholstery, a 40/20/40-split front bench, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a two-speaker AM/FM radio.

Some features on the Lariat and King Ranch trims are available on the XL and XLT models. Other add-ons (depending on trim level) include 20-inch wheels, a stowable bed extender, a transmission power take-off (for powering accessories like snow plows), heavy-duty alternators, fifth-wheel/gooseneck mounting points (compatible with Reese hitch units), roof clearance lights, a spray-in bedliner, a sunroof, integrated accessory switches and a navigation system.

The 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty comes standard with a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 that produces 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of peak torque. The optional 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 is rated at 400 hp and 800 lb-ft of peak torque. To meet the latest air emissions standards, the diesel engine uses an after-treatment system that requires replenishment of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) about every 7,500 miles. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Properly equipped, the F-250 Super Duty can tow up to 14,000 pounds with a conventional trailer setup.

The 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty comes standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, trailer sway control, hill start assist and side curtain airbags. An integrated trailer brake controller is standard on XLT and higher models, while the Lariat trim level adds rear parking sensors and power-adjustable pedals. A rearview camera is optional on the XLT and Lariat, and standard on the King Ranch model.

The 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty’s industrial-theme interior carries over from the previous generation. Compared to the Dodge Ram, the Ford Super Duty is beginning to look a little long in the tooth. Hard plastics dominate the interior on lower trim levels, but are on par or better than other trucks in this segment. Opting for the Lariat will add a decidedly upscale experience with rich leather and added amenities, and the King Ranch model is arguably the best executed theme truck on the market.

Compared to the competition, the 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty line is noticeably quieter, with wind and road noise pleasantly silenced. Even the diesel’s customary clatter has been hushed to barely detectable levels. As with any heavy-duty pickup, the ride can be a bit jittery when unloaded, but the F-250 remains well-mannered over rough roads. The chief downside to the Ford’s dynamics is the steering, which feels numb and instills less confidence (especially when towing) than its competitors.