2020 Ford F-250
This is a banner year for the Ford F-250. This heavy duty truck, in its third generation since 2017, is getting a brand-new engine option, a new offroader trim level, upgraded technology, and a new transmission for the diesel engine. That’s a lot for your average model year. In this preview guide, we focus on these changes as well as the qualities this heavy-duty truck has that keeps bringing people back year after year.
The biggest news is that new engine option: the 7.3-liter gasoline V8 with 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford promises this new engine will deliver even more than the 450 horsepower and 935 pound-feet of torque than the one it’s replacing. That probably means we can expect to see an uptick in towing and hauling capacity, which with the old engine, already stands at 18,500 pounds and 7,640 pounds respectively. That was already best in its class, and Ford is literally outdoing itself this year. Ford, you have our attention. In other engine news, the 6.7-liter turbodiesel is being paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission this year, replacing the old one. This means smoother gear shifts and better acceleration.
While technically a package, we’re calling this one a new trim because of the way it revolutionizes the F-250. Every Super Duty is getting more off-road ready this year with the FX4 off-road package, but the Tremor package is something special. An F-250 Tremor has a 2-inch front lift and shorter airdam, along with 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac all-terrain tires, transfer case, and fuel tank skid plates from the FX4 package. That provides more ground clearance and protection from rocks in the path.
In addition, suspension and stabilizer bars are both re-tuned for off-roading, plus twin-tube shocks with 1.7-inch-diameter pistons improve feedback and temper heat buildup. The package also includes a locking rear differential, limited-slip Dana front differential, rock-crawl mode, and low-speed cruise control. The Tremor package is available on all trims except the XL and the Lariat, and available with either engine.
It used to be that the F-250 was a barebones work truck, but times are changing Super Duty truck owners want all the convenience and tech options that everyone else gets. And Ford is happy to oblige. For 2020, the F-250 boasts a set of newly standard and optional technology and safety features. All F-250s now include a 4G LTE modem and Wi-Fi hotspot connecting to up to 10 devices. This is a huge boon not just for scrolling through Facebook in the passenger seat, but also boosts the F-250’s effectiveness as a fleet vehicle. Ford gives fleet operators a telematics suite so they can track various vehicle data points. Including it on every Super Duty truck means even the fleet-oriented XL can be equipped.