Ford F-150 vs. F-250 vs. F-350

Ford is one of the top-selling trucks in all of America, so choosing this brand is a no-brainer. There are three different models you can choose from: F-150, F-250, and F-350. What’s the difference? How do you know which one to choose?

Comparing the F-150 Models

The F-150, F-250 and F-350 are among the most popular trucks on the market. The biggest difference between these vehicles is, of course, the size. Each model offers more powerful specs than the last. So, depending on what you plan to tow, you’ll have to choose a model accordingly.

Engine Size

As the number rises (150,250,230), the power increases. Because of this, each truck has a different type of engine. The 2021 Ford F-150, in particular, has many engine options. It comes with five choices: 3.3L EcoBoost V6, 2.7L EcoBoost V6, a 5.0 TI-VCT V8, a twin-turbocharged 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 andone paired with an electric motor. Each of these engines has different horsepower and torque. The lowest engine starts out with 290 horsepower and 2655 lb-ft torque, and the highest is the hybrid engine that goes up to 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque combined.

The 2021 Ford F-250 and Ford F-350 are both considered “Super Duty” and your engine options are limited to two choices for both trucks. There’s the 6.2L 2-Valve V8 Gas engine and the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine. The 6.2L has 385 horsepower and 405 lb-ft. torque while the 6.7L has 440 horsepower and 860 lb-ft. torque. The F-350 has a third option: a 7.3 L Gas V8 engine.

Towing Capacity

Towing capacity sets these three trucks apart from each other. The 2021 Ford F-150 is one of the most versatile because it comes in a variety of trims and options, but it tows the least. It has a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 lbs. with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and a 141.1-inch 4×2 wheelbase. The lowest amount the F-150 can tow is 5,000 lbs. with the 3.3-liter V6 engine and RWD.

The regular cab for the 2021 F-250 has a maximum towing capacity of up to 15,000 lbs. regardless of the engine choice. However, if you choose to buy the super cab, your towing capacity can go up to 22,000 lbs. with the 6.7L engine.

The 2021 F-350 with 7.3 L Gas V8 engine will get you up to 21,000 pounds of towing capacity. With the 6.7 L Power Stroke Diesel V8 engine and a 10-speed transmission on a Regular Cab, you will get a maximum towing capacity of 35,750 pounds.

Payload

Again, the 2021 F-150 has the least payload possible since it’s the smallest truck. The lowest payload is 1,745 lbs with the 2.7L engine, but you can get a maximum of 3,325 lbs. with the 5.0L engine. With the F-250, the payload increases slightly, and you can get up to 4,260 lbs. The best payload comes from the F-350, of course, with a maximum payload of 7,850 lbs.

Curb Weight

The final difference between the three trucks is the amount of curb weight possible. With the 2021 F-150, you can get a curb weight between 4,021 to 5,014 lbs. The 2021 F-250 has a curb weight between  5,677 to 7,538 lbs. Finally, the 2021 F-350 has the highest curb weight between 5,878 to 7,737 lbs, depending on which engine option you choose.

Consider all engine options when choosing a Ford F-150, or Super Duty F-250 or F-350. The engine options will greatly affect your towing capacity. For smaller trailers, an F-150 may be perfectly suited for your needs, but if you have a larger trailer or boat to tow, you’ll want to consider a Super Duty model.