The new 2017 Ford F250 4×4 Crew Cab King Ranch is not only the best heavy duty Pickup truck on the market, but it has a monstrous presence that makes a statement to other drivers: “Back off or you’ll be trampled.”
Small cars will cut in front of busses and even tractor trailers, yet few have the courage or even the speed to cut off the F250, which has the highest horsepower and acceleration ever in a Ford Super Duty Pickup.
Akin to the popular Ford F-150, the 2017 Ford F-250 has an all-aluminum body, which is identical to the F-150 body from the A- to the C-pillars.
The King Ranch option includes a best-in-class 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 Diesel — paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission gets up to 440 horsepower. The F-250 basic engine is 6.2-liter and generates 385 horsepower. Both engines come in gas or diesel and are made with compact graphite iron, which is stronger and lighter than cast iron.
The 2017 F-250 aluminum body is lighter than steel and Ford saved 350 pounds, which was redistributed to the frame. Larger than the F-150, the F-250 has a unique hood, grille design and front fenders. Designed to look and feel massive, the new fully boxed frame is accented with stylish new LED running lights, the big blue Ford oval and rectangular grille.
The lightweight aluminum body allowed engineers to lower the truck’s center of gravity, and helped to increase towing and payload capacity.
Since most F-250 buyers use their vehicles to tow, the new Super Duty will tow up to 18,000 pounds.
Steering ratio dynamics are controlled by computer commands that set small movements at low speeds and adjusts for towing at higher speeds. Up to seven cameras are displayed on the dashboard that provides multiple views, including a wired camera for the back of a trailer.
The Super Duty 4×4 Crew Cab King Ranch is top-of-line luxury and power. Totally remade with new leather interior, it features technology that far outdoes its closest competitor. Features include 10-way driver and passenger powered seats, a rear bench that flips up and down with extra storage under the seats, 110 volt outlet, tilt and telescope steering, and voice activated navigation.
Optional equipment for my test vehicle included all-terrain axles, engine block heater, adaptive cruise control, 5th wheel hitch prep package, heated rear seats, blind spot monitoring, adaptive steering, lane change alert, and ultimate trailer tow camera.
The MSRP price for the 2017 Ford F-250 starts at $32, 525 for the 6.2 liter engine, $52,000 for the 4×4 King Ranch luxury model, and $63,000 for the top-of-line Super Duty Platinum Crew Cab with a 20-inch wheels, a 6.75 foot box, genuine wood trim, a 360 degree camera system and more.
Randi Payton is Founder at Decisive Media Network, Washington D.C. Metro Area.
