Driving the grandiose F-250 Super Duty is virtually effortless. Its high stance provides a commanding view of roadways, and the power steering (with new steering gear for 2011) is a big factor in the test driven truck giving the driver a strong sense of comfort and control. For drivers taking full advantage of the truck’s payload and towing strength, the Super Duty’s addition of trailer sway control for the 2011 model year is a welcome offering. Ford also offers a factory-installed integrated trailer brake controller. Another new and nifty feature: a reconfigurable console that increases the available stow space by more than 50%. F-Series Super Duty—sold in regular cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab—nets a class-leading towing capability of 24,400 pounds and a class-topping payload capability of 6,520 pounds.

The biggest news for the Super Duty trucks in 2011 is two all-new engines: the 6.7-liter V8 turbocharged Power Stroke diesel that dishes up 390 horsepower at 2800 rpm and 735 feet-pounds of torque at 1600 rpm; and a flex-fuel (gasoline and E85 ethanol compatible) 6.2-liter V8 that produces 385 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 405 feet-pounds of torque at 4500 rpm. Compared to the 5.4-liter V8 that was offered in the 2010 model year, the 6.2-liter V8 picks up an additional 85 horsepower and an additional 40 feet-pounds of torque. Both engines mate to the new TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission. MSRP of the F250 Super Duty 4x4 Crew Cab XLT with 6.2-liter engine is $39,420.