What’s the Difference Between a Ford F150, F250, and F350?
If you have an interest in purchasing a truck, then Ford has the best trucks for you.
Ford has stylish and versatile trucks, which might match your interests, including F150, F250, and F350 trucks, which are all-powerful and full-size trucks. However, it is good for you to choose a truck based on your needs and wants.
If you’re going to own a ford truck, you really need to know the differences between Ford F150, F250, and F350.
What’s the Difference Between a Ford F150, F250, and F350?
The key performance differences between the F150, F250, and F350 are the towing capacity, payload capacity, and maximum output. If you want a towing truck, all three models are a good choice. However, if you’re going to tow heavy loads, you should go with a Ford F250 or F350.
Knowing the difference between the three ford truck models will enable you to make an informed choice on which truck to choose.
Here, we have compiled the significant differences and the functional features for Ford F150, F250, and F350.
The differences will help you see beyond the similar outward appearance, and you will choose based on how much you want to tow and the location where you will be driving the truck.
Ford F250 and F350 are super-duty trucks, and they have a design that enables them to maximize their performance capability.
The maximum towing capacity for F250 and F350 is 20,000 pounds.
The maximum payload capacity of F250 is 4,260 pounds, and that of F350 is 7,850 pounds.
In comparison, F150 has a low towing capacity, which is approximately 13,200 pounds.
The payload capacity of F150 is about 3,270 pounds with the 5.0L V8 and heavy-duty payload package.
This makes the F150 a good choice for drivers who want to use the Ford truck for carrying loads and town driving purposes.
On the maximum output, F150 has the most substantial work at 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque with the most robust engine of 3.5L EcoBoost.
On the other hand F250, and F350 have the most potent engine of 6.7 L V8 that churns 475 hp and 1050 lb-ft of torque.
Interior and Exterior Differences
Ford F150, F250, and F350 have the exact cab sizes, including regular, extended, or super crew cab.
The regular cab has no rear passenger seat, extended cab has a back passenger seat with less legroom as that of front passenger’s seat, whereas super crew cab has spacious rear passenger’s seat.
The interior of the Ford truck models also differs in the truck bed dimensions.
Ford F150 has three-bed lengths, and it can either be a short, standard, or long bed.
The F250 and F350 have two-bed lengths, and it is a standard bed.
The standard bed in the super trucks is slightly larger than the standard bed in the F150 truck. The unique interior and exterior design of the trucks include:
Ford F150
- 5.5-, 6.5-, or 8-feet cargo bed
- LED headlights with dynamic projector
- Mounted spotlights
- Tailgate work surface
- Productive screen
- Daytime running lights
Ford F250 and F350
- Single rear wheel, or dual rear wheel
- Five wheelbase lengths
- 7.0- or 8.0-feet cargo bed
- Led clearance lights
- Removable tailgate
- Supplemental cab heater
- Up fitter switches
- Trailer tow mirrors
Nevertheless, the bed system of all three Ford trucks has front and rear legroom and LED lights.
Even with the slight differences in the interior and exterior of the F150, F250, and F350, all the models have a durable exterior and a luxurious interior.
Safety and Technology Differences
All three Ford truck models have a high rating in safety. Ford F150 had a five-star rating in front, side, and overall safety rating.
Also, in 2019, F250 was rated five stars in overall safety ratings, and in 2020, the ratings were higher with one score.
In safety ratings by IIHS and NHTSA, they ranked F350 as a truck that has passengers protected from the side, front, and rear impact collisions.
The safety features keep improving with the advance in technology.
All three models feature technology and stability control with roll stability control standards.
On select trim of each truck, safety technology is available. The particular safety and technology features in each Ford truck model include:
Ford F150
- Center stack screen
- Pro power onboard is available
- B&O sound system
- Voice recognition
Ford F250 and F350
- Three with eight inches touchscreen
- Traffic plus and travel link
- 4G Wi-Fi connection
- Camera system
Engine Size
The F150, F250 and F350 trucks offer a diverse engine lineup. With the increase in number, from 150 to 250 to 350, the engine power also increases.
The models have different engines, which come with different horsepower and torque.
The F250 and F350 are super-duty trucks, and the engine choices are two for both.
There is a 6.2L V8 gas engine and a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbodiesel engine.
The horsepower of the 6.2L engine is 385, while that of 6.7L is 440.
The 6.2L engine has a torque of 405 lb-ft, while the 6.7L has 860 lb-ft torque.
In comparison, the Ford F150 has a variety of engine options to choose from.
They include 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 3.3L V6, 3.3L Turbo diesel, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 3.5L Ti-VCT V6, and 5.0L Ti-VCT V8.
2.7L EcoBoost V6 is the lowest engine power, and it has 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft torque.
The highest engine power, 5.0 L Ti-VCT V8, has 385 horsepower and 400 lb-ft torque.
The 3.3L V6 has 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft torque, 3.0 Turbodiesel has 250 horsepower and 440lb-ft torque, while 3.5L EcoBoost has 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft torque.
While all the Ford truck models have diverse options in engine size, F150 has a broader selection.
Each truck has a different weight. F150 weighs approximately 4,000 lbs, F250 weighs about 7,500 lbs, while F350 weighs around 8,000 lbs.
The total weight and the engine size influences the gas mileage.
If you would not often be driving or carrying heavy loads, it would be best to go for F150 rather than the heavy-duty trucks.
Transmission Difference
The transmission is the part that connects the vehicle and the rear engine. It offers power to the wheel from the engine and keeps the wheels spinning.
Transmission is an important feature to know about before purchasing your ford truck.
In relation to the engine speed and torque, the transmission will change the wheel speed.
The specific transmission features for F150, F250, and F350 include:
F150
- Six-speed automatic transmission, which is only available in 3.3L V6
- Ten-speed automatic transmission
The ten-speed automatic transmission system enables smooth shift transition when the truck is in motion.
Between the shifts, you will note a 20 percent drop in revolutions per minute. The reduction in resolutions per minute keeps the engine at peak power output during acceleration.
Also, the ten-speed automatic transmission system is lighter than the six-speed automated transmission system because it does not contain cast iron parts.
F250 and F350
- Six-speed transmission with tow/haul mode
- HD 10-speed transmission
Ford F250 and F350 are super-duty trucks and need the heavy-duty (HD) transmission system to keep operating at 1500 to 2500 revolutions per minute.
A 10-speed transmission system creates smooth gear shifts, making rides more comfortable and making towing heavy trailers easy and efficient.
Front Suspension Differences
The Ford F150 has a front suspension that differs from that of F250 and F350.
The front suspension of the F150 is independent, while F250 and F350 have an equipped solid front axle.
Therefore, in F150, the independent front suspension enables the front tires to move independently.
The independent front suspension maximizes comfort, making the F150 truck suitable for street driving and off-road trips.
In F250 and F350, the front tires do not move independently; they depend on the solid front axle.
This makes them durable because they have fewer moving parts, which would have caused the breakdown.
The material of the solid front axle is iron, and it is easier to steer. This makes F250 and F350 trucks to be more suitable for towing and hauling.
Conclusion
The F150, F250, and F350 truck series are all considered full-size trucks, and they have many similarities.
Choosing the best Ford truck for you is not an easy task. It depends on several factors, which must go handy with your purpose of getting the truck.
F150, F250, and F350 differ in features and have different towing and hauling powers.
Go into details and check the specific high-tech features of every Ford model before you settle on purchasing.
After browsing and reading the various features, visit a motor center, and test the trucks before you buy.
Testing will give you more knowledge on how the truck is, and you will be able to select a truck that fits your needs best.