From its all-black paint job, including a black stacked grille and bumpers, to the wide wings that were its side mirrors, our four-wheel-drive 2005 Ford F-250 SuperCab XLT tester was nothing less than intimidating. Equally formidable was the $38,245 price tag, which included a $795 destination charge; $600 for the 6.8-liter V10; $1,490 for the five-speed TorqShift automatic transmission; $250 for LT265/70R17 B.F. Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A tires; $120 for adjustable foot pedals; $175 for a 12,500-lb. trailer hitch receiver; $495 for the TowCommand package; and more.

Given that the 2005 Ford F-250’s improvements are focused primarily on the powertrain and chassis, we focused our testing on the truck’s overall ride and engine performance, with a significant amount of time spent towing a Toyota Tacoma weighing roughly 4,000 pounds. Granted, even with the weight of the car trailer thrown in, we were well below our F-250’s 13,500-lb. maximum tow rating, but the weight was sufficient to evaluate the powertrain under load conditions, while also gauging any improvements with the revised steering system and stronger frame. Unfortunately, our rented trailer lacked a hookup for brakes, so we were unable to test the TowCommand feature.

After several miles behind the wheel, both with the towed load and without, we walked away impressed with the 2005 Ford F-250’s capabilities. With the Toyota tagging behind, the 6.8-liter’s 457 lb.-ft. of torque effortlessly pulled the Ford up to highway speeds, and hauled that multi-ton load up steep hills without complaint. Even when the throttle was planted for extra power, the five-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts. And despite the extra weight out back, the revised front suspension did indeed result in a more communicative steering feel, something you’re thankful for when piloting such a large rig down the highway at 75 mph. We also enjoyed the stiffened frame, as it resulted in less flex over road irregularities without worsening the ride significantly.

Mitigating the effects of the 2005 Ford F-250’s stiff ride are seats that prove to be comfortable even on long drives, though with an as-tested rating of 5.8 mpg with a trailer (that jumps to a whopping 10.1 mpg without a trailer), this truck’s thirst for fuel may preclude you from any extended highway runs. A large, padded fold-down center armrest is perfectly placed, and a tilt steering wheel and our tester’s optional adjustable foot pedals allowed even our most diminutive editor to find a suitable driving position. The rear fold-up bench remains uncomfortable, with insufficient leg and foot room, hard cushions, and a steeply angled seat back.

Unlike the seats, the dash and instrument panel have been updated for 2005. From an ergonomics perspective, everything is just rosy – radio, heating and air conditioning, and all power controls are within easy reach and are clearly marked. Even the TowCommand buttons are well-placed in the center dash. However, the materials used to construct the dash, as well as those used on the door panels and nearly everywhere else inside the Ford F-250, are of questionable quality. Flexible black plastic is used around the instrument controls, and a different grade of unimpressive plastic is used on the passenger airbag cover. The flimsy door panels are huge, gray, feature-less billboards, and the passenger’s power door switch panel popped off with the slightest provocation.

It was much the same on the outside, where canyon-esque body panel gaps were the norm and the warped edges of that menacing grille were half expected. And then there were the badges, straight from the Built Ford Tough factory, with letters that were already peeling.

But, that was us being silly. Heavy duty trucks are built for getting the hard work done with a limited amount of fuss – there’s no room for little things like material and build quality. Well, at least that’s what a week with the 2005 Ford F-250 would suggest.