2015 Ford F-450 Buyer's Guide

The Ford F-450 is the most capable truck in Ford’s Super Duty line of heavy-duty full-size pickup trucks. These trucks are geared towards people who need to haul or tow heavy loads. As is typical with heavy trucks, the ride can be stiff when empty, but smooths out a bit when loaded. The interior can be configured as a stripped out work truck with heavy-duty vinyl seats and the standard AM/FM radio, or it can rival that of a luxury sedan with the addition of heated leather seats (front and rear), a heated steering wheel, a Premium Sony Audio System with CD player, Satellite Radio, and the SYNC with MyFord Touch system. The F-450 is only available with dual rear wheels, and only in 4-wheel drive.

What makes it move?

When purchasing an F-450, the only available engine is the diesel (or B20) fuelled and turbocharged 6.7 liter Power Stroke V8 that whips up 440 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque, using a compacted graphite iron block and aluminum cylinder heads. The engine is backed by a TorqShift 6-speed SelectShift Automatic, which has two driver initiated modes, one which locks out overdrive, and a full manual mode where the driver is fully in control of gear selection.

Why buy the 2015 Ford F-450?

Super Duty trucks with the diesel 6.7 liter V8 come with a tow/haul mode and utilize engine-exhaust braking and selective gearing to improve control on steep downhill grades. A factory installed trailer brake controller is fully integrated with the ABS and trailer sway control systems. Hill Start Assist helps prevent the truck from rolling backwards by automatically holding the brake while you move your foot from the brake pedal to the gas pedal, which is particularly useful when towing heavy loads. There’s an optional 150 watt power inverter with 110 volt outlet at the rear of the available center console, and vehicles equipped with SYNC with MyFord Touch get an additional outlet on the instrument panel. A properly equipped F-450 can haul up to 5,300 lbs or tow up to 31,200 lbs.