2012 Ford Superduty Des Moines

Click Here to See Oue New Ford Superduty Inventory in IA!!

The entire Ford Super Duty line was redesigned last year, so little is different for the 2012 F-250. Some models receive a 100-200-pound boost in towing capacity. (Note: Tow ratings on select F-350 and F-450 models were increased by up to 1,500 pounds.) Other notable upgrades or additions include gooseneck/fifth-wheel hitch availability for the 6.75-foot cargo box and new "AppLink" smartphone integration functionality for the Ford Sync system.   The 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty comes standard with a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 that produces 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of peak torque. The optional 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 is rated at 400 hp and 800 lb-ft of peak torque.  Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.  Luxury-oriented buyers can revel in heated-and-cooled Chaparral leather seats with driver memory, moonroof, one of two types of rear camera, SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment, navigation and remote start. 

Interior Features of the '12 Ford Superduty

With almost six feet of space from door to door the Ford Super Duty cab is massive. Materials appear well assembled and are mission-appropriate.  The dash is segmented in three smaller parts for a more manageable look. The instrument pod provides engine and road speed through larger dials with four smaller gauges lined up between; diesel models include a boost gauge and gas engines substitute oil pressure. Instrument needles are now blue on many models but illuminate as white at night.  The climb in is mitigated by a deep door opening cut and well-placed assist handles; multiple choices in side steps are available. We noted a marked reduction in wind/cab noise around the center pillar in the SuperCab, and the better sealing means that big front door requires a solid yank to close with all windows up. The new diesel is so quiet you won't hear any of it at cruising speeds (the gas engine generates a more authoritative hum) and road noise is reasonably controlled since the nearest wheel is not right under your feet.  The ventilation system is capable of cooling or heating the cavernous volume and keeping forward windows and mirrors clear, and seat heaters are very effective; a supplemental cab heater is available for diesel models. On many models, all outside mirror elements are heatable as well.  Safety equipment includes electronic stability control, trailer sway control, and hill-descent control, antilock brakes, SOS post-crash alert, dual front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, adjustable height outboard belt anchors, child-seat LATCH anchors, three rear seat headrests on Crew Cab and a passenger airbag deactivation switch on regular and SuperCabs.

Exterior Features of the '12 Ford Superduty

Already the biggest pickup in town, the Ford Super Duty appears imposing because of bigger horizontal bars in the grille, deeper airdam and bumper with bigger cooling air openings, and stacked lamps with the headlights on the bottom.  Towing mirrors include signal repeaters that won't distract the driver; they telescope and fold (manual or powered), and include two large reflector elements for safe rear vision with the widest street-legal trailers. Rear cameras are mounted in the tailgate center latch housing, and display on the navigation screen or inside the rearview mirror. 

Model Lineup

The 2011 Ford Super Duty comes in four trim levels, three cab sizes and two box sizes, virtually all in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The XL, XLT and Lariat trims extend to most models. Only on Crew Cabs can you get the top-line King Ranch interior, however. Also, there is no short-box dual-rear wheel model, and the FX4 package is offered only on SuperCab and Crew Cab 4WD F250 and F350.

A 6.2-liter V8 with 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque is standard on all F-250 and F-350 models. The F-450 pickup comes standard with the 6.7-liter turbodiesel rated at 400 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, and four-wheel drive can be lever or switch operated.

The Super Duty XL is work-truck, low-budget in nature, with vinyl seats and flooring, black painted grille and bumpers, plain trim, and AM/FM stereo, but it does include air conditioning, towing mirrors, trip computer, tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a weight-appropriate receiver hitch. Options are primarily mechanical in nature: diesel, locking differential, larger tires and wheels, integrated fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch prep package, camper package, off-road package for 4WD, Tow Command , auxiliary switches, reverse sensors, tailgate step, Work Solutions in-dash computer and Tool Link. SuperCabs also include flip-out rear side windows, Super and Crew get an overhead console, and the F-450 has forged aluminum wheels.

XLT trim adds chrome trim, aluminum wheels, 40/20/40 cloth front seat with under-seat lockable compartment, carpet, CD player, power windows/locks/mirrors, power-adjusted and heated towing mirrors, privacy glass, the integrated brake controller for single-rear wheel trucks, remote keyless entry, MyKey, and cruise control. Options include captain's chairs w/power and heat, Audiophile sound system, adjustable pedals, moonroof, and rear-seat DVD entertainment.

Lariat trim adds polished aluminum 17-inch wheels for F-350 dually and bright 18-inch aluminum wheels for single-rear-wheel trucks, heated leather power front seats, dual-zone climate control, power-adjust pedals, backup camera, SYNC, redundant sound/climate controls on wheel, woodgrain trim, power fold-and-telescoping tow mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, privacy glass, keypad door entry, 110-volt outlet and a powered sliding rear window. Options include those offered on most Super Duty models plus captain's chairs and universal door opener.

The King Ranch for F-250 Crew Cab 2WD adds two-tone paint including most trim pieces, driver memory package, heated/cooled power front seats, unique forged alloy wheels, rearview camera, and Chaparral-leather for the steering wheel, four captain's chairs and both center consoles.

Conclusions

The Ford Super Duty is the largest mass-market pickup truck you can get, offered in the widest array of configurations and most of the highest ratings that pickup truck bragging wars often revert to. It is more than capable of handling all reasonable recreational or commercial needs, and an honest, thoughtful appraisal of your needs will give you the best value.  If you want to learn more about the 2012 Ford Superduty, click here.