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2012 Ford F-250 Superduty

For 2012, Ford engineers strengthened the F-250 Superduty's frame and trailer hitch.  It now provides 17,500 pounds of conventional towing capacity when properly equipped. Ford also offers a CNG/LPG prep package for gas-engine trucks, and a gooseneck hitch is available for the 6.75-foot cargo box.  Ford's integration of high-end electronic features is another top selling point for the Super Duty. Besides available navigation, HD radio, satellite radio, the Sync electronics interface and AppLink features, there's the unique LCD productivity display on the instrument panel that provides vital fuel economy, towing and off-road-driving information.   The 2012 F-250 Superduty's torque was also improved.  It comes standard with a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 that produces 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of peak torque.  However, the Voptional 6.7 L V8 engine produces 400 hp and 800 lb ft of torque.  (This is an increase over the 2011 hp and torque.)

Driving Impressions of the '12 Ford F-250 Superduty

The 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty line is noticeably quiet with wind and road noise pleasantly silenced. Even the diesel's customary clatter has been hushed to barely detectable levels.  Even when lugging a 10,000-pound trailer up a steep grade, the diesel climbs with ease, and the six-speed automatic never labors, nor does it get caught hunting for the right gear.  Descending is also made simple thanks to the well-managed automatic transmission teaming up with the diesel's exhaust brake. The new six-speed automatic, the only transmission offered, is an ideal mate to either engine and offers the best control of any pickup automatic.

Interior features of the 2012 Ford F-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 blue on many models but illuminate as white at night.  The center stack houses a pair of large vents, radio and navigation located top center where easily viewed, climate control, and most switchgear, including optional auxiliary equipment switches, Tow Command, SYNC inputs and one of up to five 12-volt power points.  The climb in is mitigated by a deep door opening cut and well-placed assist handles.  Seats have been updated using F-150 parts to provide more comfort, support and adjustability for the diesel's 600-plus-mile range.  The Truck Apps display includes an off-road screen with lateral and vertical angle indicators (no redline marked where the truck might/will fall over) and turning radius; it also provides information about the locking differential, plus 4WD, hill descent and traction control systems.  The trailer submenu can store brake settings and name for two trailers and show checklists where you have to, for example, push OK when it asks if the tongue jack is raised, lights functioning, etc., for different types of trailers. The screen also does customer Settings such as setting maintenance intervals, the compass zone, or how long the lights stay on at key-off. The Information section includes MyKey preferences, log data (engine hours, idle hours, open doors, etc.), and messages like door ajar and tire pressure warnings.  The navigation system is fairly intuitive and will be familiar to Ford family drivers, as will the SYNC system. The Tool Link aspect of the Work Solutions equipment will tell you, on the center screen, which (if any) tool or anything else you've tagged is not in the truck when you are ready to leave.  Ford's Tow Command integrated trailer brake system is easy to set up and provides better, smoother trailer braking control than any aftermarket controller. For 2011 it is compatible with both conventional and electric-over-hydraulic braking systems and the display for gain adjustment has been incorporated in the instrument pod.

 Exterior features of the 2012 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. Dimensions are easily given in yards rather than inches.  The Power Stroke badges have been given a hybrid-like green leaf with B20 in reference to the ability to burn biodiesel fuel.  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 2012 Ford Super Duty comes in four trim levels, the Superduty XL, the XL trim,  the Lariat Trim and the King Ranch. 

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 and Super and Crew get an overhead console.

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.

Conclusion

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 are in the market for a pickup truck that rides nicely and is capable of everything that you want a truck to do, the 2012 Ford F-250 Superduty is a truck that you should certainly look at.

Some of the information for this review was obtained on newcartestdrive.com