Ford is introducing the all-new 2023 F-Series Super Duty. The lineup of pickup trucks and chassis cabs is redesigned inside and out, features new powertrain options as well as new towing features, tech in the cabin and 5G capability. Add to all that a suite of cloud-based services the Ford says offers new levels of productivity.
F-Series Lineup. Photo Credit: Ford.
“From F-250 pickup to the F-600 utility truck, Super Duty is the badge America’s hardest-working men and women have come to trust to get the toughest jobs done,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “Super Duty customers are builders – the backbone of our communities and our economy. We poured every ounce of know-how and ingenuity we have into developing the truck of their dreams – smarter, more powerful, full of clever features and technology.”
Ford says the Super Duty enjoys more than 50 percent of market share in utility, mining, construction, and emergency response vehicles, according to S&P Global Mobility. It also makes a significant economic contribution to Ford Motor Company -- generating more revenue than many Fortune 500 companies, including Southwest Airlines, Marriott International or Nordstrom reported for 2021.
Powertrain Options
We don't know power and towing figures yet, but here's what we do know. The new Super Duty has four engine options:
- New standard 6.8-liter V8 gas engine, targeting more low-end torque to make starting on steep grades and merging onto highways easier
- 7.3-liter V8 that is targeting the best gas horsepower and torque in the class thanks to improved air intake and tuning
- A 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel that can go longer intervals between oil changes to stay on the job longer
- New high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel with a unique turbo, upgraded exhaust manifolds and unique tuning targeting the best horsepower and torque in the class
Each engine is mated to a Ford-designed and built 10-speed TorqShift automatic transmission. Ford also says every chassis cab model comes standard with a power take off connection to run added equipment, like boom lifts and plows. Also, four-wheel drive is now standard on XLT models and above.
Ford Pro Upfit Integration System
Ford calls the Super Duty's new Ford Pro Upfit Integration System (UIS) a game changer for customers who rely on body equipment and upfits to accomplish a job, such as utility cranes or plows. This digital solution provides aftermarket equipment makers with improved access to Super Duty’s electrical system and signals to seamlessly integrate and operate their hardware into the truck’s digital displays**. Cloud-based software connects to the UIS so equipment makers can add digital buttons that allow drivers to control their equipment from inside the truck. The system also allows for high levels of customization* and safety interlocks,** like preventing the transmission from shifting into drive with a raised boom lift.
Pro Power Onboard
As you'd expect, Pro Power Onboard is now available for Super Duty. The 2.0-kilowatts of output can power a jobsite or tailgate party. Power outlets are accessible inside the truck and cargo box, or they can be mounted on chassis cabs with a special outlet installation kit.
Towing and Safety Features
Ford says approximately 96% of heavy-duty pickup owners use their trucks to tow. While we are waiting on specs, Ford says the new Super Duty targets best-in-class payload and towing for every trailer type.
New available driver assist technologies designed to make towing easier include:
- Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch that estimates cargo weight in real time and provides guidance on trailer tongue weight distribution directly on the center touchscreen, FordPass app or within the taillamps
- 360-Degree Trailer Camera System** that provides a bird’s-eye view of the trailer to make maneuvering in tight spaces easier and with virtually no blind spots
- Blind Spot Information System for Fifth Wheel & Gooseneck that can be attached to a trailer to help identify when vehicles are next to a trailer and indicate this in the side view mirrors
- Industry-First Available Tailgate Down Camera and Tailgate Down Reverse Sensing System includes a new camera and reverse sensors in the top of the tailgate that provide visual and audible alerts when the tailgate is down to make backing up to a dock or hitching a gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailer easier than ever before
- Pro Trailer Hitch Assist automatically backs the truck up and aligns the conventional hitch ball to the trailer receiver
- Trailer Navigation plots routes that can be safely navigated with given trailer dimensions and weight to avoid potential issues with low bridges and tight turns
“Our goal was to leave drivers with zero blind spots, even when towing the longest trailers,” said Andrew Kernahan, Ford Super Duty chief engineer. “Camera views provide every angle, from simulating a drone to making sure customers can see behind the truck even when the tailgate is down. Hitching and towing has never been easier.”
New available safety and security technology includes:
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering automatically brakes and accelerates to a preset speed and helps keep the truck in its lane
- Trailer Theft Alert will send an alert via the FordPass app should anyone attempt to disconnect the trailer when the truck is locked
- Vehicle Security, available with a Ford Pro Telematics subscription, uses sensors to monitor impact and towing events and sends alerts even when the vehicle is off***
- Fleet Start Inhibit allows Ford Pro customers to schedule timeframes for when the vehicle can be started to improve confidence around fleet operations
- Forward/Reverse Sensing System helps drivers by showing objects immediately in front of the vehicle and warns when objects are near the front or rear of the vehicle
- Front* and Rear Brake Assist helps prevent low-speed collisions to help automatically protect against hitting objects that may otherwise be hard to see
- Full-color head-up display helps keep eyes on the road by showing information right in the driver’s line of sight that changes with driving mode
Embedded 5G
The 2023 Ford Super Duty is the first pickup in the United States with embedded 5G capability (AT&T). Ford says the Super Duty’s 5G modem from Qualcomm Technologies can also provide a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices and support Ford Power-Up software updates while driving.
Ford Pro for Business
The all-new Super Duty takes connectivity to the max with Ford Pro, the dedicated business focused on maximizing uptime, accelerating productivity, and lowering costs for commercial customers with a suite of connected vehicles, software, services, and financing. Small to large business owners will benefit from software tools such as Ford Pro Fleet Management Software and Ford Pro Telematics, which identify maintenance needs, vehicle locations, driver behaviors, wasted idle time and more.
Super Duty customers also receive access to Ford’s 650+ Commercial Vehicle Centers, network of 300+ upfitters, and expanding fleet of 700+ Mobile Service Vans, as well as Ford Pro FinSimple, which makes vehicle leasing and purchasing easy and efficient.
Exterior Design
The new Super Duty features seven new grilles, all engineered to maximize cooling performance while under heavy loads. Signature “C-clamp” lighting creates a wide, planted look up front while LED headlamps are now available on all trim levels. Functional long side vents reduce under-hood air pressure to improve aerodynamics.
New Appearance Packages
There are new appearance packages available, too: STX, Sport, and Black Appearance Packages offer various trim, wheel, and paint combinations. A new XL Off-Road Package is available on F-250 or F-350 models with 4x4 single rear wheels. It adds rugged 33-inch tires, a raised air dam, water-fording axle vent tubes, skid plates and an electronic locking rear differential.
2023 Ford Super Duty F-250 XL STX Appearance Package. Credit: Ford.
The Tremor Off-Road Package includes a front-end lift and uniquely tuned suspension, a Dana front axle with limited-slip differential and axle vent tubes, 35-inch Goodyear tires, unique 18-inch wheels, Trail Control, selectable drive modes including a rock-crawl mode and new for this year, Trail Turn Assist.
Inside the Cabin
Some of the features inside the cabin include:
- A standard 8-inch center display on the XL model (it's a 12-inch display for higher trims)
- A customizable 12-inch digital instrument cluster
- Four USB power ports and available wireless charging pad
- A center console slot that holds a tablet upright to make using it easier when parked
- Max Recline Seats that fold almost horizontal and lift the seat bottom up for a nearly flat surface to maximize comfort during downtime
- A 640-watt, eight-speaker B&O Sound System or an optional 1,080-watt, 18-speaker B&O Unleashed Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
- The Alexa Built-in hands-free experience with free connectivity to Alexa for up to three years
Availability
The all-new 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty is being assembled at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake, Ohio. It goes on sale in early 2023 with some features and trim series available starting next spring.
Photo Credit: Ford.