Overview

What's New for 2012:

• Slight increase in towing capabilities
• Gooseneck, or fifth wheel, is a new factory option on some models
• Smartphone integration into the Ford Sync system

Exterior Features
The 2012 Ford Super Duty is a full-size pickup truck sold in F-250, F-350 and F-450 designations, which is the nomenclature used to distinguish chassis weight. It is offered in 2- and 4-door body styles, with a choice of cab and bed lengths. Seventeen-inch steel wheels are standard.

Interior Features
The 2012 Ford Super Duty offers seating for up to 6 passengers, depending on cab. Base Super Duty models feature vinyl upholstery and vinyl flooring, air conditioning, 2-speaker audio system, and more. Higher trim levels feature full power accessories, leather upholstery, Bluetooth phone connectivity, alloy wheels, and other premium features.

Optional Features
Targeted toward commercial operators, the options list for the Ford Super Duty is long. It includes a variety of towing packages, heavy-duty alternators, spray-in bedliner, navigation systems, and more.

Under the Hood
Ford Super Duty models are fitted with one of two different engines. The standard powerplant is a 6.2-liter V-8 rated at 385 horsepower. An optional diesel-powered engine is a turbocharged 6.7-liter V-8 rated at 390 horsepower (400 in the F-350). Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with 4-wheel drive optional. Properly equipped, the F-250 can tow 16,700 pounds, according to Ford. The F-350 is able to tow up to 21,600 pounds when equipped with a fifth-wheel hookup, the manufacturer says. The F-450, Ford claims, is capable of towing upwards of 24,000 pounds.

Fuel Economy
Commercial trucks, such as the F-250, F-350 and F-450, are not rated by the EPA for fuel economy.

Safety
Standard safety features of note on the 2012 Ford Super Duty include side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, and trailer sway control. Being a commercial vehicle, the 2012 Ford Super Duty has not been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), as those organizations do not test heavy-duty vehicles.