2009 Ford F-250/350/450 Super Duty: Road Test
2009 Ford F-250/350/450 Super Duty ▼
- MSRP: $25,285 - $53,530
- Invoice: $23,467 - $48,887
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Our road test for the 2009 Ford F-250/350/450 Super Duty includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Ford F-250/350/450 Super Duty from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Ford F-250/350/450 Super Duty, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Ford F-250/350/450 Super Duty help you decide if a 2009 Ford F-250/350/450 Super Duty is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| F-250 XL reg. cab, V8 | F-250 XLT ext. cab, turbodiesel | F-350 Lariat ext. cab, V10 | F-450 King Ranch crew cab, turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
Super Duty trucks are best with the brawny V10 or turbodiesel V8. With the 5.4-liter V8, acceleration is adequate. The automatic transmissions are responsive and smooth. No manual-transmission versions have been made available for testing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| F-250 XL reg. cab, V8 | F-250 XLT ext. cab, turbodiesel | F-350 Lariat ext. cab, V10 | F-450 King Ranch crew cab, turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2.9 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a turbodiesel F-450 crew cab averaged 10.1 mpg. Both gas engines use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| F-250 XL reg. cab, V8 | F-250 XLT ext. cab, turbodiesel | F-350 Lariat ext. cab, V10 | F-450 King Ranch crew cab, turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5.2 |
Generally smooth, aided by these trucks' weight and long wheelbases. The optional 20-inch wheels have minimal effect on ride quality.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| F-250 XL reg. cab, V8 | F-250 XLT ext. cab, turbodiesel | F-350 Lariat ext. cab, V10 | F-450 King Ranch crew cab, turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3.5 |
Steering feel is a bit numb on-center, but responsive enough. Handling is decent overall given these big rigs' size. Hard stops are swift and undramatic even on slick roads. Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD is a plus for convenience, but it's not usable on dry pavement.
QUIETNESS
| F-250 XL reg. cab, V8 | F-250 XLT ext. cab, turbodiesel | F-350 Lariat ext. cab, V10 | F-450 King Ranch crew cab, turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5.7 |
Wind noise rises sharply at highway speeds, but tire noise isn't annoying and the gas engines are restrained, though not hushed, except at high rpm. Diesel engine intrudes during acceleration, well muted at idle and while cruising.
CONTROLS
| F-250 XL reg. cab, V8 | F-250 XLT ext. cab, turbodiesel | F-350 Lariat ext. cab, V10 | F-450 King Ranch crew cab, turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Gauges are clear and well-placed. Most controls are handy, though some radio and climate buttons are a bit of a stretch.
DETAILS
| F-250 XL reg. cab, V8 | F-250 XLT ext. cab, turbodiesel | F-350 Lariat ext. cab, V10 | F-450 King Ranch crew cab, turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 5.4 |
Materials are stark on lower trim levels. Models such as the Lariat and King Ranch have fairly fancy decor that belies their work-truck leanings.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| F-250 XL reg. cab, V8 | F-250 XLT ext. cab, turbodiesel | F-350 Lariat ext. cab, V10 | F-450 King Ranch crew cab, turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.4 |
Standard bench seat has enough space for three large adults, but is too hard and flat for long-haul comfort. Available twin bucket seats are more accommodating. Step-in varies with model, but they're all high; some 4WD versions require a long stretch, though side steps are available. Large outside mirrors and a tall, commanding seating position aid visibility on all models.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| F-250 XL reg. cab, V8 | F-250 XLT ext. cab, turbodiesel | F-350 Lariat ext. cab, V10 | F-450 King Ranch crew cab, turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 5.4 |
SuperCabs have fine headroom but very limited legroom, and the seatback is too upright to be comfortable. Crew Cabs offer vast headroom and legroom with a comfortable seat wide enough for three adults.
CARGO ROOM
| F-250 XL reg. cab, V8 | F-250 XLT ext. cab, turbodiesel | F-350 Lariat ext. cab, V10 | F-450 King Ranch crew cab, turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 5.6 |
On par with rival GM and Dodge models for space, with plenty of in-cab storage. Optional tailgate step a handy, worthwhile feature.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| F-250 XL reg. cab, V8 | F-250 XLT ext. cab, turbodiesel | F-350 Lariat ext. cab, V10 | F-450 King Ranch crew cab, turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7.2 |
These Fords have all the power, toughness, and comfort to satisfy big-truck users. The top-end Lariat and King Ranch models deftly balance luxury with ruggedness. A variety of chassis, cab, and powertrain configurations insures any buyer will find a version to suit his or her needs.
Total Score
| F-250 XL reg. cab, V8 | F-250 XLT ext. cab, turbodiesel | F-350 Lariat ext. cab, V10 | F-450 King Ranch crew cab, turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 52 | 53 | 57 | 61.1 |
Total Score: 41
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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