The fierce competition in the pickup truck industry entered the new chapter with the introduction of the all-new, GM’s and Ram’s heavy-duty duty models. The new versions are more capable and sophisticated than ever. However, the leader in the industry Ford answered with the refreshed Super Duty Series and upgrades on all fronts.
The heavy-duty models are all about the capability and depending on the needs one can choose between the F-250, F-350 and F-450. The refreshed 2020 Ford F-450 is the most capable, non-commercial truck on the market and without the analog among the rivals. Thanks to the upgraded Power Stroke Turbo Diesel engine the model improved the towing capability significantly and Ford is also new torque king after the short dominance of the Ram’s turbo diesel engine.
The refreshed Ford heavy-duty models get a new most-capable patrol V-8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. The payload ratings are also up but models come with styling and interior updates as well. Ford also added Pro Trailer Backup Assist to the Super Duty range and expanded the availability of active safety systems. Buyers will also love a new Tremor package which transforms your truck into the off-road capable machine but both new petrol engine and Tremor package will be available on the F-250 and F-350 models.
2020 Ford F-450: Powertrains, Capability
The current Ford F-450 is available with the turbocharged diesel V-8 engine only and capable of towing up to 34, 000 pounds. However, the refreshed 2020 Ford F-450 comes with upgraded 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V-8 engine and significantly increased towing capability.
Ford made radical changes in the turbodiesel unit in order to draw as much as possible torque and power improvement. The upgraded engine version comes with the new variable geometry turbocharger and injectors. The strengthened block, heads, pistons, bearing and rods are also part of the update. The improved engine is also paired now with the new 10-speed automatic transmission. As a result, Ford’s V-8 diesel engine gained 25 hp and 115 pound-feet of torque compared to the 2019 version. Thanks to that Ford surpassed Ram’s 1000 pound-feet of torque and became the new torque king with 1050 pound-feet while the power climbs to 475 hp.
With the new engine capability, Ford F-450 can tow up to 37, 000 pounds with gooseneck trailers. The fifth-wheel towing capacity will be up to 32, 500 pounds and up to 24, 200 for conventional towing.
Ford introduced also a new 7.3-liter gasoline V-8 engine paired also with the heavy-duty 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine makes 450 hp and 475 pound-feet of torque but Ford won’t offer this unit with the F-450 model.
2020 Ford F-450: Design
Ford redesigned the Super Duty Series for the 2017 model year and the third-generation trucks are based on the high tensile steel chassis and aluminum-intensive body structure. The 2020 Ford F-450 and other versions continue with the same chassis and structure but get several visual upgrades.
The styling updates are both of cosmetic nature and functional. The refreshed Ford F-450 has a new grille and front bumper style designed to direct more air to keep the engine’s temperature optimal. The part of the mid-update are also restyled headlights and taillights. The 2020 F-450 gets also a fresh tailgate design.
The F-450 will again come in regular and crew cab styles both with the dual-rear-wheel axle and 8.2-foot cargo bed.
Interior, Equipment:
The cabin of the F-450 and other Super Duty versions will continue with the same design while there will be just a few changes in the top Limited version. The range-topping version adds more lather surfaces, a faux-suede headliner and black ash wood trim accents.
The refreshed F-450 gets also a new standard and optional equipment. Every F-450 will come with 4G LTE wi-fi hot spot providing a connection for up to 10 devices. Ford will also equip all versions above the base XL trim with lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.
The updated F-450 gets also Pro Trailer Backup Pro system that appeared previously on the best-selling F-150 and should make reversing easier.
2020 Ford F-450: Release, Price
The deliveries of the refreshed 2020 Ford F-450 and other Super Duty models will start later in the year. Ford will reveal the price closer to the launch date. The range should start from around $48,000.
