With its heavyweight capabilities and modern accommodations, the 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty spans any lingering gaps between work-friendly utility and on-road luxury. Because this heavy-duty truck has so much to offer, shoppers may need a little help sorting through the details. Cue our ultimate 2021 F-250 buying guide!

Power and Performance

You can look to the heavy-duty Ford F-250 to move major weight, and that’s thanks in part to its hardy engine lineup. Choose between two gas-powered engines and a turbodiesel V8, all of which were specially designed to tow and haul heavy-duty workloads.

Engine options

  • 6.2-liter Flex Fuel V8 engine (385 horsepower, 430 pound-feet of torque)
  • 7.3-liter gas-powered V8 engine (430 horsepower, 475 pound-feet of torque)
  • 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 engine (475 horsepower, 1,050 pound-feet of torque)

Standard performance features:

  • Six-speed automatic transmission (6.2L V8)
  • 10-speed automatic transmission with Selectable Drive Modes (Normal, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Eco & Deep Sand/Snow) (7.3L V8, 6.7L turbodiesel V8)
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
  • Four-wheel antilock disc brakes
  • AdvanceTrac with roll stability control and trailer sway control
  • 34-gallon fuel tank (with 6.7L turbodiesel V8, SuperCab 8ft box, Crew Cab 6.75ft box)
  • 48-gallon fuel tank (with 6.7L turbodiesel V8, Crew Cab 8ft box)
  • Heavy-duty shock absorbers
  • Front stabilizer bar
  • Integrated trailer brake controller
  • Electronic transfer case (4x4 models)

Optional performance features:

  • Cruise control
  • Adaptive steering
  • Four-wheel drive
  • Engine block heater
  • Gooseneck hitch kit
  • Fifth-wheel hitch kit

Towing and Hauling Capabilities

This heavy-duty truck was designed to tow and haul the kind of weight that would make lesser trucks balk. Towing and hauling capabilities vary quite a bit, however, depending on your F-250 Super Duty’s body style, powertrain, axle ratio, and equipment.

2021 Ford F-250 Towing

With a conventional trailer-tow setup, the F-250 can tow max loads of up to 20,000 pounds. Add a fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch, and the F-250 can manage up to 22,800 pounds.

This Ford Super Duty is also a talented hauler. With the right configuration, the heavy-duty F-250 can transport payloads weighing up to 4,260 pounds.

Body & Truck Bed Configurations

One of the greatest things about the heavy-duty F-250 is its highly configurable nature. This modern pickup truck is available with three body styles, two truck bed lengths, and single- or dual-rear wheels.

Choose between a single-row regular cabin, two-row extended SuperCab, and two-row Crew Cab, the latter of which is the roomiest option. Depending on who you travel with, there’s an F-250 cabin option for everyone.

The SuperCab and Crew Cab are available with either a 6.75-foot short bed or an 8-foot long bed. The regular cabin comes standard with the 8-foot box only.

Exterior Features

Outside, the 2021 Ford F-250 has never looked better. This heavy-duty truck’s rugged style and broad stance is enough to make it stand out in a crowd. Add some extras—like chrome trim, 20-inch wheels, and LED lights—and you’ve got quite a handsome truck on your hands.

Standard features:

  • 17-inch Argent-painted steel wheels
  • Black-painted steel front and rear bumpers
  • Black bar grille
  • Quad-Dual halogen beam headlamps
  • Manual telescoping/folding trailer tow mirrors with manual glass
  • Removable locking tailgate
  • Tie-down hooks
  • Two front tow hooks

Optional features:

  • 18-inch Sparkle Silver-painted cast aluminum wheels
  • 20-inch polished aluminum wheels
  • Quad-beam LED headlamps
  • Chrome steel front and rear bumpers
  • Chrome running boards
  • Halogen fog lamps
  • Chrome grille
  • Automatic high beam headlamps
  • LED box lighting
  • Power locking tailgate
  • Tailgate step
  • BoxLink

Exterior color options, depending on trim level:

  • Stone Gray
  • Agate Black
  • Iconic Silver
  • Carbonized Gray
  • Lithium Gray
  • Rapid Red (w/ Upcharge)
  • Race Red
  • Star White (w/ Upcharge)
  • Oxford White
  • Velocity Blue
  • Antimatter Blue

Super Duty trucks also come with optional secondary color for the two-tone look. This is available on the higher trim levels in these colors:

  • Stone Gray
  • Carbonized Gray

Interior Features

Whether you choose the one-row regular cab, extended SuperCab, or roomy Super Crew, you can count on lasting seating support and impressive leg and headroom. The base XL comes standard with utility-friendly vinyl seats, but the XLT upgrades comfort levels with cloth seating. With the Lariat and up, you’ll find a range of leather upholstery options, which only get more luxurious as you climb the trim levels.

2021 Ford F-250 Interior

The 2021 F-250 also offers the kind of high-end features that were once only found in European luxury models. Ford’s optional multicontoured front seats, for example, are heated, ventilated, and able to give you a massage.

Standard features:

  • Air conditioning with manual temperature controls
  • Dash-top tray
  • Vinyl floor coverings
  • Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
  • Intermittent windshield wipers
  • Vinyl seats

Optional features:

  • 10-way power driver seat
  • Eight-way power front passenger seat
  • Memory settings for driver seat
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated rear seats (Crew Cab)
  • Rapid-heat supplemental cab heater (diesel only)
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Carpeted floor
  • Color-coordinated carpet floor mats
  • Power accessories
  • Cloth seats
  • Power-adjustable pedals with memory settings
  • Miko suede headliner
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Leather seating
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Lockable under-seat storage box (crew cab)

Safety, Security, and Technology

In addition to being extremely powerful, the heavy-duty F-250 helps you stay out of trouble. High-tech safety aids, including the standard rearview camera and options like blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, use cameras and sensors to help detect danger before it can become problematic.

2021 Ford F-250 Technology

The F-250 safety roster is tuned into your workday, helping you stay alert with optional trailer reverse guidance and the Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System. The latter uses a collection of cameras to create multiple vantage points and thereby increasing safety. The trailer reverse guidance feature includes a knob on the dash that helps you steer a trailer in the desired direction—no need to risk jackknifing!

Standard safety and security features:

  • Tailgate-mounted rearview camera
  • Automatic high beams

Optional safety and security features:

  • Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) rearview camera
  • Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System (includes 360-degree camera and CHMSL camera)
  • Blind-Spot Information System (BLIS) with rear cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage
  • Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning
  • Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with brake support
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Exterior backup alarm
  • 180/360-degree camera
  • Trailer reverse guidance
  • Lane-keeping alert
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Reverse sensing system

The 2021 F-250 is also nicely equipped with smart tech features. Each of these heavy-duty trucks comes standard with a Wi-Fi modem, giving you the opportunity to bring an internet connection out on the road. The standard FordPass Connect app gives you remote access to your truck, so it’s easy to make sure you locked the doors. Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system is standard on all but the base XL model, giving you hands-free access to your smartphone via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology. Other handy options include remote engine start and an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment interface. If you do a lot of traveling, the integrated navigation system can help you find your way around unfamiliar cities and towns.

Standard tech features:

  • Instrument cluster with 2.3-inch Productivity Screen
  • Steering wheel audio controls
  • FordPass Connect 4G Wi-Fi modem
  • Ford Telematics and Data Services (fleet only)
  • USB port
  • Sync voice controls

Optional tech features:

  • Instrument cluster with 4.2-inch LCD Productivity Screen
  • Instrument cluster with 8-inch LCD Productivity Screen
  • Remote start system
  • Upfitter switches
  • USB and USB-C port in lower center console
  • Sync 3 infotainment system
  • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration
  • Wireless smartphone charging pad
  • SiriusXM Traffic Plus and Travel Link
  • Universal garage door opener
  • 10-speaker B&O premium sound system with subwoofer
  • Navigation

2021 Ford F-250 Trim Models

XL

The entry-level Ford F-250 is ready for your heavy-duty workday. It comes standard with everything you need to move heavy weight, including a rearview camera to help you line up a trailer. Inside, vinyl seats and floor coverings are easy to clean. Tech features, like Sync voice controls and the Wi-Fi modem, put a high-tech twist on your daily drive.

  • 17-inch Argent-painted steel wheels
  • Driver seat with manual lumbar support
  • Vinyl seats and floor coverings
  • Sync voice controls
  • Ford Pass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi modem
  • Tailgate-mounted rearview camera

XLT

The XLT has more modern appeal, with standard cloth seats and an upgraded infotainment system. That system, Sync 3, includes complete smartphone integration, making it easy to access music apps and texting capabilities without glancing away from the road. The XLT is also big on high-tech conveniences, with a power-locking tailgate and a handy blind-spot monitor with trailer coverage.

  • 18-inch Sparkle Silver painted cast aluminum wheels
  • Power locking tailgate
  • Cloth seats
  • Sync 3 infotainment
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi modem
  • Blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage

Lariat

At the Lariat level, the F-250 begins to feel much more luxurious. Inside, you’ll find leather upholstery and a 10-speaker premium sound system. Outside, this heavy-duty truck is also pretty flashy, with 18-inch wheels and automatic high beams.

  • 18-inch bright machined cast aluminum wheels
  • Automatic high beams
  • Leather seating
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Sync 3 infotainment
  • 10-speaker B&O premium sound system

King Ranch

The King Ranch is a high-end F-250 model with a distinctly upscale Western theme. Inside, the exclusive Kingsville Antique Affect leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel make you feel like you’re never too far from the ranch. The King Ranch is loaded with high-tech comforts and conveniences, including a premium B&O sound system and the Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System.

  • 18-inch bright machined cast aluminum wheels
  • Quad dual-beam halogen headlamps
  • Exclusive King Ranch Kingsville Antique Affect leather seating
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System
  • 10-speaker B&O premium sound system

Platinum

This luxurious heavy-duty truck is flashy inside and out, with 20-inch polished wheels and special upgraded leather upholstery. The Platinum’s exclusive styling will appeal to drivers who appreciate an uptown vibe.

  • 20-inch polished aluminum wheels
  • Quad-beam LED headlamps
  • Exclusive Platinum leather seating
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Wireless smartphone charging pad
  • Sync 3 with Navigation

Limited

The top-of-the-line Limited comes standard with every imaginable luxury and high-tech utility feature. This combination makes it a great heavy-duty truck for drivers who do a lot of heavy lifting but also have a deep appreciation for the finer things.

  • 20-inch polished aluminum wheels
  • Exclusive Highland Tan interior
  • Exclusive Limited gauges and badges
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Remote engine start
  • Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System
  • Optional twin-panel power moonroof (Crew Cabin models)

2021 Ford F-250 Packages

10,000/9,900 GVWR Package

  • Upgrades GVWR to 9,900 for F-250 models

Camper Package (XL, XLT, LARIAT and King Ranch, Platinum (DRW)

  • Extra heavy-service front springs (4x2)
  • Heavy-service front springs (4x4)
  • Rear auxiliary springs
  • Rear stabilizer bar (SRW)
  • Slide-in camper certification

CNG/Propane Gaseous Engine Prep Package

  • Available with the 6.2L V8 engine
  • Enables 6.2L V8 to run on either liquified propane or unleaded gas

F-250 Trailer Tow High Capacity with Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System and Pro Trailer Backup Assist Package

  • Lane-Keeping Alert
  • F-250 Trailer Tow Package High Capacity (upgraded axle, increased GCWR on diesel engine from 23,500 lbs. to 30,300 lbs.)
  • Pro Trailer Backup Assist
  • Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System (rearview camera, 360-degree camera system, Trailer Reverse Guidance, LED center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), rear CHMSL camera)

F-250 Trailer Tow Package - High Capacity

  • Increases GCW on the diesel engine from 23,500 lbs. to 30,000 lbs.
  • Upgraded axle

FX4 Off-Road Package

  • Hill descent control
  • Off-road specifically tuned front/rear shock absorbers
  • Transfer case and fuel tank skid plates
  • Unique FX4 Off-Road box decal

Heavy Service Front Suspension Package

  • Heavy-service front springs (1-up upgrade above the computer-selected spring; not included if computer-selected springs are already the maximum springs)

Snow Plow Prep Package (optional for all 4x4 models)

  • Computer selected springs for snowplow application
  • 200 amp alternator
  • Optional 240 amp alternator with 6.2L gas engine

Power Equipment Group (optional on XL, standard on XLT and Lariat)

  • Accessory delay
  • Manual-folding, manually telescoping, power glass trailer tow mirrors with heated glass, heated convex spotter mirror
  • Advanced Security Pack (SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), inclination/intrusion sensors)
  • Power locks
  • Power tailgate lock
  • Power first-row windows with one-touch up/down
  • Power second-row windows (SuperCab and Crew Cab models)
  • Power-folding PowerScope Telescoping, Power Glass Trailer Tow Mirrors with Heat, Turn Signal, High-Intensity LED Security Approach Lamps, Utility Lighting System (LED side-mirror spotlights) (Lariat only)
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Upgraded door-trim panel (XL only)

STX Appearance Package (optional for XL)

  • Bright chrome grille
  • High airflow grille (standard with 6.7L diesel engine, DRW only)
  • Bright hub covers
  • Chrome front and rear step bumpers
  • Cruise control (steering wheel-mounted)
  • STX fender vent badge
  • 18-inch Sparkle Silver painted cast aluminum wheels
  • LT275/65Rx18E BSW A/S (TCH)

Snow Plow/Camper Package (optional for XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch 4x4)

  • Computer-selected springs for snowplow application
  • 200 amp alternator
  • Heavy-service front springs (4x4)
  • Rear auxiliary springs
  • Rear stabilizer bar (SRW only)
  • Slide-in camper certification

Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System with Pro Trailer Backup Assist (optional on XL, XLT, Lariat; standard on King Ranch, Platinum, Limited)

  • Pro Trailer Backup Assist
  • Lane-keeping alert
  • Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System (rearview camera, 360-degree camera system, Trailer Reverse Guidance, LED center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), rear CHMSL camera

XL Value Package (optional on XL)

  • Bright chrome hub covers and center ornaments (SRW only)
  • Chrome front and rear step bumper
  • Steering-wheel-mounted cruise control

XLT Value Package (optional on XLT)

  • Auto Lock/auto unlock
  • Fog lamps
  • Rear under-seat storage (not available with regular cab)
  • Eight-way power driver’s seat
  • Reverse Sensing System
  • SecuriCode keyless entry keypad (driver’s side)

Chrome Package (optional for Lariat SuperCab and Crew Cab and King Ranch 4x4; standard on King Ranch 4x2)

  • 6-inch angular chrome step bars
  • 18-inch chrome PVD wheel (SRW only)
  • Body-color door handles with chrome insert
  • Chrome exhaust tip
  • Two chrome front tow hooks
  • LT275/65Rx/18E BSW A/S (TCH) (SRW only)
  • Unique chrome mirror caps
  • Chrome front and rear bumpers (King Ranch)
  • Chrome rear tailgate applique (King Ranch)
  • Power-folding, PowerScope Telescoping, power glass trailer tow heated mirrors, turn signal, high-intensity LED security approach lamps, utility lighting system (LED side-mirror spotlights)

Tremor Off-Road Package (optional for XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum CrewCab with 6.75-foot box and 4x4)

  • 4.30 electronic locking final drive ratio (7.3L gas engine only)
  • 3.55 electronic locking final drive ratio (6.7L diesel engine only)
  • 35-inch off-road tires LT285/75R18
  • 18-inch low-gloss black painted wheel
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Unique front springs to increase ride height
  • Rear electronic locking differential
  • Front limited slip differential
  • Performance front and rear shock absorbers
  • Eight-way power driver seat with rear under-seat storage (XLT only)
  • Off-road running boards with textured matte finish
  • Skid plates for transfer case and fuel tank
  • Unique front air dams to improve approach angle
  • Water fording vent tunes for transfer case and axle
  • Rock crawl mode
  • Trail control mode
  • Tremor Off-Road decal
  • Spare conventional road wheel
  • LT285/75R 18E BSW spare tire
  • Body-color wheellip molding

Lariat Value Package (optional for Lariat)

  • Easy entry/exit memory driver’s seat feature
  • LED box lighting (including LED center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL))
  • Power-adjustable pedals with memory
  • Power heated/ventilated driver/passenger seat with driver side memory
  • PowerScope trailer tow mirrors with memory
  • Remote start system

King Ranch Ultimate Package (optional for King Ranch)

  • LED fog lamps
  • LED taillamp
  • Quad LED headlamps
  • Twin panel moonroof
  • Multi-contour seats
  • Power-deployable running boards
  • Tailgate step

King Ranch Monochromatic Paint Package (optional for King Ranch)

  • Chrome front and rear bumpers
  • Monochromatic paint

Ford Warranty

Every F-250 Super Duty truck comes standard with a solid warranty. Should the unexpected happen, Ford’s extensive coverage will help you get back on the road. Limited warranty coverage includes:

  • 3 years/36,000 miles New Vehicle Limited Warranty
  • 5 years/60,000 miles Limited Powertrain Warranty for gasoline-powered trucks
  • 5 years/100,000 miles Limited Powertrain Warranty for diesel-powered trucks
  • 5 years/60,000 miles Safety and Emissions Limited Warranty

What Comes Next for the Ford F-250?

The 2021 model is part of the third generation of F-250 Super Duty trucks, introduced for the 2017 model year. Rumor has it that an all-new F-250 is due out for the 2022 model year, but details have yet to be announced. Check back for updates as we learn more!