The 2021 Ford F-350 and Ford F-450 are both heavy-duty trucks, and, at first glance, it’s nearly impossible to tell which is suitable for your specific needs. Luckily, our comparison guide is here to break down these Super Duty trucks for you. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to pick the right heavy-duty truck.
Price
The 2021 Ford F-350 and F-450 are both heavy-duty trucks, but it’s the F-450 that will ultimately help you tow the biggest trailer. However, its extra capabilities come with a heftier price tag. The 2021 F-350 starts at $39,345, and the 2021 F-450 starts at $54,825.
Powertrains
The 2021 Ford F-350 offers three heavy-duty powertrain options:
- 6.2L gas-powered V8 (385 horsepower, 430 pound-feet of torque)
- 7.3L gas-powered V8 (430 hp, 475 lb-ft)
- Turbo 6.7L diesel V8 (475 hp, 1,050 lb-ft)
The 2021 Ford F-450 comes standard with the F-350’s most powerful engine, the turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel V8. In the F-450, this engine makes the same output: 475 horses and 1,050 pound-feet of torque.
Both trucks come standard with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is always optional. All of these Super Duty engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, designed to help you make the most of your fuel tank, especially when you’re cruising at high speeds.
Capabilities
When it comes to towing, the F-450 is the stronger heavy-duty truck. In terms of conventional towing, this Super Duty truck can tow up to 24,200 pounds, but equipped with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel setup, that figure jumps up to 37,000 pounds.
However, the F-350 can also move some heavy-duty trailers. Conventional tow ratings reach up to 21,200 pounds, depending on F-350 equipment and configuration. The F-350 can tow gooseneck trailers weighing up to 35,750 pounds.
Because F-450 body styles are limited, it’s actually the F-350 that hauls bigger payloads. With the right configuration, the F-350 can haul up to 7,850 pounds and max payloads for the F-450 reach 6,210 pounds.
Of the pair, the F-350 is the only truck to offer Ford’s excellent Tremor Off-Road package. Add it to select F-350 models for a little extra trail action, courtesy of features like off-road tires, a raised suspension, and a locking rear differential.
Body Style and Features
The 2021 Ford F-350 is available with the usual body style options: regular, extended SuperCab, and SuperCrew. Regular-cab trucks feature an 8-foot bed while Extended SuperCab and SuperCrew models let you choose between the 8-foot bed and a shorter, 6.75-foot bed.
The F-450, on the other hand, is only available with either the regular or SuperCrew cabin. Every F-450 features the 8.2-foot bed and dual rear wheels.
When it comes to tech and comfort features, though, these Super Duty trucks have just about everything in common. They’re both available as six trim models that range from basic work-truck accommodations to cushy, stylish cruisers.
Available features include the Sync 3 infotainment system, with its smartphone-friendly Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features and 8-inch touch screen. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist system will help you guide a trailer in the right direction and luxuries, like leather upholstery and wood interior trim, give these heavy-duty trucks some high-end style.
Which Heavy-Duty Truck Should You Choose?
To choose between these two heavy-duty trucks, you need to know how much weight you plan to tow and haul. Remember that the F-350 offers extra body style and bed configurations, and that it can actually haul the biggest payloads. If the F-350 can’t handle your extra-heavy trailer, turn to the F-450, the most capable of all Ford’s Super Duty trucks.