Ford F-Series Showdown: F-150, F-250, and F-350 Comparison [2024]

May 21st, 2025 by

Not all Ford trucks are built for the same job. The best way to find out is to get behind the wheel. At Corwin Ford Reno, you can test drive the F-150, F-250, and F-350 back to back and see what fits your needs. Here’s how to choose between the F-150, F-250, and F-350 based on what you need. 

 

What’s the Difference Between F-150, F-250, and F-350?

The biggest difference comes down to strength and what you need the truck to do. The F-150 is a light-duty pickup. It’s great for everyday driving, weekend projects, and towing smaller loads. The F-250 and F-350 are part of Ford’s Super Duty lineup. They’re built for heavier work like hauling equipment, trailers, or RVs.

  • F-150: Half-ton truck. Versatile. Comfortable. Good mix of power and fuel efficiency.
  • F-250: Three-quarter-ton. Bigger frame, beefier suspension, more towing power.
  • F-350: One-ton. Built for heavy-duty hauling. Available with dual rear wheels for max towing and payload.

All three look similar on the outside, but under the hood and under the frame, they’re very different animals.

 

Engine Options & Power

All three trucks come standard with rear-wheel drive and offer optional 4×4. The F-250 and F-350 also offer dual rear wheels (DRW) for added stability and max towing. Under the hood, the F-150 leans toward efficiency and versatility, offering smaller gas engines and a hybrid. 

The Super Duty trucks step it up with larger gas and diesel powertrains designed for heavy-duty performance. All models use a 10-speed automatic transmission, but in the F-250 and F-350, it’s tuned for higher torque and load handling. 

2024 F-150, F-250, and F-350 Performance Comparison

 

Truck Engine Horsepower Torque Notes
F-150 2.7L EcoBoost V6 325 hp 400 lb-ft Good balance of power and efficiency
F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 400 hp 500 lb-ft Strong towing power
F-150 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid 430 hp 570 lb-ft Best fuel economy, smooth performance
F-150 5.0L V8 400 hp 410 lb-ft Classic V8 feel, solid for towing
F-150 3.5L HO EcoBoost (Raptor) 450 hp 510 lb-ft Performance-focused, off-road ready
F-150 5.2L Supercharged V8 (Raptor R) 700 hp 640 lb-ft Supercar-level performance in a truck
F-250 / F-350 6.8L V8 Gas 400 hp 445 lb-ft Standard on base trims
F-250 / F-350 7.3L V8 Gas (Godzilla) 430 hp 485 lb-ft Best gas towing performance
F-250 / F-350 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 475 hp 1,050 lb-ft Ideal for heavy towing
F-250 / F-350 6.7L HO Power Stroke Diesel 500 hp 1,200 lb-ft Max towing and torque, available on higher trims

 

Towing & Payload Capacity

Payload is how much weight you can load in the truck. Towing is how much it can pull behind it. Both matter. If you’re buying a truck to haul stuff, this is the section that matters most. Towing and payload are where the differences between the F-150, F-250, and F-350 really stand out.

2024 F-150, F-250, and F-350 Maximum Towing Capacity Comparison

 

Truck Max Towing Capacity Max Payload Capacity Best For
F-150 Up to 13,500 lbs Around 3,300 lbs Boats, small campers, utility trailers
F-250 Up to 23,000 lbs Around 4,300 lbs Larger trailers, equipment, job site gear
F-350 Over 32,000 lbs Up to 7,800 lbs Commercial towing, heavy equipment, large RVs

 

Curb Weight & GVWR

Curb weight is how much the truck weighs by itself with a full tank and fluids, no passengers or cargo.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the max weight the truck can carry, including itself, people, gear, and tongue weight from a trailer. 

The GVWR tells you how much you can safely load in the truck. If you overload it, you risk damaging the suspension, reducing braking ability, and voiding your warranty. For job sites or serious haulers, this rating is a must-check.

 

2024 F-150, F-250, and F-350 Weight Comparison

Truck Curb Weight GVWR Notes
F-150 ~4,000–5,300 lbs Up to 7,850 lbs Lighter, easier to maneuver; less stable under heavy towing
F-250 ~6,000–7,500 lbs Up to 10,000 lbs Stronger frame for heavier loads; good towing stability
F-350 ~6,500–8,000+ lbs Up to 14,000 lbs Handles max loads; critical for commercial and heavy-duty hauling

 

Interior & Features

All three trucks offer modern tech and comfort, but the F-150 is more comfort-focused for daily use, while Super Duty interiors are more utility-first but still get upscale in higher trims. All trucks offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford Co-Pilot360, and multiple USB ports.

 

F-150 Features

  • More trim variety—from basic XL to luxury-level Limited and Platinum
  • Available 12-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4
  • Optional Max Recline Seats, interior work surface, and full digital cluster
  • More family-friendly and commuter-focused

 

F-250 & F-350 (Super Duty)

  • Tough, work-ready interiors in lower trims
  • Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims bring premium features
  • Large center console, available heads-up display, and max towing tech
  • Standard SYNC 4 with available 12- or 13-inch screens

 

Ride Quality & Driving Experience

The F-150 is the easiest to live with day to day. It’s smooth, quiet, and easy to handle, even in the city. The independent front suspension helps absorb bumps, and the cabin feels refined, especially in higher trims. It’s the kind of truck you can drive every day without feeling like you’re driving a “big truck.”

The F-250 and F-350 are a different story. These are built on stronger frames with heavy-duty suspension. That means the ride is stiffer, especially when the bed is empty. But when you’re towing or hauling a heavy load, the ride actually improves. They’re taller, heavier, and have a wider turning radius, so they feel more truck-like behind the wheel.

 

Price Comparison

The F-150 is the most affordable way to get into a full-size Ford truck. It starts around $36,000 for the base XL trim and can climb into the $80K range for a fully loaded Limited or Raptor R. It gives you a lot of flexibility depending on your budget and how much truck you need.

The F-250 starts a bit higher, around $45,000, and goes well beyond $90K if you opt for diesel engines, higher trims, or towing packages. It’s a solid middle ground if you need serious power but still want some comfort.

The F-350 isn’t that much more expensive at the entry level, but it’s built for max towing and heavy-duty hauling. Add dual rear wheels, the high-output diesel, and luxury features, and you’re easily looking at a truck that costs over $100K.

 

Which Truck Should You Buy? 

It comes down to how you plan to use your truck. If you’re hauling light loads, towing a small trailer, or just want a capable daily driver, go with the F-150. It’s more comfortable, easier to drive, and has plenty of power for weekend projects, camping trips, and everyday life.

The F-250 is a solid step up. It’s perfect if you tow heavy trailers, haul equipment, or need a truck that can handle serious work without being overkill. It still offers comfort and tech, but with a lot more strength under the hood.

Go for the F-350 if max towing and payload are non-negotiable. This truck is built for commercial jobs, big RVs, and anything that pushes the limits. Dual rear wheels and the high-output diesel engine take it to the next level.

Visit Corwin Ford Reno today for a test drive! We serve customers in and around Reno, Carson City, Sparks, the North Valley, Spanish Springs, Verdi, Virginia City, the Carson Valley, and Northern Nevada.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Ford F-150 weigh?

The 2024 F-150 weighs between 4,000 and 5,300 lbs, depending on cab style, drivetrain, and engine.

 

How much does a Ford F-250 weigh?

The 2024 F-250 curb weight ranges from 6,000 to 7,500 lbs, depending on configuration.

 

How much does a Ford F-350 weigh?

The 2024 F-350 weighs about 6,500 to 8,000+ lbs, with dual rear wheel (DRW) models on the higher end.

 

How long is a Ford F150​?

The F-150 is 209 to 250 inches long, depending on the cab and bed size you choose.

 

How much can a Ford F-150 tow?

With the right configuration, the 2024 F-150 can tow up to 13,500 lbs.

 

What is the difference between a Ford F-250 and a Ford F-350​?

Both are Super Duty trucks with similar engine options, but the F-350 offers higher payload and towing capacity, especially with dual rear wheels (DRW). It’s built for heavier jobs and commercial use.

 

Is the F-150 and F-250 center console the same?

Not exactly. While they look similar and offer the same basic features, the Super Duty (F-250) console is slightly larger and more rugged to match the truck’s work-focused design.

Posted in Ford F-150