Even though Ford’s F-Series trucks are built for towing, the truth couldn’t be further apart in how they perform in different situations.
So, the right truck can make all the difference.
If you’re looking for a solid truck that can handle work during the week and fun trips on the weekends, you should compare the F-150, F-250, and F-350 to find the perfect fit.
That’s why I made this guide; keep reading to learn more.
What Are The Differences Between F-150, F-250 And F-350?
The biggest difference among these trucks is their towing capability. The F150 is great for daily driving and light towing, the F250 offers more power, but the F350 is the most powerful. It comes with a larger chassis and an option for dual rear wheels, giving you maximum towing power and control.
Here’s a quick rundown of the differences side by side.
| Feature | F150 | F250 | F350 |
| Towing vs Daily | Balanced, suitable for both. | Heavy-duty but still versatile. | Extreme, for heavy hauling. |
| Interior & Tech | Modern, comfortable trims. | Practical, gradual upgrades. | Basic, durability-focused. |
| Off-roading | Has dedicated trims. | Slight capabilities. | Negligible, more focused on towing. |
| Durability | Moderate, mixed feedback. | Reliable, sturdy build. | Reliable, but complex maintenance. |
| Fuel Efficiency | Great efficiency. | Moderate, prioritizes power. | Sacrificed for towing power. |
Now, let’s dig a little deeper into the differences.
Engine
Winner (Based On Overall Power): Ford F-350
The F150 has options to fit different driving styles.
You can go with the standard 2.7L EcoBoost V6 for everyday driving, or if you need more power, there’s the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 or the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8.
If you want a mix of efficiency and power, there’s the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6. It might not feel as beefy as some bigger trucks, but it’s a good all-rounder.
Stepping up to the F250, you’re getting more power for tougher jobs. With options like the 6.8L gas V8 or the 7.3L gas V8, you’ve got plenty of muscle.
And if you’re hauling heavy loads, the 6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel V8 is the way to go. It’s solid, but it’s not as extreme as the F350.
Now, the F350 is the powerhouse of the group. It shares engines with the F250 but kicks it up a notch with a high-output version of the 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8.
This thing pumps out a whopping 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. If you need serious performance and the ability to handle the toughest tasks without breaking a sweat, the F350 is the one to choose.
Towing And Payload
Winner: Ford F-350
The F-150 gives you a good mix of towing and payload capabilities for everyday tasks.
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6’s capacity is your best bet with this model, handling up to 13,500 pounds of towing and carrying a payload of 2,445 pounds.
The 3.5L PowerBoost™ Full Hybrid V6 is close behind, managing 12,700 pounds of towing and a payload of 2,120 pounds.
The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and Raptor models are solid too, but they’re more suited to regular driving and off-road adventures, not for towing.
Now, with the F-250, you’re entering heavy-duty territory.
With its 6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel V8, the F-250 can haul a maximum of 22,000 lbs conventionally and up to 23,000 lbs with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck setup, making it perfect for big trailers and equipment.
The gas engine options also do well, handling towing loads ranging from 14,800 pounds to 17,200 pounds, giving you flexibility for different towing needs.
If you need to haul big loads, the F-350 is the answer, beating both of the trucks above. Its 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Diesel engine lets you tow 24,800–32,900 pounds.
Whether it’s construction gear or horse trailers, this truck has the muscle. The F-350 Limited can tow 27,000 pounds with its 500-hp engine.
Even the standard version pulls 23,800 lbs.
Interior And Tech
Winner: Ford F-150
The F150 is the most versatile of the bunch, though every trim is a great blend of comfort and practicality.
Even the base XL trim comes packed with modern conveniences like a spacious 12-inch touchscreen equipped with Sync 4 infotainment and a sleek digital instrument panel.
As you move up the trim levels, you’ll find upgrades like plush leather upholstery, cozy heated and ventilated seats, and a host of advanced driver aids.
And if you’re looking for the ultimate blend of luxury and performance, the range-topping Raptor R with its customized interior is sure to get you a ton of style points.
Now, the F250—it’s in the middle of the pack. It doesn’t start with much, as the base XL trim keeps it simple with vinyl floors and a no-nonsense 8-inch touchscreen.
But as you climb the ladder, you start to see some nice upgrades like cushy cloth or leather seats and maybe even a premium sound system for jamming out on those long drives.
It’s not as flashy as the F150, but it’s got everything you need to ride in comfort.
And finally, we’ve got the F350. This truck is all about getting the job done, plain and simple. The XL trim comes with vinyl everything and a basic infotainment setup, perfect for those who value durability over luxury.
Even as you move up the trims, the focus remains on rugged performance rather than fancy features.
It may not have all the bells and whistles of its siblings, but it’s built tough to handle whatever you throw at it.
Off-roading
Winner: Ford F-150
The F150 has some serious contenders, like the Tremor trim and the mighty Raptor.
The Tremor comes packed with standard 4WD, hefty 18-inch alloy wheels, and some beefy 33-inch all-terrain tires. Plus, it’s got skid plates and selectable terrain driving modes to handle whatever comes your way.
And if you’re looking for the ultimate thrill, the Raptor’s got you covered with its turbocharged engine, special off-road suspension, and massive 35-inch all-terrain tires.
It can pretty much conquer almost any trail that most specialized off-road trucks can.
Now, onto the F250. While it doesn’t flaunt a dedicated off-road trim, it’s no slouch, especially with the Tremor package.
You’re getting specialized suspension components, heavy-duty shocks, and a lift kit for some extra clearance. Plus, that Power Stroke turbo diesel engine gives you plenty of power for towing and hauling, all while keeping things efficient.
It’s a solid choice for those who need a truck that can handle work and more fun adventures. Although, it might be hard to believe because of its size and dimensions- so here’s a proper off-roading review you could check out.
And finally, we’ve got the F350. Now, this one’s more about towing big loads than conquering rough terrain. It’s longer, taller, and wider than both the other F-Series trucks.
Sure, it offers off-road packages like the FX4 and Tremor, but they’re more like icing on the cake.
The F350’s bulk might make it feel a bit unwieldy on the trails, and it lacks some key off-road features found in its smaller counterparts.
You won’t be able to have many fun adventures with this beyond going slightly off some gravel roads.
Durability And Reliability
Winner: Ford F-250
The F150 is a popular choice, but there’s mixed feedback—you can see that easily even with a quick look across forums like Reddit and Ford Truck Enthusiasts.
Some drivers mention issues like cam phaser problems and excessive oil use, especially in certain model years.
I’ve found the day-to-day maintenance to be pretty straightforward, but the long-term resilience is still questionable despite the aluminum-heavy build.
It’s good for everyday driving and moderate towing, but pushing it too hard might be risky.
Now, if you want something tougher, the Ford F-250 might be what you’re after. From what I’ve seen, it offers more muscle and durability than the F-150. The 6.2-liter gas engine is a reliable alternative to the more complex 6.7-liter diesel.
The F-250’s sturdy chassis and suspension seem better suited for heavier loads, though some mention a hit in ride quality, especially with 4×4 setups.
There are a few common issues, like death wobble, but overall, it handles heavier towing and hauling pretty well.
You’ll bump into similar reliability issues with the F150 if you go for the F350. It’s strong but comes with added complexity that can mean higher maintenance costs.
Ride quality might also take a hit, especially on rough terrain, and there’s the risk of death wobble as well.
Fuel Efficiency
Winner: Ford F-150
This one’s a no-brainer. The F-150 gets better gas mileage than the F-250 and F-350.
With its 17.43 MPG and specialized engine options, it nails down efficiency.
The lineup even has EcoBoost engines and a hybrid PowerBoost option now. These engines are pretty high-tech, using turbocharging and hybrid power to sip fuel without sacrificing power.
Plus, the F-150’s aluminum body keeps it light and sleek, making it glide through the air with less resistance, which helps with gas mileage.
Keep in mind, though, that those turbo engines might not always live up to the gas mileage they promise, depending on how you drive.
Now, when we talk about the F-250 and F-350, you’re stepping into heavy-duty territory. These trucks prioritize hauling power over fuel consumption.
The F-250, averaging 13.80 MPG, and the F-350, clocking in at 13.12 MPG, are built tough with beefy engines like the 6.8-liter V8. These engines are all about muscle, designed to pull heavy loads without breaking a sweat.
But, that extra power comes at a cost – they burn more fuel. Plus, these trucks are bigger and heavier than the F-150, so they’re not as aerodynamic, which hurts gas mileage too.
And if you’re looking at the diesel option, while it’s great for towing, it might not win any awards for fuel economy compared to the gas engines.
| Note: It’s hard to give a proper review of the 2024 models, as the performance across individual builds can vary greatly. You can still reliably consider the MPG numbers, as they’re based on real-world data submitted for last year’s builds by volunteers to Fuelly. You can check out their pages on all three trucks for even more details to help make the right pick. |
Who Should Choose The F150 Over F250 And F350?
For a versatile truck that tackles daily duties smoothly yet can still tow a fair amount, the F150’s your best pick; it’s got fuel-efficient engine choices and avoids the bulky, in-your-face looks of its bigger brothers.
Why Choose The F250 Over F150 And F350?
If you need more muscle for your job but the F350 feels like overkill, the F250 hits that perfect middle ground – packing beefier engines and higher towing capacity than the F150, yet more dependable than the heavy-duty F350. You can even enjoy running it in odd terrains.
Who Should Get The F350 Over An F250 Or F150?
If you’re in the market for a truck that can haul just about anything without breaking a sweat, the F350 is the one for you. It’s the powerhouse of the group, with insane towing capabilities that can handle even the heaviest loads. Do keep in mind, though, that you might end up sacrificing a good bit of fuel efficiency for this one.
Final Thoughts
All three trucks have their own thing going for them, and they’re pretty reliable in those respects.
If you’re strictly looking for a workhorse, the F350’s got your back. But if you’re more about everyday use with some towing here and there, the F150 will do the job just fine.
Don’t count out the F250 though; it might not steal the spotlight like the others, but it’s a solid middle ground, offering a good mix of both worlds and double the reliability to boot.
