There’s no truck more iconic than the Ford F-150, America’s best-selling pickup. It’s a great daily driver as well as a light-duty pickup truck. But what about the F-250, the F-150’s brawnier sibling? What are the differences between these two quality vehicles? In short, the F-150 is made for light-duty while the F-250 is considered a heavy-duty truck. Simply put, the F-250 can tow and haul more than the F-150. Let’s look at a few more of the differences between the two to aid in your decision making.
Exterior
The 2021 Ford F-150 and F-250 share a similar overall design. Both consist of a military-grade, aluminum-alloy body atop a fully boxed high-strength steel frame. The body is inherently resistant to rust, dents, and dings, a definite win-win for drivers everywhere. The F-250 adds 10 cross members to the frame, creating additional stiffness and rigidity. The axle is also beefed up to handle increased loads and the increased engine power more effectively.
Both models offer three cab options: the regular cab, SuperCab, and crew cab, also known as SuperCrew on the F-150 model. There are some subtle differences in the available bed length options too. The F-150 offers 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8-foot beds, while the F-250 offers 6.75-foot and 8-foot beds. The F-250 has a bigger overall footprint with a more prominent front end and larger ground clearance. The headlights vary slightly as well, with the F-250 featuring quad-dual beam halogen headlights.
The F-150 wheelbase starts off at 122.4 inches, with the longest coming in at 163.7 inches. The F-250 wheelbase ranges from 141.6 inches at the shorter end up to 176 inches. Overall length for the F-150 maxes out at 250.5 inches, while the F-250 extends out to 266.2 inches. Height varies as well, with the F-150 checking in at maximum height of 77.3 inches, while the F-250 stretches up to 81.5 inches.
Overall, you’ll find differences in the weight of these truck models too. A base F-150 weighs in at about 4,100 pounds, while the heaviest F-150 will tip the scales at approximately 5,100 pounds. Conversely, the F-250 weighs 5,677 pounds on the light end and 7,538 pounds on the heavy end.
Engine Options
For the 2021 model year, the F-150 offers six different engine choices. The lower end option is the 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine featuring twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) and producing 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Next up is the 2.7-liter Ecoboost V-6 engine delivering 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The only eight-cylinder engine offered is the 5.0-liter Ti-VCT with 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. This engine also features the all-new variable displacement engine technology, which shuts off four cylinders for better fuel economy when all eight cylinders aren’t needed.
Another option for the F-150 is the 3.5-liter twin-intercooled-turbo Ecoboost V-6 engine giving you 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. The F-150’s only diesel engine is the 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbo that puts out 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. The final engine is the all-new 3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid V-6 with a hefty 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque.
The 2021 Ford F-250 offers three hefty engine choices, all different than those available on the F-150. First up is the 6.2-liter flex-fuel V-8 engine, which is standard for all F-250s. This engine makes 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
A second option for the F-250 is the lone diesel engine, a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo-diesel V-8 garnering 475 horsepower and a whopping 1,050 pound-feet torque. It does this at a lower RPM than any other engine. Finally, there’s the 7.3-liter OHV PFI V-8 engine that delivers 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, the most powerful gas engine in its class.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Towing is where the main difference comes in between the F-150 and the F-250. If you want a daily driver that can haul the camper, boat, or ATV, then the F-150 would suffice. However, if you’re hauling heavy machinery and serious loads of construction materials, you need the higher towing and hauling capacities of the F-250.
The F-150 towing capacities range from 5,000 to 8,200 pounds for the lower engine option. This changes to 11,200 to 13,100 pounds with the upper-end Ecoboost engine. Payload capacities on the lower-end engine range from 1,775 pounds to 1,985 pounds. With the 5.0-liter V-8 engine equipped, you can carry a payload of between 2,345 pounds and 3,010 pounds.
For the F-250, the gas engines give you a towing capacity of 15,000 pounds conventional and up to 19,500 pounds for fifth-wheel towing. The turbo-diesel gives you a tow rating of between 20,000 and 22,800 pounds, respectively. The payload capacity for all F-250s checks in at 4,260 pounds.
Price Comparison
All the extra reinforcements, engine power, and increased payload and towing capacity added to the F-250 naturally increase the cost, making it a more expensive option than the F-150. When comparing base models of the 2021 Ford F-150 and F-250, those extras will run you about $4,000. On the top-of-the-line trims, that difference comes closer to $13,000 if you want to upgrade to the F-250 and enjoy all the extra brawn it has to offer.
Which Ford truck is right for you? The thing to consider is what the main purpose will be for your truck. If you’re going to be hauling and pulling heavy loads on a daily basis, then the F-250 is your best option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers good power and towing capacity, then F-150 is the choice for you. Either way, you’re assured to have a great vehicle, now and into the future.
Stop in and see us at Wendle Ford, your locally-owned and operated Ford Dealership. You can check out both of these great trucks for yourself and take each for a test drive as well as ask any questions you may have of our knowledgeable staff. We’re known for our exceptional customer service, provided by all our employees, and our history of giving back to the community. We not only have the vehicles you’re looking for, but also that extra touch that keeps bringing customers back to Wendle Ford time and again.
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