Ford F-250 Super Duty: a pickup for work and travel, and what to know when buying
Ford F-250 — a heavy-duty pickup, produced since 1953, and part of the Super Duty family since 1999. In this article, we review the generations, engines, trims, and what buyers in Lithuania should know.
F-250 in brief
The F-250 is a medium-duty pickup that's often chosen when the F-150 is too weak and the F-350 is too big. It features a ladder-frame construction, robust suspension, and the option to choose from various cab styles and bed lengths.
In Lithuania, it's imported from the USA. As with other large pickups, before buying, check the maximum allowed weight and registration category.
Generations — what's different
The Super Duty series generations were introduced in 1999, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2017. Newer generations have more modern interiors and systems, but older ones are often simpler and more affordable.
Since 2017, the body is made from aluminium, making the vehicle lighter. This aids fuel efficiency and performance, but repairs after an accident can be more expensive.
Engines and transmissions
Petrol engines include the 5.4 and 6.8 V10, later the 6.2 V8, and the newer 7.3 V8. Diesel 'Power Stroke' engines are the 7.3, 6.0, 6.4, and 6.7-litre.
Transmissions come as manual or 5, 6, and 10-speed automatics, depending on the year and engine. Most have rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
What to check when buying
First off — engine type: petrol is simpler but uses more fuel; diesel is more economical but needs more maintenance. The 6.0 "Power Stroke" requires careful inspection due to weaknesses in the cooling system.
Check the suspension, steering mechanism, frame, and underbody for rust. For an imported car, check the VIN history, and for LPG conversions, check the documentation.
Trim levels
Trim names depend on the US market and year; we list the most commonly imported.
XL
1999 onwardsThe base workhorse version.
- More basic interior
- Often — cloth or vinyl upholstery
- Equipment geared towards work
XLT
1999 onwardsThe most commonly encountered version.
- Often — better interior
- Often — electric windows and mirrors
- Often — 17–18 inch wheels
Lariat
From the late 20th centuryHigher trim level.
- Often — leather interior
- Often — heated seats
- More comfort features
King Ranch / Platinum
from the 2000sLuxury, exclusive versions.
- Special leather upholstery
- Often — additional driver-assistance systems
- Larger alloy wheels
Version comparison
| XL | XLT | Lariat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For work | For work and family | For comfort |
| Interior | Basic | More practical | Interior |
| Wheels (most common) | 16–17 inch | 17–18 inch | 18–20 inch |
| Engine | V8, V10 or diesel | V8, V10 or diesel | Often diesel |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | €€ | €€€ |
For work, XL or XLT usually suffice; Lariat and higher trims are chosen for comfort.
Pros
- High towing capacity and payload
- Robust construction
- Wide range of engines
- Option to choose cabins and cargo boxes
Cons
- High fuel consumption
- Large and heavy vehicle
- Diesel engines have known weaknesses
Frequently asked questions
How does the F-250 differ from the F-150?
The F-250 has a sturdier frame and suspension, higher towing capacity and payload, while the F-150 is lighter and more comfortable for daily use.
Can the F-250 be driven with a B category license?
This depends on the gross vehicle weight rating. If it exceeds 3.5 tonnes, a B category license won't suffice, so check your registration documents.
Is it worth choosing a diesel?
If you do a lot of driving or towing — yes, but first assess the specific engine's weaknesses and service history.
Updated 2026-10-14 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically





























