What are the Differences Between an F-250 and an F-150

Weight capacity is the biggest difference between the two vehicles. An F-250 is going to outmuscle the F-150 every single time. The sturdier Super Duty is simply built to pull more weight. This by no means suggests the F-150 is an underachiever or a vehicle not worth reading into, but this should be a clear indication of what vehicle you’re going to need.

F-150 Towing: Even as a light-duty truck, the 2019 F-150 is going to be able to tow up to 8,000 lbs. Cargo that fits into this weight scale includes small trailers loaded with light equipment. The high towing capacity of the F-150 actually makes it a suitable option for many tradesmen who need to haul around a considerable amount of weight.

F-250 Towing: As a work truck, the F-250 covers a huge territory when it comes to towing capacity. For 2019 this truck can tow up to 15,000 lbs. Vehicles, some heavy equipment, and large trailers are all far from a challenge for this truck.

Not all truck owners’ primary concern is towing. Some just need the bed to do the leg work. The 2019 F-150 can hold up to around 2,300 lbs. in the bed. This is more than enough for the tools and equipment most working-class people are going to need to haul around with them. For those who need to carry around a serious amount of tools and materials, the F-250 still reigns king of the hill when it comes to weight management as it can carry a payload up to around 4,300 lbs.

There is a clear difference between the exterior appearance of the F-150 and F-250. The F-150’s appearance is sleek and tight as a passenger truck should be while the F-250 has a no-nonsense appeal. This is the F-250’s weak point for many as the F-150 is a smaller truck with more configurations available, making it the appropriate choice for most people who simply need a truck for average daily tasks.

Cabs: Both the F-150 and F-250 have three cab options available. A single cab, extended cab, and crew cab. All three configurations appear almost identical on either vehicle.

Bed Lengths: The F-150 separates itself from the F-250 by offering three-bed options. The F-150 has a 5-foot, 6-foot, and 8-foot bed option. The bed lengths available are dependent on what cab is chosen for the F-150. The F-250’s cab does not affect what bed lengths are available but it only has two-bed lengths: 7 foot or 8 foot.

Both the F-150 and F-250 are offered in two and four-wheel drive configurations and both are equipped to handle both on and off-road driving. The F-150 is a lighter vehicle with less powerful engine options which makes it possible for it to run light-duty transmissions with more gears. The F-150 comes with either an 8 or 10-speed automatic transmissions which helps them produce better fuel economy while maintaining throttle response. The F-250 still runs only an automatic transmission option, but it backs the high powered engines with a heavy-duty 6-speed.

The F-150 again comes in as a hard hitter with options as it has four engine options available to it for the 2019 model year while the F-250 only has two. The engine options available to the F-150 are rated more for daily driving and recreational use than they are for work though. Even with the powerful 5.0 V8, the F-150 is better suited for daily tasks than it is heavy duty work.

3.3L Ti-VCT V6 

• - 290 Horsepower
• - 265 lb-fts of Torque

2.7L Eco-Boost 

• - 325 Horsepower
• - 400 lb-fts of Torque   

5.0L Ti-VCT V8

• - 395 Horsepower
• - 400 lb-fts of Torque    

3.5L Eco-Boost    

• - 375 Horsepower
• - 470 lb-fts of torque

6.2L V8

• 385 Horsepower
• 430 lb-fts of Torque

6.7 Powerstroke Diesel

• 450 Horsepower
• 935 lb-fts of Torque

The F-150 and F-250 are both Ford trucks, but apart from the badging, they share very little in common. Not much is interchangeable between the two across the years if anything at all. From bumper to bumper these are entirely different vehicles. Wheels, headlights, bed covers, and even interior accessories will need to be purchased specifically for either vehicle.

The two trucks deliver well for their intended demographic and may even bleed well into each other’s territory. This can make selecting the right truck difficult, but when you boil down the line of work you are in, and what you truly are demanding of the truck, a fine line can be found between the two- one that tells you which truck you truly need.

The F-250 is a fantastic work truck and buying one to handle light loads will in no way hinder its ability to perform. Even at an MSRP that runs $5,000 more than the F-150s, you won’t be breaking the bank to run the F-250. The problem is with fuel economy and the cost to maintain the larger truck. If this is of no concern the F-250 is the clear choice.

If you are trying to keep the cost of fuel consumption down, are looking for a comfortable truck to drive with good handling and ease of operation, the F-150 is the obvious winner. Though, if the F-150 simply can’t handle the work you will be throwing at it (in terms of towing or payload) even if only slightly, do not sell yourself short of the F-250.