2019 Ford Super Duty: Still King of the Hill

The 2019 Ford Super Duty is nearly identical to its 2018 predecessor. In fact, the 2018 Ford Super Duty is practically a clone of the 2017 model that came before it. And Ford isn’t trying to hide that fact at all. Why? Because the 2017 Ford Super Duty, which marked the start of the model’s fourth generation, was named Motor Trend’s Truck Of The Year (in all configurations). It received near-unanimous glowing reviews, and is widely considered the most capable truck in its segment by an even-wider margin.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” may sound like an overworked cliche, but that doesn’t make it any less true. And with the whispers of a 2020 Super Duty refresh already tumbling through the rumor mill, Ford will play these winning cards with only slight changes for one more year until the deck is reshuffled. And make no mistake about it, nobody in this game is holding a better hand.

Brute Force

Just like last year, the 2019 Ford Super Duty will have two engine options, and both will be paired with a six-speed TorqShift automatic transmission. A 6.2 liter V-8 comes standard, making 385-hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. The revamped 6.7 liter Power Stroke diesel option sees horsepower and torque improved to all-time highs, with 440-hp and torque now at a whopping 925 lb-ft.

The big 2017 redesign was Ford’s attempt to align their larger truck models in lockstep with the class-leading, smaller F-150 series. With that in mind, this is why the 2019 Ford Super Duty utilizes plenty of lightweight aluminum in its body. This makes it noticeably lighter than its big-name competitors (and over 400 pounds lighter than the comparable RAM).

Your Choice, and There’s Plenty of ‘Em

Everyone wants to feel like their truck was designed just for them. And there is indeed a 2019 Ford Super Duty for just about everybody. There are nearly as many different combinations of trim levels and cab/bed configurations as there are different jobs to do. And with the available High Capacity Trailer Tow package offering a gross combination weight of 25,700 pounds, lighter certainly doesn’t mean weaker.

Buyers can choose from a 2-Door Regular Cab, a 4-Door Super Cab, and a 4-Door Super Crew Cab. The Short Box (6.75 ft.) and Long Box (8 ft.) allow for variations in bed length, and an all-together dizzying array of customization possibilities. The choices range from sparse to downright regal, and add-ons are available at every level. But a good working knowledge of the trim outfits is the best way to learn about this truck that has more options than a Cheesecake Factory menu.

XL and XLT

Trim levels still start with the XL and the XLT, laying a very well-equipped baseline. The XL comes with 17″ steel wheels, manual front-locking hubs, air conditioning, and a removable locking tailgate with tailgate lift assist. The XLT comes on 18″ alloy wheels, with heated power mirrors that have built-in turn signals. There is keyless entry, rear under-seat locking storage, power windows and locks, and the Sync voice-controlled infotainment system with a 4.2 inch display.

Lariat

The 2019 Ford Super Duty Lariat covers the middle ground and brings multiple comforts, like leather appointments and power-adjustable seating. It features electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive, power folding and telescoping mirrors, tubular side steps, a power sliding rear window, and parking sensors. The upgraded Sync 3 infotainment system on Lariat models has an 8-inch display.

King Ranch

The King Ranch trim is inspired by a leather horse saddle and adds a look of rugged refinement. Offered on crew cab models only, the many perks include automatic high beams and wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, and a navigation system. The Platinum trim (again, crew cabs only) sits on 20″ alloy wheels and adds loads of hi-tech upgrades. Among them are LED headlights, power running boards, a tailgate with a built-in step and remote release, and blind spot monitoring.

Limited

And the top-of-the-line Limited trim pairs the Super Duty’s capability with the comfort one would expect from a luxury sedan. Not introduced until last year, the Limited includes all the bells and whistles found on the Platinum, plus a surround-view camera system, a panoramic sunroof, and a fancy-schmancy two-tone leather interior.

(Still no word on how Ford plans to outdo the glamour of the Limited when the full refresh drops in 2020, but early reports suggest it may come with an in-bed tuxedo storage compartment, a wine cellar beneath the rear seats, and a butler classically trained in French cuisine. Or so we’ve heard.)

Triple Threat: Powerful, Capable, & Intuitive

But really, the 2019 Ford Super Duty technology features are no joke. The aforementioned Sync 3 system gets high marks for ease of use. Dual USB outlets and Bluetooth connectivity make it easy to connect your truck and your smartphone, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay included. And the adjustable blind spot protection can cover whatever you’re hauling, and is likely to save the day at some point.

The Ford Super Duty is really just a starting point from which scores of different trucks are created, from the utilitarian to the opulent. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the price can vary quite a lot as well. While the bare bones XL models can be had for under $34,000, there are Platinum 250s in the upper echelon that can cost close to six figures. The choices, of course, are up to you. So enjoy this truck, in case the new iteration in 2020 isn’t everything we hope it will be.

But we doubt that very, very much.