The American pickup-truck market has seen a boom in sales recently, as more and more Americans are making the switch from sedans and coupes to pickup trucks and SUVs. Ford Motor Company has taken note of this shift in consumer preference and has begun dedicating more to the pickups and SUVs that keep the company going. On September 27th, 2022, Ford revealed its all-new, completely redesigned 2023 F-Series Super Duty pickups – and there is quite a lot to say about it.

Exterior Design

Officially regarded as the ‘fifth generation’ of the Super Duty nameplate, the 2023 model has received a full exterior makeover, with only some design elements from the outgoing model. Some are even claiming that this new look is “aggressive” and “muscular.” The Blue Oval has made sure to stay true to its roots with the Super Duty and has stayed with the C-Clamp headlight design up front. With the outgoing 4th generation, Ford introduced this headlight design, setting it apart from the rest. Other new features up front include seven new grille designs, as well as a fender vent located right underneath the fender emblems on both sides of the truck. Overall, the front end of the 2023 model has been smoothed out, similar to that of its younger sibling, the 14th generation F-150.

Exterior upgrades don’t end there, as Ford has implemented new technology throughout the entire truck. In the rear, the Super Duty now boasts a power drop and lift tailgate – which can be controlled inside or outside the cabin. Compared to the outgoing model, the new Super Duty has an additional camera that sits at the top of the tailgate. This camera is intended to be used when operators are backing up with the tailgate down, as they will still be able to see what is behind them. In the bed, there is an available add-on known as ‘Pro Power OnBoard,’ which is a built-in power source that is capable of producing two kilowatts of power – enough to charge batteries or power tools.

Easily the most noticeable upgrade to the Super Duty are the new bed-side steps and rear bumper steps. Many critics say that these additions are taken straight from General Motors’ Chevrolet and GMC pickups, and argue that they should not have been added. However, The Blue Oval is selling the new Super Duty as being “for the builders.” These new additions are implemented so that getting in and out of the bed can be a more seamless and comfortable experience. Rather than having to step on top of the tire to get into the bedside, users can now take a step onto one of the side steps. Many claim that it gives the side of the truck a strange look, but the practicality and comfort is there.

Interior Design

Just behind those doors is an all-new interior, which some would agree is inspired by interiors seen in Ford Motor Company’s Lincoln Motor division. As with prior Super Duty models, there are multiple trim levels and those trim levels dictate the level of luxury that is inside each one. For example, lower trim levels, like the XL and XLT, offer either cloth or vinyl-covered seats, with limited technology. Higher trim levels, like the King Ranch and Limited models, are optioned with premium leather upholstery and the best technology available.

This new technology takes the already existing 12-inch infotainment display and implements it to a smoother, sleek finish as to coincide with the design of the dash in itself. Like the front end of the truck, the interior design has also borrowed some cues from the F-150. Similarities can be seen in both the design of the dash and the seats. However, unlike the F-150, the Super Duty has a traditional column shifter, typical of many 1-ton pickup trucks that are on the market today. The F-150 has a console shifter that gets tucked away when the vehicle is off.

Powertrain Options

Ford has introduced two new power plants for the new Super Duty;  an upgraded high-output turbo-diesel, and a new gas-powered V8. Engineers at Ford took the pre-existing 6.7-Liter PowerStroke Diesel engine and upgraded the exhaust manifolds, whilst also adding a more powerful, unique turbo. These upgrades, though they may seem small, contribute to an overall increase in horsepower and torque. The gas-powered alternative is Ford’s new 6.8-Liter V8, which is expected to have more torque than the outgoing 6.2-Liter V8 that was available in older models of the Super Duty. Official numbers have not yet been released for the two engines.

Also available in the engine lineup are Ford’s 7.3-Liter ‘Godzilla’ V8 gas engine and the standard 6.7-Liter PowerStroke Diesel engine. Both engines are said to have received very minor updates for efficiency and fuel economy. Mated to those engines is an updated version of Ford’s TorqShift ten-speed automatic transmission that was first introduced in the 4th-generation of the Super Duty.

Overall

With tons of new technology, safety features, and an entirely new look, Ford’s new Super Duty pickup trucks are expected to sell just as well – if not better – than the outgoing generation. Though the exterior design may be rather controversial to true Ford enthusiasts, the Super Duty has set the bar high for other 1-ton pickup trucks on the market. There are lots of new features, but also lots of old features that received either minor upgrades or remained unchanged. Let’s see how the sales go when Ford officially releases the new Super Duty.