2023 Ford Super Duty redesign

It's amazing how quickly time seems to pass when you're not paying attention to it. On September 27, 2022, Governor Andy Beshear declared "KenTRUCKy Day" in the Bluegrass State, and now, twenty-four years after Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks replaced the now-vaunted 1992 to 1997 rigs, the Blue Oval has unveiled its fifth generation—aka "Next Generation"—of the heavy-duty platform, at its Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville.

Aggressive, "Muscular" Design

Super Duty's aggressive new exterior styling is centered on function and aesthetics, highlighted by a dropdown beltline, muscular hood, softer front fenders [wheels/tires are now flush with the fenders], seven different grille choices, and updated C-clamp daytime running lights and LED headlamps for all trim levels. Designers added functional air-extractor side vents in both fenders, and on pickups, bed-access steps on the rear bumper and in the bed sides. [There's also a lower tailgate step and a slick, "tailgate-down" camera and reverse sensor system incorporated into the gate.] In addition to those highlights, new STX, Sport, and Black appearance packages for the pickups offer trim, wheel, and paint choices that enhance their looks even more.

Ford Pro Technology Beneath the Skin

Of course, exterior and interior appearances are the first noticeable differences between the all-new 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty and all of its predecessors from 1999 to 2022. However, changes beneath those surfaces, especially all of the updated rig's high-tech and cyber-focused features, are the real qualities to be excited about. Leading the new Super Duty's technological gains are Ford's Pro Power Onboard 2.0-kilowatt auxiliary power system, Ford Pro's Upfit Integration System that simplifies adding and operating accessories and equipment, such as lights or snow plows, and the big ones: Ford Pro [connectivity feature for increasing efficiency and uptime for commercially used rigs] and embedded AT&T 5G capability [industry first for U.S.-built trucks], which enables faster mapping, Wi-Fi hotspots for as many as 10 devices, and Ford Power-Up software updates while driving.

Interior newness for the 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty includes a customizable 12-inch digital instrument cluster [Encapsulated Command Unit], an 8.0-inch center display that's now standard on XL models, and a larger, 12-inch screen on higher trims. There are four USB power ports and a wireless charging pad, as well as slots in the lowered center console that can hold a tablet upright [for easier use when the truck is parked]. Max-Recline front seats fold almost horizontally and lift the seat bottom up, there's a flat rear floor and storage, and you get a 640-watt, eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system or an optional 1,080-watt, 18-speaker B&O Unleashed audio package if you desire sound clarity at concert-level decibels.

Take Away the Pain [Points]

Ford Truck engineers say "making hard towing easy by eliminating pain points" was one of the primary objectives in the development of the 2023 F-Series Super Duty. Despite its great looks and luxury at the higher trim levels, the truck is considered a tool for work, and Ford's intent is for the all-new rig to earn best-in-class recognition for horsepower, torque, payload, and towing for every trailer type.

Class-Leading Power and Torque Expected

To help achieve those honors, two exciting new engines—one gas, one turbodiesel—are now available for all trim levels. Standard is an all-new 6.8-liter V-8 gasser that's believed to have more torque than Super Duty's outgoing 6.2-liter powerplant. The original 6.7-liter Power Stroke oil burner and 7.3-liter "Godzilla" V-8 engines remain in the lineup. Ford has strong optimism that the OG gas powerplant will have class-leading power and torque thanks to tweaks on its air-intake system and PCM calibration.

High-Output Turbodiesel

Performance specifics about the small-block, as well as an all-new, high-output version of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbodiesel engine, were not released. However, the 6.8-liter could make tasks like progressing up steep grades and merging onto the highway much easier. The high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke features a unique turbo, upgraded exhaust manifolds, and tuning that's intended to achieve the best horsepower and torque in the heavy-duty segment. Stand by for a deeper look at both new engines in the coming days.

Every 2023 Super Duty is also fitted with Ford's TorqShift ten-speed automatic transmission, and chassis cabs have a power-takeoff connection [to run boom lifts, plows, etc.] as standard equipment.

Onboard Scales, Trailer Nav, Cameras Everywhere

Looking deeper at eliminating towing pain points, the 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty has a host of new driver assist features, as well as safety and security technologies that are designed to simplify the trailering experience and build confidence. The features include:

• Trailer Navigation that plots routes that can be safely navigated with given trailer dimensions and weight to avoid potential issues with low bridges and tight turns
• Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch that estimates cargo weight in real time and provides guidance on trailer tongue weight distribution directly on the center touchscreen, FordPass app ,or within the taillamps
• Ford Co-Pilot 360-Degree Trailer Camera System that provides a bird's-eye view of the trailer to make maneuvering in tight spaces easier and virtually eliminate blind spots
• Blind Spot Information System for fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing that can be attached to a trailer to help identify when vehicles are next to a trailer and indicate this in the side view mirrors

Increased Safety and Security Features

Ford says the Tailgate Down Camera and Rear Park Aid Sensors will be available in the spring of 2023.

• Tailgate-Down Camera and Tailgate-Down Reverse Sensing System is an industry first that includes a new camera and reverse sensors in the top of the tailgate that provide visual and audible alerts when the tailgate is down to make backing up to a dock or hitching a gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailer easier than ever before.
• Pro Trailer Hitch Assist automatically backs up the truck and aligns the conventional hitch ball to the trailer receiver.
• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering automatically brakes and accelerates to a preset speed and helps keep the truck in its lane.
• Trailer-Theft Alert sends an alert via the FordPass app should anyone attempt to disconnect the trailer when the truck is locked.
• Vehicle Security, available with a Ford Pro Telematics subscription, uses sensors to monitor impact and towing events and send alerts even when the vehicle is off.
• Fleet Start Inhibit allows Ford Pro customers to schedule timeframes for when vehicles can be started, to improve confidence around fleet operations.
• Forward/Reverse Sensing System helps drivers by showing objects immediately in front of the vehicle and warns when objects are near the front or rear of the vehicle.
• Front and Rear Brake Assist helps prevent low-speed collisions with objects that may be hard to see.
• Full-color head-up display helps keep the driver's eyes on the road by showing information right in the driver's line of sight that changes with driving mode.

New Off-Road Trim

For off-road enthusiasts, four-wheel drive is now standard equipment on all-new 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty pickups, starting with XLT and all trim levels above. A new F-250/F-350 XL Off-Road package is also available on four-wheel-drive, single-rear-wheel rigs. The setup adds 33-inch all-terrain tires, a raised air dam, water-fording axle vent tubes, skidplates, and an electronic-= locking rear differential. Tremor models, like the one shown here, feature a front-end lift and uniquely tuned suspension, Dana front axle with a limited-slip differential and axle vent tubes, 35-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires on unique 18-inch wheels, Trail Control, selectable drive modes including Rock-Crawl, and—new for 2023—Trail Turn Assist. FX4, the off-road for every day package, remains unchanged.