Before the F-450 became available to retail buyers, the F-350 held the throne atop the entire F-Series line of pickups. Though it now has a big brother to answer to, it still offers more capability than most buyers need from a pickup.
What's New for 2015
For 2015, the F-350 gets an increased gooseneck towing capacity of 26,700 pounds and an increased gross combined weight rating of 35,000 pounds. Also making its way into the 2015 F-350 is the second-generation, 6.7-liter, Power Stroke engine.
Choosing Your F-350
For 2015, the F-350 pushes its capabilities even further, thanks to a new towing package that includes new front springs and a wide-track front axle. These updates are unsung heroes, as the most noticeable update it the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke. Thanks to a bump of 40 horsepower and 60 pound-feet of torque, the diesel engine now produces 440 horsepower and an astonishing 860 pound-feet of torque.
Unfortunately, the Power Stroke doesn't serve as the base engine in the F-350; that designation belongs to the 6.2-liter gasoline-powered V-8 that produces 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Like its F-450 sibling, the only transmission available is a six-speed automatic. The 2015 F-350 is available with two-wheel or four-wheel drive, and with dual or single rear wheels.
You can choose anything from a completely stripped-out work truck to a fully loaded luxury truck. In total, there are five trim levels available within the 2015 F-350 lineup:
XL
The XL trim level is the base setup for the Ford F-350, and comes standard with the necessities of a work truck, but nothing more. Standard features on the XL include manual air conditioning, vinyl floor covering, map lights, two auxiliary power points, a tilt-and-telescoping vinyl steering wheel, a two-speaker audio system with AM/FM capabilities, vinyl seating with a 60/40 split bench seat, steel bumpers painted black, black door handles and grille, lighted cargo area, tinted windows, Tailgate Assist and quick-release, trailer sway control, a trailer hitch, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and 17-inch steel wheels. This relatively Spartan model starts out at $31,940.
XLT
The XLT trim level bumps the F-350's price to $35,665, and it adds some extra standard features to make it a little more comfortable for everyday use. The XLT trim adds in front and rear cup holders, cruise control, soft-touch armrests, carpeted floor with floor mats, power windows and door locks, four power outlets, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, four-way headrests, an AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM audio system with four speakers and aux-in, Ford Sync Basic, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a black urethane steering wheel, cloth seats, chrome bumpers and grille, telescoping trailer mirrors with heat and spotter mirror, 18-inch cast aluminum wheels, and an integrated trailer brake controller.
Lariat
The Lariat pushes the F-350 nearer to a luxury pickup with lots of premium equipment. With added features comes a higher price of $43,735. Standard are: dual-zone auto climate control, power-adjustable pedals, a 4.2-inch productivity screen, two 110-volt power outlets, a review camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a reverse-sensing system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, premium audio system with nine speakers and AM/FX/CD/MP3/ SiriusXM capabilities, Sync with MyFord Touch, premium leather from seats with 10-way power up front, faux-leather rear seats, body-color door handles, fog lights, power telescoping side-view mirrors, sliding rear glass, shift-on-the-fly for four-wheel-drive models, and a 200-amp alternator.
Platinum
Luxury and utility from the F-350 is attainable by selecting the Platinum trim, as it builds upon the very well-equipped Lariat trim. The 2015 F-350 Platinum starts out at $53,620, and includes memory for the adjustable pedals, remote start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood trim and heat, a universal garage door opener, voice-activated navigation with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, exclusive leather seating, 10-way power seats with memory and easy entry/exit, heated and cooled front seats, body-color bumpers, angular chrome cab steps, body-color door handles with chrome accents, a satin-chrome grille, mirror-position memory, a tailgate step with handle, and chrome tow hooks.
Engine | Standard | Optional |
6.2L SOHC 2-Valve Flex Fuel V8 Engine | X | |
6.7L 4-Valve Power Stroke V8 Diesel Engine | X |
If you're using your F-350 to town an RV or boat, you'll probably appreciate the comforts of an upper-tier model. But for everyday commuting and chores around town, we think an XLT offers the best value.