In the realm of heavy-duty pickups, there's a sizable faction of buyers who consider a diesel engine the only legitimate source of propulsion. The term "gasser," applied to gasoline-burning trucks, carries a whiff of derision, the slight stench of U-Haul rentals and state-owned DOT trucks in refrigerator white dropping cones on the highway, while the buff diesel rigs haul excavators up over some distant mountains. But both gas- and diesel-powered heavy-duty pickups have come a long way, to the point that an entry-level gas truck might match the capabilities of a diesel from a generation or two back, and a diesel offers the capability of a CSX freight train. We recently had the chance to put the 2023 Ford F-250 7.3-liter V-8 through its paces, and the results were nothing short of impressive. With 430 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque, this behemoth of a truck can haul just about ...
In the realm of heavy-duty pickups, there’s a sizable faction of buyers who consider a diesel engine the only legitimate source of propulsion. The term “gasser,” applied to gasoline-burning trucks, carries a whiff of derision, the slight stench of U-Haul rentals and state-owned DOT trucks in refrigerator white dropping cones on the highway, while the buff diesel rigs haul excavators up over some distant mountains. But both gas- and diesel-powered heavy-duty pickups have come a long way, to the point that an entry-level gas truck might match the capabilities of a diesel from a generation or two back, and a diesel offers the capability of a CSX freight train.
We recently had the chance to put the 2023 Ford F-250 7.3-liter V-8 through its paces, and the results were nothing short of impressive. With 430 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque, this behemoth of a truck can haul just about anything you throw at it, from heavy construction equipment to a small house. And yet, despite its size and strength, the F-250 7.3-liter V-8 feels surprisingly agile and responsive, thanks to its 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive configuration.
But the real question is, is the diesel worth the extra cost? In our test, the F-250 7.3-liter V-8 proved itself to be a formidable performer, capable of towing heavy loads and handling demanding off-road terrain with ease. And while the diesel does come with a hefty price tag, it’s worth noting that the fuel economy advantage is significant, with the diesel returning an estimated 15 mpg overall, compared to the gas engine’s 13 mpg.
So why the diesel? For one, it offers a level of torque that’s simply unmatched by its gasoline-burning counterparts. With 485 pound-feet of twist, this truck can haul just about anything you can throw at it, from a small boat to a large trailer. And yet, despite its size and strength, the F-250 7.3-liter V-8 feels surprisingly agile and responsive, thanks to its 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive configuration.
In terms of towing capacity, the F-250 7.3-liter V-8 is a beast. With a maximum tow rating of 22,000 pounds, this truck can handle even the heaviest loads with ease. And while the gas engine’s maximum tow rating is lower, at 18,200 pounds, the difference is hardly noticeable.
But the real test of the F-250 7.3-liter V-8 comes when you’re pushing it to its limits. Whether you’re hauling a heavy load or tackling demanding off-road terrain, this truck proves itself to be a formidable performer. And with its impressive towing capacity and agile handling, it’s a great choice for anyone who needs a heavy-duty truck that can handle just about anything.
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