Ford F-150 vs. F-250 vs. F-350: Comparing Towing Capacity, Payload, & More
Ford is the top-selling truck in all of America, so choosing this brand is a no-brainer. The F-Series of trucks actually consist of multiple models: the F-150, the F-250, and the F-350. There’s also an F-450, but once you go higher, those models are classified as commercial vehicles and need special licenses to operate. We’ll stick with comparing the most commonly sold Ford trucks that are classified as passenger vehicles. Depending on the size and equipment options of each model, there are wide variations in engine output, towing capacity, and payload specs. Alternatively, we also have a list of Every Truck Ranked by Towing Capacity if you’d like to compare every truck model currently available on the U.S. market.
Comparing the Ford F-Series Models
Along with the Chevy Silverado, The F-150, F-250, and F-350 are among the most popular trucks on the market. The biggest difference between these models is, of course, the size. Each model offers more powerful specs than the last. So, depending on what you plan to tow, you’ll have to choose a model accordingly.
Engine Size & Output
As the number rises (150,250,350), the size and power of the vehicle increase. Because of this, each truck has a different type of engine. The 2023 Ford F-150, in particular, has many engine options. It comes with six choices (though we would argue the electric F-150 Lightning is basically its own stand-alone model). Ford previously offered a diesel engine for the F-150; however, that option has been discontinued.
| F-150 Engine Options | Horsepower | Torque |
| 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 290-hp | 265 lb-ft |
| 2.7L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6 | 325-hp | 400 lb-ft |
| 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6 | 400-hp | 500 lb-ft |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 | 400-hp | 410 lb-ft |
| 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 | 450-hp | 570 lb-ft |
| 5.2L Supercharged V8 | 700-hp | 640 lb-ft |
*These performance specs are the maximum capability for each when properly equipped.*
The 2023 Ford F-250 and Ford F-350 are both considered “Super Duty,” and your engine options are limited to four choices for both trucks.
| Super Duty Engine Options | Horsepower | Torque |
| 6.7-liter HO PowerStroke Diesel | 500-hp | 1,200 lb-ft |
| 7.3L Godzilla 2-Valve V8 Gas | 430-hp | 485 lb-ft |
| 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 475-hp | 1,050 lb-ft |
| 6.8L V8 Gas | 405-hp | 445lb-ft |
*These performance specs are the maximum capability for each when properly equipped.*
Towing Capacity
Towing capacity sets these three trucks apart from each other. The 2023 Ford F-150 is one of the most versatile because it comes in a variety of trims and options, but it tows the least. It has a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 lbs. with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and a 141.1-inch 4×2 wheelbase. The lowest amount the F-150 can tow is 8,200 lbs. with the 3.3-liter V6 engine and RWD as you can see in this truck towing capacity chart.
| F-150 Engine Options | Towing Capacity |
| 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 8,200 lbs |
| 2.7L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6 | 10,100 lbs |
| 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6 | 14,000 lbs |
| 5L Ti-VCT V8 | 13,000 lbs |
| 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 | 12,700 lbs |
| 5.2L Supercharged V8 | 8,200 lbs |
*These performance specs are the maximum capability for each when properly equipped.*
The regular cab for the 2023 F-250 has a maximum towing capacity of up to 15,000 lbs. regardless of the engine choice. However, if you choose to buy the super cab, your towing capacity can go up to 23,000 lbs. with the 6.7L HO diesel engine and gooseneck towing.
| Super Duty Engines | F-250 Towing | F-250 Gooseneck Towing |
| 6.7-liter HO PowerStroke Diesel | 22,000 lbs | 23,000 lbs |
| 7.3L Godzilla 2-Valve V8 Gas | 17,200 lbs | 17,200 lbs |
| 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 22,000 lbs | 22,900 lbs |
| 6.8L V8 Gas | 14,800 lbs | 14,800 lbs |
*These performance specs are the maximum capability for each when properly equipped.*
The 2023 F-350 with 7.3 L Gas V8 engine will get you up to 21,200 pounds of towing capacity. With the 6.7 L Power Stroke Diesel V8 engine and a 10-speed transmission on a Regular Cab, you will get a maximum towing capacity of 35,400 pounds using a gooseneck trailer.
| Super Duty Engines | F-350 Towing | F-350 Gooseneck Towing |
| 6.7-liter HO PowerStroke Diesel | 26,700 lbs | 32,900 lbs |
| 7.3L Godzilla 2-Valve V8 Gas | 18,900 lbs | 18,800 lbs |
| 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 24,800 lbs | 32,600 lbs |
| 6.8L V8 Gas | 18,700 lbs | 18,900 lbs |
*These performance specs are the maximum capability for each when properly equipped.*
Payload
Again, the 2023 F-150 has the least payload possible since it’s the smallest truck. The lowest payload is 1,985 lbs with the 3.3L engine, but you can get a maximum of 3,325 lbs. with the 5.0L engine.
| F-150 Engine Options | Payload |
| 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 1,985 lbs |
| 2.7L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6 | 2,480 lbs |
| 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6 | 3,250 lbs |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 | 3,326 lbs |
| 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 | 2,120 lbs |
| 5.2L Supercharged V8 | 1,400 lbs |
*These performance specs are the maximum capability for each when properly equipped.*
With the F-250, the payload increases slightly, and you can get up to 4,260 lbs. The best payload comes from the F-350, of course, with a maximum payload of 7,850 lbs.
| Super Duty Engines | F-250 Payload | F-350 Payload |
| 6.7-liter HO PowerStroke Diesel | 4,002 lbs | 6,992 lbs |
| 7.3L 2-Valve V8 Gas | 4,199 lbs | 7,685 lbs |
| 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel | 4,145 lbs | 7,100 lbs |
| 6.8L V8 Gas | 4,302 lbs | 8,000 lbs |
*These performance specs are the maximum capability for each when properly equipped.*
Curb Weight
The final difference between the three trucks is the amount of curb weight possible. With the 2023 F-150, you can get a curb weight between 4,021 to 5,740 lbs. The 2023 F-250 has a curb weight between 5,692 to 7,401 lbs. Finally, the 2023 F-350 has the highest curb weight, between 5,877 to 7,868 lbs, depending on which engine option you choose.
Consider all engine options when choosing a Ford F-150, Super Duty F-250, or F-350. The engine options will greatly affect your towing capacity. For smaller trailers, an F-150 may be perfectly suited for your needs, but if you have a larger trailer or boat to tow, you’ll want to consider a Super Duty model.
