Ford F-150 vs. F-250 vs. F-350: Comparing Towing Capacity, Payload, & More

Ford has earned its place as one of America’s top-selling truck brands, and with its strong reputation for reliability and performance, choosing a Ford truck is a smart decision. However, with multiple models available, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Ford offers three primary models in its truck lineup: the F-150, F-250, and F-350. Each model caters to different needs, ranging from daily driving to heavy-duty work.

The F-150 is versatile and ideal for everyday use, while the F-250 offers more power and capability for larger jobs. If you’re tackling the toughest tasks, the F-350 provides serious towing and hauling capacity. So, how do you know which one is right for you? It all depends on what you need from your truck—whether it’s for commuting, weekend projects, or heavy-duty work, Ford has a truck built to handle it.

Engine Size & Output

Engine: F-150

The 2025 Ford F-150 has the most engine options, offering five gas-powered choices and one hybrid option. Of course, fuel economy and towing power vary greatly between each of the engine options. The F-150 is best suited for light work and off-road adventure.

Engine Options:

• Twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with 325 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque (Standard)
• 5.0-liter V8 engine with 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque
• Twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 400 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque
• Twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and an electric motor with a combined 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque
• Twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter HO EcoBoost V6 engine with 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque
• Supercharged 5.2-liter HO V8 engine with 720 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque (standard in Raptor R)

Engine: F-250

The Ford F-250 stands out with its available diesel engine option, providing even more power and efficiency for heavy-duty work compared to the F-150. With a stronger V8 engine option and higher torque, the F-250 is built for demanding jobs that require extra muscle.

Engine Options: 

• 6.8L V8 with  405 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque
• 7.3L V8 with 430 hp and 485 lb-ft of torque
• Engine – 6.7 HO Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel with 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque
• Engine – 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel with 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque

Engine: F-350

The main difference between the engines offered in the Ford F-250 and F-350 lies in their performance capabilities and available configurations for heavy-duty tasks. Both trucks offer the same engine options, but their performance varies based on the truck’s payload and towing capacities.

Engine Options: 

• 6.8L V8 with  405 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque
• 7.3L V8 with 430 hp and 485 lb-ft of torque
• Engine – 6.7 HO Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel with 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque
• Engine – 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel with 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque

Towing

Towing: F-150

The 2025 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 13,500 lbs.

The lowest amount the F-150 can tow is 7,400 lbs. with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and 145-inch 4×4 wheelbase.

Towing: F-250

Towing power varies depending on your build. However, The regular cab for the  F-250 has a maximum towing capacity of 20,000 lbs. On the other hand, if you choose to buy the Super Duty model, your towing capacity can go up to 22,000 lbs.

The minimum towing capacity is around 15,000 lbs, however, meaning that any of the F-250 models can tow more than any of the F-150 models.

Towing: F-350

The F-350 offers marginally superior towing capacity compared to F-250 with the base models, but that changes with the Super Duty models when properly equipped. The minimum towing capacity is around 15,000 lbs., but its highest towing capacity exceeds over 35,000 lbs.

The F-350 offers a higher maximum towing capacity thanks to its stronger frame, upgraded suspension, and dual-rear-wheel (DRW) option, which provides better stability and weight distribution.

Payload

Payload: F-150

The Ford F-150 is a versatile light-duty truck, and its payload capacity ranges from 1,487 to 2,078 lbs, depending on the engine and configuration. It’s perfect for those needing a truck for everyday tasks like hauling tools and gear.

hile it’s not as robust as its Super Duty counterparts, the F-150 offers excellent fuel efficiency and comfort for daily driving, making it an ideal choice for personal use, light commercial work, or recreational towing. Its aluminum-alloy body helps increase payload capacity without sacrificing durability or performance

Payload: F-250

The Ford F-250 is a Super Duty truck designed for heavier workloads. Its payload capacity ranges from 3,217 to 4,303 lbs, depending on the configuration.

The F-250’s rugged construction and stronger suspension allow it to handle larger loads, making it ideal for those in industries like construction or farming.

Payload: F-350

The Ford F-350 takes payload capacity to another level, ranging from 4,500 to 8,000 pounds, depending on the engine and rear-wheel configuration. Designed for heavy-duty tasks, it’s a top choice for those requiring maximum strength for hauling large equipment, construction materials, or even campers.

The F-350 offers features like the optional dual rear wheels (dually), which increase its ability to distribute heavy loads, giving it a superior payload capacity over both the F-150 and F-250. It’s the go-to truck for extreme towing and hauling, perfect for commercial use or serious heavy-duty jobs.

Curb Weight

Curb Weight: F-150

The Ford F-150, known for its light-duty performance and fuel efficiency, has a curb weight that typically ranges from 4,021 to 5,540 pounds, depending on the trim level, engine choice, and configuration.

The lighter curb weight, thanks to its aluminum-alloy body, contributes to the F-150’s excellent fuel economy and maneuverability. This makes it ideal for daily driving, light towing, and hauling while remaining agile for a full-size truck.

Curb Weight: F-250

The Ford F-250, designed for heavier workloads and towing, has a curb weight that generally ranges from 5,677 to 7,538 pounds, depending on the engine and configuration.

Its heavier build, due to reinforced components like a stronger frame and suspension, makes it suitable for tougher jobs and more demanding conditions.

Curb Weight: F-350

The Ford F-350, the ultimate heavy-duty workhorse in the Super Duty lineup, has a curb weight that ranges from 5,878 to 8,115 pounds, depending on the configuration and whether it’s a single rear-wheel (SRW) or dual rear-wheel (DRW) model.

The F-350’s substantial curb weight is a reflection of its robust design, intended for extreme towing and payload capabilities. Its heavier frame and suspension make it the best option for those needing maximum hauling power and durability for the toughest tasks.