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2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch Review

4.0
Excellent
August 31, 2015

The Bottom Line

The 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch balances old-fashioned pickup truck utility with modern technology and conveniences.

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Pros

  • Powerful and efficient turbo-diesel engine.
  • Comfortable interior.

Cons

  • Dated MyFord Touch infotainment interface.
  • Awkward dash-top USB ports.

As the 2015 big brother to the best-selling F-150 ($51,630.00 at Truecar)  passenger truck, the Ford F-350 Super Duty retains much of that uber-popular car's best qualities. It doesn't have the all-new 2016 F-150's fuel-saving aluminum body, but an optional 6.7-liter, turbo-diesel V8 engine offers additional horsepower, torque, towing capacity, and fuel economy. Both the F-150 and the F-350 are still stuck with the dated MyFord Touch infotainment interface that eventually will be replaced with the Sync 3 system, but large knobs for volume and tuning added to the F-Series make the system easier to use with, especially with gloves. That makes the 2015 F-350 a good option for those looking for a modern take on the pickup truck.

How Much?
The 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty ($66,585.00 at Truecar)  is available in three cab designs (two-door regular cab and four-door Super Cab and Crew Cab), with single- or dual-wheel rear axle, and an 8- or 6.8-foot bed. Add to this five trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. Prices range from $32,705 for the base XL to $54,655 for the top-of-the-line Platinum. The King Ranch version we tested starts at $52,735. It also includes a 6.7-liter, turbo-diesel V8 engine for $8,480, 4x4 capability for $3,195, a spray-on bedliner for $475, dual alternators for $380, up-fitter switches for $125, and a destination charge of $1,195, for a final sticker price of $66,585.

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What Does It Come With?
While the 440-horsepower, V8 turbo-diesel engine is optional, all F-350 Super Duty trucks come with a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard features on the King Ranch include two-tone paint, a body-color grille with chrome insert, 18-inch polished-aluminum wheels, fog lamps, illuminated running boards, power heated exterior mirrors, a locking tailgate, a Trailer Tow Package with trailer-sway and trailer-brake control, cruise control, a 4.2-inch LCD instrument panel, power adjustable pedals with memory, leather seats with King Ranch logos, 10-way power and heated/cooled driver and front passenger seats with memory, navigation, MyFord Touch with Sync, a rearview camera and rear sensing system, remote start, Bluetooth, and a nine-speaker premium Sony audio system with CD, AM/FM/satellite radio, dual USB ports, and aux-in jacks.

2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch Pickup2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch Pickup

How's the Tech?
Because a pickup often serves as both a work vehicle and mobile office for many owners, the F-350 includes a good combination of technology aids. The off-road and towing tech is easy to access via the 4.2-inch LCD instrument panel, while the rear camera displayed on the 8-inch in-dash monitor includes guidelines, and works in tandem with the rear sensing system to give a clear indication of how close the truck is to an object.

Nextcar Bug art The MyFord Touch with Sync system is not without its challenges, like inconsistency and a lack of responsiveness, although the large volume and tuning knobs make it much easier to operate basic functions. MyFord Touch doesn't include a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot option, although an owner can create one with their own broadband card plugged into the system's USB port, or by connecting to an available network if parked in range of one. One quirk of the F-350 is that the USB port (and aux-in jacks) are in a storage compartment with a flip-up lid on top of the dashboard, which makes running cables to a device unsightly and awkward.

2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch Pickup2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch Pickup

How Does It Perform?
The 440-horsepower, turbo-diesel V8 engine provides ample power for almost any task, and is relatively quiet with the windows rolled up. And that the truck can tow a massive 26,500 pounds, and gets better fuel economy than the previous model (though Ford doesn't provide an estimate) should appeal to those looking for both power and to save a few bucks at the pump. While you won't forget that you're in a giant pickup, the ride is surprisingly smooth, although an empty bed can make bumps more noticeable. The interior of the vehicle feels surprisingly luxurious and comfortable.

Should I Buy It?
Unless you need it for work, towing toys, or both, the massive F-350 is overkill for most people. But if you need a workhorse truck that sips fuel and provides a comfortable interior, solid tech, and a smooth ride (and you can live with the MyFord Touch infotainment system), the Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch is a strong choice for large pickups.

2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch
4.0
Pros
  • Powerful and efficient turbo-diesel engine.
  • Comfortable interior.
Cons
  • Dated MyFord Touch infotainment interface.
  • Awkward dash-top USB ports.
The Bottom Line

The 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch balances old-fashioned pickup truck utility with modern technology and conveniences.

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About Doug Newcomb

Columnist

Doug Newcomb

Doug Newcomb is a recognized expert on the subject of car technology within the auto industry and among the automotive and general media, and a frequent speaker at automotive and consumer electronics industry events. Doug began his career in 1988 at the car stereo trade publication Mobile Electronics, before serving as editor of the leading consumer magazines covering the topic, Car Audio and Electronics and Car Stereo Review/Mobile Entertainment/Road & Track Road Gear, from 1989 to 2005. In 2005 Doug started his own company, Newcomb Communications & Consulting, to provide content to such outlets as Road & Track, Popular Mechanics, MSN Autos, SEMA News, and many others. In 2008, he published his first book, Car Audio for Dummies (Wiley). He is also a contributor to Wired's Autopia, MSN Autos, and numerous other outlets.

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2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch $66,585.00 at Truecar
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