2012 Ford F-350 Super Duty Overview

by | Feb 28, 2025 | F350

The 2012 Ford F-350 Super Duty built upon the major redesign from 2011, further refining its powertrain, towing capacity, and technology features. Ford continued to offer the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, which had proven to be more powerful and reliable than the previous 6.4L Power Stroke, while the 6.2L V8 gas engine remained the base engine option.

Ford also introduced new available features like Hill Start Assist and an optional premium navigation system. Meanwhile, the Platinum trim became available for the first time on the F-350, offering a luxury-heavy-duty truck experience.

With class-leading towing capabilities, a strong chassis, and improved reliability, the 2012 F-350 Super Duty was a top contender in the heavy-duty truck segment.

2012 Ford F-350 Super Duty Trim Levels & Features

Trim Level
XL (Base Model)
XLT (Mid-Level Work Truck)
Lariat (Luxury & Performance Mix)
King Ranch (Luxury & Off-Road Performance)
Platinum (Luxury & Technology Focused)
Key Features
- 6.2L V8 Gas Engine (6.7L Diesel optional) - Vinyl seats & flooring - AM/FM radio - Manual windows & locks - Black grille & bumpers - 17” steel wheels
- Cloth seats - Power windows & locks - AM/FM radio with CD player - Chrome grille & bumpers - 18” alloy wheels - Cruise control
- Leather-trimmed seats - Power-adjustable driver’s seat - Woodgrain interior trim - Premium audio system - Fog lights - Keyless entry
- Unique Chaparral Brown leather seats - King Ranch badging & woodgrain trim - Two-tone paint available - Premium sound system - Standard FX4 Off-Road Package - Navigation System (optional) - Power Adjustable Pedals - 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Available - Upgraded Premium Sound System
- Premium leather seating with heated & ventilated front seats - Unique Platinum badging & chrome exterior accents - SYNC infotainment system with touchscreen navigation - Power-adjustable pedals & memory settings - Sony premium sound system
Best For
Work truck, fleet use, budget buyers
Work & personal use, budget-friendly with more features
Balanced comfort & towing, ideal for daily use & work
Ranchers, high-end truck buyers, comfort & towing balance
Buyers wanting top-tier luxury and advanced technology in a heavy-duty truck
New for 2012: The Platinum trim was introduced for the F-350, offering high-end luxury features and advanced technology.

2012 F-350 Super Duty Engine Options & Towing Capacities

Engine
6.2L V8 Gas – 385 HP / 405 lb-ft Torque
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel V8 – 400 HP / 800 lb-ft Torque
Max Conventional Towing
12,500 lbs
17,500 lbs
Max 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing
15,000 lbs
22,700 lbs
Max Payload
~4,600 lbs
~5,500 lbs

The 6.7L Power Stroke continued to offer best-in-class torque and towing power, while being more fuel-efficient and reliable than previous Power Stroke engines.

2012 F-350 Super Duty Cab & Bed Configurations

  • Cab Choices: Regular Cab, SuperCab (Extended Cab), Crew Cab
  • Bed Lengths: 6.75-ft Short Bed, 8-ft Long Bed
  • Drivetrain Options: RWD (2WD) or 4WD
  • Dually (DRW) Option Available for maximum payload and towing capacity

Optional Packages & Features by Trim Level

XL (Base Work Truck)

  • STX Appearance Package (adds chrome bumpers, grille, and 17″ alloy wheels)
  • Power Equipment Group (adds power windows, locks, keyless entry)
  • XL Décor Package (adds upgraded trim and sound insulation)
  • Snow Plow Prep Package (heavier alternator, wiring for plow)
  • Camper Package (heavier suspension for carrying campers)

Best For: Budget buyers, fleet trucks, worksite use

XLT (Mid-Level Work Truck)

  • XLT Convenience Package (adds cruise control, tilt steering wheel)
  • FX4 Off-Road Package (adds skid plates, off-road tuned shocks, limited-slip differential)
  • Camper Package (heavy-duty rear suspension & stabilizer bars)
  • Trailer Tow Package (integrated trailer brake controller, extra cooling)
  • Snow Plow Prep Package (for heavy-duty plowing needs)
  • Chrome Package (adds chrome grille, tow hooks, exhaust tips)

Best For: Those wanting a well-equipped work truck with more comfort

Lariat (Luxury & Towing Balance)

  • Lariat Convenience Package (adds premium audio, dual power seats)
  • FX4 Off-Road Package (adds off-road shocks, skid plates, hill descent control)
  • 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package (adds in-bed hitch mounting points)
  • Chrome Package (adds chrome mirror caps, exhaust tips, tow hooks)
  • Snow Plow Prep Package
  • Camper Package

Best For: Those who want both towing power & comfort for daily use

King Ranch (Luxury & Off-Road Performance)

  • King Ranch Leather Package (Chaparral Brown leather seats & wood trim)
  • Standard FX4 Off-Road Package (off-road shocks, skid plates)
  • Navigation System (optional)
  • Power Adjustable Pedals
  • 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Available
  • Upgraded Premium Sound System

Best For: Buyers wanting a high-end, unique interior with off-road and towing capability

Platinum (Luxury & Technology Focused)

  • Premium Leather Seating with heated & ventilated front seats)
  • SYNC infotainment system with touchscreen navigation)
  • Sony premium sound system)
  • Unique Platinum badging & chrome exterior accents)
  • Power-adjustable pedals & memory settings)

Best For: Buyers wanting the highest level of luxury and technology in a heavy-duty truck

2012 F-350 Super Duty: What’s New Compared to 2011?

1. Introduction of the Platinum Trim
First time Platinum was available on the F-350, offering high-end luxury and tech features.

2. New Technology & Safety Features
Hill Start Assist added for better control on inclines.
Optional navigation system improvements.

3. Refinements to the 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
Further reliability improvements to fuel delivery and emissions systems.

Should You Buy a 2012 F-350 Super Duty Today?

Pros:
✔ Refined Design with Proven Reliability – Second year of the fourth-gen Super Duty
✔ 6.7L Power Stroke Offers Best-in-Class Towing – More power and fuel efficiency
✔ Platinum Trim Introduced – Highest level of luxury ever in an F-350

Cons:
✘ Early 6.7L Power Stroke Models May Have Some Bugs – 2011-2012 models had some minor first-gen diesel quirks
✘ Higher Cost for Diesel Models – More expensive to maintain than gas engines
✘ Heavy-Duty Trucks Still Have Poor Fuel Economy – Especially for gas V8 models