2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty Overview

by | Mar 2, 2025 | F450

The 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty continued to lead the heavy-duty truck segment, offering best-in-class towing, a high-strength frame, and a powerful 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine. As part of the fourth-generation Super Duty (2011-2016), the 2013 model refined towing capabilities and introduced new technology updates.

For 2013, Ford made slight improvements to the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, further enhancing fuel efficiency and emissions performance. The Platinum trim, which was introduced in 2011, continued to offer top-tier luxury, while King Ranch and Lariat remained strong options for a mix of performance and comfort.

With superior towing technology, heavy-duty construction, and a well-rounded set of luxury and work trims, the 2013 F-450 remained the go-to truck for extreme hauling and towing needs.

2013 Ford F-450 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
- 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel Engine (Standard) - Vinyl seats & flooring - AM/FM radio - Manual windows & locks - Black grille & bumpers - 19.5” steel wheels
- Cloth seats - Power windows & locks - AM/FM radio with CD player - Chrome grille & bumpers - 19.5” 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 2013: Ford improved the emissions system on the 6.7L Power Stroke for better reliability and introduced additional features for SYNC infotainment.

2013 F-450 Super Duty Engine Options & Towing Capacities

Engine
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel V8 – 400 HP / 800 lb-ft Torque
Max Conventional Towing
17,500 lbs
Max 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing
24,700 lbs
Max Payload
~5,880 lbs
  • The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel received minor refinements, improving emissions performance and long-term reliability.
  • The integrated exhaust brake remained standard, enhancing downhill towing stability.
  • Towing capacities remained unchanged, making the F-450 one of the most capable trucks in its class.

2013 F-450 Super Duty Cab & Bed Configurations

  • Cab Choices: Crew Cab Only (Factory pickup configuration remains unchanged)
  • Bed Lengths: 8-ft Long Bed
  • Drivetrain Options: 4WD Only (No RWD option for the F-450 pickup)
  • Dually (DRW) Standard for maximum payload and towing capacity

Optional Packages & Features by Trim Level

XL (Base Work Truck)

  • Heavy-Duty Suspension Package (reinforced springs and shocks for extreme loads)
  • 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 use)
  • Camper Package (reinforced rear suspension for carrying campers)

Best For: Budget buyers, fleet trucks, heavy 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 (reinforced rear suspension for heavy loads)
  • 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 Ultimate Package (adds power-adjustable pedals, power-folding tow mirrors, premium sound system)
  • 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 for heavy-duty towing)
  • 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 (heated & ventilated front seats)
  • SYNC Infotainment System (touchscreen navigation, voice controls)
  • 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

2013 F-450 Super Duty: What’s New Compared to 2012?

1. Refinements to the 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
Minor emissions updates for better reliability.
Fuel efficiency improved slightly over previous model years.

2. Technology Updates
SYNC infotainment system received software updates for better usability.
More advanced trailer sway control features for improved towing stability.

3. Interior & Comfort Enhancements
New interior trim and sound insulation improvements for a quieter ride.

Should You Buy a 2013 F-450 Super Duty Today?

Pros:
✔ Most Powerful & Capable Heavy-Duty Pickup – Best-in-class towing at 24,700 lbs
✔ Refined Diesel Engine – Better emissions performance and long-term durability
✔ Improved Technology Features – SYNC infotainment updates and better trailer sway control

Cons:
✘ Still a Large, Heavy Truck – Challenging to maneuver in urban environments
✘ High Fuel Consumption – Large diesel engine still requires frequent refueling