2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty Overview

by | Feb 27, 2025 | F250

The 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty continued its dominance in the heavy-duty truck segment, building on the massive redesign introduced in 2017. This model year featured incremental improvements, with higher payload and towing ratings, new technology upgrades, and refined safety features.

The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel remained the top choice for towing, while the 6.2L V8 gas engine continued as the standard option. Ford also made adaptive steering available across more trims, and the Platinum and Limited trims received new luxury features.

Thanks to its high-strength steel frame, aluminum body, and best-in-class towing capacity, the 2018 F-250 Super Duty remained a leader in its class.

2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty Trim Levels & Features

Trim Level
XL (Base Model)
XLT (Mid-Level Work Truck)
Lariat (Luxury & Performance Mix)
King Ranch (High-End Luxury & Off-Road Performance)
Platinum (Luxury & Technology-Focused)
Limited (Top-of-the-Line, Ultimate Luxury)
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 - Rearview camera
- Cloth seats - Power windows & locks - SYNC 3 infotainment (optional) - Chrome grille & bumpers - 18” alloy wheels - Cruise control - Rearview camera
- Leather-trimmed seats - 8” SYNC 3 touchscreen - Dual-zone climate control - Power-adjustable pedals - Fog lights - Keyless entry - Premium audio system
- Exclusive Kingsville leather interior - Heated & ventilated front seats - Two-tone exterior paint - Remote start - Premium B&O sound system - Power-deployable running boards
- Satin chrome grille & trim - Adaptive cruise control - Lane departure warning - Heated & ventilated front seats - 20” premium wheels - Remote tailgate release
- Unique two-tone leather interior - 360-degree camera system - Adaptive cruise control - Heated & cooled seats - Power running boards - Twin-panel moonroof
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, luxury truck buyers, best for towing & long trips
High-end buyers wanting the most advanced tech & features
The most luxurious F-250, ideal for top-tier comfort & capability
New for 2018: The Limited trim received exclusive interior upgrades, and Ford expanded the availability of adaptive steering and safety features across more trims.

2018 F-250 Super Duty Engine Options & Towing Capacities

Engine
6.2L V8 Gas – 385 HP / 430 lb-ft Torque
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel V8 – 450 HP / 935 lb-ft Torque
Max Conventional Towing
15,700 lbs
18,500 lbs
Max 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing
16,700 lbs
34,000 lbs
Max Payload
~4,200 lbs
~4,300 lbs
Ford increased the diesel engine’s output to 450 HP and 935 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful diesel in the heavy-duty class for 2018.

2018 F-250 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

Optional Packages & Features by Trim Level

XL (Base Work Truck)

  • 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 Premium Package (adds upgraded seats, leather steering wheel)
  • FX4 Off-Road Package (adds skid plates, off-road tuned shocks, limited-slip differential)
  • Trailer Tow Package (integrated trailer brake controller, extra cooling)
  • Snow Plow Prep Package (for heavy-duty plowing needs)

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

Lariat (Luxury & Towing Balance)

  • Lariat Ultimate Package (adds navigation, remote start, LED box lighting)
  • 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)

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

King Ranch, Platinum & Limited

  • Adaptive Steering System (improves handling at low and high speeds)
  • Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System (gives a 360-degree view)
  • B&O Premium Audio System
  • Twin-Panel Moonroof (standard on Limited, optional on Platinum)

Best For: Luxury buyers wanting top-tier towing, technology, and interior comfort

2018 F-250 Super Duty: What’s New Compared to 2017?

1. More Power for the 6.7L Diesel
Increased to 450 HP & 935 lb-ft torque, giving it best-in-class towing power.

2. More Available Safety & Technology Features
Adaptive cruise control, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning were now available on more trims.

3. Refinements to the Limited Trim
Even more premium materials for the most luxurious F-250 yet.

Which Trim & Package Should You Get for Towing?

  • For Maximum Towing (34,000 lbs with 5th-Wheel or Gooseneck): → 6.7L Diesel, F-250 Lariat, King
  • Ranch, Platinum, or Limited, 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Package
  • For Light-Medium Towing (8,000-15,000 lbs): → XLT or Lariat with the Trailer Tow Package
  • For Off-Road & Towing: → FX4 Package + Diesel Engine (on XLT, Lariat, or King Ranch)

Should You Buy a 2018 F-250 Super Duty Today?

Pros:
✔ Best-in-Class Towing & Power – Up to 34,000 lbs with 6.7L Diesel
✔ More Safety & Tech Features – Adaptive cruise, collision warning, lane-keeping, cameras
✔ Lighter & Stronger Build – Aluminum body + stronger frame

Cons:
✘ Expensive Repairs on 6.7L Diesel – Turbo & fuel system issues over time
✘ Aluminum Body Repair Costs – More expensive than steel to repair