This 2024 Ford F-250 XL 6.8L might be the best compromise between capability, performance and value we’ve seen in an off-road HD pickup.
While a lot of heavy-duty trucks we test run in the $80,000 to $100,000 range thanks to luxury trims and tons of options, what Andre is showing us in this video bucks that trend. Simply put, this near-base F-250 XL has everything you need and nothing you don’t. That’s especially true if you’re in the market for a pickup truck in this class that can actually go off-road right out of the box.
The fairly new 6.8-liter gas V8 makes around 400 horsepower, the final number depends on the trim/option boxes you check off. It is bolted to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which is less beefy than some trannies, but it helps keep the sticker low. It has a 4.30 with a rear locker, and the version Andre’s driving makes around 445 lb-ft of torque.
Among the additions, a notable (expensive) goody is the $3,900 12,000-lbs Waren winch. While that price is steep, the benefit is all in the bumper itself. The bumper is built specifically to integrate a winch, thus minimizing a front end protrusion. Like the Ram Power Wagon, this gives it a clean, factory look, and doesn’t result in an approach angle penalty.
At $995, the off-road package is a bargain. Aside from the thinner chin spoiler, you also get meaty 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires. It has a driver actuated, electronic locker too.
For the money, the interior is a nice place to be. I mean, we’re talking about a nearly bare-bones pickup truck, yet it has some useful amenities. Andre especially thrills at the center folding armrest. It can either fold out of the way for three-across front seating, or it folds into a useful work table. In addition, the bottom cushion, under the center seat, has a large cubby underneath.
The interior is covered in vinyl, and hard plastic – which is to be expected. What isn’t expected is the good looking design, making the interior appear a little more premium. There are lots of interior storage options, including several cup-holder locations.
It has a 2,000-watt inverter with two outlets in the bed as well.
Payload and towing capability
This 2024 Ford F-250 XL 6.8L can haul up to 3,270 pounds, which is impressive, especially for a truck weighing in at just over 6,700-lbs. Thanks to the 4.30 axle ratio, this HD can tow up to 16,600 pounds. For a gasoline-powered pickup, that’s impressive. Sure, that towing number is far less than the equivalent HD Ford with a diesel; however, it is far less expensive, and it should be cheaper to maintain over the long term. In addition, having a gas engine is much lighter, thus better in most off-road situations.
Base model, rear-wheel drive versions of this truck will run around $50,000. With the XL 4×4 package, winch, bedliner and a few additional options, it runs around $60,000. Sure, that is a lot of cabbage, but there are a lot of 1/2 ton trucks with less capability that cost considerably more. I guess that’s the point. In addition, this truck looks mighty cool too.
As for driving impressions and other details, check out the full video below:
