2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty: Why the 7.3L Gas V8 Still Makes Sense
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The heavy duty truck space still leans heavily toward diesel. But this test of the 2026 F 250 Super Duty shows something interesting. A big naturally aspirated gas V8 still has a strong case, especially if you care about cost and real world usability.
This article breaks down the key details from a verified road test and explains what actually matters.
The “Godzilla” 7.3L V8 Explained
Ford calls its 7.3 litre V8 “Godzilla”. That name has been used before in pop culture, but here it actually fits.
- Power: 430 hp
- Torque: 485 lb ft
- Engine type: Pushrod V8
- Price: about $1500 over the base 6.8L V8
This engine feels old school in the best way. Big displacement, simple design, and strong low end response.
And yes, it sounds like a truck should.
Performance: Faster Than You Expect
This is where things get surprising.
- 0 to 60 mph: 6.2 seconds
- Quarter mile: 14.7 seconds at 93 mph
- Skidpad grip: 0.75 g
For a truck that weighs over 7200 pounds, these numbers are not normal.
It actually behaves more like a tall muscle car than a typical work truck. The rear can step out if you disable stability control, which tells you how much power is available.
Gas vs Diesel: The Real Comparison
Most buyers automatically think diesel is better. That is not always true.
Diesel Advantages
- More torque: up to 1200 lb ft
- Faster: 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds
- Higher towing: up to 22,000 pounds
Gas V8 Advantages
- Much cheaper option
- Higher payload capacity
- Lower weight by around 800 pounds
- Simpler ownership
The diesel engine costs around $13,495 extra. That is not a small gap.
Even with better fuel economy, recovering that cost takes a long time. For many buyers, it may never happen.
Towing and Capability
This is still a serious work truck.
- Max towing (conventional): 18,200 pounds
- Payload: higher than diesel version
- Drivetrain: rear wheel drive or 4WD
If you need extreme towing numbers, you should move to bigger trucks like an F 450. But for most users, the F 250 already does more than enough.
Fuel Economy: The Trade Off
Let’s be clear. This is not an efficient truck.
- Observed: 10 mpg
- Highway: 15 mpg
The diesel version does about 5 mpg better on the highway. But fuel price differences reduce that advantage in real life.
Interior and Features
The tested truck came in Lariat trim with multiple options.
Key features include:
- Ford Co Pilot360 Assist 2.0
- Adaptive cruise control
- Pro Trailer Assist systems
- 2 kW onboard generator
- Panoramic sunroof
- Max Recline seats
This is where buyers often spend the money they save by skipping the diesel.
Dimensions and Basic Specs
- Weight: 7230 pounds
- Length: 250 inches
- Wheelbase: 159.7 inches
- Transmission: 10 speed automatic
It is a large truck. Parking it in cities will not be fun. But that is expected in this segment.
What Actually Matters
Here is the honest takeaway.
The gas V8 is not trying to beat diesel in raw numbers. It wins on practicality.
- You save a lot of money upfront
- You still get strong performance
- You avoid complex diesel systems
- You gain payload capacity
For most buyers, this is the smarter choice.
Verdict
The term “gasser” often gets used like an insult in heavy duty trucks. That does not apply here.
The 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty with the 7.3L V8 proves one simple thing:
You do not always need more torque. Sometimes, you just need enough truck without overpaying for it.
Sources and References
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 7.3L gas engine in the 2026 Ford F-250 powerful enough?
Yes, the 7.3L V8 produces 430 hp and 485 lb ft of torque. In real testing, it pushes the F-250 from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.2 seconds, which is quick for a heavy duty truck. It feels strong in daily driving and does not struggle under load. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
How does the gas F-250 compare to the diesel version?
The diesel offers more torque and higher towing capacity, but it costs much more. The gas V8 is cheaper by a large margin, has higher payload due to lower weight, and still delivers strong performance. For most buyers, the gas engine makes more financial sense. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Ford F-250 gas model?
The gas powered F-250 can tow up to 18,200 pounds with a conventional hitch. This is more than enough for most real world use cases like trailers, boats, or work equipment. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
What fuel economy does the 7.3L gas F-250 deliver?
In testing, the truck returned around 10 mpg in mixed driving and about 15 mpg on the highway. The diesel version is more efficient, but the price gap reduces its long term advantage. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Is the 2026 F-250 good for daily use?
It depends on your needs. The truck is large and not ideal for tight city driving or parking. But for highway use, towing, and long trips, it feels stable and comfortable.
What are the key features available in the F-250 Lariat?
The Lariat trim offers features like adaptive cruise control, trailer assist systems, a 2 kW onboard generator, panoramic sunroof, and reclining seats. These add comfort and practicality for long drives and work use. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Is the gas F-250 a better value than diesel?
For most buyers, yes. The diesel option costs over $13,000 more. Unless you need maximum towing regularly, the gas V8 delivers strong performance at a much lower price. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
How heavy is the 2026 Ford F-250?
The tested model weighs around 7,230 pounds. The gas version is lighter than the diesel, which helps improve payload capacity and overall balance. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
