2018 Ford F-350 Pros vs Cons

The all-new 2018 Ford F-350 makes up the third of four models in Ford's truck lineup. After undergoing a massive overhaul last year, the 2018 F-350 still feels fresh and exciting. It is just as tough as it looks and lives up to the Ford workhorse standards. There are plenty of driver aids and high-tech features that assist in making the 2018 Ford F-350 one of the biggest competitors in its class for the model year.

What's New for 2018?

Since the F-350 just underwent a huge redesign for 2017, not a lot has changed on the 2018 Ford F-350. Last year saw the addition of a sturdier frame on the Super Duty, as well as revisions to the engine options and the inclusion of multiple driver aids.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Ford F-350 – The Pros

1. A Powerful V8 Turbodiesel Engine

The 2018 Ford F-350 is powered by only the most ruggedly athletic engines, including the turbodiesel V8 engine. The 6.7-L V8 was revised in 2017 to produce more power than the engines previously equipped on older F-350 models. In fact, this V8 has an amazing output of 440 hp and 925 lb-ft of torque, which is more than sufficient to get this massive truck (and anything it is hauling) up and going.

2. Interior Space

With the resculpting of the body using aluminum, not only was Ford able to make the truck lighter and more aerodynamic, but this also maximized interior space. When the F-350 was redesigned in 2017, the crew-cab gained 3 extra inches of space while the extended cab gained 6. Passengers in the rear will feel quite comfortable with the amount of head, shoulder, and leg space that is available.

3. Many Infotainment Features

While Ford doesn't offer the most high-tech system, the Sync voice-controlled infotainment system works pretty well. On higher trim levels, you can upgrade to the Sync 3 system, which is nicely displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen. Out of the two options, the upgraded Sync 3 is the better deal as it gives a lot of bang for the buck.

4. Numerous Driver Aids

Ford throws on a ton of desirable driver aids, making quite a few of them standard equipment. MyKey (which allows parents to put driving restrictions on the vehicle for their new teenage drivers) and post-collision alert are standard across the lineup. Additional options include blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control with collision warning.

5. The Aluminum Body

Ford's revisions to the F-350's body were smart choices. The aluminum frame is far superior in strength to what you used to find on Ford trucks, and it lifted a lot of excess bulk that used to slow the vehicle down. This allows the truck's powerful powertrains to do their job even better.

6. Easy to Find a Driving Position

The bucket driver's seat is 10-way power-adjustable, and on the higher trim levels, you get power-adjustable pedals. Even smaller drivers can find a good position without too much trouble, and the front passenger seat is also easy to adjust to find a comfortable position.

7. Leather Upholstery on Higher-Level Trims

While the cloth upholstery on the lower-level trims looks decent, the leather upholstery on the higher-level trims is simply stunning. It is just firm enough without compromising on comfort and makes the cab look upscale for being such a workhorse.

8. The Ultimate Trailor Tow Camera System

One of the most helpful features that you can get on the 2018 Ford F-350 is the Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System. This option includes seven cameras that give you a 360-degree surround view of the truck. Since the truck is so massive and hard to wiggle in and out of tight spaces when loaded with a trailer, this system is especially desirable.

9. The Trailer Reverse Guidance System

The Trailer Reverse Guidance System is also something you might want to consider adding onto your 2018 Ford F-350. This system provides the driver with on-screen directions while they are turning the wheel with a traditional trailer hooked up to the rear.

10. Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control is another crucial add-on, especially if you plan on doing a lot of highway driving. This feature helps the vehicle maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of you and works well while going downhill or while towing a trailer.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Ford F-350 – The Cons

1. Expensive Options

Unfortunately, the optional features on the 2018 Ford F-350 will jack up the cost of the vehicle. While some of them are worth paying for, others are not, so you'll need to carefully select what you want if you need to stay within a certain budget.

2. Lacking Features on the XL

The base XL trim is pretty skimpy on features. It does not even have a touchscreen. You have to buy up to the XLT trim just to get a tiny 4.2-inch touchscreen. This is why upgrading to the Lariat trim or higher is recommended.

3. Too Big For Many Parking Spaces

Although the technology available on the F-350 can assist with parking, it is still hard to fit this truck into tight parking lots and garages. You will have to take care when trying to stay between the lines.

How it Stacks up to the Competition:

2018 Ford F-350 vs. 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500HD

The 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500HD is one of Ford's biggest contenders this model year with its 6.6-L V8 turbodiesel engine option, which bests the F-350 with 445 hp. However, this truck is also rather difficult to maneuver around the city.

2018 Ford F-350 vs. 2018 Ram 3500

Another top competitor in this class is the 2018 Ram 3500. This truck looks a little bit more dated than the F-350, but it does come with some fun upgrades, including a very user-friendly 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system. Also, there is plenty of space inside the cabin, regardless of which trim level you buy.

Conclusion

The 2018 Ford F-350 is a massive truck with a lot of power, regardless of which powertrain you choose. This vehicle is an absolute workhorse with regard to its towing capabilities and handles off-roading with ease. While it is difficult to maneuver through the city, when you get out into the country, this is the F-350 gives one impressive performance.