Saddle Up for our Review of the 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty King Ranch
If trucks were horses, the 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty King Ranch would be the Clydesdale that everyone stops to admire. It’s big, brawny, and loaded with swagger. But let’s cut to the chase cowboys and cowgirls…is this rig worth its Texas sized price tag, or is it all hat and no cattle? Let’s dig on in y’all!
The F-250 Lineup: A Quick Look at the Herd
Before we dive into the King Ranch, let’s talk about the rest of the corral.
The 2024 F-250 comes in six trims:
- XL – Your bare-bones workhorse. Perfect for hauling hay or starting a landscaping business.
- XLT – Adds some creature comforts without straying too far from the no-frills ethos.
- Lariat – Where luxury starts to seep into the Super Duty lineup.
- King Ranch – The cowboy Cadillac (more on this in a sec).
- Platinum – For those who want luxury with a side of grit.
- Limited – Top-tier, fully-loaded, and priced like a small house.
Unique options for the F-250 include:
- Pro Trailer Hitch Assist – Because backing up with a trailer shouldn’t feel like a game of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey.
- Snow Plow Prep Package – A must-have for folks in snowy states.
- Tremor Off-Road Package – Turns your F-250 into an off-road beast, complete with a lift kit and 35-inch tires.
King Ranch: A Texas-Sized Statement
The King Ranch trim is named after a real ranch in Texas, and it’s all about blending workhorse capability with upscale cowboy charm. From the iconic “Running W” logo branded into the leather seats to the Western-style trim accents, this truck is a yee-haw in vehicle form.
Here’s what you’re wrangling with the King Ranch:
- Engine Options:
- 6.8L V8 Gas (405 horsepower, 445 lb-ft of torque)
- 7.3L “Godzilla” V8 Gas (430 horsepower, 485 lb-ft of torque)
- 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Diesel (500 horsepower, 1,200 lb-ft of torque – enough to pull a barn, probably).
- Towing Capacity: Up to 22,000 pounds (or roughly five fully-grown Texas Longhorns).
- Payload: Up to 4,260 pounds.
- Interior Features:
- Premium leather upholstery with heated and ventilated seats.
- 12-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch infotainment screen.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Bang & Olufsen sound system for jamming out to George Strait.
The Drive: Workhorse or Show Pony?
Taking the King Ranch for a spin is like strapping yourself to a mechanical bull, but in a good way. The ride is smooth enough for date night to the local watering hole but rugged enough for ranch duty. The diesel engine is a torque monster, pulling trailers like they’re full of marshmallows.
Handling? Well, it’s a truck. Don’t expect it to corner like a sports car, but it’s still surprisingly composed for something this size. Parking it in a tight lot, however, feels like trying to park the Titanic.
Competitors in the Corral
The King Ranch doesn’t roam the prairie alone. Here are some top grade competitors:
-
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD High Country
- Similar luxury vibes with a more understated design.
- Max towing: 20,000 pounds.
- Duramax diesel offers 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque.
-
Ram 2500 Limited Longhorn
- Western-themed interior with actual wood and leather trim.
- Max towing: 19,680 pounds.
- Cummins diesel: 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque.
-
GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate
- Uber-luxurious interior and advanced tech.
- Max towing: 22,070 pounds.
- Duramax diesel matches the Silverado’s power specs.
The Verdict: Worth the Gold?
The 2024 Ford F-250 King Ranch is a beast with beauty. It’s perfect for those who need a truck that can haul hay bales by day and impress the in-laws by night. However, it’s not for the faint of wallet. With prices starting in the mid-$80,000s, this rig is an investment, although one that pays off in capability and style.
So, who’s this rig for? Ranch hands with a taste for luxury, weekend warriors towing big toys, or anyone who thinks “overkill” is just another word for “prepared.”
If that’s you, then giddy up, partner. The King Ranch awaits.