2026 Ford F250 Engines
The 2026 Ford F-250 offers three powertrains (6.8L gas V8, 7.3L gas V8, and 6.7L Power Stroke diesel in standard and high-output tunes) paired to a 10-speed automatic. Properly configured F-250s can tow well over 20,000 lb, with payloads exceeding 3,800 lb depending on trim and options.
Crew Cab comfort, modern driver assists, and work-ready bed features make it a top heavy-duty pick. See the comparison table below for trims, engines, towing, and payload at a glance.
🧮 Side-by-Side: 2026 F-250 Trims, Engines, Towing, Payload
| Trim (typical) | Engines | Horsepower / Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain | Max Conventional Tow* | Max 5th / Gooseneck* | Max Payload* | Bed Lengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XL (work) | 6.8L V8 | ~405 hp / ~445 lb-ft | 10-speed auto | 4×2 or 4×4 | ~19,000–22,000 lb | ~22,000+ lb | ~3,800–4,000+ lb | 6.8 ft (≈81.9 in), 8.2 ft (≈98.1 in) |
| XLT | 6.8L V8, 7.3L V8 | ~405–430 hp / ~445–485 lb-ft | 10-speed auto | 4×2 or 4×4 | up to ~22,000 lb | up to ~22,800 lb | ~3,200–3,900 lb | 6.8 ft, 8.2 ft |
| Lariat | 6.8L, 7.3L, 6.7L diesel (std/HO) | up to ~500 hp / ~1,200 lb-ft | 10-speed auto | 4×4 common | ~20,000–22,000 lb | ~22,800 lb class | varies by options | 6.8 ft, 8.2 ft |
| King Ranch / Platinum / Limited | 6.7L diesel (std/HO), 7.3L | up to ~500 hp / ~1,200 lb-ft | 10-speed auto | 4×4 | ~20,000–22,000 lb | ~22,800 lb class | lower with luxury options | 6.8 ft, 8.2 ft |
*Capability depends on cab, bed, axle ratio, drivetrain, packages, and weight of options. Always verify your specific VIN and configuration in the official towing guide linked below. How to Read a Tow Chart)
🔧 Engine Choices & Performance (with transmission)
6.8L Gas V8
A durable workhorse for daily duty, lighter trailers, and lower ownership complexity.
Balanced for fleets and value-focused buyers. See Ford’s official Super Duty powertrain overview for model-year details and availability.
7.3L “Godzilla” Gas V8
The torque-rich gas upgrade. If you tow often but prefer gas simplicity and lower upfront cost vs diesel, this is a smart middle ground.
It pairs with the same 10-speed and benefits from deeper gearing for hill work.
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel (Standard & High-Output)
For heavy fifth-wheel RVs, equipment trailers, or high-elevation routes, diesel’s torque curve and engine-braking advantages shine.
The high-output tune pushes torque into the ~1,200 lb-ft class for serious hauling.
Transmission: All F-250 engines pair with a 10-speed automatic tuned for Tow/Haul and grade shifting.
⚖️ Towing Capacity & Payload (how to verify your numbers)
Know your exact build. Axle ratio, cab/bed, hitch/payload packages, and option weight all change the numbers.
Rule of thumb: Luxury options add weight and reduce payload. Choose wheels, sunroof, steps, winches, and spray-in liners with payload budgeting in mind.
Altitude & frontal area matter. High elevation and big-front RVs/box trailers can require stepping up engines/axles for the same GCWR. The towing guide explains these derate considerations.
⛽ Fuel Economy (real-world expectations)
HD trucks don’t carry EPA window-sticker mpg like half-tons.
In mixed, unloaded driving, gas V8s often sit in the low double digits, while diesels can do better on highway runs. Under heavy tow, expect single-digit to low-teens mpg.
Interior Comfort, Bed Sizes & Cargo
Cab choices: Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab. XL/XLT focus on durability, Lariat and above add comfort—ventilated seats, premium audio, and more.
Bed sizes: 6.8-ft (≈81.9 in) and 8.2-ft (≈98.1 in) beds. Add tie-downs, LED box lights, tailgate step, and integrated in-bed power to tailor the truck for job sites or camping.
📱 Infotainment & Tech
SYNC 4 with smartphone integration, available digital cluster, trailer camera views, and upfitter-friendly power solutions make long drives and job sites easier. Higher trims unlock more screens and audio upgrades.
🛡️ Safety & Driver Assistance
Expect safety tech like blind-spot monitoring (with trailer coverage in select packages), lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise, trailer sway control, and surround-view cameras when properly optioned.
🧾 Pricing, Warranty & Cost of Ownership
Starting prices: Base XL typically anchors the lineup, with mid-trims (XLT/Lariat) adding convenience and the premium trio (King Ranch/Platinum/Limited) layering luxury and diesel availability.
For market pricing, incentives, and regional variability, we recommend cross-checking third-party pricing pages.
Warranty (typical): 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain for gas; diesel and emissions systems carry additional federal coverage.
Always confirm with your dealer paperwork.
Maintenance tips: Diesel service intervals, fuel filtration, DEF management, and tire load-range selection are critical for heavy towing.
🧠 Which Trim & Engine Should You Buy?
If you mostly commute and haul light loads, the 6.8L gas XL/XLT keeps costs down. Frequent towing without max loads?
Step to the 7.3L gas or standard diesel.
If you pull heavy RVs or equipment in the mountains, the HO diesel in Lariat+ trims is hard to beat.
For a mainstream, value-meets-comfort build, many reviewers recommend an F-250 Crew Cab with the mid-level trim and adding towing packages.
7.3L vs 6.7L Diesel: Cost-to-Tow Calculator
🥊 Rival Comparison (for long-tail searches)
- Ram 2500/3500: Plush ride and strong diesel options. May trail F-250 in certain max tow/payload configurations.
- Silverado 2500 / Sierra 2500: Big-torque diesel and polished interiors at the top end. Some advanced driver aids may require pricier packages.
- Titan XD: Simpler ownership rhythm, but lower ceilings for heavy trailers.
❓ FAQs (add these before the conclusion)
Which engine is best for me?
Pick the 6.8L gas for lighter work and budget. Choose the 7.3L gas or standard 6.7L diesel for frequent towing. Go HO diesel if you want maximum torque and mountain confidence.
How do I verify my exact tow rating?
Use your VIN and the official towing guide charts. Hitch type, axle ratio, cab/bed, and options determine the number.
Will options reduce payload?
Yes. Luxury features, larger wheels/tires, and accessories add weight and reduce payload.
Is diesel worth it for me?
If you tow heavy and often, diesel’s torque and braking advantages usually pay back in capability and confidence. If you mostly commute lightly loaded, consider the 6.8L or 7.3L gas.
🏁 Conclusion
The 2026 Ford F-250 gives you three compelling engine paths, a proven 10-speed, and class-competitive towing and payload when properly configured.
Choose the engine for your real workload, verify your ratings in the official charts, keep payload margins healthy, and you’ll have a truck that works hard and rides confidently for years.
If this helped, please like and comment to tell us what you’re towing and which engine you chose.