2017 Ford F-450 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

In terms of towing capabilities, the 2017 F-450 is one of the strongest pickup trucks that you can buy. Not only does this heavy-duty workhorse have a spacious cabin, but it can also be equipped with several luxurious goodies. It is a staple at big farms and construction sites from across the country.

What’s New for 2017?

For the 2017 model year, Ford completely redesigned the F-450. It now features a lighter aluminum body and offers a more impressive list of technologies.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Ford F-450 – The Pros

1) Remarkably Powerful Powerstroke Engine

Although only one engine is available for the new F-450, it proves to be extremely potent. The turbocharged diesel engine pumps out 440 horsepower and a stunning 925 pound-feet of torque. With so much power on hand, the large truck never feels overwhelmed. You will experience the engine’s extra torque when accelerating on the road.

2) Extreme Hauling & Towing

The primary reason for buying a Ford F-450 is to tow a monstrous load. It comes standard with dual rear wheels. No other pickup on the market can pull a greater amount of weight. When attaching a gooseneck trailer, the truck can tow more than 32,000 pounds. You can also take advantage of the truck’s durable bed.

3) Standard 4WD

All versions of the 2017 F-450 come equipped with a 4WD system. This means that you will have the maximum traction in all driving situations. It comes in handy when traveling in the snow and mud. If you plan to drive off the beaten path, the optional skid plates will provide an extra measure of protection.

4) Improved Handling

The 2017 F-450 is obviously a very large vehicle. Nevertheless, it now feels more stable on the road. Drivers will feel a greater sense of control from behind the wheel. If you want to obtain an even more enjoyable driving experience, opt for the adaptive steering system. It automatically adjusts itself to match the specific driving situation.

5) Stands Out on the Road

Like a monster truck, the 2017 Ford F-450 stands over the surrounding traffic. A chiseled grill makes it look even more intimidating on the road. While the base XL model has a basic look, the higher trim levels pack a lot of style. A two-tone paint scheme gives the King Rank model a special appearance. Meanwhile, LED headlights are featured on the F-450 Platinum.

6) Adaptive Cruise Control

With the arrival of adaptive cruise control, the 2017 Ford F-450 is now even more worthy of a road trip. It will make the driver’s job a lot easier. The adaptive cruise control system ensures that you always maintain a safe following distance. Amazingly, you can use the system even while towing a load. The transmission will automatically shift to a lower gear when traveling down an incline.

7) Large Cab

For good reason, a lot of work crews love the Ford F-450. Its cabin is more spacious than before. Tall adults can now ride in the backseat without feeling uncomfortable. Although the heavy-duty truck is often used on work sites, it can still serve as an alternative family vehicle. This is especially true for the families who like taking adventurous trips.

8) High Level of Luxury

There is no overlooking the truck’s luxurious trim packages. Featuring an 8.0-inch touch-screen display, the new Sync 3 infotainment system has already become a popular upgrade. The amplified Sony sound system will appeal to serious music fans. Some of the other premium features include massaging front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, and a dual-zone climate control system.

9) Multiple Cameras Available

If you want to experience enhanced outward visibility, check out Ford’s Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System. It comes with a total of seven cameras, which help you to spot out obstacles. The system will benefit the drivers who plan to pull a trailer on a regular basis.

10) Useful Safety Technologies

Trailer sway control comes standard on all models. When traveling on the highway, the blind-spot monitor will make your day a lot less hectic. Automatic braking technology provides you with an extra sense of protection. Lane departure warning is also offered.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Ford F-450 – The Cons

1) Fuel Consumption

Expect the Ford F-450 to guzzle down plenty of fuel. Its fuel consumption will only increase when pulling a hefty load. If you don't need to haul an above-average amount of weight, the smaller F-150 may get the job done.

2) Can Be an Expensive Purchase

The 2017 Ford F-450 is not an inexpensive vehicle. Options will truly cause the pickup truck's total cost to rise. A fully loaded Platinum model can easily surpass $70,000. This means that the truck can be just as pricey as a premium luxury sedan.

3) New Aluminum Body More Expensive to Repair

In an effort to reduce the 2017 model's overall weight, Ford constructed its body using aluminum opposed to steel. However, the downside is the cost to repair a damaged aluminum body panel. If your truck becomes dented, the entire aluminum panel may need to be replaced. Dents are far easier to remove from a steel body.

Conclusion

The 2017 Ford F-450 is among the most capable pickup trucks on today's market. Its amazing towing capabilities puts it in a special class of pickup trucks. While the base model is designed to be a pure work truck, the 2017 Ford F-450 Platinum offers a premium level of luxury.