Are Basic Trucks Still Best? 2023 Ford F-250 XL In-Depth Review - Putting the Super Duty to Work

The redesigned 2023 Ford Super Duty offers plenty of options and features, but we got our hands on a basic model to see how hard it really works. This 2023 Ford F-250 XL with the STX appearance package and a few options is a hard working pickup with nice looking face.
Let us know what you think of the new Ford Super Duty in the comments below.
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#Ford #trucks #f250

[@liamrobinson2084]

Holy cow! A base model review! Now you're talking TK! Great video!

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

Yup! And this non-intrusive and non-excessive central LCD is just cute.

[@edwardlincoln3981]

I bought the same truck with the 7.3 8 ft bed 3.73 gear super cab Came out to 64,000 With the 10 speed transmission It’s a work horse No complainants with the set up ….Hauling a 28’ boat up hills

[@atvseatexchange2176]

Nice job using the truck for the review. My first pickup was a base model and I'm still driving them today, 50 years later.

[@RidersInBlack]

Amazing review gentlemen. Always a treat to have you in my inbox. Ford hit a home run here. I would consider this truck over a 1/2 ton all day. It even ticks in under $80K in a sea of $100K plus trucks. This is a pricey truck as everything is nowadays, but it is a breath of fresh air. Keep up the great work TK!!

[@jabroni6199]

More people need to review the 6.8. Appears to be a solid motor based on the limited reviews I’ve seen.

[@theingobeck4772]

I'm really impressed with mine. I basically have the same identical truck as the video and a) It's faster than my 5.0L F-150 was (0-60mph in ~6.5 seconds). b) the lighter 10R100 trans it comes with seems to be much smoother than the 7.3/10R140 combo. c) the appearance, 360 cameras, comfortable seats and cab in general are all way better than the previous gen trucks, imo. d) fuel economy has been 12-13mpg in legit city traffic driving and ~16mpg on flat highway at 70-75mph. That's as good as my F150 5.0L was.

[@brianrobbins3499]

@@theingobeck4772I hope your correct about the fuel mileage I just bought 1 a week ago

[@jakewillits4678]

The gas f250 is nice for when it doesnt make sense to jump up to the powerstroke and you are standing there dumpung bottles of piss into it fOr ThE EnvIroRmeNt

[@dougpendleton1266]

Excellent review!!! I went from a King Ranch diesel superduty to a new STX gasser in 2018 and have never regretted the decision.

[@christiandulaney1638]

Great review! I completely agree about exterior looks. The truck you featured is a perfect example. Its much better looking with those improvements. Even for a white truck, it looks great. Most white trucks scream fleet/work truck. This one didnt

[@bret9741]

Affordable? Really? Im sick and tired of Ford and all of the manufacturers. They collude with one another raising prices like “union pattern bargaining”. One company raises their prices and all the others follow. Most people want a higher end pickup, not all but most. Today pickups are made with 1/8 the number of union workers as in 1980. Today the 1/8 Union workers, adjusted for inflation, cost 2.75 times the cost of all the Union workers of 1980. What’s worse is the income for the top management teams earn 1013.875% more than the leaders of the manufacturers in 1980. Be aware of the rich for they are your oppressors

[@gravedig1990]

I have a f150 stx and it’s everything you need and nothing you don’t. I love it. And the now I can get one in a SD I’m highly considering buying one!

[@luistinajero272]

Im a small Landscaping/lawn care business and this truck set up is perfect for what I need.. like the XL with the stx package.

[@Mudpuddle123]

Always good to see your videos

[@johnfertsch6839]

Great review. I just bought one of these 23 Ford F250 with the STX package, same model and color. It's my first Ford. Wanted a better towing experience with my 7700 LB RV Travel Trailer which I was using a 19 Ram 1500 with 5.7 hemi but the 3.21 street gears and that set up was good for 8500 lbs. I love the workstation with console and went with the 6.8L thinking it would fit more my bill since i might be 75% empty around town driving and 25% towing. This is my first 3/4 ton and so far it's been great and feel confident driving it around. The STX package really does bring a nice sharp look to the truck and I thank Ford for doing that. Its a truck, I feel just fine with key in the ignition which is actually better, not trying to put the keys somewhere else in door panel, column shifter is great. You can also limit your gears with the +/- when you aren't in manual mode which would be good if your really heavy and keep bouncing back n forth between gears. I think this particular model is a nonsense approach and going to give Ram and Chevy a run for the money. It's always nice to get a base with a + 1 upgrade. Picked mine up for roughly 60K. I don't need one of them fancy upper trims that now put ya up into the 85 to 100K bracket. Think Ford did well with this one. Not too much overwhelming technology but technology that makes sense.

[@proudam3969]

Nice truck here in the states can get one for around $60k sticker price. I think this XL looks better than the more expensive models at least from the outside. I would get this and put in some good quality leatherette seat covers. I'm thinking of buying one. FYI I don't tow but plan to use the bed. Good review 👍👍

[@ddddsd20]

I like it, that’s exactly what I would purchase, thanks for the review

[@erickisel8668]

@Truck King: great review, excellent truck! Thank you.

[@timothyriley8995]

The Stormtrooper spec does look really good

[@mikebutler8043]

Another real world video. Nice 👍.

[@Tailwind1]

Nice video, I really like what Ford did with this truck. Any chance you can take it on the hydro-line trail & ditch crossing?

[@user-tu6uj3iw8j]

hey truck king...sneaking around at work watching videos

[@josipdolic6391]

Beautiful truck Awesome review,love it

[@ShawnPatterson402]

yep this is a very nice truck. I current run a 2015 F150. Over half my kms on it are towing my travel trailer, and this truck would make a great replacement when the time comes. Great review.

[@hotburner4859]

Love the base model review!

[@bradenstuart4074]

The question is, would Steve's dad take this over his beloved RAM?? Gottttta know! Great review! Love the STX appearance package!!

[@TruckKing]

I’d miss the Cummins

[@BruceDragon-sf1tr]

If his dad has a brains, he'll pick it over a cheap mark up price Dodge

[@BruceDragon-sf1tr]

@@TruckKing you not going to miss it, take that chit to the scrap yard and go enjoy that Ford truck

[@freedomliberty7611]

Love that setup. Just right

[@goodlife1500]

Great review fellas 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@jesseriley7681]

Good morning 😃🌞☀️ TK I’m a little late ⏰ getting up 🆙 this morning in Sc. I like 👍🏼 the look 👀 of that f250 and I think 🤔 I what I probably like 👍🏼 the most about it is no sun/moon roof pouring extra heat into the cab 🚕 on a bright sunny 😎 afternoon

[@blackcoffee730]

More of these reviews, please! In a marketplace of crazy, this is what we need.

[@Lucas-zj9nv]

Damn, who’s that good looking guy in the Born of Osiris shirt?! This channel is awesome, great job guys

[@_Mike_D_]

Great video

[@Oljeepguy]

I just built a very similar truck on Ford's website. I would pay up for the 7.3, and get the 4.30 gears and rear locker. The price came to just over 60k. I think it is all I need and I wouldn't miss all of the luxury stuff. I always like putting some after market wheels and tires in a 35 inch size is the reason for the lower gears. I do tow a lot up to about 10k pounds, so need the 3/4 ton. Always appreciate your reviews. What kind of mileage did you average in the week you used the truck?

[@theingobeck4772]

I just bought an STX 6.8. In the US, I haven't laid eyes on an STX with the tailgate step. Also, somehow mine has an almost 4k payload where most viewed had much lower. Mine has FX4, Steps, Power rear window, xtra payload, workstation, basically everything that was available except the tailgate step and Pro Power. Crossing my fingers because i usually believe in never buying first gen. Already a recall on the rear axle 😆

[@nlken7175]

Really like this package on a XL. What was the 0-100kms like or L/100km's.

[@aridaijimenez351]

There's one that hit my local delearship just like this one , but F-350,standard cab, gasser, 8ft bed going for 52k. Of course they would just get it in when I already purchased one 🙄 a gem of a bare bones work truck.

[@SuperDuty23XL]

Great info. Enjoyed your video. My next truck will be a super duty; was thinking diesel but now maybe the 6.8 gas.

[@SuperDuty23XL]

Update; bought a F350 XL STX. Looks like the one you’re driving but has 20” wheels and cab clearance lights. I love it and the 6.8 has plenty of power.

[@Mudpuddle123]

You guys are awesome 😎

[@dantheman9395]

This is how I do. Pretty close to how I would spec it

[@hewoapreeez]

i love that look, that is the right play, good look for the base, needs a diesel tho

[@GKMess42]

There is no affordable version of that truck. Affordable is sub-$30k USD. I've loved the design of the Super Duty trucks since the redesign in 2017, but they've gone up over 50% in price since 2021.

[@ohioguy4326]

yes, about 25 years ago for trucks but those days are long gone.

[@GKMess42]

@@ohioguy4326 definitely NOT 25 years ago. XL and some XLT F-150s were going for under $30k up until 2021. F-250s with a crew cab were going for under $35k as recently as 2019 - I saw it myself at local Dallas, TX dealerships.

[@highwatercircutrider]

Affordable is $5,000

[@barberdoug6930]

My Favorite Type Of Truck. Plus It's Bad Ass Looking

[@oakleyfreak45]

Is the stx package not available on drw trucks for 2023. I would take this on a 450

[@SteveFelt67]

I like the 2kw which I hope would replace my generator (for recharging my lithium batteries on my camper) but know it won’t run the Air conditioner. I’m a full time RVer with a 5000 lb trailer but want to upgrade to a toy hauler without spending more than $60k US

[@alaksoglossian8456]

Does the F250 STX package include remote start and heated seats or do I need the XLT trim for those options?

[@gregoryjowers3629]

That’s a nice truck

[@CraigSmith568]

Just make it a standard cab with the 8 foot bed and it would be perfect.

[@DanielOrtega-ji7iw]

Awesome review! I have a 20 F150 5.0 that I bought brand new and just recently bought a travel trailer. Took the family on our first trip and man that trailer sway was intense. I first realized that I need LT tires to tow but now I'm thinking about trading for an F250. So I'm watching videos to help make the decision. New LT tires on the F150? Or trade it for an F250?

[@theingobeck4772]

It's been a couple months since your comment but I think you would be very wise to trade up to a F250 for pulling any travel trailer, even lighter 5-6k ones. The stability in the wind and hills is worth it. We just upgraded from an F150 to basically the same exact truck in this video.

[@SuperSnakePlissken]

I have three of these in my fleet but with 7.3 L Godzilla motors and I got a Telya it’s worth the extra dollars for that engine.

[@63Imp283]

Have you drove the 6.8?

[@daveroush4896]

I like the F250, lots of bang for the buck.

[@brianrobbins3499]

I bought 1 here in Massachusetts for 58,456 definitely not cheap but it was the best # I could get

[@wayneh3890]

My only complaint(s) on XL STX is it lacks rear air vents and bucket seats. You can get them in 150 so why not Super Duty?

[@yankeesusa1]

For real? No rear ac vents on xl? I don't see a reason why. It should be standard.

[@CharlietoKind]

no rear seat air vents on my 2022 f150 lariat with the bench front seat.

[@JCourts2k23]

That is really nice for a base, id drive it, but hey, i cant drive anymore

[@mauroruiz7399]

Question for anybody who owns one of these specifically if y’all happen to live in California but what are y’all’s payments on this truck. XL, XL STX, or XLT. Diesel or gas. Thanks

[@davehaddad3229]

Will this model be available in a 350.

[@LacDole]

Are you guys planning on doing a fuel consumption test with this bad boy?

[@TruckKing]

its coming

[@captaintf7759]

Would this work if I want to transport containers? Or is the tow rating too low? What about if I get splurge for one of the diesels or does it still come down to not a dually so not enough?

[@RitchieJake]

If you are unfamiliar with diesels - The maintenance on a diesel vehicle is much higher than a gas vehicle (Generally speaking). Diesel mechanics cost more, aswell as parts, aswell as maintenance. Even something as small as running out of diesel in your fuel tank will result in you paying a tow truck to transport to a shop to prime the engine prior to ignition. Granted everything Ive said isnt a good reason to not get a diesel, id chalk it up to this.. You dont ever see Loaders, excavators, Railroad Machines that are gassers - They are all diesel for a reason - Power and Production.

[@billjamison2877]

Nice work truck...I just can't get over the high prices of trucks! I know I'm an old fart, but in 1981, I bought a new Base Chevy P/U with three options, A/C, 3 speed wipers with delay and PDB for the grand total of $8,200! Had it 17 years! The price of this truck was 2x what I paid for my first house in 1975!

[@AK_Ray]

And now the Ford Maverick compact pickup truck has more power torque and the same towing and payload capacities that you're 81 Chevy had.

[@billjamison2877]

@@AK_Ray You are absolutely correct sir! It had the 250 in-line six, 95 horsepower and as slow as molasses, but dependable!

[@highwatercircutrider]

My first new work truck was a 1979 Ford cargo van for $5,900 ! And I thought that. Was to much, considering base pickups were $2,000 in 1970

[@mountainhobo]

Silly question perhaps, but considering the prices (in the US) are not that far off between F150 and F250, what would be the reasons a more casual truck buyer might not want to look toward F250 instead of F150? Would you consider at some point making a video answering such basic questions in selecting a truck?

[@TruckKing]

We just shot a 150 vs 250 buyers guide. watch for it

[@mountainhobo]

@@TruckKing Excellent!

[@yankeesusa1]

$79,000? That's crazy. Raitis rides did a review on a king ranch 2023 with a bunch of bells and whistles and it was $87,000. Wow

[@Matts000]

87k US, not Canadian. 87k US is almost 115k Canadian.

[@samrogers2356]

I have this exact truck. 66k USD off the lot in Texas

[@andrewkopf5858]

Big fan of videos! Camera quality seems to be getting worse. Can’t handle the harsh mid day sun

[@johnkraft5640]

Rear locker with this base truck would be key. Next truck will be a base model with a diesel

[@TruckKing]

This truck does have a rear locker! Forgot to mention that we had the FX4 package that includes the locker, skid plates and unique shocks.

[@victormendoza3295]

My truck was 500 bucks on craigslist. No car payments ! This is deff a nice truck though.

[@reggiejenkins2929]

What kind of mpg y’all getting with the 6.8?

[@jakewillits4678]

I think its better than you think it would be for this behemoth

[@keananfischer8113]

Now I understand the side bed step works on the short box. But when it comes to the long box it's almost useless. My sister-in-law is a vet and just got a new truck. She has a vet box in her truck bed. And she can't reach most of her stuff now because the single step doesn't go far enough back and she now can't put a running board on so she can reach stuff.

[@ALMX5DP]

This integrated step still works with the prior side step or running boards. Just saw a new truck the other day with the retractable step under the integrated step. Looked kinda funny but for some it appears it’s beneficial, so believe a running board will also fit underneath.

[@notme5909]

Nice truck..

[@rafterktbcattle3022]

$79,000 affordable truck 😂 Nice work guys but these trucks are way too expensive.

[@corylee2261]

Yep 20k too high

[@GKMess42]

@@corylee2261 more like $40k too high.

[@ohioguy4326]

most people don't buy them from scratch, it helps if you have a 5 year old one to trade in that's worth 40K.

[@corylee2261]

@@GKMess42 I was being conservative lol

[@joedoakes8307]

Are you going to tell us the Sticker price ?

[@the305hauler]

Booyah 👊🏽😁👍🏽

[@geeeee8268]

With all the EPA fluff tucked on modern diesel engines, you are much better off with gas guzzler

[@branmichaluk445]

Little disappointed in the payload. Thinking about purchasing a small truck camper, looks like one ton would be the way to go.

[@Newholland1982]

A large majority of guys that buy these trucks never actually put them to work,,so many posers running around in their pavement princess,,I just shake my head and laugh whenever I see one driving by,,i use both my ford F350’s to run my business,towing dump trailers from job sites to the landfill,,actual work,I am glad you actually did a review on a base model truck,,

[@rightlanehog3151]

Stephen, This is a refreshingly unexciting work truck. 😉😂

[@ButterBiscuit9]

Can't beat a base HD for value.

[@wildbill23c]

Also, the more basic you keep the truck, the better your payload capacity...adding all the fancy high trim level crap just cuts down on your payload...people don't understand that....a base model 2 door 2WD truck with max tow package will give you the best towing/payload out there...just adding 4WD drops your payload, sometimes quite significantly. A base model vehicle of any type now has more standard/stock features than my Lariat Super Duty from 1999 LOL.

[@mario-sl6cz]

Why not make a truck with the high end interior and base exterior since a lot of guys customize them anyway

[@RonnN-gf8tm]

Morning Truck King. P R N D 2 1

[@matthewm3912]

The one little thing i dont like about the super duty, or ford trucks in general is they dont have rear air vents in place for the rear passengers when you select the 40/20/40 bench seat in the front.

[@slowcheetah24]

Exactly! I bought an F150 recently but couldn't stand the bench seat so had to upgrade to STX to get the console.

[@theingobeck4772]

I feel like I'm the only person on Earth that would never get a truck without the bench seat. We use it way too often.

[@bellat8448]

That’s what I would consider a luxury truck. I’d consider the price luxury also.

[@matthewwright57]

You also cant get a half ton with a 8' bed. I do a lot of tree cutting and I need the full bed, Im going to get a 3/4 just for the room.

[@0HOON0]

The 6.2 was the most reliable and durable modern Ford engine. It will be missed. Are these new 6.8s suffering from the same lifter and cam failures as the 7.3s?

[@ALMX5DP]

It’s so new I don’t think there’s any info yet on how it’s performing. I’d assume being an iteration that has been developed off the 7.3, changes were made to remedy such ailments on that first generation Godzilla.

[@63Imp283]

15 mpg?

[@daveb1081]

Affordable work truck. My ass. Come on Ford.

[@philhyde983]

Answer: yes. Basic trucks (XL, XLT) have crossed a threshold. They have just enough features to be appealing and not break the bank.

[@ZR1Terror]

A review for the pheasants like me 😄😄😂😂

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Thanks for reviewing a real truck and not a luxury SUV with a pickup bed!

[@Chris-ut6eq]

STX package is XLT "Light". The package cost is 5k+. The worth is subjective. Great the 360camera is included!

[@jeffshafford3283]

Will the bed camera work while driving down the road?

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Bed cameras (center mount) are getting removed in 2023s. parts shortage apparently. I love my center mount bed camera on my F150.

[@TruckKing]

They do.

[@xilbus]

Just built one in the ford site. Even with a 30k down or trade In its still 350$by weekly. So it does break the bank. These f250 should be 60k a f150 should be 50k. Frig early 2000's we could get a condo for that price.

[@mattmatt1761]

6.8 mpg’s unladen???

[@forestbrooks4025]

Am/fm radio and ac manual roll down windows. That’s it all you need

[@freed14760]

We know ur Dad needs a new 3/4, whoops, 1 ton truck!!

[@jaynelson573]

💯

[@ALMX5DP]

I almost feel these new base model trucks are too tech laden. When is Ford going to come out with an X model to slot underneath the XL and XLT? lol

[@Matts000]

I think you should look into buying a 1980s truck. Lol

[@ALMX5DP]

@@Matts000 oh trust me, if I could find one that met my needs without needing to be built or restored I totally would. I like my ‘15 base model which is about as modern as I feel I want to go. No additional sensors, pre collision safety systems, automatic lights, automatically actuating shift lever, auto hold brake system, integrated sync for various vehicle functions etc. I’m sure they’re all beneficial and nice to have but I just struggle to think how much it might be if electronics start to act up after warranty is out.

[@Matts000]

@@ALMX5DP if you happen to find a extra one let me no! Haha

[@dantimber]

@@ALMX5DP Agree 100%. If back up cameras weren't required by law I'd even delete the dash screen. Buttons and knobs (and analog dials) don't require scrolling and can be operated with only a glance. Electronic stuff eventually fails.

[@gregferris9378]

My first truck had a straight 6 and 3 on the tree. AM radio, no air conditioning, no headliner and no cup holders. That's a base truck.

[@TruckKing]

Was a base truck - those days are gone

[@jaynelson573]

🤙

[@vlad1889]

The old one looked so much better.

[@lifeaftereverything4986]

Too bad you won’t see any of these on dealer lots. Look at any Ford dealer and you only see $100K Super Duty trucks. I wish they would have more of these. F250 XL with off road package and 360 cameras … that’s it

[@shettlock]

steve got stuck in the "20" in the front lol wtf

[@TruckKing]

It was still decent with all three Elmers in the front row. Plus Steve "Chose" that seat.

[@wildbill23c]

Its funny a base model Super Duty has more standard features than my 99 Super Duty Lariat LOL. A quick build on the Ford site shows an MSRP of $53,690, that is only adding 4x4, spray in bed liner, and 4:30 locking differential...crew cab long bed XL...without the STX package and without the FX4 package, which both of those combined is about $5500...you could save a lot by just buying a set of wheels from your local wheel/tire shop and get better looking wheels, which is what most people do anyhow, first thing they do is replace the wheels and tires as soon as they leave the dealer lot. That $53k is also with the 6.8L V8, the 7.3L V8 adds another $1705. Keep in mind these are MSRP numbers, they will probably be lower at the dealership, or higher, depending on if you have a dealer that is upcharging.

[@paulm6481]

Man truck King 🤴 got the worst seat on that drive from wood chopping place.

[@christopherjohnpaul5591]

I have a 2012 Ford F-250 XLT and it has nowhere near the same amount of features this 2023 XL has.

[@jasonmurdoch9936]

Another new motor for Ford my question is reliability not performance

[@williejames2170]

Nice affordable

[@Weatherby406]

Affordable work truck 😂

[@highwatercircutrider]

Love the truck, but working all day out of a tall truck is a cruel joke !

[@kreuzrittergottes9336]

cannot stand the new side steps in the bed. yuk.