2026 Ford Super Duty Tremor Evaluation: Reasons the 7.3L Is the Best Choice

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      Southeast Michigan may not be Texas, but we certainly have our fair share of large trucks. Just behind the Escalades and other full-size SUVs that roam metro Detroit, heavy-duty pickups like the 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty remain highly desired, even in some of America’s affluent suburban areas. However, there’s another side to this story.

      When I’m behind the wheel of a shiny luxury SUV or an upscale sports car, neighbors often take a stroll by, curious about what it is and what it can do. In contrast, something like the F-250 Super Duty is a familiar sight—even if that sight is quite imposing.

      The Essentials

      Just days prior to the truck’s arrival, we discovered that the 7.3-liter “Godzilla” V8 had become the standard engine for this model. I can only say one thing: Hallelujah.

      Don’t misunderstand; diesels are impressive vehicles, and if all you care about is capability, the Power Stroke will ultimately deliver more power. You won’t hear me disagree if that’s your primary concern. But if you plan to drive your truck mostly empty (depending on your load, even a fully laden Super Duty might be considered “nearly empty” regarding actual payload), the 7.3 is the engine choice—end of story.

      Byron Hurd

      It may not appear that significant, but the average American man needs to stand on his toes just to get a good view of this vehicle. If you enjoy performing your own maintenance, it might be wise to invest in a step stool.

      Driving the F-250 Super Duty Tremor

      Last year, I had the opportunity to drive an F-350—a dual-rear-wheel giant that barely cleared the doorway of my new carport. It took a considerable effort (since writers typically don’t spend their days moving heavy materials) to even scratch the surface of its capabilities, and driving it without a load didn’t showcase its best performance. Without a trailer and with an empty bed, the diesel seemed underutilized and almost irritated by the necessity of being there at all. Despite what its name might suggest, Godzilla simply glides along at whatever pace you choose.

      The large V8 may be straightforward, but it’s certainly not boring. With its impressive 7.3-liter displacement, it produces 430 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque. That’s less than what the new LT6 in the 2026 Corvette provides, which is definitely not a pickup truck, but the pushrod Ford is also less highly strained than the ‘Vette engine. Meanwhile, the 6.7-liter high-output diesel generates an astonishing 1,200 pound-feet of torque.

      Byron Hurd

      Here's the reality about diesels (and turbocharged engines in general): You don’t necessarily need high revs to access abundant torque, but you do require throttle to make that turbine spin. While the large turbodiesel experiences minimal lag, Godzilla doesn’t exhibit any at all—nor does it sound like a live goose being tossed into a garbage disposal. And while it may lack raw power, the 4.30:1 axle ratio makes Godzilla feel sufficiently responsive.

      This time around, I didn’t push the F-250 to its limits; the largest item it transported was a nine-foot Freeman maple that the local beautification commission offered after we lost one of our silver maples to old age. Are you really utilizing a truck if you don’t surpass at least one of its cargo dimensions?

      Byron Hurd

      The Positives and Negatives

      My biggest concern with driving the F-350 last year was its road performance when unladen. When a truck is designed to carry heavy weights on the rear axle (with additional tires for support), it requires a correspondingly stiff suspension to prevent drooping at the back when loaded to maximum capacity. Sagging at the rear raises the front end, lightening it and compromising steering response and stability at high speeds.

      This single-rear-wheel Super Duty can’t carry as much in the bed nor tow as large a trailer, but it rides wonderfully in comparison—even this Tremor version, which is supposed to increase its aggressive stance. Thankfully, those rugged tires with thick sidewalls effectively absorb surface irregularities, smoothing out what could otherwise be a bumpy ride.

      The benefits are even more apparent because, like last year’s model, this F-250 is a King Ranch. Named after a vast Texas estate, this near-Platinum version features an interior likely adorned with enough leather to deplete its namesake cattle herd. While it’s not quite a Lincoln, you probably wouldn’t be disappointed if transitioning from one.

      Byron Hurd

      As for negatives, there aren’t many. It’s still enormous, but you