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

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      Southeast Michigan may not be Texas, but we certainly have our share of large trucks here. After the Escalades and other full-size SUVs roaming around metro Detroit, heavy-duty pickups like the 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty are still highly sought after, even in some of the wealthiest suburbs in America. However, there is another side to this.

      When I’m behind the wheel of an eye-catching luxury SUV or a sleek sports car, neighbors often stop to take a peek. They’re curious about what it is and, more often than not, how it performs. In contrast, an F-250 Super Duty is a familiar sight – although it’s quite an imposing one.

      The Essentials

      Just days before the arrival of the truck, we discovered that the 7.3-liter “Godzilla” V8 has been made the truck's standard engine. To that, I can only say: Hallelujah.

      Don’t get me wrong; diesel engines are fantastic, and if sheer capability is your main focus, the Power Stroke will ultimately deliver more power. I won’t argue against that if that’s how you plan to use it. But for someone driving their truck mostly empty, or nearly so (considering that a full bed in a Super Duty may still be considered “nearly empty” depending on the load), the 7.3 is undoubtedly the way to go—without question.

      Byron Hurd

      It may not appear remarkable, but the average American male has to stand on tiptoes just to get a good view of this vehicle anyway. If you’re someone who likes to handle maintenance yourself, investing in a step stool might be wise.

      Driving the F-250 Super Duty Tremor

      Last year, I tested an enormous F-350—a dual-rear-wheel behemoth that barely cleared the door frame of my new carport. It required considerable effort (as writers don’t typically spend their days moving heavy materials) to even begin to explore the full range of capabilities offered by that truck, and driving it without a load did not allow it to showcase its strengths fully. Without a trailer and with an empty bed, the diesel engine felt overworked while simultaneously acting annoyed that it had to even be there. Despite its intimidating name, Godzilla just hums along at any speed you choose.

      The sizable V8 may seem basic, but it is far from ordinary. Its 7.3-liter capacity is impressive, delivering 430 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque. While less powerful than the new LT6 engine in the 2026 Corvette—a vehicle that is certainly not a pickup—the Ford’s pushrod engine operates on a much less stressed basis. Comparatively, the 6.7-liter high-output diesel produces an astonishing 1,200 pound-feet of torque.

      Byron Hurd

      Here’s the thing about diesel engines (and really, with anything turbocharged): while you don’t need high RPMs to access vast amounts of torque, you do need throttle to get that turbo spinning. Although the large turbodiesel doesn’t experience much lag, Godzilla is immediate—without sounding like a distressed animal in a blender. Even if it has less immediate power, the 4.30:1 axle ratio gives Godzilla a lively feel.

      On this occasion, I didn’t have any heavy-duty challenges for the F-250; the largest item it transported was a nine-foot Freeman maple that the township offered after we lost a silver maple due to old age. Are you really using a truck if you don’t test its cargo capacity?

      Byron Hurd

      The Positives and Negatives

      My primary concern with the F-350 last year was its road behavior when unladen. When a truck is designed for heavy loads on the rear axle (and extra tires are added to handle more weight), a stiff suspension is necessary to prevent the truck from sagging at the back when its payload maximum is reached. Rear sagging raises the front, making it feel light (which compromises steering response and feel) and decreasing stability while driving fast.

      This single-rear-wheel Super Duty has a smaller cargo capacity and can tow slightly less compared to the F-350, but it rides significantly better—even with this Tremor package, which is supposed to enhance its toughness. Thankfully, the rugged tires feature thick sidewalls that absorb bumps well and enhance overall ride comfort.

      This advantage is even clearer here, as this F-250, like last year's model, was a King Ranch. Named after a vast Texas ranch, this intermediate package features an interior adorned with enough leather to deplete the surrounding cattle population. It may not rival a Lincoln, but you wouldn't be disappointed if you were transitioning from one.

      Byron Hurd

      As for negatives, there aren't many