2023 Ford Super Duty – Small Tweaks Add Up Big

The 2023 Ford Super Duty has just been released, and they are calling it the fifth generation. On the surface it looks like a subtle tweak of the model they have been selling since 2017 but the subtle changes are more than the sum of their parts. 

Starting with the exterior, Ford massaged the general design with new bumpers, grilles, and new wheels. More substantive changes lurk under the new styling however. The tailgate can now be powered, just like in the F-150 and Ford has added sensors and a camera to the top of the tailgate. Yep, the top. It’s not to sense the sky falling, or observe astrological phenomena, its so you can now power down the tailgate from the cab and back up to objects like loading docks or 5th wheels with the aid of a camera and ultrasonic sensors. 

Speaking of trailering, Ford has a bunch of other changes in store, if you’re willing to pay up. There’s a new 360-camera system, for your trailer. The capability will be built into certain trim levels of Super Duty but there’s a bit off a catch: the cameras are part of a Ford accessory that you’ll have to buy and then integrate into your trailer. I’ll have cameras that you’ll mount around the trailer and a main module that’ll be responsible for some of the image processing. There will also be a blind spot monitoring system that can be installed on your large 5th wheel or gooseneck in a similar manner. (Smaller trailers get the benefit of a truck based blind spot monitoring system that won’t require trailer modification.) Pro Trailer Hitch Assist will automatically align the truck and trailer to make hitching easier, Trailer Theft Alert will push notify your smartphone if someone tries to disconnect your trailer and then there’s onboard scales. This tech launched in the F150 and employs load cells in the suspension allowing you to literally weigh the truck’s cargo or hitch weight. 

Ford is also introducing a number of connected features taking advantage of a new 5G cell modem. In addition to the basics, you’ll also get improved connected navigation it’s trailer awareness. It’ll calculate the best route for you and your trailer based on the dimensions you enter into the nav system. For fleet shoppers you’ll get alarm notifications, fleet management, and the ability to prevent the truck from starting during certain hours to keep your fleet parked at night. Should you be looking to power your toys on the road, a 2.0 kW inverter can be optioned with outlets in the cab and bed. The inverter is powered by a separate 24V alternator on the engine and a battery bank under the rear seats.

Unfortunately we don’t know as much as I’d like about the engine lineup, but here’s what we know. The base engine is a new gasoline 6.8L V8 based off the 7.3L V8 that launched a few years ago. Then there are the 6.7L V8 diesels, a base output model and a “high output” model with unique turbos and exhaust manifolds. All engines will be mated to Ford’s 10 speed automatic but Ford has yet to release horsepower or torque figures for any of the four yet. The only claim Ford has made is that the high output diesel is targeting best in class diesel horsepower and torque. Oh, and all models now have a standard PTO on the transmission.

As always, the Super Duty will offer a variety of upfit solutions for fleet buyers, and a variety of medium duty frames for applications from bucket truck and dump trucks to ambulances. If you want to get your hands on one, Ford says it’ll be on sale next Spring. 

More on the 2023 Ford Super Duty here.