Earlier this fall Ford released details about the 2020 F-Series Super Duty at the State Fair of Texas, and the trucks are now at dealerships. Buyers have two new engine options: a 7.3-liter V8 torque beast and a 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8. Also, some upscale interior choices are available for new Super Duty models. 

There’s no question that these options make these trucks more useful and comfortable. But what standard features do you get if you just want a 2020 base model F-250 Super Duty XL? Read on to learn more about what this truck offers. 

Engine, handling, payload, and towing

The standard engine for all F-Series Super Duty trucks—including the F-250—is a 6.2-liter V8 mated with a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission. It delivers 385 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque and is the same standard engine as last year’s F-250. With a standard regular cab configuration, the truck’s fuel tank capacity is 34 gallons.

The truck comes equipped with stationary elevated idle control, power steering, a steering damper, and four-wheel ABS. It also has electronic stability control, a front stabilizer bar, and trailer sway control.

The F-250 really shines when it comes to the hard work of hauling and trailering. The base model comes standard with an eight-foot box that gives it a payload of 4,260 pounds. With the standard 3.73 axle ratio an F-250 4X2 has a towing capacity of 13,300 pounds. 

Exterior features

Standard appearance features on the F-250 Super Duty are utilitarian: black painted steel bumpers, black door handles, and a black bar-style grille. Buyers can choose among eight paint colors: Agate Black, Magnetic, Blue Jeans, Race Red, Oxford White, Stone Gray, Iconic Silver, and Velocity Blue.

Manually-controlled air conditioning comes standard as is the manual telescoping trailer tow mirror. Two tow hooks also come standard and are attached in the front. The standard F-250 comes with manually-powered door locks and windows only.

The XL trim level has 17-inch painted steel wheels and all-season tires. It also is equipped standard with two-ton mechanical jack and a spare tire that has a lock and frame-mounted carrier.

Moving toward the back, the box and the cargo area are illuminated. The box is stackable and partitionable, and it comes with tie-down hooks. The tailgate is removable and has a key lock. A center high-mounted stop lamp at the back of the truck’s cabin is also included.

Interior features and infotainment

Inside, the XL trim level is basic with vinyl seats in a 40/20/40 split-bench configuration. Medium Earth Gray is the only standard color for the seats. Both the driver’s and passenger’s seats can be adjusted manually in four ways. The truck’s floor covering is also vinyl but in black.

The standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel has audio controls that connect to the F-250 Super Duty’s AM/FM stereo system and its four speakers. Ford’s communications and infotainment system, SYNC, comes standard as does FordPass Connect™4G Wi-Fi Modem, which enables smartphone connectivity.

Safety and security features

As you’d expect for a heavy-duty truck at base trim level, standard safety features are fairly limited. They include a rearview camera, front and side-curtain airbags, child seat anchors and a post-crash alert system.

Ths F-Series truck has also Ford’s MyKey system, which allows the truck owner to restrict mode settings for top speed limit, maximum audio level, and required seat belt usage. This system uses a programmable ignition key and is especially helpful if there are teen drivers in the household. The truck also has a passive anti-theft system.

While the standard 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty has a few modern features such as smartphone connectivity and a rearview camera, it’s still a fairly spartan truck. But for some buyers, its exceptional towing and hauling capacities offset its lack of amenities. At $33,705, the base model F-250 Super Duty offers great value, especially when you consider how quickly options and packages can inflate its sticker price.