Which Engine Is Best for the 2026 Ford Super Duty F-250 for Work and Leisure Towing in Colorado Springs, CO?

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Alpine Ford – Which Engine Is Best for the 2026 Ford Super Duty F-250 for Work and Leisure Towing in Colorado Springs, CO?

Choosing the right engine for your 2026 Super Duty® F-250® comes down to how you use your truck. Ford offers four distinct powertrains, each matched to a TorqShift® 10-speed automatic transmission and engineered for different kinds of work. If your routine is a mix of commuting, tools in the bed, and occasional towing, a gas V8 delivers straightforward strength with simple maintenance. If your world is fifth-wheels, long grades, and high altitudes, a Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel brings the sustained torque that makes heavy loads feel lighter—especially on mountain passes near Colorado Springs, CO.

The gas lineup starts with the 6.8L 2V DEVCT NA PFI V8 at 405 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque. It’s a confident daily-driver choice with responsive low-end pull for payloads and light-to-moderate towing. Step up to the 7.3L 2V DEVCT NA PFI V8 with 430 hp and 485 lb-ft for bigger trailers and more frequent tow miles. Both gas engines pair well with mixed use—job-site trips during the week and towing a small camper on weekends—while keeping ownership straightforward and budget-friendly.

Diesel is where the F-250® flexes for heavy towing. The 6.7L 4V OHV Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel produces 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, offering strong grade-climbing performance and confident merging with weight in tow. For the most demanding trailering, the 6.7L High Output Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel raises the bar to 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque—part of why Super Duty® trucks lead with best-in-class diesel horsepower and torque. If you’re pulling a large fifth-wheel, horse trailer, or enclosed work rig, diesel torque helps maintain speed with fewer downshifts and keeps transmission temps in check over longer pulls.

Towing confidence is also about control. Whichever engine you choose, available towing tech can make hitching and backing substantially easier. Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ lets you steer the trailer with a dash-mounted knob while the truck manages steering inputs. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™ uses cameras and guidance to help align hitch and coupler with less trial and error. Add Trailer Reverse Guidance and a 360-Degree Camera, and you get visual coverage that reduces stress in tight yards and campgrounds. These systems pay off quickly for solo operators and anyone who tows in crowded spaces.

Don’t overlook power at the bed. Available 2kW Pro Power Onboard™ brings outlets to the worksite and campsite. Running a saw, inflating air bags, or lighting an early-morning setup becomes as simple as plugging in. Pair it with LED bed lighting and the power tailgate with retractable step, and the F-250® becomes a mobile workstation that saves time on every task.

Still deciding? A smart approach is to test a gas V8 and a Power Stroke® diesel back-to-back on the same loop with a trailer comparable to your own. Compare throttle response, engine braking, and shift behavior on grades. Pay attention to how quickly you can hitch with Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™ and how comfortably you can back a trailer using Pro Trailer Backup Assist™. The right engine will feel effortless for your routine—not just capable on paper.

Alpine Ford is serving Colorado Springs, Canon City, and Castle Rock with knowledgeable guidance, side-by-side comparisons, and test routes that mirror real-world conditions. We will help you match engine choice, axle ratio, and towing tech to your needs so your F-250® feels tailored from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Should I choose gas or diesel for occasional towing?

If you tow under moderate weight a few times per month and value simpler maintenance, a gas V8 is a smart fit. For frequent, heavy towing or high-altitude routes, diesel torque is worth it.

What if I plan to upgrade to a heavier trailer later?

Build in margin now. Consider a diesel and the right axle ratio so your truck grows with your needs without straining components.

Will towing tech help even if I’m experienced?

Yes. Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™ reduce setup time and improve consistency—especially when working solo or in tight spaces.

Is onboard power useful beyond job sites?

Absolutely. 2kW Pro Power Onboard™ is great for camping, tailgating, roadside assistance, and powering tools or lights wherever you are.

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