Ford Motor Co. took steps to protects its share of the pickup truck market with new series of upgrades, including new screens and connectivity features as well as new appearance packages, for the 2022 F-Series Super Duty.
“Super Duty customers aren’t just working harder these days, they are also working smarter,” said Todd Eckert, Ford Truck Group Marketing manager.
“We’re further helping our customers raise their game and get the job done with purposeful technology through the introduction of Sync 4 with a larger 12-inch screen and 24×7 cloud connectivity for both their truck and mobile devices,” Eckert said.
Ford upgrades the tech
Technology has become an integral element of the modern pickup truck’s appeal. The upgrades to the F-250 include major changes to the technology that available to both driver and passengers. Ford improved the vehicle’s voice recognition system as well as the new Sync 4 system, which has twice the computing power of the previous generation version.
The Sync 4 system, in addition to the increased computing power, wirelessly connects smartphones to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as Sync AppLink apps.
The upgrades transform the F-250’s cabin by adding the 12-inch center touchscreen with Sync 4 as standard equipment on the Lariat and above models. The screen also places physical controls below for quick access to commonly used functions.
The new screen also makes it easier for those inside the truck to multitask by splitting the screen to show the navigation, music and truck operations as well as well as the new digital owner’s manual, according to Ford.
Talking to the truck
The company improved the voice recognition system, so it uses more conversational voice control allowing users to ask for points of interest along a given route. “These additions build on the major updates we made for 2020 and we keep working hard to bring the best in capability and productivity to assist our hardworking Super Duty customers every day,” said Eckert.
The changes for the 2022 Super Duty also include a new “Lariat Sport Appearance Package,” which includes body-color bumpers, exterior mirrors and grille as well as a chrome exhaust and black platform running boards.
The “Black Appearance Package” also is being made available for XLT models for 2022. The package includes 20-inch Ebony Black painted premium wheels, body-color front and rear bumpers, grille bars, and 6-inch Ebony Black running boards – even the front and rear Blue Ovals have been painted black. The Black Appearance Package will be available fall 2021, Ford officials said.
Super Duty’s capability
The Ford Super Duty comes available with several different engines, including a 7.3-liter V-8 with 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque and the third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V-8 delivers 1,050 lb.-ft. of torque and 475 horsepower.
Super Duty boasts a maximum gooseneck towing of up to 37,000 pounds, fifth-wheel towing of 32,500 pounds and maximum conventional towing of 24,200 pounds with the maximum payload capacity of 7,850 pounds.
Hill start assist is standard on all Super Duty trim levels. Lane-Keeping Alert is available on XL and XLT and standard on higher-grade models. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking comes standard on XLT and above trims and alerts you of potential collisions with vehicles in your path.
Available Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage monitors for vehicles in blind spots – even with one next to your trailer. Pro-Trailer Backup Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive Steering and 360-Degree camera are all available features to help on every job.