In this updated 2025 review, we’ll look at the latest specs, towing capacity, GVM limits, and current pricing for the F250 in Australia – plus what’s changed since our original 2021 review.
2025 Update: What’s Changed
Since our original 2021 review, several significant changes have occurred:
Pricing: F-250 prices have increased substantially due to exchange rates and conversion costs:
- 2021: $157k for Lariat
- 2025: $244k-$267k for Lariat/Platinum
New Engine Option: High Output 6.7L V8 now available:
- Standard: 354 kW / 1,423 Nm
- High Output: 372 kW (500 HP) / 1,632 Nm
New Models: Tremor off-road package and Shelby Baja performance variants now available
Technology: Updated SYNC 4 infotainment with 12-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof option, massaging seats on Limited trim
Important Note: The F-250 is still NOT available through Ford Australia dealerships. While Ford Australia now officially sells the F-150, the F-250 still requires third-party RHD conversion by specialist importers like Harrison F-Trucks and Performax International.
Ford F250 in Australia: The Background
We are the land of the 1-tonne ute! You’d think the F-series would be the perfect fit given we are a ute nation. The Ford Ranger continues to be one of the top-selling vehicles in Australia, next to the Toyota Hilux. Isn’t that enough proof that there is a market?
Ford still doesn’t make right-hand drive (RHD) F-250 models off the factory floor, so to purchase an F250 ready for Australian roads, you’ll need to have it imported and custom converted by a third party like Harrison F-Trucks or Performax International. Some features or services may only be available through these specialist dealers, and dealer delivery fees should be considered as part of the overall cost.
With exchange rates, taxes and conversion fees in 2025, you’re looking at spending $244,000+ AUD for a mid-range F250 Lariat and up to $267,000+ for a Platinum model. Please note that these prices do not include on-road costs such as registration, taxes, and dealer delivery fees, which can significantly increase the total purchase price. Even with the premium price, the F250 has impressive specs which make it ideal for hard-working
Quick Re-cap: Ford Pickup Trucks in Australia
Ford pickups have been a mainstay in the American pickup world since their inception, beginning with the Ford Model TT in 1917. In the 21st century, F-Series pickups have become luxury vehicles combining the comforts of a luxury SUV with the practicality & capability of the original F-series and safety features such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot information system alerts.
What began as a farmer’s request for a comfortable family truck has turned into an obsession with America’s top-selling pickup.
Why Aren’t F-250s Officially in Australia?
Ford Australia now officially sells the F-150 through their dealer network, but the F-250 remains unavailable through official channels. We can only speculate why:
- Engineering and safety costs for RHD manufacturing
- Smaller Australian market compared to the US (15x smaller)
- Potential cannibalisation of Ford Ranger sales
- Focus on the new Ranger Super Duty (4,500 kg GVM, launching 2026), which is not intended to replace the F-250 or the previous 200 series, but rather to expand the Ranger lineup
The F-250 Australia market remains tiny compared to the US. In 2020, the Ford Ranger sold 40,973 units in Australia, while the F-150 sold 787,372 units in the US.
Important: Don’t confuse the F-250 with Ford Australia’s new Ranger Super Duty. The Ranger Super Duty (launching 2026) is an official Ford Australia product with factory RHD, 4,500 kg towing, and 4,500 kg GVM
Ford F250 Australia Models (2024-2025)
The F-Trucks come in two different categories: the F-150 is considered light-duty, and the F-250 is viewed as part of the Super Duty range. The F-250, F-350 and F-450 are all categorised as Super Duty by Ford.
The F-250 offers an extensive model range, providing a wide variety of options and features across different variants to suit diverse needs and preferences.
The F-250 Super Duty comes in the following models:
- XL (Base)
- XLT
- Lariat
- King Ranch
- Platinum
- Limited (Top Spec)
- Tremor (Off-road package – NEW)
- Shelby Baja (Performance/off-road – NEW)
Most come in Regular Cab (Single Cab), Super Cab (Extra Cab) & Crew Cab (Dual Cab). The Regular Cab features 2 doors, the Super Cab offers 4 doors with rear-hinged back doors, and the Crew Cab provides 4 full-size doors for maximum accessibility. Some models include door-mounted safety features such as side airbags and sensors. Short Wheel Base (SWB) or Long Wheel Base (LWB) options available within most models.
Access to Models in Australia
The challenge in Australia is finding an importer with access to the features you want. The F-250 is imported and converted by specialist companies:
Major RHD Converters:
- Harrison F-Trucks (Victoria) – Australia’s largest F-Series supplier
- Performax International – Established converter
Since there isn’t an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) conversion agreement in place, you may have to choose from existing stock or see what the importer can source. The good news is that 2024-2025 models are now available through these converters.
Prices typically do not include accessories or additional equipment, so buyers should consider the cost and availability of accessories when customizing their vehicle.
Ford F250 Specifications
Standard Engine:
- Engine Type: 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel
- Power: 354 kW (475 HP) @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 1,423 Nm @ 4000 rpm
- Transmission: 10-speed Automatic
- Fuel Efficiency: While fuel efficiency is not the primary concern for this model, it offers competitive figures compared to similar vehicles, balancing performance with reasonable consumption.
High Output Engine (Optional):
- Engine Type: 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel HO
- Power: 372 kW (500 HP)
- Torque: 1,632 Nm (1,200 lb-ft)
Australian Specifications (After RHD Conversion):
- Towing: 4,500 kg (70mm Ball)
- Payload: 1,032 kg (Crew Cab)
- GVM: 4,490 kg (Maximum on Australian car license)
- GCM: 9,000 kg
The F250 Crew Cab is available with either single or dual rear wheels. Dual rear wheels (also known as “dually”) provide improved weight distribution and increased towing capacity, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications. Single rear wheels offer better maneuverability and are suitable for lighter loads.
It is important to understand the load limits of your vehicle to ensure safe and effective towing and hauling.
F250 Towing Capacity & License Restrictions in Australia:
The Ford F-250 Super Duty can tow up to 6,667 kg in the US (more depending on model & configuration) and has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) rating between 5-7 tonnes. They are built for heavy towing and off-road use.
However, in Queensland and most Australian states, a car driving license is limited to vehicles with a maximum GVM of 4,490 kg and a Gross Combined Mass (GCM) of 9,000 kg. To drive an F250 on a car license, the RHD conversion engineers perform a GVM downgrade to just under 4,490 kg to make it legal. Note: Other states may have other requirements.
This means the Towing Capacity for an F250 Super Duty in Australia is:
9,000 kg (GCM) – 4,490 kg (GVM) = 4,500 kg
Depending on the specific model and configuration, there can be a significant jump in towing or payload capacity, so it’s important to check the specs for your chosen setup.
So you’re looking at a towing capacity of 4.5 tonnes, which is still 1 tonne more than most other utes on Aussie roads!
Towing Example: In the Life of an F250 Owner
We towed a Dual Cab Toyota Landcruiser 79 Series with our F250 back from Toowoomba – approximately 3.6 tonnes.
The standard fuel economy around town is about 13L/100km, while towing this at 100km/h was 15.2L/100km – not a big difference! In 10th gear, the engine was just above idle at about 1,300 RPM. This thing is built to tow effortlessly.
Payload Capacity
he payload capacity differs from model to model:
- Crew Cab: ~1,032 kg (car license)
- Regular Cab: ~1,932 kg (truck license)
The truck’s box offers ample space for hauling, with a durable bed designed to handle heavy loads and accommodate various cargo, making it practical for both work and recreation.
Why Isn’t It More Popular?
With a larger bed and higher towing capacity, it’s hard to see a better fit for the Australian market given the demands of tradies and recreational touring enthusiasts.
However, these larger American pickups aren’t as popular as in the US because of:
- Unfavourable exchange rate
- High cost of RHD conversion
- Rising diesel costs for a 6.7L V8
- Size challenges on narrower inner-city streets
- Parts & serviceability in remote areas
- High purchase price ($244k-$267k in 2025)
This leaves the Ford F-250 as a vehicle for a pretty niche market.
Is Size Really an Issue?
We’ve had our Ford F-250 for several years now and realised that yes, it is a big vehicle, but it still drives like a quick, nimble 4WD with little effort. It is very comfortable, with responsive steering, acceleration & braking. The spacious interior offers excellent passenger comfort, with amenities and safety features designed for passenger convenience and safety. When towing a 4-tonne payload, the vehicle barely notices it.
Sure, it is bigger than standard city car parks, but we can always find alternative parks – it just requires some creative thinking. The people who buy this are unlikely to live in inner-city areas. They’re most likely to have a property with a large shed or annex for machinery or equipment.
Who is the F250 For?
The Ford F-250 fits a small niche of people willing to spend $244,000-$267,000+ on an imported vehicle plus road costs. Here are some scenarios where it makes sense:
- Anyone who needs to tow more than 3,500 kg on a car license
- People in heavy industries requiring a high-strength V8 diesel motor
- Those who need to use a Gooseneck trailer (horse floats, etc.)
- People needing a large bed for more cargo than standard utes
- Those who love space inside & outside the cab with a sunroof
- Long-distance drivers who want comfort & space while towing
It’s clear you buy an F250 for a purpose, not as an everyday runabout. Extra rear space to manage. everyday runabout with extra rear space to manage.
Safety Features and Technology (2024-2025 Models)
The Ford F-250 Super Duty is a heavy duty truck designed for demanding industries such as construction, heavy hauling, emergency response, and agriculture, setting a high standard for heavy duty trucks in Australia. Every F250 is equipped with advanced features designed to keep passengers protected, comfortable, and connected.
Safety Features:
- Ford’s Personal Safety System with front airbags
- Front side-impact airbags
- Safety Canopy System
- Electronic stability control
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning systems
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear park sensors
- Rear view camera for trailer hookups
Technology Features:
- SYNC 4 infotainment system with 12.0-inch touchscreen (updated for 2024-2025)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Dual zone climate control (main controls located on the passenger side in RHD conversions)
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Wireless charging pad
- Panoramic sunroof (optional on Platinum/Limited)
- Massaging seats (Limited trim)
- Power-deployable running boards (Platinum/Limited)
All Ford F-250 Super Duty models in Australia are converted to right-hand drive by specialists like Harrison F-Trucks, ensuring full compliance with local safety and regulatory standards.
Upgrades & Modifications
The great thing about the Ford range is that you can easily make aftermarket upgrades: tyres, suspension, underbody rust protection, or a custom aluminium tray in the rear so you can mount toolboxes, canopies, or campers like the Trayon Camper.
While in America the only restrictions are the confines of your imagination, Australians are more confined by rules & regulations. You should also consider parts availability for everything from general maintenance (annually about $1,600-$2,000) to new upgrades you might want to add. It is important to seek advice on parts availability, rules, and regulations before making any modifications to ensure proper upgrades and compliance.
There aren’t many F-Truck importers, so distance from your converter may be a consideration for maintenance and warranty issues.
F250 Alternatives in Australia
So, other than American pickups, what alternatives do we have in our country with similar capabilities?
Iveco Daily 4×4 vs Ford F250
The Iveco Daily 4×4 is a rugged, no-frills truck built for work with a Payload of 2.5 tonnes and Towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes (depending on model) at a price between $111,000-$120,000.
Performance Comparison:
- Iveco: 3.0L 4-cyl diesel, 430 Nm
- F250: 6.7L V8, 1,423 Nm (standard) or 1,632 Nm (HO)
The F250 has over 2x the torque! The Iveco doesn’t meet the 4.5-tonne towing capacity of the F-250, but you get an extra tonne of payload. The Iveco is very tall (over 2.6m) and lacks many creature comforts of the F-25
Modified Toyota Landcruiser 300 Series vs Ford F250
A popular option is buying a 300 Series Landcruiser and converting it to a dual cab with chassis extension.
Price Comparison (Estimated):
- Toyota Sahara 300 Series: ~$143,904
- Dual-cab conversion + max GVM upgrade: ~$48,000
- Total: ~$192,000
- F-250 Lariat (2025): $244,000+
Towing Comparison:
- 300 Series: GCM ~6,850 kg (limited towing when fully loaded)
- F250: GCM 9,000 kg (more flexibility – tow 4,500 kg while loaded)
Engine:
- 300 Series: 3.3L Twin-turbo V6, 700 Nm
- F250: 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel, 1,423 Nm (standard) or 1,632 Nm (HO)
Final Verdict on Alternatives
The F250 offers more towing capacity, more torque, and similar pricing (when compared to a fully upgraded 300 Series). The main advantage of the 300 Series is parts & service availability across Australia.
The Caveat of an F250 in Australia
Parts & Service availability remains the biggest challenge. The sparse availability of parts can make it difficult if you do a lot of 4WD touring and something breaks. In contrast, the 200/300 series has plenty of parts and service locations established throughout Australia.
Competitors: Ford F250 vs Chevy Silverado 2500 VS Dodge Ram 2500
Other heavy-duty (HD) American pickups are available in Australia, all affected by the same economics of non-factory RHD manufacturing.
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (brought in by GMSV) and Ram Trucks 2500 both have direct OEM deals with conversion facilities in Australia – giving them an advantage over the F-250.
Comparison Table (2024-2025):
| Ford F 250 Lariat | Chevy Silverado 2500HD LTZ | Ram 2500 Laramie | |
| Engine | 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel | 6.6L Duramax V8 Diesel | 6.7L Cummins Diesel |
| Max Power | 354 kW (500 HP w/HO) | 332 kW | 276 kW |
| Max Torque | 1,423 Nm (1,632 Nm w/HO) | 1,234 Nm | 1,152 Nm |
| Transmission | 10-speed Auto | 6-speed Auto | 6-speed Auto |
| Base Curb Weight | 3458 kg | 3387 kg | 3660 kg |
| GCM | 9,000 kg | 9,000 kg | 9,000 kg |
| GVM | 4,490 kg | 4,490 kg | 4,490 kg |
| Towing | 4,500 kg | 4,500 kg | 4,500 kg |
| Payload | 1032 kg | 875 kg | 835 kg |
| Price (2025) | $244k-$267k+ | $160k-$180k+ | $200k-$220k+ |
*Note: Pricing and specs vary. This is a rough guide – contact dealers for exact specifications.
American Pickup Trucks: A Common Misconception in Australia
There’s a common misconception about these big pickup trucks: we assume that because it’s physically bigger, it can carry heavier loads (bigger payload). This isn’t true because we’re limited to 4,490 kg GVM on a car license. Bigger means heavier curb weight, which consumes the maximum allowable GVM.
Additionally, the F-250 uses a leaf-sprung rear axle, which is typical for heavy-duty pickups. This leaf suspension setup impacts both ride comfort and payload capacity.
Payload Analysis:
The F-250 has the highest payload of the HD pickups at about 1 tonne, comparable to most utes in Australia. The Silverado 2500 & Ram 2500 have less than 1 tonne payload.
We think the F-250’s better payload is partly due to its aluminum body panels, giving it lower curb weight.
Towing:
All three vehicles can tow over 4.5 tonnes, but you’re capped at 4.5 tonnes without a truck license due to Australian licensing requirements.
Why we chose the F250 over the others
We found that the Ford F250 (from a specs perspective) outperformed the Silverado 2500 & Ram 2500 in power, torque & payload. Despite the high price, we needed a vehicle with payload over 1 tonne and exceptional towing capacity.
2025 Pricing Update
Current F-250 Pricing in Australia:
- 2025 F-250 Lariat: $244,990+ (excl. govt. charges)
- 2025 F-250 Platinum: $267,250+ (excl. govt. charges)
- 2024 F-250 Platinum: $264,990+ (excl. govt. charges)
Prices have increased approximately $80,000-$100,000 since 2021 due to:
- Exchange rate changes
- Increased RHD conversion costs
- Inflation
- Supply chain challenges
In Summary
No doubt about it, the F250 is a towing powerhouse. Its 6.7L turbocharged V8 puts out 1,423 Nm of torque (or 1,632 Nm with High Output option) – almost two times as much as most utes on Australian roads.
If you need to tow 3,500-4,500 kg on a standard car license, you don’t have many options except American pickups.
Key Advantages:
Best-in-class torque
4.5-tonne towing capacity
1-tonne payload
Exceptional comfort with all modern technology
High Output engine option (500 HP, 1,632 Nm)
Key Challenges:
- High purchase price ($244k-$267k)
- Parts & service availability in remote Australia
- Still requires third-party RHD conversion
- Not available through Ford Australia dealerships
It’s the type of vehicle you purchase for a purpose, not your everyday runabout. The F-250 remains an excellent choice for those who n
*Note: All information was updated as of 2025. Prices, specifications, and availability are subject to change. For the most current information, contact Harrison F-Trucks, Performax International, or other specialist F-Series importers directly.
