How much horsepower does a 6.7 Ford F-550 have?
The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel in the Ford F-550 typically produces between 400 and 475 horsepower, depending on model year and configuration.
To understand this question in more depth, it’s important to note that the F-550 uses Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel, which has undergone several updates since its introduction. Horsepower figures have gradually increased through generations, while torque has remained a key focus for heavy-duty uptime and performance. Variations can occur due to emissions standards, special editions, and manufacturer tuning for specific chassis configurations.
Engine evolution and horsepower over time
The following range reflects how horsepower has changed across generations of the 6.7L Power Stroke in the F-Series heavy-duty lineup, including the F-550. Values are typical for each period and can vary by model year, trim, and drivetrain.
- 2011–2014: approximately 400 horsepower
- 2015–2016: approximately 440 horsepower
- 2017–2019: approximately 450–475 horsepower (range due to refinements and emissions tuning)
- 2020–present: approximately 475 horsepower
Before listing, this overview shows historic horsepower by era to help shoppers compare older and newer builds.
In practice, any given F-550 may fall at the low end or high end of these ranges based on factory options, regional specs, and whether the vehicle is tuned for particular heavy-duty tasks such as towing, plowing, or construction use. Always verify the exact figure for a specific unit from the window sticker or the dealer’s specifications before purchase.
How to verify horsepower on a specific F-550
When evaluating a particular truck, owners and buyers should confirm the exact horsepower as listed by Ford for that chassis and year. Below are practical ways to verify the figure for a given vehicle.
- Check the original Monroney (window) sticker or the dealer’s pre-delivery inspection sheet for the exact horsepower specification.
- Consult the vehicle’s VIN-based build sheet or Ford's official Build & Price/Owner portals to pull the original specs.
- Ask the dealer or a Ford service center for the official engine rating as configured from the factory.
- Review the owner’s manual or technical documentation that accompanies the vehicle; some manuals include engine output details.
Before listing, here are reliable methods to confirm the engine’s horsepower on a specific F-550.
Knowing the exact horsepower helps when planning heavy-duty tasks, estimating fuel economy relative to work, and comparing used units from different model years.
Why horsepower matters for the F-550
Horsepower in the F-550 matters less for peak speed than for its ability to perform demanding work—towing, payload, and hill climbs require ample torque and sustained power. The 6.7L Power Stroke was designed to deliver robust torque alongside horsepower to keep heavy trailers moving under load, with modern updates aimed at improving reliability, emissions compliance, and overall performance in commercial settings.
Summary
Overall, the 6.7L Power Stroke in the Ford F-550 delivers a horsepower range that has evolved from around 400 hp in early models to about 475 hp in the latest versions. When shopping for or operating an F-550, confirm the exact output from the vehicle’s official documentation, as year, trim, and emissions specifications can push the figure within this range.
Which is better, F-550 vs RAM 5500?
The Ford F-550 and Ram 5500 are both capable chassis cab trucks, but the Ram 5500 generally offers higher max towing capacity, while the Ford F-550 may have a slight edge in payload and a more spacious interior, especially in its SuperCab option. When choosing between them, consider which specific capability is most important, along with engine preferences and budget.
This video compares the Ford F-550 and Ram 5500, highlighting their features and capabilities: 1mMacPhee FordYouTube · Jan 9, 2025
Performance and capability
| Feature | Ford F-550 | Ram 5500 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Towing Capacity | Up to 31,300 lbs (with a 5th wheel gooseneck) | Up to 35,220 lbs (with a diesel engine) |
| Max Payload Capacity | Up to 12,190 lbs | Up to 12,510 lbs (with gas engine) |
| Gas Engine | 7.3L V8: 350 hp, 468 lb-ft of torque | 6.4L V8 HEMI®: 370 hp, 429 lb-ft of torque |
| Diesel Engine | 6.7L Power Stroke®: 330 hp, 825 lb-ft of torque | 6.7L Cummins®: 360 hp, 800 lb-ft of torque |
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You can watch this video to see a comparison of the towing capacity between the Ford F-550 and Ram 5500: 55sworkplaytvYouTube · Dec 19, 2018
Interior and features
- Interior Space: The Ford F-550 offers more headroom and legroom, with an additional SuperCab option for more interior configurations.
- Standard Features: Base models may differ, with the Ram 5500 having a better base radio, while the Ford F-550 includes a standard Wi-Fi hotspot.
This video explores the interior of the Ram 5500: 1mJB ReviewsYouTube · Nov 6, 2023
Other considerations
- Price: The Ford F-550 has a slightly lower starting price than the Ram 5500.
- Weight: The Ford F-550 is roughly 600 lbs lighter due to its aluminum body construction, according to this YouTube video.
- Reliability: Both brands have a reputation for reliability, though engine-specific issues can vary by model year.
What is the weakness of the 6.7 Power Stroke?
Downwind of the turbo on a 6.7L Power Stroke, the cold-side intercooler pipe—which routes boost from the engine's air-to-water intercooler toward the heads—is well-known for failing. The factory piece is infamous for becoming brittle over time, often cracks under boost, and some of them even explode.
Which is better, 7.3 gas or 6.7 Power Stroke?
The main differences are that the 6.7L diesel engine offers significantly more torque and better fuel efficiency (especially when towing), while the 7.3L gas engine is cheaper to purchase, lighter, and has more horsepower at higher RPMs. The best choice depends on your needs: choose the 6.7L diesel for heavy-duty towing and commercial use, and the 7.3L gas for lighter towing and general use where lower upfront costs are prioritized.
This video explains the performance difference between 6.7L diesel and 7.3L gas engines in Ford Super Duty trucks: 47sJB ReviewsYouTube · Nov 19, 2023
6.7L Powerstroke Diesel
- Performance: Has substantially more torque, making it ideal for heavy-duty towing and hauling.
- Fuel Efficiency: Gets better average fuel economy compared to the gas engine, though fuel costs can be higher.
- Cost: Has a higher initial purchase price.
- Maintenance: Can have higher maintenance costs and requires exhaust fluid (DEF).
- Driving Experience: Less prone to "hunting" for gears when towing up hills.
- Ideal For: Towing very heavy loads (14,000 lbs or more) or frequent commercial use.
You can watch this video to see how the 6.7L diesel engine performs when towing heavy loads: 45sJB ReviewsYouTube · Nov 12, 2023
7.3L Godzilla Gas
- Performance: Has more horsepower at higher RPMs, but significantly less torque than the diesel.
- Fuel Efficiency: Lower fuel efficiency compared to the diesel, especially when towing.
- Cost: Cheaper to purchase upfront.
- Maintenance: Generally has lower maintenance costs and no need for DEF.
- Driving Experience: Can feel underpowered when towing heavy loads and may require more gear-shifting.
- Ideal For: Lighter towing (around 10,000 lbs) or general use where lower purchase cost is a priority.
This video compares the 7.3L gas engine with the 6.7L diesel engine for truck owners: 58sT & T Landscape & MasonryYouTube · Dec 10, 2022
How much horsepower does a 6.7 Power Stroke F-550 have?
475 horsepower
The engine delivers an impressive 475 horsepower at 2,800 rpm and 1,050 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm.
