Is the 2016 f250 steel or aluminum?
Steel. The 2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty uses a steel body and frame, while Ford’s aluminum-body shift in the F-Series was focused on the lighter-duty F-150, not the heavy-duty Super Duty lineup.
To understand why the 2016 F-250 sticks with steel and how that choice fits into Ford's broader lineup, this article reviews the construction materials, the rationale behind the design, and what it means for owners and buyers.
Background: Ford’s aluminum strategy in the F-Series
In the mid-2010s, Ford introduced an aluminum-alloy body for the light-duty F-150 to cut weight and improve efficiency. This shift did not extend to the heavy-duty Super Duty trucks like the F-250 during the same period, which retained steel bodies designed for maximum durability under heavy towing and payload.
The F-150’s aluminum body
Starting with the 2015 model year, the F-150 used a high-strength aluminum alloy for most body panels, paired with a mixed-material frame in some configurations. Ford highlighted the weight savings and corrosion resistance, but the technology was applied primarily to the F-150, not the F-250/350 Super Duty at that time.
The Super Duty approach in 2016
For the 2016 F-250 Super Duty, Ford continued to use a steel body and frame designed to endure heavy work, with high-strength steels employed in critical areas. The heavy-duty lineup emphasizes durability and serviceability over weight reduction.
2016 F-250 construction details
The 2016 F-250 Super Duty uses a fully boxed steel frame and steel body panels. High-strength steel components are used in key structural areas to handle high payloads and towing demands. There is no aluminum body on the 2016 F-250; aluminum materials were applied to the F-150, not the Super Duty lineup at that time.
Why steel matters for heavy-duty pickups
Steel offers reliable toughness under load, easier repair in remote service locations, and long-term durability for commercial or construction work. While aluminum can reduce weight, heavy-duty applications can benefit from the proven strength and repairability of steel, which is why the Super Duty line remained steel for the 2016 model year.
Bottom line
The 2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty is steel throughout its body and frame, aligning with its mission as a heavy-duty workhorse. If you’re seeking the aluminum-body experience Ford offered in the F-150 of the same era, that option sits with the F-150, not the Super Duty family in 2016.
Summary
In short: steel is the material story for the 2016 F-250. Ford’s aluminum shift transformed the light-duty F-150, while the Super Duty lineup remained steel for strength, durability, and practicality in demanding tasks. For buyers evaluating weight, durability, and repair considerations, the F-250’s steel build remains a defining characteristic in its class.
