What is the most powerful F-250 engine?
The most powerful F-250 engine is Ford's 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel, delivering 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. This combination makes it the top option for heavy towing and payload among the current F-250 lineup.
To understand how Ford frames power for its Super Duty trucks, it helps to compare the available engines side by side, noting how horsepower and torque translate into real-world performance such as towing, acceleration, and grade capability. This article lays out the current powertrain options and why the diesel stands out for those who demand maximum pulling power.
Current engine options and their outputs
The following overview lists the main powertrains offered in the F-250 today, highlighting peak figures for horsepower and torque to illustrate how they differ in capability.
- 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel — 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. This is the highest-torque option and is favored for heavy-duty towing and challenging work scenarios.
- 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 Gas — 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. A robust gasoline alternative that delivers strong pulling power with a smoother, more conventional fueling experience.
- 6.2-liter V8 Gas — 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. A more approachable gasoline option with solid overall performance, typically chosen for standard towing needs.
Across these options, the diesel stands out for peak torque, which is often the determining factor for maximum towing capacity and heavy payloads. Gasoline engines offer strong everyday performance but do not match the diesel’s torque delivery at low RPMs.
In practical terms, the 6.7L Power Stroke’s 1,050 lb-ft of torque gives it the edge when it comes to pulling large trailers, navigating steep grades, or working in off-road or job-site conditions where steady, low-RPM power matters most.
Why torque matters for the F-250
Torque is the rotational force that powers heavy loads from a standstill and during climbs. For the F-250, higher torque translates to easier tow setups, more confident hill starts, and better low-speed performance when the truck is fully loaded. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke’s torque advantage is the primary reason many fleet operators and heavy-haul enthusiasts choose the diesel variant despite higher fuel costs and maintenance considerations.
Ford also tunes transmissions, gearing, cooling systems, and axle configurations to maximize each engine’s potential. The choice between diesel and gas often comes down to how the truck will be used: frequent tow work and heavy loads tend to favor the diesel, while standard daily driving may make a gasoline option more cost-effective and simpler to maintain.
Summary
The 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel is the F-250’s most powerful engine, offering 475 horsepower and, crucially, 1,050 lb-ft of torque for heavy towing and payload work. Gas options—the 7.3-liter Godzilla and the 6.2-liter V8—provide strong performance with different cost and maintenance considerations, but they do not match the diesel’s torque output. Buyers should weigh towing needs, fuel economy, and maintenance when choosing between these powertrains.
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
Is the 6.7 or 6.2 F250 Super Duty better?
As seen in the table above, the 6.7L V8 engine can carry a much larger towing capacity than the 6.2L V8 and 7.3L V8. Make sure to check your owner's manual to determine your exact towing capacity.
How much horsepower does a 2025 Ford f250 7.3 have?
The 2025 Ford F-250 with the 7.3L V8 engine has 430 horsepower. This engine, often called the "Godzilla" engine, also produces 485 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Horsepower: 430 hp
- Torque: 485 lb-ft
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Available with 4x4
Which Ford has the 7.3 Godzilla?
Out. Catch me when I fall. Oh this road is tore up right here tore up welcome back into the dirt head shed this week we're doing a long-term review on my 2020 Ford F350. This is a DY it's four-wheel.
