The 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat, equipped with the robust 7.3-liter V-8 engine—affectionately dubbed "Godzilla"—has undergone comprehensive testing, confirming its formidable capabilities in the heavy-duty truck segment. This review delves into its impressive performance metrics, contrasting it with the diesel variant, and ultimately concludes that the gasoline-powered F-250 offers a compelling balance of power, payload capacity, and economic advantage, challenging the traditional preference for diesel in this category.
Ford's decision to name its 7.3-liter V-8 engine "Godzilla" is no mere marketing ploy; our recent assessment of the 2026 F-250 Super Duty Lariat unequivocally validates this powerful moniker. This gasoline-fueled behemoth commands attention, much like its mythical namesake, with an imposing presence and a resonant engine sound. It is a vehicle that feels more at home on the open road or work site than navigating the confines of urban landscapes, underscoring its design purpose.
The 7.3-liter engine, producing 430 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque, is an appealing upgrade, offering significant performance for its price. During our instrumented evaluations, the F-250 demonstrated remarkable acceleration, achieving 60 mph in a mere 6.2 seconds and completing the quarter-mile in 14.7 seconds at 93 mph. Furthermore, its 0.75 g of skidpad grip is noteworthy for a truck capable of towing up to 18,200 pounds with a conventional hitch. A distinctive feature is the fully deactivatable stability control, which permits controlled drifts, adding an unexpected layer of dynamic handling to this heavy-duty machine.
While the high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine in a comparable F-250 offers slightly quicker acceleration (5.5 seconds to 60 mph) and a higher towing capacity of 22,000 pounds, its full potential is often realized with heavier-duty configurations like an F-450 dually, which can pull up to 40,000 pounds. However, the gasoline F-250, weighing approximately 800 pounds less than its diesel counterpart, boasts a superior payload rating. This reduced curb weight contributes to its agility and makes it a more practical choice for many users.
Despite the diesel's advantage in fuel efficiency—achieving 20 mpg on our 75-mph highway test compared to the 7.3-liter's 15 mpg—the substantial price difference between the engines largely offsets this benefit. The high-output diesel commands a premium of $13,495, making its long-term cost-effectiveness questionable given current fuel prices. The financial savings from opting for the gasoline engine can instead be allocated towards the F-250's extensive list of luxurious options, such as a panoramic sunroof, a 2-kW onboard generator, or Max Recline seats, enhancing comfort and utility.
Historically, the term "gasser" has sometimes carried a derogatory connotation in the heavy-duty truck community. However, Ford's 7.3-liter V-8 redefines this perception by delivering exceptional capability and performance at a significantly lower cost than its diesel alternatives. For those who prioritize power and utility without incurring the premium associated with diesel, the gasoline engine in the F-250 Super Duty Lariat presents a pragmatic and honorable choice.