Welcome to the Mark Martin Motors blog! If you are looking for a heavy duty truck in Ephrata, PA, or taking the short drive over from Lancaster, Harrisburg, or Philadelphia, you know we always like to give it to you straight. Today we are looking at an absolute beast of a pickup: the 2025 Ford F450 Platinum Plus.
We get a lot of truck enthusiasts stopping by our lot at 4126 Oregon Pike asking about what Ford has changed for the 2025 model year. The new F450 is a powerhouse, but it is not without a few quirks. Here is a breakdown of the five things I absolutely love about this truck, and five things that just drive me a little crazy.
What Makes the 2025 F450 Platinum Plus Stand Out?
Ford has really pushed the envelope with their heavy duty lineup this year. Let's start with the positives.
5 Things I Love About This Heavy Duty Truck
The High Output Power Stroke Diesel Engine
This truck comes with the high output 6.7 liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine, complete with that subtle red 6.7 logo. It pushes out 500 horsepower and an incredible 1,200 pound feet of torque. It is easily the most impressive diesel engine currently on the market. With this engine coming standard on the Platinum Plus, you can tow up to 40,000 pounds. It is an absolute monster.
Functional Power Running Boards
This is a classic Ford advantage. The power running boards on the F450 drop down to a very comfortable height. Heavy duty trucks sit high, so having a board that actually lets you step up easily without banging your shins is a game changer. Plus, they are incredibly thin and tuck away seamlessly. When they are pulled up, you just see a clean chrome strip.
Surprisingly Tight Turning Radius
You would think a massive truck like this would be impossible to park, but the F450 has a wider front axle that gives it a fantastic turning radius of 50.5 feet. To put that in perspective, the F350 has a turning radius of 58 feet. That seven foot difference makes maneuvering into tight campsites with a trailer so much easier.
The Gorgeous Platinum Plus Interior
For 2025, Ford swapped out the Limited trim option for the new Platinum Plus. If you remember the older Limited interiors, they featured a blue Italian leather that was definitely an acquired taste. The new Platinum Plus features premium Venetian leather in a solid color combo that appeals to way more people. It is a massive upgrade in style and feel.
Max Recline Seats for Ultimate Comfort
If you use your truck for long hauls, you will love the Max Recline seats. Both the driver and passenger seats lay completely flat. The seat back actually lifts up the bottom cushion to create a flat, bed like surface. For guys who tow over the road and need to catch a nap at a rest stop, this is just smart thinking on Ford's part.
Things to Consider Before Buying
As much as we love this truck at Mark Martin Motors, we want our local Pennsylvania drivers to know the full story. Here are the downsides you need to know.
5 Things I Hate About the F450 Platinum Plus
The Hefty Price Tag
Let's rip the band aid off: this truck costs over $100,000. Hitting $107,000 for a pickup truck is a tough pill to swallow. It might be the going rate for top tier heavy duty trucks these days, but it is still an absurd amount of money.
Extremely Limited Availability
Only about 2 to 4 percent of Ford's total truck production is dedicated to the F450. Because the production is so limited, you are looking at a wait time of anywhere from six months to over a year to get one. You will also have a hard time finding a bargain since they are in such high demand.
Commercial Vehicle Financing and Insurance
Getting financed for an F450 can be a headache. Banks and insurance companies typically classify the F450 as a commercial vehicle. Even if you are just buying it to pull your recreational 40 foot RV, you might still get hit with higher interest rates and commercial insurance premiums. In some states, depending on what you tow, you might even need a CDL to legally drive it.
High DEF Fluid Consumption
With that massive high output motor comes a serious thirst for Diesel Exhaust Fluid. These trucks drink DEF, especially when you are towing heavy loads. You will basically need to keep a spare jug with you at all times. To make matters worse, the gauge can be a bit inaccurate, sometimes warning you that the fluid is low when you still have 600 miles to empty.
The Factory Commercial Tires
The factory tires on the F450 look like they belong on a tractor trailer. They are commercial grade, meaning they will last forever, but they struggle to hook up in rain and snow. If you are driving around PA winters or using the truck for camping off the beaten path, you will probably want to swap them out for a solid set of Michelins or Goodyears right away.
Stop By Mark Martin Motors in Ephrata PA
Whether you are ready to start looking for your next heavy duty tow rig or just want to talk trucks, our team at Mark Martin Motors is here for you. We are proudly located right here in Ephrata, PA, and are always happy to help you find the perfect fit for your towing and hauling needs.
Watch the full video review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoPJALTMuzI