A pickup truck towing a trailer is parked in a grassy field, with horses visible in the background and dramatic cloudy skies overhead.

Super Duty and Ford F-250 Gas vs Diesel

Cost, Capability & Ownership

Choosing between Ford F-250 gas vs diesel power is one of the biggest decisions Super Duty buyers face. In this Ford diesel vs gas trucks comparison, we’ll break down the real differences in cost, capability, Ford F-250 diesel and gas mileage, and long-term ownership so you can choose the engine that actually fits how you use your truck.

It’s also important to note: the only Ford diesel trucks currently offered in the U.S. are Super Duty models, including the F-250. If you’re looking at diesel, you’re already in heavy-duty territory.

At J.C. Lewis Motor Company, we help buyers make this decision every day. Here’s what you need to know if you’re comparing Super Duty or Ford F-250 gas vs diesel.

Gas vs Diesel Super Duty: The Big Picture

Both gas and diesel Super Duty trucks are built for serious work—but they shine in different ways.

  • Gas engines prioritize lower upfront cost and simpler ownership

  • Diesel engines focus on maximum torque, towing confidence, and long-haul efficiency

Comparing Ford F-250 gas vs diesel? The right choice depends less on “which is better” and more on how you actually use your truck.

Capability Comparison: Towing & Torque

Both Super Duty and Ford F-250 gas vs diesel trucks offer serious capability, but they’re built to excel in different situations.

Gas Super Duty (F-250)

Gas-powered Super Duty trucks deliver strong, reliable performance for most work and towing needs.

What gas does well:

  • Excellent for light-to-moderate towing

  • Strong payload capability

  • Responsive acceleration for daily driving

  • Lower initial purchase price

For many owners, gas power handles trailers, equipment, and jobsite use without stepping up to diesel.

Diesel Super Duty (F-250 Power Stroke®)

Diesel power is all about torque and control under heavy load.

What diesel excels at:

  • Significantly higher torque output

  • Better performance when towing heavy trailers

  • More stable power delivery on hills and long grades

  • Ideal for frequent or maximum towing

If you’re comparing Ford F-250 gas vs diesel and tow large trailers regularly or operate near max capacity, diesel capability is hard to beat.

Daily Driving & Comfort

Both gas and diesel Super Duty trucks offer similar interiors, technology, and ride comfort—but driving feel differs slightly.

  • Gas trucks feel lighter and quieter in stop-and-go driving

  • Diesel trucks feel more planted and confident under load

If your truck doubles as a daily driver, gas power often feels more convenient.

Interior of a vehicle with beige leather seats and center console visible in the foreground. Blurred outdoor scene in the background.
A large black pickup truck towing a white recreational vehicle on a winding mountain road, with rugged terrain and mountains visible in the background.

Cost of Ownership: Upfront vs Long-Term 💵

Upfront price is only part of the equation when choosing between gas and diesel. Long-term ownership costs (like maintenance, Ford F-250 diesel and gas mileage, and usage patterns) play a major role too.

Gas vs Diesel Purchase Cost:

One of the biggest differences in the Ford diesel vs gas trucks comparison is upfront cost.

  • Gas Super Duty: Lower purchase price

  • Diesel Super Duty: Higher initial cost due to the engine upgrade

For buyers who don’t need diesel capability daily, that price difference matters.

Maintenance & Long-Term Ownership:

Diesel ownership brings additional considerations:

Gas advantages:

  • Simpler maintenance

  • Lower service and repair costs

  • No diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)

Diesel considerations:

  • Higher maintenance costs

  • DEF usage

  • Designed for long-term durability under heavy loads

Gas vs Diesel Ford F-250 and Super Duty: Real-World Use 

Specs like Ford F-250 diesel and gas mileage are helpful, but real-life use is what truly determines whether gas or diesel is the better fit. Below are a few common Super Duty scenarios and which powertrain typically makes the most sense for each.

Contractor & Jobsite Use

If the truck is used every day but only tows heavy occasionally, gas often wins. If towing is constant and heavy, diesel pays off.

Best fit: Depends on workload

  • Gas: 

    • Daily driving between jobs

    • Carrying tools, ladders, and materials

    • Occasional trailer use

    • Lower operating and maintenance costs

  • Diesel:

    • Towing heavy equipment daily

    • Long hours under load

    • Consistent use near max capacity

RV Owners & Frequent Towing

Diesel Super Duty trucks are ideal for fifth-wheel trailers, large campers, and long-distance towing where confidence matters most.

Best fit: Diesel

  • Higher torque for steep grades and long highway pulls

  • Better efficiency when towing large trailers

  • More stable power delivery under sustained load

Fleet & Business Ownership

The right answer to Ford F-250 gas vs diesel usually depends on how hard and how often the trucks are worked.

Best fit: Depends on duty cycle

  • Gas:

    • Lower acquisition cost

    • Easier maintenance across multiple drivers

    • Ideal for light-to-moderate duty fleets

  • Diesel:

    • Best for high-mileage, heavy-load fleets

    • Designed for long service life under stress

Mixed Daily Driving + Weekend Towing

For buyers who want one truck that does everything reasonably well, gas power is often the most practical choice.

Best fit: Gas

  • More comfortable for commuting and errands

  • Lower upfront cost

  • Simpler ownership for drivers who tow on weekends or seasonally

Off-road pickup truck in rugged landscape with cliffs and mountains in the background.

Ford F-250 Diesel vs Gas Mileage: What to Expect ⛽

Fuel economy is another key factor when comparing Ford F-250 diesel and gas mileage.

  • Diesel Super Duty:

    • Better fuel efficiency under load

    • More efficient on long highway drives and towing

  • Gas Super Duty:

    • Lower fuel cost per gallon

    • Less efficient when towing heavy loads, but reasonable for daily driving

Diesel shines when towing frequently; gas often makes more sense for mixed-use or lighter-duty driving.

A large, dark-colored pickup truck towing a blue boat on a trailer, with a city skyline in the background.

Which Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick way to decide on Super Duty or Ford F-250 gas vs diesel:

Choose a gas Super Duty if you:

  • Tow occasionally or moderately

  • Want lower upfront and maintenance costs

  • Use your truck for daily driving and work

Choose a diesel Super Duty if you:

  • Tow heavy trailers frequently

  • Operate near max capacity

  • Want maximum torque and towing confidence

Choose Power With Purpose

When it comes to Ford F-250 gas vs diesel, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, only the right fit for how you work and drive. 

Ready to take the next step? Contact or visit your nearest J.C. Lewis Motor Company location to explore available Super Duty inventory, compare gas and diesel options in person, and get expert guidance from a team that understands how these trucks are actually used. Whether you’re shopping online or stopping by the lot, we’re here to help you find the right fit with confidence.

Schedule a Test Drive

Shop Super Duty

Ford F-250 & Super Duty Gas vs Diesel FAQs

Doing a Ford diesel vs gas trucks comparison always raises a lot of questions, especially with Ford’s heavy-duty lineup. Here are clear answers to the most common questions shoppers ask when comparing Ford F-250 and Super Duty gas vs diesel trucks.