2025 Ford F-350 Platinum Plus Review: Is This What You Get for Six Figures?

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      In the last two model years, Ford’s truck marketing team made a subtle change right in front of us. With the Limited trim disappearing as the flagship for the company’s highest-end truck models, a new two-tier naming system emerged. Now, we have Platinum, followed by its new premium variant, Platinum Plus.

      On the surface, it adds just $6,500 to the purchase price of the 2025 F-350, but if you delve into the details, you’ll find that the high-output diesel engine (500 horsepower; 1,200 lb-ft of torque) is a required feature with Platinum Plus, along with nearly all other essentials, including four-wheel drive. The window sticker of our test truck listed $27,820 worth of optional features, with $19,495 of that being mandatory due to Platinum Plus. While you could further increase the price with additional accessories, you would have nearly exhausted all available packages by that point.

      On the exterior, the Platinum Plus boasts a distinct satin finish, a dedicated set of 20-inch wheels, and several desirable features like the 2-kW version of Ford’s Pro Power Onboard generator and a twin-panel power sunroof.

      While the interior may not have the elegance of a Lincoln, the materials are impressive for a dual-wheeled truck. The seats, doors, and dashboard showcase French-stitched leather, and even the grab handles are covered in cowhide. The A-pillars contrast with suede interior accents.

      Currently, there's just one color option for the cabin—the “Smoked Truffle” brown seen here—which is a warm shade that could help conceal some workday dirt if you plan to use your Super Duty for tough jobs. And that was exactly my intention, having assured Ford multiple times that I would return it in perfect condition.

      Testing the Truck is Challenging

      I can understand why Ford is protective of its pricey vehicles. Many automotive journalists aren't accustomed to handling trucks, which could lead us to either overrate the vehicle (or ourselves), resulting in experiences ranging from embarrassing to disastrous. But when in doubt, yard work is always an option.

      The ongoing joke among those of us in the industry is that we often use press vehicles for buying mulch. As soon as I scheduled the loan, I called my local landscaping supplier, drawn in like a moth to a flame (or perhaps more fittingly, a writer to a shrimp buffet).

      This test is straightforward and relatable for many, and aside from towing a lawn mower, it’s one of the few practical uses for a truck that people can easily identify with. A cubic yard of mulch ranges from a quarter to half a ton, conveniently similar to advertised payload capacities, and can be sourced almost anywhere. Moreover, unlike certain other bulky materials, mulch isn’t likely to severely damage a truck’s bed.

      However, two points need consideration. First, this isn’t a work truck with a wash-down interior; it’s a luxury model costing around $100,000, equipped with premium leather and plush floor mats. Bulk mulch, being just decayed wood, can create a mess, even if it won't scratch the paint.

      Secondly, this is an F-350 dually. To overload it with mulch, you would have to mix it with molten lead. While the visual appeal may be satisfying, it’s not an extensive test of the truck’s capabilities. But I was determined to try.

      With two yards of mulch in the bed, I activated the Super Duty’s Onboard Scales app to check how much of its 4,947-pound payload capacity I had used. It displayed around 30%, or approximately between 1,500 and 1,700 pounds. I could have managed another yard, compensating for the mound above the bed line, but even with an additional roughly 800 pounds, I would only be halfway to the F-350’s capacity. To truly test this truck, I’d need something significantly heavier.

      As I drove home, I reflected on this. Despite the tarp covering the bed, I opted for side streets, extending my usual one-and-a-half-mile trip from three minutes to a relaxed five. My house is situated in the suburban landscape of Detroit, where the F-350 feels noticeably wide on most two-lane roads.

      With a little less than half an acre, I have more maneuvering space than many neighbors, but it’s still not adequate for the Super Duty. This truck is massive—over 22 feet long and nearly nine feet wide at the mirrors. Although rear-wheel drive typically allows trucks a tighter turning radius, the dual-rear axle complicates this. Navigating this vehicle demands careful planning, especially when trying to avoid tearing up the lawn.

      Fortunately, Ford has included several features that enhance the experience. The Platinum Plus comes equipped with a 360-degree camera system that proved invaluable as I carefully