Ford just dropped the 2026 F-650, and it’s turning heads across the Midwest and beyond. This medium-duty champ has been whispered about in garages from Texas to Michigan, and now it’s here—ready to haul, tow, and hustle like never before. I got a sneak peek at the Detroit auto show last week, and let me tell you, it’s got that classic Ford grit mixed with some fresh polish. Let’s dive into what makes this rig tick.
A Powerhouse Under the Hood: That Engine Roars
Nothing gets my engine revving like talking powertrains, and the 2026 F-650 doesn’t disappoint. You’ve got two solid choices: the trusty 7.3L V8 gas engine pumping out 350 horses and 468 lb-ft of torque, or the diesel beast, the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel, cranking up to 330 hp and a whopping 850 lb-ft. Pair that diesel with the new TorqShift HD 10-speed automatic, and you’re shifting smoother than a Sunday drive on Route 66. Ford says they’ve beefed up the torque converter for those long hauls, and early tests show it handles 37,000 lbs GVWR without breaking a sweat. For fleets running propane or CNG, there’s even a prep package to go green without losing grunt. Bottom line? This truck’s built for the long haul, whether you’re dumping loads in construction or delivering cross-state.
Sleek on the Outside: Design That Turns Heads
Gone are the days of boxy bruisers— the 2026 F-650 sports a refreshed front fascia that’s equal parts tough and tailored. Think bold grille, available LED headlights that cut through fog like a knife, and a stance that’s wide and planted. The straight-frame chassis is upfitter-friendly, with fuel tanks tucked under the cab for a cleaner look and easier mods. You can spec it in regular, super, or crew cab, so whether you’re solo or rolling with a crew, it fits. Out back, those 17,500-lb rear axles mean serious stability, and the overall vibe? It’s like Ford took the best of the Super Duty line and supersized it for real work. Stylish enough for the showroom, rugged enough for the job site.
Tech That Thinks Ahead: Smart Features for Smarter Driving
Ford’s not skimping on the brains here. Inside, the cab’s a cozy command center with ergonomic seats, lumbar support to fend off backaches, and vinyl floors that laugh at mud. The 4G LTE modem hooks you up for fleet tracking—real-time GPS, diagnostics, the works. Dash controls are right where you need ’em, with dual USB ports and extra storage for that coffee run. Safety-wise, electronic stability control and optional exhaust braking keep things steady on downhill runs. It’s not flashy like a luxury SUV, but for a workhorse, this tech feels downright thoughtful. Imagine idling less with operator-commanded regen that clears the diesel filter on your terms.
Fuel Sip or Gulp? Real Talk on MPG
Let’s be straight— this ain’t a Prius. The F-650’s a heavy hitter, so expect 8-12 mpg unloaded on the gas V8, dipping to 6-9 with a full load. Diesel fares a tad better at 10-14 mpg highway, thanks to that efficient turbo setup. But here’s the kicker: with the gaseous prep package, you could swap to propane and shave emissions while keeping costs down—propane’s cheaper in spots like California. Ford’s tweaks for 2026, like better aerodynamics, nudge efficiency up a bit from last year. For operators, that adds up to real savings over 50,000 miles.
Wallet Check: Price Tags That Make Sense
Starting MSRP hovers around $68,000 for the base gas model, climbing to $85,000-plus for diesel crew cabs loaded with options. Add upfits like dumps or flatbeds, and you’re in six figures easy, but incentives for fleets could knock 10% off. Compared to Ram or Freightliner rivals, it’s competitive—especially with Ford’s warranty backing it. If you’re leasing, monthlys start at $1,200, making it doable for small ops.