2017 Ford Super Duty F-250 SRW XLT Package $30,990

On the road, the 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty's beefier frame and fine-tuned suspension combine to give it a more solid feeling. Handling feels more confident than the previous generation, and the ride quality is also improved. The steering has the familiar slow and deliberate response with the standard set-up. The optional adaptive steering makes a distinct improvement by altering the steering ratio — i.e., how many turns of the wheel it takes to turn the vehicle — to quicken response and make the truck far more maneuverable in tight quarters. At highway speed and when in Tow/Haul mode, the system slows response to improve straight-line stability. Performance from the 6.2-liter gasoline V8 is robust enough that it's a realistic choice for many applications. That said, it pales in comparison to the 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8, which generates brisk unladen acceleration and moves heavy payloads or trailers without seeming to break a sweat thanks to its abundant torque. One new feature, adaptive cruise control, takes much of the tedium out of long highway miles by maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead. What's noteworthy is that the system performs equally well when towing a trailer, even on downhill stretches, where downshifts from the transmission's Tow/Haul mode and automatic engine braking on diesel models work together to keep vehicle speed in check. Leave the pavement behind and a properly equipped four-wheel-drive F-250 will impress with its off-road capabilities, even in situations that far exceed anything the majority of buyers will ever want to tackle.