INTRODUCTION

The 2023 Ford F‑650 is a medium‑duty commercial truck in Ford’s Super Duty line, intended for vocational use (straight truck, chassis cab, hauler, etc.). It bridges the gap between light/heavy trucks, offering more capacity and durability than typical pickup‑based trucks but with more maneuverability than Class 8 tractors. It’s part of the fleet‑focused offerings under Ford Pro.

HISTORY & ORIGINS

• The F‑650 / F‑750 series has been part of Ford’s medium‑duty truck offerings for many years, evolving from earlier Ford “Class 7/8” trucks.

• In recent generations, the focus has been on improving power, upfitter‑friendly features (like PTO provisions, chassis configurations), emissions compliance, and offering more powertrain variety.

• The 2023 model continues this trend, offering stronger engines, updated cab / chassis configurations, as well as expanded equipment for vocational customers.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE OPTIONS

• Engines:

  • 7.3 L V8 gasoline (naturally aspirated) – this “DEVCT” (dual‑overhead cam? actually dual‐valve count variable cam timing?) engine produces about 335 hp. 

  • 6.7 L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel – multiple output levels including about 270 hp @ 2400 rpm, 300 hp @ 2500 rpm, and 330 hp @ 2600 rpm, depending on emission / governed RPM settings.

  • The standard transmission is the Ford TorqShift HD 6‑speed automatic, with double overdrive. Features such as PTO provision and Tow/Haul mode are available depending on trim. 

• Drivetrain & Accessories:

  • Rear‑wheel drive is standard. Dual rear wheels / heavy duty rear differential options. 

  • Exhaust configurations vary (under cab, vertical outlet, etc.) depending on the build.

DESIGN & FEATURES

• Built as a chassis cab / straight frame truck, intended for customizing (box truck, dump body, utility, etc.). Cab configurations include Regular Cab, SuperCab, Crew Cab. 

• Heavy‑duty components: leaf front and rear suspension (multi‑leaf springs), strong alternator / battery options, heavy duty cooling elements. 

• Steering column lever mounted gearshift, towing/emission control features, hill hold control on some versions. 

TRIM LEVELS & VARIANTS

• Cab variants:

  • Regular Cab

  • SuperCab

  • Crew Cab 

• Powertrain variants:

  • Gasoline 7.3 L as standard in many gas versions.

  • Diesel 6.7 L with different output levels.Chassis / Body Configurations:

  • Straight frame vs chassis cab. Some are built for specific vocational uses (e.g. “Pro Loader” gas models) with heavy duty rear suspension, dual rear wheels, etc. Equipment packages / option groups:

  • PTO provision for upfitters.

  • Different exhaust styles.

  • Different alternator / battery capacities. 

SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY

• Standard safety features typical of commercial trucks: air bags, ABS, traction control. (Note: sources mention basics; advanced driver assists are less highlighted in commercial / vocational content.) 

• Upfitter friendly features: manual regen capability on diesel, engine exhaust brake on diesel versions for better control. 

• Technology:

  • Driver‑selectable modes on transmission. 

  • Emissions / 50‑State compliance. 

• No major reports found in sources of high‑level ADAS (lane keep, autonomous braking etc.) as standard on F‑650; more focused on vocational robustness.

FUEL ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY

• Precise fuel economy (mpg or L/100km) data is not well publicized for the 2023 F‑650 in the sources I reviewed. Medium‑duty trucks often do not have consumer mpg ratings like light trucks.

• Efficiency is improved via:

  • Better powertrain tuning (diesel / gas options).

  • Emissions control and selectable regen/engine braking on diesel versions.

  • Heavy duty cooling and power delivery systems to reduce stress under full load.

• Fuel types:

  • Gasoline (7.3 L) – higher volumetric fuel consumption under heavy load but simpler emission systems.

  • Diesel (6.7L Power Stroke) – more efficient under load, better torque, likely better fuel economy on long/vocational hauls.

MARKET COMPARISON

• Competes in the medium‑duty truck segment with offerings from manufacturers like International (e.g. MV series), Freightliner, Hino, Mack / Volvo (VNR etc.), and possibly some higher capacity pickup chassis from Ram.

• Its strongest competitive points:

  • Class‑exclusive 7.3 L gas V8 in medium‑duty class. 

  • Flexibility: multiple cabs, diesel & gas engines, chassis frames suitable for diverse upfits.

  • Brand / service network / parts for Ford is strong in many markets.

• Potential drawbacks:

  • Fuel costs (gas vs diesel) depending on duty.

  • Heavier weight / load may stress gas version more than diesel.

  • Possibly higher cost of ownership in diesel version due to emissions system maintenance.

PRICING

• Official MSRP data in the sources I checked often are not shown (many listings show “$0” or blank) — likely because pricing depends heavily on configuration (diesel vs gas, cab, chassis, upfit etc.). 

• Some indicative prices (from dealership listings) may vary widely; many quotes are custom builds.

• Total cost of ownership for fleets tends to favor versions which balance fuel, maintenance, durability. Awards (see next section) reflect that.

NOTABLE AWARDS & ACCOLADES

• The F‑650 / F‑750 line (including 2023) was selected by Work Truck magazine / WorkTruckOnline’s readers as one of the Top Medium‑Duty Trucks in 2022 (for the 2023 model offerings). It won or was highly rated for vocational application effectiveness, durability, quality, servicing & maintenance, and lifecycle costs. 

• The 7.3 L gas engine is called out in several sources as a class‑exclusive engine, with strong low‑end torque, which is an advantage in heavier loads. 

• Ford trucks and vans earned several Vincentric Best Fleet Value awards in 2023, in recognition of low cost of ownership, depreciation, etc. While not specific only to F‑650, it indicates the brand’s strong performance in fleet metrics.