By expanding the model line into two separate but related platforms, the inevitable compromises inherent in offering a wide range of load-carrying capacities were avoided.

The SuperCab configuration of the Super Duty marked the introduction of two standard rear-hinged doors on the extended cab, a feature also adopted by the F-150 and Ranger/Mazda B-Series for 1999.

Styled by Andrew Jacobson (designer of the 1997 F-150) and Moray Callum,[5] aside from taillamp lenses and the tailgate, the Super Duty shared no visible parts with the F-150, even the interior itself.

Also sharing the similar aerodynamic cab design of its smaller counterpart, the exteriors of the Super Duty trucks are much different forward of the windshield.

For the exterior, a new grille (inspired by the Ford Mighty F-350 Tonka concept), front bumper, and headlights were introduced alongside the introduction of a locking tailgate for all pickup trucks.

For users who tow, a new option was Ford TowCommand, a trailer brake controller built into the dashboard, allowing it to integrate with the ABS system and engine computer from the factory.

On the TorqShift, once the Tow/Haul mode is activated, it can help increase a driver's control when towing large loads up and down steep grades and automatically minimizes shifts and maximizes available torque.

[8] The F-250 and F-350 single-rear-wheel versions were fitted with a 10.5-inch (270 mm) Sterling 10.5 35-spline axle with choices of conventional or limited-slip differentials; initially developed for previous-generation Ford trucks, it was strengthened for use in the Super Duty.

Optional features that were offered on this trim level included aluminum wheels, keyless entry (later, this option became standard equipment on this trim level), an AM/FM stereo with both a cassette player and a single-disc CD player (later, a six-disc, in-dash CD changer), an automatic transmission, and a power-adjustable front driver's bench seat.

It added these features to the mid-range XLT trim level: an AM/FM stereo with both a cassette player and a single-disc CD player (later, a six-disc, in-dash CD changer), leather-trimmed seating surfaces, chrome-clad (later aluminum) wheels and center wheel hubs, keyless entry, a security system, electronic climate controls, a power front bench seat with fold-down center armrest, wood interior trim panels, and a chrome front grille with chrome inserts.

The truck could be ordered only as a Crew Cab, but a choice of bed lengths, dual or single rear wheels, and gasoline or diesel engines were available.

Ford Super Duty trucks were built in Brazil, with different engines from their North American counterparts and fewer options, initially between 1999 and 2011, with a limited reintroduction of the F-350 in 2014.

In 2009, the Ford SYNC entertainment system became available on select trim levels, adding Bluetooth hands-free calling and wireless stereo audio streaming via A2DP and a USB port for the first time on the Super Duty.

Twenty-inch wheels, billet-style grille, blacked out headlights, illuminated cab steps, power folding body-color Powerscope mirrors, rubber bed mat with Harley-Davidson logo, and special badging were the exterior highlights.

The truck could be ordered with two unique exterior themes—a black monochromatic look with bodyside graphics or a black-and-vintage-copper two-tone with chrome dimensional box side Harley-Davidson lettering.

The basic package included cloth captain's chairs, wood trim on center stack, all-weather floor mats, front and rear locking firearm storage, and an AM/FM radio.

In Venezuela, the F-350 was offered as a commercial use small truck cutaway featuring a 6.2L V8 gas engine with a 5-speed manual TREMEC transmission TR-4050 with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive.

[21] For the 2011 model year, the central bezel from the second-generation (2008–2010) Super Duty was kept, although features such as a full color LCD instrument panel display screen and a Sony premium amplified audio system with subwoofer were now available.

Shortly after the introduction of the 6.7L Power Stroke V8, General Motors unveiled the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD with the Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8, making 397 hp (296 kW; 403 PS) and 765 lb⋅ft (1,037 N⋅m) of torque.

Ford quickly responded by boosting the output of the Power Stroke just months after its initial release, to 400 hp (298 kW; 406 PS) and 800 lb⋅ft (1,100 N⋅m) of torque.

For customers who purchased a Super Duty with the original Power Stroke V8, Ford offered a free upgrade at dealerships to the new level of output.

[29][30] For the first time since 1996 with the ninth-generation F-Series, both the Super Duty and F-150 lines were constructed using the same cab[29] to better compete with GM, Ram, and Nissan's HD trucks.

An F-550 Super Duty hydrogen fuel cell electric truck is being prototyped in cooperation with Southern California Gas Co., as part of the US Department of Energy's (DOE) SuperTruck 3 program.

The model is geared towards fleet buyers who require the GVWR capacity of the heavier F-650 medium-duty but prefer the size and maneuverability of the smaller F-550 Super Duty.

As an off-road oriented version of the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty, the Tremor models competed directly with the Ram 2500 Power Wagon and feature a suspension lift and upgraded tires and wheels from the factory.

A high-output version of the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, producing up to 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque, is available on all pickup models and is included with the Limited trim.

[43] As of 2016, the Ford Super Duty is sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela (F-250 and F-350), Suriname, Brazil (F-350/F-4000), Argentina (F-4000 only), Angola (F-250 and F-350), Cambodia, the Middle East, and Iceland (F-350 only) in left-hand drive (LHD) only.

For the 2016 model year, the medium-duty truck range was given a major upgrade, following the end of the joint venture and the shift of production to the United States.

As a result of the heavy-duty frame and powertrain of its chassis, the Ford Super Duty has served as a donor platform for multiple types of armored vehicles, for civilian, law enforcement, and military use.

Examples include the STREIT/KrAZ Spartan, Didgori-2, Lenco BearCat, Plasan Sand Cat, Roshel Senator, Terradyne Gurkha, APC Novator, Conquest Knight XV, and TAD Turangga.