The 2008 Super Duty is not exactly all-new. Some body panels, and drivetrains remain while more substantial changes besides the aggressive front-end styling have occurred. There’s a new interior in five different configurations from wood-trimmed luxury leather to hose-out, with more added features that could reduce the sticker to less than some previous models depending on equipment And a new diesel engine easily handles the ever-increasing RV, boat, and agricultural towing needs.

The Super Duty line can haul from one ton to three, and tow from three to more than twelve. Depending on the configuration, it can comfortably seat three to six people with room to spare and offers more storage in the console, glovebox, and door pockets than some sports cars' trunks.

The 2008 Super Duty comes in myriad configurations, with four trim levels, four weight classifications, two box sizes (6.75 feet, 8 feet), in two-wheel and four-wheel drive. Almost every combination is available except the King Ranch version, which is offered only as a Crew Cab. However, our test vehicle was a 4X4 F-250 extended cab, in the Lariat trim, with the diesel engine. We will focus this review to that vehicle.

Walkaround: Already the biggest pickup available, the 2008 Super Duty appears even larger because of its aggressive, barred front grille, stacked headlamps and deeper bumper. The color of the side vent defines it as gasoline or diesel-powered.

New towing mirrors both telescope and fold (manual or powered) and include signal repeaters. They feature two large reflective elements assuring safe rear vision when used with the widest street-legal trailers.

The four trim levels are the base XL, which is basically commercial; the Lariat (n/a on regular cabs); the King Ranch, which is offered only on Lariat Crew Cabs, and top-of-the-line XLT trim. There’s also a FX4 off-road model.

One very cool option is a 16.7 x 4.5-inch step with a half-ton load rating that pops out of the tailgate and raises a grab handle rated at 300 pounds to make the climb safer. The handle makes bed access easier but sometimes needs to be lowered to load cargo.

Interior: The interior has been restyled for 2008 with the dash segmented in three parts. The center stack houses a pair of large, chrome-trimmed vents, with the radio and navigation the focus, located at the top center position. Our Lariat was equipped with premium sound including Sirius Satellite Radio.

The center console is huge. The seats offer a superb view out, and our captain's chairs offered ample comfort. Our Lariat was also equipped with the tilt wheel, memory system and adjustable pedals to allow great flexibility between drivers.

Primary controls are simple and easy to use. With three-and-a-half feet of headroom and almost six feet of shoulder room, the Super Duty cab defines large. The King Ranch version adds a little Lincoln to the mix while the base XL model could be hosed out using a bucket and a scrub brush.

Meanwhile, the ventilation system is capable of cooling or heating the cavernous cabin and keeping forward windows and mirrors clear. The seat heaters are very effective; and a supplemental cab heater is available for diesel models.

The navigation system is more intuitive than many others and will be easily familiar to previous Ford drivers.

Standard on the Lariat are dual-zone climate control, trip computer, dual sound/climate controls — one set in the dash and the other on the steering wheel, abundant woodgrain trim, lighted visor mirrors, remote locks, privacy glass and a power sliding rear window.

The King Ranch package, offered only on Lariat Crew Cabs, adds two-tone paint, driver memory package, tow mirrors, unique forged alloy wheels, powered trailer mirrors, badging, and Chaparral-leather for the steering wheel and four captain's chairs and both center consoles.

Safety equipment includes antilock brakes, dual front airbags, adjustable height outboard belt anchors, child-seat LATCH anchors, and a passenger airbag deactivation switch on regular and SuperCabs, all standard.

Under The Hood: The 5.4-liter gas-powered V8 is standard and a good choice if you don't plan on towing more than about 5,000 pounds. Our F-250 Lariat test vehicle was equipped with the all-new 6.4-liter diesel engine, which boasts 350 horses, and a mighty 650 lb-ft of torque. It’s also much quieter, and cleaner — but has sacrificed slight fuel economy because of the added output and heavier weight. Aside from the speed with which it conquers hills, and discounting individual driving styles, it delivers between 10 percent and 40 percent better fuel economy. Frankly, I didn’t find it noticeably different than the gas engine. However, the five-speed automatic transmission doesn’t compare to GM and Dodge's six-speed automatics.

Behind The Wheel: Regardless of hype, no heavy-duty pickup rides like a car, and that includes the Super Duty. Most people happily accept the slightly stiffer ride in exchange for Ford's solid front axle design, which is superior in durability.

The word handling isn’t usually used in conjunction with heavy-duty pickups as much as control, but the F-250 Super Duty handles comfortably even with heavy loads. Braking will never equal cars because of the weight and laws of physics, but Ford’s Tow Command system can't be beaten. The Super Duty isn’t available with a factory exhaust brake option like the Dodge Cummins, a feature equally useful on long hauls.

Ford's Tow Command integrated trailer brake system is easy to set up and provides better, smoother trailer braking control than any aftermarket controller. However, it may not be compatible with all trailer disc-brake systems. The reverse parking sensor can also be disabled when towing.

Whines: Unlike the Toyota Tundra and GM trucks, our extended cab rear doors only open 90 degrees — a pain when trying to load or unload cargo in a parking lot.

Bottom Line: The Ford F-250 Super Duty offers the widest array of configurations and powertrains, and is equally capable of meeting recreational or commercial needs. It has more of what you expect from a heavy-duty pickup, yet is more comfortable, rides better, and is more environmentally friendly — something not normally associated with big, diesel trucks. Ordered with an honest, thoughtful appraisal of your needs and expectations, it’s hard to beat.