Which Engine Will Power the Diesel Ford F-150 Trucks? [Poll]

2017 2018 ford f150 diesel turbo hybrid spy prototype power stroke
Ford F-150 prototype

Several reports of diesel-powered Ford F-150 prototypes recently surfaced. There was a video of a Ford prototype with diesel clatter sound and a unique exhaust outlet. A few other diesel Ford F-150 prototypes were caught testing in the wild.

However, which turbo-diesel engine will make the most sense for the upcoming F-150 refresh for the 2017 or 2018 model years? There are three options that come to mind.

First is a version of the 3.2-liter Power Stroke I5 engine that is currently used in the Ford Transit commercial van. This five-cylinder currently produces 185 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque in the van. It is built for commercial duty where longevity and durability are more important than refinement and quietness. If used, the horsepower and torque ratings would have to be slightly increased.

The second option is the European 3.2-liter TDCi turbo-diesel that is used in the current Ford Ranger and other Fords overseas. This version of the engine produces approximately 197 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. The next iteration of the Ford Ranger is likely coming to the United States, so there could be a common engine between the updated F-150 and the new Ranger.

Finally, there is the potential of sharing the 3.0-liter V6 Td6 turbo-diesel engine that Range Rover recently introduced in the United States. This motor produces 254 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. The higher power output of this 3.0L V6 sounds like a better match for the F-150. We tested the 2016 Range Rover Sport with diesel power and were impressed by its power delivery, refinement, and efficiency.

Of course, Ford may have another trick up its sleeve with an entirely new turbo-diesel engine.

Whichever engine Ford is working on, it will have to meet or exceed the rating of 29 MPG on the highway that belongs to the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and the smaller Chevy Colorado Duramax in order to be the new MPG king. Diesel-powered midsize and half-ton trucks from GM and Ram have struck a cord with consumers and continue to gain popularity. The fact that Ford is testing diesel F-150 prototypes is an acknowledgment of the trend towards more light-duty diesel trucks. The post “TDI Dieselgate” era is a tough environment in which to introduce and certify a new light duty motor for the United States and other markets.

Please tell us which diesel engine you would likely choose for your next Ford F-150 using this poll.

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While you contemplate the possibility of a turbo-diesel Ford F-150, here is a more traditional 5.0L V8 truck going up the Ike Gauntlet extreme towing test.