We recently received the following question from Matt about full-size trucks with the base V6 engines:
I know that the base Ford 3.7l, 3.5l and upcoming 3.3l v6 engines don’t get a lot of attention in the automotive press but these are proven, uncomplicated, reliable engines that are often times the best option. Let’s not kid ourselves, most crew cab trucks are used as family haulers these days. Most crew cab pickups won’t ever see a trailer or boat ramp in there lives.
I was excited to hear about the new 3.3l naturally aspirated V6 in the upcoming 2018 Ford F150, but I was disappointed to learn that it wouldn’t be coming with the new 10-speed transmission. I have a sinking suspicion that the reason ford chose to pair the base 3.3 v6 with the old 6-speed is because if paired with the 10 speed, it would have netted better fuel economy numbers then the 2.7l EcoBoost.
So what do you guys think. Why don’t the base V6 trucks get the love and respect they deserve? Could they be the best option for a lot of people but are overlooked due to marketing? Is Ford purposely holding back the new 3.3l v6 by pairing it with the old 6-speed transmission, so it doesn’t best the 2.7l in full economy?
We do not get to test many base V6 engines in full-size trucks. In fact, we have never tested a base V6 in a Ford F-150. It’s difficult for us to get these trucks, as manufacturers usually send us top-of-the-line models. Manufacturers prefer that we test fully loaded trucks and show all the features. We like it as well, but we also continue to ask all truck makers to send us more base trucks. We want more affordable trucks that can get job done on a budget.
Why doesn’t Ford mate the 3.3L V6 to the 10-speed automatic in the 2018 F-150? We do not know the precise reason, but my educated guess has to do with the initial cost and maintenance. Yes, the 10-speed may be able to improve the efficiency of the truck, but these work trucks need to be more simple, cost effective, and cheaper to maintain. The all-new 10-speed transmission may not satisfy all of those goals.
The base V6 is very good for a “work truck” configuration that is used for deliveries or in other commercial fleets. Yes, the base V6 can also be good for a family truck, but it is unlikely to satisfy a private consumer if you put the engine in a crew cab 4×4 truck. Ford only offers the base V6 in XL and XLT grades for 2017 F-150.
We have experience with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 in the Ram 1500. It’s a fine truck, and it is affordable at under $36,000 for a double-can 4×4. It can get the job done, but it is rated at 6,300 lbs of maximum towing. It can handle the maximum load as you can see in the video below. However, it is slow at acceleration with a nearly 6,000 lbs trailer.
Bottom line is: if you want an affordable full-size truck and do not need to tow heavy loads, then a base V6 may be choice for you. These trucks are relatively efficient and present a good value.
