What is the 2.7L EcoBoost powered 2015 Ford F-150 like to drive? We recently got a quick taste (about 15 minutes) behind the wheel of the all-new truck near Denver, Colorado. So these impressions are based on driving the pickup at more than a mile above sea level. Can the small turbocharged V6 adopt well to the higher elevation? After all, the current 3.5L EcoBoost is a very popular engine choice in Colorado and other Rocky Mountain states.
The specs for this engine are: 325 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm and 375 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm. Fuel mileage estimates for the 2WD regular cab version are 19 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, and 22 MPG combined.
Each test drive had four guys in the truck (approximately 1,000 pounds of humanity, including me). The 2.7L does not hesitate. It revs quickly and feels willing to propel this Crew Cab 4×4 short bed. It did not blow me away with neck snapping acceleration. Expectations were very high as many journalists have talked about how quick the little turbo is. However, this truck has an extra ace up its sleeve. It’s the “Sport” mode on the 6-speed automatic transmission. Click the little button and the transmission changes character to keep rpms higher and hold gears longer. Revolutions do not drop below 2,500 rpm or so. This is the meat of the torque curve. The truck is super responsive and wants to leap forward. OK, this is impressive for a small displacement engine.
The ride quality is high. Ford worked hard on getting the F-150 to ride smoothly. It rides about as nicely as the 2015 GMC Canyon we recently tested. Although, you sit high and there is no mistaking that you are piloting a full-size truck.
There is one complaint from the short test drive. The steering felt too light. Yes, a truck is not supposed to handle like a sports car. The steering is not vague, but it feels like you could steer it with one finger. This driver prefers more weight in the steering.
There are absolutely no complaints on the interior or the bed utility. The new Ford feels downright huge on the inside. There is more than plenty of rear leg room. The doors open wide and there is the flat loading floor with the rear seats folded up.
How about the panoramic sunroof? You never thought you needed it in a pickup truck until you see it for the first time. It brings in so much light and make the cabin feel even bigger. It does not intrude much on the headroom.
We look forward for more extensive testing of the new F-150, including Off-Road and the Ike Gauntlet extreme towing test.
Check out this TFLtruck first drive video review of the 2.7L powered F-150.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been a contributor at TFL since 2011.
