The Ford F-150 is offered with a mind-numbing six distinct engine options. Which engine to get? What are the pros and cons of each? This is precisely what this article is all about. We at TFLtruck have real-world experience with each one of these engines, so here is a guide to what’s good or bad about this massive engine lineup.
First, let’s list all of the engine options. They are: 3.3L V6, 2.7L turbo V6, 5.0L V8, 3.5L turbo V6, 3.0L turbo-diesel V6, and a high-output 3.5L turbo V6. Here are the power specification and information on all six engines.
Ford F-150 3.3L V6 (Base Engine)
This is a naturally-aspirated dual fuel injection engine that serves duty as the base engine for the 2019 Ford F-150 half-ton truck. It’s rated at 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.
Pros:
- This is indeed the most affordable engine in the lineup. The value is helped by the fact that this is the only F-150 engine that is currently combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission. All other engines are mated to a 10-speed auto.
- This engine likes to rev, and it does so quickly upon request.
- It’s relatively efficient with an EPA rating of 19/24/21 MPG.
Cons:
- It’s not class-leading in terms of power or torque. The Ram 1500 3.6L V6 has a higher horsepower rating (305 hp). The GM 4.3L V6 has a higher torque rating (305 lb-ft of torque).
- It is typical for this type of engine, but you need rev it high in the rpm range to get to the maximum power and acceleration.
2.7L EcoBoost V6
This is a second generation EcoBoost engine with dual injection (port & direct). It does have two turbochargers to produce a rating of 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.
This engine costs $995 over the base 3.3L V6.
Pros:
- This is a huge performance step up over the base 3.3L V6.
- This engine feels more powerful than its small displacement and ratings suggest.
- In 2WD configuration, it has the best F-150 fuel economy EPA rating of 20/26/22 MPG.
Cons:
- If you want Ford’s maximum payload or maximum towing ratings, this is not the engine to do it.
5.0L Coyote V8
This is currently the only V8 engine in the F-150 lineup. It also has a dual injection system (port & direct). The rating is 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. It has a lot more power than the 2.7L turbo V6, but it has the same torque rating (with max torque coming in higher in the rpm range).
This engine costs $1,995 over the base 3.3L V6.
Pros:
- It has that traditional V8 sound.
- This is the engine to get for the F-150 maximum payload rating of 3,270 lbs with a special heavy payload suspension package.
- Its real-world fuel economy is close to that of the EcoBoost V6 engines.
Cons:
- It does not have that low-end torque of a turbocharged engine.
3.5L EcoBoost V6
This is 2.7L V6’s bigger brother. It uses a similar second generation design with dual fuel injection, but the power rating is higher. The engine is rated at 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.
This engine costs $2,595 over the base 3.3L V6.
Pros:
- This is a relatively affordable way to get a very quick Ford F-150.
- This is the engine to get in order to achieve that maximum F-150 towing rating of 13,200 lbs.
Cons:
- We have struggled to match the EPA fuel economy ratings with this engine. For example, an F-150 4×4 has an EPA rating of 17/23/19 MPG. Although the new “Eco” mode has improved the efficiency performance of this engine.
3.0L Power Stroke Diesel V6
This is currently the only half-ton turbo-diesel engine available for sale in the United States. The 3.0L I6 from GM and the next 3.0L V6 from Ram are not available yet. The rating on this engine is 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque.
Pros:
- Lots of diesel torque low in the rpm range.
- Very good real-world fuel economy performance. The engine is EPA rated at 20/25/22 MPG.
- High payload and towing ratings for a diesel half-ton. Maximum payload of 1,940 lbs and maximum towing of up to 11,400 lbs.
Cons:
- This engine is expensive. For consumers, it’s only available in a Lariat trim or above. It’s a $4,000 option in a Lariat on top of 2.7L EcoBoost V6 price.
- While there is good punch off-the-line, the engine runs out of steam above 45 MPH. This is typical of a turbo-diesel engine. This is not a very quick truck.
3.5L High Output EcoBoost V6
This is a specially tuned twin-turbo V6 engine that has unique and strengthened internal components to deliver much higher output rating of 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.
This engine is available in a F-150 Limited or the F-150 Raptor.
Pros:
- Lot’s of power and speed. The 2019 F-150 Limited is the quickest stock truck we have ever tested in Colorado.
Cons:
- This is a very expensive engine option. The Ford Raptor starts at $54,450 for an extended cab. The F-150 Limited crew cab starts at $68,730.
- Since this engine is only available in a fully-loaded Limited or any Ford Raptor – the ultimate power of this engine is partially offset by the heavier curb weight of these trucks.
