Daily Slideshow: Will Modern EcoBoost V-6 Engines Replace The Traditional V-8
Modern EcoBoost V6s or a traditional V8? We test all 3 to find out.
Is Newer Really Better? In Most Cases, Yes.
Many years ago, there were only two engine choices for Ford truck buyers. Those on a budget picked a 6 cylinder, due to low cost and high fuel economy figures. For hauling more serious loads, the only option was a good strong V-8 motor. If anyone had suggested putting a tiny 2.7-liter engine in a large truck, they would have been laughed out of the room. But today, Ford trucks are being powered with displacements that small, and very successfully as well. To see how these new compact engines compare to a traditional V-8, Ford sent us four trucks to drive. This included the 5.0 V-8, 2.7 liter EcoBoost, and 3.5 liter EcoBoost. The first overall performance was evaluated, and then real-world fuel economy was recorded. An F-150 with the base 3.3 V-6 290 hp engine was requested but was not available.
Ford SuperCrew Lariat
First up was a Ford F-150 with the 5.0 liter V-8. This was a 4x4 SuperCrew Lariat with 3.55 rear axle and extended 36-gallon fuel tank. Other options included tow pack, trailer brake, spray in bed liner, and enough other goodies to bring the total price to $55,995.
5.0L V8
The 5.0 cranks out 395 horsepower, and 400 lb./ft. of torque. Fuel economy on the price sticker was listed at 15 city, 21 highway, with 17 overall. This is a powerful engine for sure, but it needs to rev up to about 2500 rpm before it comes to life. Real world fuel economy was 13 mpg in heavy city driving, 19 on the highway, and 16 overall. The most enjoyable feature was the sound coming from under the hood, the roar of a good old-fashioned V-8! This is a good "all around" engine that is a pleasure in daily commuting, yet has enough torque for towing. It’s a good choice.
F-150 Extended Cab
The next F-150 was an extended cab 4x4. No price sticker was supplied, but with all the luxury options, we assumed it certainly was no cheaper than the previous V-8 truck. Most onlookers were not convinced dropping from a large 5.0 liters to a tiny 2.7 liter EcoBoost was going to impress. They were wrong.
2.7L EcoBoost
The 2.7 Eco puts out 325 horsepower, which is far less than that large V-8. But the ace in the hole is a torque rating of 400 lb/ft thanks to the turbocharging system. Fuel economy is listed at 18/24 mpg. This engine is smooth as silk, very quiet (no roar of a V-8 here), and actually quicker than the V-8 too. It was one of the more impressive truck engines we have ever tested. Real world fuel economy was 15 mpg in heavy city traffic, 19 mpg on the highway, and 17.5 average. Keep in mind this was a 4x4, but 2-wheel drive fuel economy is listed at 1 mpg more. We did notice the fuel gauge really move south when this little engine was pressed hard. Power isn't free. Still, the overall economy figures we got were nothing to complain about.
4x4 SuperCrew
Or third F-150 was another 4x4 SuperCrew. This was an upgraded luxury Platinum series and was loaded up to a $62,950 price. Under the hood was a larger 3.5 liter EcoBoost. It was hooked to the new 10-speed automatic transmission, and 3.55 electronic lock rear axle. Fuel economy is listed at 17/23 mpg with 20 overall.
3.5L EcoBoost
The 3.5L Eco horsepower rating is 375, only slightly less than the 5.0 V-8. But with a whopping 470 lb/ft of torque, this motor pulls like a tank, which makes it the best choice for towing heavy loads. Pushing the gas pedal down gives the driver a gentle shove in the seat. Nobody was impressed with the strange whooshing sound this engine makes acceleration, but never complained about performance. In spite of a higher EPA fuel economy rating over the big V-8, we saw no difference. Real world fuel economy was same as the V-8 at 13 city, 19 highway, and 16 overall. But since we are getting more power, yet using no more fuel, there is no reason to complain.
For towing heavy loads, the 3.5L EcoBoost is the best choice.
After testing all three engines, the question of which is best comes up. For towing heavy loads, the 3.5 V-6 is the one to go for hands down. Its massive torque wins the day. For other chores, it is a tossup between the other two choices. The 5.0 liter V-8 is happy towing medium loads, has less plumbing under the hood, and makes a great sound for traditional truck lovers. But the 2.7 EcoBoost is quicker (by our tests), gets better fuel economy, and about $1,000 less expensive to order. Take your pick.
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