The Best F-150 Engine for Towing? 5.0 V8 vs EcoBoost V6 Engines!
EcoBoost engines park big power, but the 5.0-liter V8 is more familiar to many F-150 owners.
Twenty years ago, when you bought a new Ford F-150, ordering the biggest engine meant that you had the most capable and most powerful engine. Today, that is no longer true. The biggest engine in the F-150 lineup is the 5.0-liter “Coyote” V8 with 395 horsepower, 400 lb-ft of torque and an 11,600 pound towing capacity. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 offers a little less horsepower with 375, but it offers gobs more torque at 470 lb-ft and the highest towing capacity at 13,200 pounds. These numbers lead some prospective F-150 buyers wondering whether they should go with the V8 or the booted V6. This decision is especially hard for truck owners who are used to the sound and dynamics of the V8 engine, even though the EcoBoost offers more torque and a higher towing capacity.
One of those prospective buyers is “Big-Red-Lariat”, who is on the hunt for a new F-150. He has always had V8 trucks, so he would prefer to stick with what he knows. However, he is finding far more selection with the EcoBoost engines, so he turned to the forum for advice on whether it will be a good idea for him to make the jump to the boosted V6.
EcoBoost versus Coyote Introduction
When the OP first posted his question in the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 section, he shared the following concerns.
Always owned 5L V8’s but there are more 6cyl Ecoboost around and much more selection it seems. Does Ecoboost give the same power as V8 especially for towing or should I stick to the V8? Will I be sorry for switching?
The first person to reply was “85e150”, who owns an EcoBoost, but he seems to prefer the V8.
The 3.5 outpowers the V8.
I have a 2.7. I had a 5.0 loaner the last time I went in for service. The 5.0 is there the second you touch the go pedal. It has a linear pull, all the way to redline.
The 2.7 has a bit of a lag, and seems to hit harder when the boost comes in. I would bet the 5.0 would take it most of the time, depending on the driver.
IMO you should drive the 3.5 EB. You’ll know right away if you like the feel of the turbo setup.
After that, many members spoke up to share their personal preference.
3.5-Liter EcoBoost Fans Sound Off
The first member to recommend the 3.5-liter EcoBoost was “1Digger”.
I’ve had both. In my opinion, the only thing the 5.0 does better than the 3.5 is make noise. The 3.5 is a beast and it does it at lower RPM.
The next was “Scott91370”, who focused more on the towing aspect of the situation.
The 3.5 for towing will be a bit better as the turbos come on early and fairly smooth. Low end torque is almost diesel like.
“CJM8515” is happy with his hard-driven 3.5-liter EcoBoost.
I drive my 20 3.5L with 3.73 rear HARD. It spits out 17.5mpg consistently and I do almost all city driving. I also have the max tow and HDPP so I have the heavier wheels and tires to boot.
“GlueGuy” explained why the 3.5-liter EcoBoost would tow better.
The 3.5L EB produces more torque than the NA 5.0L at a lot lower RPM. If you’re going up a mountain pass with a 7,000 lb trailer, the 3.5L EB will be just humming along, where the 5.0L will be making a lot more noise (because it has to run at higher RPM to produce the same torque).
The Smaller EcoBoost
There were also some folks who spoke up in favor of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost, including “Ford Coastie”.
I’m very happy with my 2.7. I have had the 3.5 too, and the 2.7 has more than enough power for my needs. I consistently get 20 mpg with a lot of city driving. My rear gear is 3:55, and my truck is a 2wd.
“Adock” went into more detail on his experiences with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost.
I was dead set on the 5.0 when I went looking for a truck. I ultimately ended up with the 2.7L and couldn’t be happier. Unfortunately I can’t speak to towing and hauling. The most I’ve had behind it was maybe 1000 lbs of hay for the horses. It pulled that without any complaints. I actually got better mpg than my typical driving lol.
It’s honestly a completely different truck. I could feel the extra weight of the V8 when cornering. Also the power delivery is completely different. Sure the V8 has more power but the ecoboost makes more power down low. I felt like I was working the V8 more during normal driving than the ecoboost. I also got the chance to rent a 5.0 for work and it did a lot more shifting on the highway than my 2.7L.
I do miss the sound of a V8 I had an 02 Tundra previously but the mpg and the effortless power delivery is worth it.
The V8 Crowd
The first person to praise the V8 for something other than sound was “Wiggums.”
The 5.0 got better gas mileage, more consistent.. the 3.5, sometimes I got great gas mileage, sometimes it was bad.
“Godsarmy” was next.
Once I switched to 91 octane I’m getting 18.5-19.5 with my 2019 Coyote V8 in the city
-The V8 will work far less hard then the ecoboost motors and get better mileage in my opinion.
-So far I love it!
Finally, “BrandonRR” is a 5.0 fan, but he sees the advantages of the EcoBoost V6.
I like the 5.0 and had one in a 2011 mustang gt and have driven 5.0 f-150s at work. If I HAD to have a V8 in a 1/2 ton truck, the coyote would be my first pick. That being said, I’ve owned multiple diesel trucks and still cant get over how much low-end torque the 3.5 puts out. Throw a tune on the 3.5 and you’ve got yourself a FAST truck…that can still tow 10,000lbs+ when equipped right.
This video really tempts me to part ways with the powertrain warranty on my 2019 3.5
If you have a newer Ford F-150 and you want to share your preferences or experiences with any of these engines, click here to head into the original thread.
Engine bay photos by Patrick Rall for Ford-Trucks.
Engine stand and production line photos courtesy of Ford media files.
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