It sounds like the only practical difference is for towing. What exactly is the difference? Why is the Ecoboost better for towing? How can a 3.5L v6 tow better than a 5.0L v8? I usually tow a boat from the WI/IL line to northern MN each summer. Is that enough reason to go with an Ecoboost?

 

How much weight are you towing? Personally, I don't think there is much difference between the two. However, I don't tow on a regular basis. If you're towing a small boat, then I think either will do the job just fine. I think the gas mileage between the two is minmial at best.

 

The ecoboost makes more torque sooner.

 

Yep, that's why it's better for towing. In theory, under unloaded conditions, the turbo V6 should get better mileage, but some owners are getting less than expected.

Myself, I'd buy it for the torque, not for the gas mileage.

 

ecoboost twin turbo v6- lighter, higher torque rating, flatter torque curve, about 2-3mpg better combined average, and a tuner away from an extra 50hp 100ft/lbs torque (dont say turbos add complications to break all those big diesels you see in dump trucks to semis are TURBO diesels as are most all modern diesels).

5.0- most advanced v8 ford has made solid naturally aspirated type motor strong and good mpg makes plenty of power to do most you would want to do with an F150

 

Well said. The boost just makes more power over a broader powerband

 

Most people are not seeing a 2-3 mpg increase over the 5.0. I'd say is a wash, maybe 1 mpg. There is not enough difference to make mpg a deciding factor in my opinion.

 

When I was shopping for trucks, I had my heart set on a 5.0L 4x4 with 3.55 axles. Drove one and smiled like a kid in a toy store.

The dealer pulled my truck up next to it and apparently he was having some real issues selling an ecoboost 4x4 with 3.31 axles. I drove it and I liked it the same. He made me a deal that I couldn't refuse.

In truth, the 3.7L trucks are more truck than most of us will ever need. Of course you can't get the 3.7L on higher end models.

I haven't heard of one reliability issue or chronic MPG with the 3.7L. If you're shopping for a lower tier model truck such as an XLT 4x2 or lower model, give it a look.

 

I'm a V8 guy, and love the sound of my 5.0. I also tow our camper with it, and it does a great job. Very happy with it. We also get between 17 and 19 mpg not towing.