I currently own a 2000 F250'SD 4x4 with the 5.4L and love it. It's a regular cab long box so it lacks some cab space but that's my only issue with truck besides the rough ride. I recently found a really good deal on on a 2001 Excursion Limited 4x4 with the 5.4L and am thinking of making the switch. As far as truck vs SUV I don't really need the bed I mostly use the truck for hauling boats (I own a boat shop) anything I need to haul in the bed I could probably just put in my utility trailer.

My concern is that I will be disappointed with the 5.4L in the Excursion, I've read a lot of reviews on Excursions and they say 5.4L is too small for the size of the vehicle. My F250 is no rocket ship but I think it is just fine with the V8 and does pretty good on gas for a 6500lb truck. I'm assuming the Excursion weights more but it can't be much more then what my F250 weighs

The biggest boats I tow are about 7000lbs with the trailers so I'm not looking to move anything huge. My truck does exactly what I need it to right now so if the Excursion were the same I would perfectly happy plus I'd have heated leather and two more rows of seats.

 

if your happy with the 5.4 in your f-250 you will more then likely be happy with it in the excursion. there is a good amount of weight difference but your not used to anything really setting you back in the seat so i'm sure it'll be ok.

 

The X weighs alot more so expect your X to be a tad bit slower. I have a 5.4 X and she is not winning any races but gets pretty damn good gas milage. average around 14.5 with 75% city driving. If you are not towing anything heavy and do not need tons of torque then i say go for it.

I would suggest throttle body change, cold air intake and exhaust. I have yet to do the throttle body but it is said that a noticeable difference can be felt. Good luck the X is a sweet rig

 

Ive always wanted to drive a 5.4 excursion to see how it compares to my v10

 

I own a 5.4L Excursion and am satisfied with the power for occasional towing of loads up to 12,000 pounds. Make sure you get one with 4.10 gears. I think all the 4x4 5.4L Excursions had 4.10 gears standard but you should double check before buying one.
I get 10 to 12 mpg short trips, towing and city driving in the winter. 15 mpg on long trips and the best I have seen is 16.4.

 

5.4s around here can be had pretty cheap. I saw a 2005 xlt with low miles and super clean for 8900

 

My X is basically a family hauler. So I test drove the 5.4 first it was ok then I test drove a V10 and it was 100% better ride. I went with the V10 even though I dont tow just because I like to have the little extra power.