I have been driving my 2004 XLT for 12 years now. It has the 4.6L Triton V-8, which was the smaller engine on the 2004 (they introduced the V-6 option on the 2005). The 4.6 has been a good engine for me, pleasant enough for normal driving, and it handles the occasional U-haul trailering experience.
I've set a stretch goal to save up for and purchase a new F-150 by the time the 2018 December incentives come along. In my research, I've found that the new F-150s have three V-6 EcoBoost options and one 5.0L V-8 option. I know I've been out of the new-truck game for a long time now, and I may sound like an old fogey that thinks V-6 engines in a full size are undersized, but I'm willing to change... which model engine should I go with? I tow occasionally, usually smaller trailers. Mostly I just want to be happy with driving the thing. Should I go with the new 3.3? Or should I splurge on the 3.5? Or should I bite the bullet and shoot for the moon with the V-8?

Your personal opinions are fine here. Thanks for your input!

 

Seems like I answered this same question somewhere else. Howver in my humble opinion.
There is only 2 Ecoboost engines. The 3.3 in not boosted. I personally have owned 2 3.5 Eco engines ( 2012 and 2015) ( Supercrew 4X4 5.5 bed)I have had 0 issues with either one. The '15
actually outperforms the '12. However Depending on the cab you chose, a regular (any bed) or a Supercab (6.5 bed) the 3.3 will suit your needs. the 2.7 Eco would exceed them with what you describe. in the Supercrew with 5.5 or 6.5 the smallest engine you can get is the 2.7, which will still do what you discreibe above. The 5.0 or 3.5 Eco will overkill, but lots of fun.

 

Alas, you have answered my question twice I threw it up in both forums such that I might be sure to glean from as many enthusiasts as possible

 

The 2.7 EB will be the closest to your old 4.6, and will actually exceed the 4.6 capabilities. The 4.6 was a great engine and solid as a rock. The 2.7 EB will actually run away from it in a drag race.

EB engines, in my opinion, have proven themselves. Although every once in a while someone will come in her and make negative comments. The fact is that there are millions on the road and they have a great overall reliability record.

The 5.0 V8, is quite a bit more powerful than your old 4.6. It will feel more familiar to you as the power band is more like what you're used to. The V8 winds up to it's peak torque, while the 3.5 EB and 2.7 EB have peak torque almost as soon as you get on the throttle.

I would say test drive a 5.0 and a 2.7 EB, for more than 5 minutes, then decide. The 3.5 EB has more torque and HP, especially good for towing. But the 2.7 gives up nothing in everyday driving compared to the 3.5.

 

I'm very happy with mine. The 3.3 is the only one that comes with the 6 speed automatic which has proven itself to be a very durable and rugged transmission. Does anyone really need a 10 speed automatic? I don't think so. The 290 hp engine has plenty of power for passing and towing too. The towing capacity on mine is 5000 pounds but I pulled a 3500 pound car on a 2200 pound U-Haul trailer (5700 pounds total) for 275 miles with no problems whatsoever. I had a 2012 F150 with the 3.5 Eco and the turbos went out at 160k so I won't be buying another one and won't be recommending them to anyone either. Good luck with your decision and let us know what you decide to go with....

 

Go for the 5.0 V8.

Proven engine that`s less complicated than the EB engines and cheaper to repair when or if repairs are needed. The only thing that you`ll have to worry about is if all of the bugs have been worked out of the 10 speed transmission by the time you make your purchase.

Also, when December 2018 rolls around, and if there are any still sitting on a dealers lot, don`t shy away from purchasing a new 2017 F150 with the V8. You Might find a higher trim F150 for less money than a lower trim 2018 F150.

 

I'll just say that every one of the motors today will outperform your current rig...especially since the trucks have lost weight in the last couple of years.

That said, unless you have some very specific goal of a heavy towing 1/2-ton or want to hypermile your 1/2-ton....the engines are not where your decision making time should be wasted. Instead, look at options that might make your driving time more comfortable or efficient.

The best use of your time will come from test driving a few trim levels, at which time you'll surely end up trying different motors and encountering different options you might like.

Don't get bogged down on motor research. I have the 3.5EB and wouldn't have considered the 2.7EB. Then, I ended up driving a 2.7EB loaner for a week and realized I'd have been just as happy with it.

 

All you can do is Drive the different Trucks with the 5.0 V8 or one of the Ecoboost Powered trucks as you can see I drive one with a 2.7 10 speed trans and I drove the other 2 and this I think was my Best choice I traded in a 2014 3.5 EB in and this truck will outperform Everything, I own a 21ft TT that I plan to tow with it.

 

Like you I went from a 2004 4.6L to the 2015 I bought new. I shopped around and test drove all the engines available at the time. I found the 3.5 NA the closest to the 4.6 I owned and all the other engines were way more powerful. I opted for the 5.0 mostly because I found one on a lot that was optioned exactly as I wanted. I really like the 5.0. I'm getting 3-4 mpg better than the 4.6 and the power is way more than adequate (it sounds great too). My use of the truck is similar to yours, and any of the engines available now would meet your needs. Drive them and see which you like best.

 

I've had 3 F-150's with 4.6L engines. Those were fine little engine and I never a bit of trouble out of them. I've generally always been a V8 man but that was way before smaller more powerful and reliable engine became available. I have had two (2) trucks with an Ecoboost 3.5L engines and I wouldn't have it any other way. In selecting the correct engine for your needs you can't go wrong if you consider you towing and hauling needs. It always a good idea to get opinions of others but if you will take a look at the spec's and towing and hauling information that's readily available I'm sure you will make the right choice. Review page 33-34 of the following link. https://www.ford.com/services/assets...-150&year=2018

 

Remember, the 5.0 is essentially an all new engine for 2018.

 

Sold a 13 3.5 Eco Boost and bought a 18 5.0. Liked the 13 and had no problems with it but I like the 18 5.0 more. Have not towed with it yet and didn't much with the 13 but when I did it ran hotter than I liked. 18 may be the same..... Both kick butt when you lean on the pedal on the right. I liked the 6 speed but wished it had a 1.1 gear but didn't. The 10 speed has 1.1 as a 7th with 3 overdrives. It also hunts for gears in ez traffic, but I'm getting used to it. I personally don't like the auto stop/start feature and turn it off when I use the truck.

 

Drive them each for 20 minutes or so, back to back. That's how I chose mine. Well that, and mine has a 6.5' bed. If the 5.0 was equiped like mine, I may have chosen it instead.

There really are no bad choices. If you tow or haul at high elevation, the EcoBoost would be the easy choice by far. Mine pulled strong up to 9000 feet (the highest I've been with it yet)

 

I personally would get the 5.0, but only you really know what is best for your needs.

 

Chalk me up as an initial disbeliever in the thought of a 2.7 EB in a full size truck. I then read amazing reviews and decided to drive one, basically because it was the truck I wanted options wise on the dealer lot. I Think the 2.7 is amazing. It does EVERYTHING better than my 08' that had the 5.4, so it would surpass any expectations you would have coming from a 4.6, especially if your 04 was the "New" heavy body style and not the 04' Heritage "old" lighter truck. Interesting to me is that acording to Ford's website, the SuperCab 4x4 equipped identical to a SuperCrew 4x4 weighs only lke 56lbs less......... I personally would not buy the 3.3 V6 in anything that was 4x4. The upgraded 2.7 or 5.0 will pay for them self in real world resale. There will be a ton of 3.3 budget work and rental trucks on the market in a few years. Just my opinion.