3.7 or 3.5?
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 99
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From: Acworth, Ga
3.7 or 3.5?
I’m looking at a 14 and 16 F-150 to use as a DD about 80 miles round trip to work. Both have the small V6 and are regular cab and 2wd. I’ll only be towing a small landscape trailer occasionally so tow ratings aren’t that big of a deal. They both get 20+ mpg so that’s not a concern either. My question is would either of the base engines be more desirable than the other...Mostly from a reliability standpoint? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Acworth, Ga
Thanks. I drove the 16 yesterday and was fairly impressed with the power and how it drove. It’s an XL truck (without select shift trans) and the only thing I didn’t like about it is there wasn’t a +\- button on the gear selector and I couldn’t figure out how to lock out over drive. Is that possible?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 139
Likes: 8
I have 14 with the 3.7L and I'm happy with it. It has plenty of power and handles the little towing that I have thrown at it well. Sorry but I can't offer any comparison to the 3.5, but I'm sure that it would handle your needs also.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 7
From: Pittsburgh, PA
I have a '12 4x4 with the 3.7 and it has been extremely reliable so far. Having 4wd I can consistently get 19-20 mpg on the highway, but not much more. And although the engine is powerful, the added weight of the 4wd, and the simple fact that this is a 5000+ lb truck often has me wishing for the V8. But for your needs, a 3.7 2wd should be fine. With the right gear, they can tow up to 7000 #'s. I think I'm limited to about 6000 or so.
I have no personal experience on the 3.5 N/A trucks. Most likely the one you drove did not have the factory installed towing package. That's what gives you the Select Shift Transmission option.
I have no personal experience on the 3.5 N/A trucks. Most likely the one you drove did not have the factory installed towing package. That's what gives you the Select Shift Transmission option.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 336
Likes: 2
I have a '12 4x4 with the 3.7 and it has been extremely reliable so far. Having 4wd I can consistently get 19-20 mpg on the highway, but not much more. And although the engine is powerful, the added weight of the 4wd, and the simple fact that this is a 5000+ lb truck often has me wishing for the V8. But for your needs, a 3.7 2wd should be fine. With the right gear, they can tow up to 7000 #'s. I think I'm limited to about 6000 or so.
I have no personal experience on the 3.5 N/A trucks. Most likely the one you drove did not have the factory installed towing package. That's what gives you the Select Shift Transmission option.
I have no personal experience on the 3.5 N/A trucks. Most likely the one you drove did not have the factory installed towing package. That's what gives you the Select Shift Transmission option.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 153
Likes: 3
From: Pompano Beach, FL
I don't know if OP is still around, but I'm wondering what he picked and how it's going for him.
My '11 has been very reliable over the years, but I never saw 20mpg avg unless I was doing less than 55 on cruise control.
Then again, I drive about 40% city, 60% hwy, and I have a heavy foot, with the 3.73 gears so....
My gas counter thingy on the dash stayed around 15mpg or less about 90% of the time I've owned the truck.
But I am curious because it's almost time for a newer truck....
My '11 has been very reliable over the years, but I never saw 20mpg avg unless I was doing less than 55 on cruise control.
Then again, I drive about 40% city, 60% hwy, and I have a heavy foot, with the 3.73 gears so....
My gas counter thingy on the dash stayed around 15mpg or less about 90% of the time I've owned the truck.
But I am curious because it's almost time for a newer truck....
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