New F150 motor

[Dioni A]

Looking for opinions on the 2.7 Ecoboost primarily. Anyone feel like it's underpowered and wish they got the 3.5? I'm on the fence, I don't tow much but I do like horsepower. Mileage is definitely a concern for me. Planning on leaving basically stock minus some beefier all terrains.

 

[Eltigreblanco]

I just got rid of a 2015 f150 with the 2.7. I think it's a great motor. I averaged about 22mpg, and thought the truck had plenty of power. The towing leaves a little to be desired, but if that's not a concern for you I would definitely recommend it.

 

[ArcherAdam]

I am in a similar boat as you. I am looking for a 2.7 (cpo).

From what i can tell the 2.7 is the ideal engine for many unless you are towing some good weight. It more than likely will handle it however your mpg will plummet. If I recall correctly, the 2.7 received an upgrade for 2018 which increased its capabilities which could narrow your decision down further?

Regardless, the way I am looking into it-- I doubt i will ever tow anything beyond the 2.7 capabilities and if I tow something it will be probably less than 1% of my time behind the wheel.


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[buck_shot11]

the 2.7L is an excellent motor with a great record. The motor has PLENTY of everyday power and can certainly tow any general utility trailer - I wouldn't recommend pulling heavy boats or RV. But for a regular man's truck, it hits the spot.

Full disclosure, I am a Ford Dealer in Louisiana. I cannot count high enough to tell you how many I've sold over the years to many, many happy clients.

 

[tjihrig]

Good truck, good motor for every day use and light towing. I switched to a power stroke for towing a camper and boat though in the mountains. I found, no matter the truck or brand, they must do the tow rating tests at sea level on flat ground- because at 95 degrees, 10k feet and 6% grade, none of them are as advertised. I will say this though, my neighbor has a small camper and had the 1500 Chevy, he traded for the f150 and said it’s night and day in the mountains towing.


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[scfreeman66]

I have a 3.5L truck. If I had to do it over again, I would have bought a 2.7L

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[Dioni A]

I have a 3.5L truck. If I had to do it over again, I would have bought a 2.7L

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Could you elaborate on what it is you don't like about the 3.5?

 

[HankNM]

Sure was glad I have the 3.5 when I was hauling a rack full of lumber up over Jewitt gap yesterday....

 

[X-file]

I haven’t had a 2.7 but can tell you my experience with a 3.5
First off I was averaging 19.7 mpg using premium fuel. This is in MT where you have wind and mountains and a speed limit of 80mph on the freeway. Towing my camper that weighs out close to 7500lbs, the truck had no issues with power at all.
But the downside is the f150 was too light. Truck with fuel and passengers weighed 5400#. In the wind here, even with a weight distribution hitch, the truck trailer combo felt on the edge of being safe. Also the small displacement motors did not feel very safe going down hills.
IMHO the fuel mileage difference between the 2.7 and the 3.5 is worth the upgrade for the power. If you don’t intend on towing more than 6000# or if you live in a flat area either will probably serve you well. If you are planning on towing anything more than 6000#, I would recommend looking at a 250 and sacrifice the fuel mileage. Prices on a gas super duty and an f150 are fairly close these days.


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[brsnow]

What is the real life limits on towing in the mountains with the 2.7?

 

[Justin Crossley]

What is the real life limits on towing in the mountains with the 2.7?

For all trucks. Take the rated towing capacity and reduce by 40-50% and you have the real world capability. Just my .02

 

[SouthPaw]

I just rolled over 75k on my 2016 2.7L with zero issues. I really like this stout little motor. Its a joy to drive in the mountains as it just hums at 2200rpm climbing the hills with turbos. My previous V8 half ton would be screaming and gear hunting constantly. Lifetime mpg is right at 20mpg combined, and thats with heavier LT tires its whole life. Highway it does 21-22 depending on speed and loadout.

When I bought it, the 3.5L was about $3k more and after test driving both and knowing I dont tow anything heavy, the choice was obvious. I chose the 2.7L with the short 3.73 gears and given its lightweight this truck is quick and fun. I also have the 36 gallon fuel tank and the truck will do over 750 highway miles on a single tank.

Agree with others that if you don't tow over 6k regularly, the 2.7L is probably the best value option in a half ton right now.

 

[Djw442]

I rented a f150 4x4 with 2.7 for a hunting trip 22hrs away. We all were surprised with the power. While we did not tow anything, we did have the bed loaded down with coolers and gear. Averaged around 19mpg for the trip which included 80mph interstate and gravel roads.

 

[Laramie]

I am on my 3rd truck with the 2.7. I trade in frequently. I have a small mountain camper and a larger flat land camper. The mountain one is 2,400 lbs dry and my flat land lake camper is 5,700 lbs dry. I have zero issues pulling either camper and have never felt under powered. Gas mileage when pulling goes to hell but without a camper I average 19. I did add the leveling kit and went up one tire size for clearance. I have yet to put more the 40k miles on one so really can't speak to long term durability. I will say the truck is a bit light for the larger camper. In high winds I have to keep it at 60 mph or so to feel comfortable.

 

[Meatinskull]

Have a '15 with the 3.5 that I like. Gets a little over 19 on interstate about 13-17 around town depending on how you drive. My dad used to have a 2.7 that he was able to tow without any problems in.

 

[TSAMP]

I would be curious how the smaller 2.7 handles larger tires? My 5.0 could get 20 highway and its closer to 17 now. It has 34s on factory wheels.

 

[Dioni A]

I would be curious how the smaller 2.7 handles larger tires? My 5.0 could get 20 highway and its closer to 17 now. It has 34s on factory wheels.

I thought about that and decided if I went with a small motor I would stay stock size or close to it

 

[TSAMP]

I thought about that and decided if I went with a small motor I would stay stock size or close to it

Well thats no fun..

 

[Backyard]

The reason I didn't go with the smaller motor is the maintenance. The dealer told me that the turbo was very finicky for very clean oil (far shorter oil change intervals) in the Eco-boosts. I opted for the 5.0.

 

[Txhunter85]

I just bought a 2019 with the 2.7 in it. I don’t tow much at all. Use the truck for service work so put a lot of miles on it everyday and average 19.1 with 75% city driving. Seemed like the best compromise to me when I bought it, if was really buying a truck for the towing capacity I’d get a 3/4 ton no questions asked.