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What type of engine does Ford use?

Ford uses a broad mix of engines, not a single type: turbocharged gasoline EcoBoost engines, bigger V8s, turbodiesels, plus hybrid and fully electric powertrains across its lineup.

Internal-combustion engines: gasoline and diesel

Ford’s conventional engines are primarily gasoline-powered, with turbocharged EcoBoost units designed for efficiency and performance, along with turbodiesels for high-torce workloads. The company also maintains larger V8 options for performance models and work vehicles, plus region-specific engines to suit different markets.

Turbocharged gasoline engines (EcoBoost family): including small-displacement 1.5L I3 and 2.0L I4, plus higher-output 2.3L I4 and 2.7L/3.0L V6 variants used across cars, trucks, and utility vehicles.

Large-displacement gasoline V8s: most notably the naturally aspirated 5.0L Coyote V8 used in performance and mainstream models, along with other V8 variants for specific applications.

Diesel powertrains: turbodiesel options such as the 3.0L Power Stroke V6 (and the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 in heavier-duty trucks) used in trucks and commercial vehicles for torque and efficiency.

Regional and specialty engines: smaller EcoBoost and conventional engines adapted for markets outside the United States, including regional 1.0L and 1.5L variants in Europe and other regions.

Ford’s internal-combustion lineup is designed to balance efficiency, performance, and capability across its broad range of vehicles, from commuters to heavy-duty trucks.

Electrified powertrains: hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric

In addition to traditional engines, Ford is expanding electrification with hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and full battery-electric vehicles, aimed at reducing emissions while maintaining capability and driving appeal.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems: Ford pairs internal-combustion engines with electric motors and batteries to improve efficiency. Notable examples include hybrid configurations across several models and the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, which combines a gasoline engine with electric propulsion to deliver both power and torque.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): Ford offers PHEV variants on several models, enabling short all-electric runs with gasoline backup for longer trips. Examples include Escape PHEV and other contemporary plug-in options on the lineup.

All-electric models: Ford’s fully electric portfolio includes the Mustang Mach-E, the F-150 Lightning, and the E-Transit, all powered by electric traction motors and high-capacity battery packs for zero-emission driving.

These electrified powertrains are part of Ford’s broader strategy to offer low- and zero-emission options while preserving the performance and utility customers expect from the brand.

What this means for drivers

For buyers, Ford’s engine strategy means a choice-driven approach: you can opt for efficient turbocharged gasoline engines for everyday driving, diesel power for towing and heavy-duty work, or move toward electrified powertrains for lower emissions and potential fuel savings. The lineup continues to evolve as Ford expands its hybrid and electric offerings in response to market demand and regulatory pressures.

Summary

Ford uses a diversified engine portfolio that spans turbocharged gasoline EcoBoost engines, naturally aspirated and diesel powertrains, and a growing mix of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric systems. This multi-pronged strategy seeks to deliver performance, efficiency, and a path to electrification across its global lineup, from daily drivers to heavy-duty work vehicles.

Why is Red Bull switching to Ford engines?

Red Bull is partnering with Ford for the 2026 F1 season to gain a technical edge in developing the new power units, benefiting from Ford's expertise in areas like battery technology, electric motors, and software. This strategic partnership allows Red Bull Powertrains to access the resources and experience of a major manufacturer, which is crucial for competing with established engine suppliers, while still maintaining control of its chassis development.

Technical expertise: Ford brings extensive experience in developing both combustion engines and hybrid systems, which is vital for the new 2026 regulations that emphasize electrification and sustainable fuels.
Access to resources: The partnership provides Red Bull with access to Ford's technical resources, including their engineering knowledge in battery cell technology, electric motor development, and power unit control software.
Strategic advantage: By partnering with Ford, Red Bull avoids the technical limitations of being an independent manufacturer and can better compete with the experience and resources of rival teams like Mercedes and Ferrari.
Dual benefit: The collaboration is a strategic partnership, not just a branding exercise, which gives Red Bull access to a range of R&D, while Ford gets a cost-effective platform to innovate and engage with a new customer base.
Market penetration: The partnership also helps Ford gain more penetration in the U.S. market, where the Red Bull F1 team is very popular.

What Ford engine to stay away from?

Ford engines to avoid include the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesels, which had numerous issues like EGR cooler failures and injector problems, and the 5.4L Triton V8 known for spark plug and timing chain problems. Other engines to be cautious of are the 3.8L V6 due to head gasket failures and certain EcoBoost engines, especially early 1.0L and 1.6L models, which have faced issues like premature timing belt wear and overheating.
You can watch this video to learn about some of the worst Ford engines ever made: 59sCar WisdomsYouTube · May 2, 2025
Engines with high failure rates

6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engines: These engines (2003-2007 and 2008-2010, respectively) are notorious for expensive problems, including head gasket failures, injector issues, and turbocharger failures.
5.4L Triton V8: This engine (1997-2010) is infamous for spark plugs breaking during removal and cam phaser/timing chain issues.
3.8L SX V6: From 1982 to 2008, this engine had issues with weak head bolts causing head gasket failures, and early versions were prone to coolant leaks.

This video discusses the 5.4L Triton V8 in detail: 53sSeats & WheelsYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Problematic EcoBoost engines

1.0L EcoBoost (early versions): Early models used a rubber timing belt in hot engine oil, which could degrade and clog the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation and engine damage.
1.6L EcoBoost: This engine has been associated with overheating and coolant leaks.
3.5L EcoBoost: Problems can include carbon buildup, premature timing chain wear, and water pump failures.
2.7L EcoBoost: Early models (around 2016-2017) experienced issues with defective valve guides, excessive oil consumption, and leaking plastic oil pans.

You can watch this video for more information about EcoBoost engine issues: 1mExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Nov 15, 2025

Which Ford has the 7.3 Godzilla?

Out. Catch me when I fall. Oh this road is tore up right here tore up welcome back into the dirt head shed this week we're doing a long-term review on my 2020 Ford F350. This is a DY it's four-wheel.

What engines does Ford use?

Ford Motor Company Engines Pages

Ford 6.2L Boss Engine.
Ford 7.3L Godzilla Engine.
Ford Cyclone Engine Family. Ford 3.3L Duratec 33 Engine.
Ford Duratec Engine Family. Ford 1.1L Duratec Engine.
Ford EcoBlue Engine Family. Ford 1.5L EcoBlue Engine.
Ford EcoBoost Engine Family.
Ford Ecotorq Engine Family.
Ford Modular Engine Family.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.