Which new F-150 engine is best?

The 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid is widely regarded as the strongest all-around choice for most buyers, offering a compelling blend of capability and efficiency along with optional onboard power. Still, the best engine depends on how you plan to use the truck.

In this article, we examine Ford’s current F-150 engine options, what they bring to the table, and which scenarios each one serves best. We’ll weigh performance, towing, fuel economy, and practical features to help you decide.

Understanding what 'best' means for an F-150

When people ask which engine is best, they’re really asking which powertrain best matches their priorities—towing capacity, daily driving economy, or the ability to power tools on a job site. This piece breaks down the main options and where each shines so you can align the engine with your typical use case.

Engine lineup and what it offers

Here is a concise guide to the core engine options in the current F-150 lineup and the strengths each brings to different buyers.

• 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid V6 — a full-hybrid setup that combines the twin-turbo V6 with electric motors for strong torque, solid towing capability, and enhanced efficiency; comes with optional Pro Power Onboard for on-site electricity.


• 3.5L EcoBoost V6 — a turbocharged V6 that delivers high torque and spirited acceleration, ideal for heavy payloads and towing without hybridization.


• 2.7L EcoBoost V6 — a smaller turbocharged option focused on city-friendly fuel economy while still providing respectable low-end grunt for everyday hauling.


• 5.0L Coyote V8 — the traditional V8 choice for enthusiasts and buyers who value a classic powertrain feel, reliability, and straightforward performance.

Note: Availability and specifications can vary by trim, model year, and market. Always verify the exact power outputs and features for the configuration you’re considering.

Which engine is best for you depends on your priorities and use case. Below is a quick guide to help map needs to a powertrain.

Which engine best fits your needs?

Use these scenarios to decide which engine aligns with your everyday use.

• For the best overall blend of power, efficiency, and power delivery on demand: 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid.


• For maximum towing and payload with strong sustained torque: 3.5L EcoBoost.


• For best fuel economy and lower running costs in daily urban driving: 2.7L EcoBoost.


• For traditional V8 performance and a familiar driving character: 5.0L Coyote V8.

Keep in mind that Ford’s configurations also include transmission choices, axle ratios, and option packages that influence how each engine performs in real-world conditions. Features like Pro Power Onboard—available on certain trims—can add another layer of practicality for contractors and weekend warriors alike.

Bottom line: choosing the right F-150 engine

In general, the 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid is the go-to for buyers seeking an excellent all-around package with efficiency and on-site power. If you need the strongest towing capability and a traditional gasoline feel, the 3.5L EcoBoost is a strong contender. For daily driving where efficiency matters most, the 2.7L EcoBoost shines, while 5.0L Coyote remains the preferred option for V8 fans who prioritize a classic powertrain experience.

Summary

Ford’s current F-150 engine lineup provides a versatile spectrum designed to meet diverse needs—from heavy-duty towing and work-site power to everyday fuel economy and classic V8 responsiveness. The standout choice for most buyers is the 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid, owing to its balance of performance and efficiency, complemented by the strong alternatives of the EcoBoost family and the traditional V8 for specific preferences. Always test-drive and compare total ownership costs to confirm the best fit for your duties and budget.

Which engine is better, 5.0 or 3.5 EcoBoost?

The better engine depends on your priorities: the 3.5L EcoBoost is superior for torque, towing, and potential aftermarket modifications, while the 5.0L V8 offers smoother, more traditional acceleration, a better sound, and potentially lower long-term maintenance costs. 
This video compares the 3.5L EcoBoost and 5.0L V8 engines: 1m8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Feb 28, 2023
3.5L EcoBoost

• Pros:
  • Higher torque, which makes it feel very powerful for towing and general acceleration. 
  • Better for towing heavy loads, as it provides the power needed to pull like a "freight train". 
  • Can have higher horsepower in certain configurations (High-Output version). 
  • Greater potential for aftermarket tuning and modifications. 
• Cons:
  • Can be less reliable with known issues like cam phaser rattle in some model years. 
  • More difficult for the average person to work on due to its complexity. 
  • Fuel economy may not be significantly better than the V8 in real-world driving, especially when using its power. 

5.0L V8

• Pros:
  • Smooth, consistent acceleration and power delivery. 
  • More appealing, traditional V8 sound. 
  • Generally simpler engine, which can lead to lower long-term maintenance costs. 
  • Slightly better fuel economy in some real-world scenarios. 
• Cons:
  • Less torque than the EcoBoost, so it may feel slower to some drivers, especially at lower RPMs. 
  • Has its own specific issues, such as water pump and VCT solenoid problems in certain years. 

This video demonstrates the towing experience with the 5.0L V8: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · May 28, 2024
Which is right for you?

• Choose the 3.5L EcoBoost if you prioritize maximum torque for towing and a more powerful feeling, and you are comfortable with the potential for more complex repairs. 
• Choose the 5.0L V8 if you prefer a classic V8 driving experience with its smooth power and sound, and a simpler engine that is often more reliable and easier to maintain. 

Which is better, 2.7 or 3.5 EcoBoost reliability?

The 2.7L EcoBoost is generally considered more reliable, especially in its later iterations, with fewer reported issues compared to the 3.5L EcoBoost. However, both are solid engines, and reliability can depend on the specific model year and maintenance. Key issues to be aware of for both turbocharged engines include potential problems with the timing chain, cam phasers, and turbos, as well as coolant and oil leaks, particularly from the plastic oil pan. 
This video compares the 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines, highlighting their performance and reliability differences: 1m8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Jan 20, 2023
2.7L EcoBoost

• Pros:
  • Often cited as being more reliable with fewer issues than the 3.5L. 
  • Considered a great balance of fuel efficiency and performance for daily driving. 
  • Some believe its earlier design was robust, originating from the Powerstroke team. 
• Cons:
  • May not be as powerful for heavy towing as the 3.5L. 
  • Early models (2017) had significant issues, with some users reporting multiple oil pan failures and block replacements, though this may not be indicative of all 2.7L engines. 

3.5L EcoBoost

• Pros:
  • Offers more power for towing and heavy-duty applications. 
  • Some owners have reported good longevity, especially with proper maintenance. 
• Cons:
  • Has more potential failure points due to being a more complex, larger twin-turbo engine. 
  • Cam phaser issues have been a common problem in some model years (pre-2021). 
  • Can be more prone to oil and turbo leaks and timing chain problems compared to the 2.7L. 

This video discusses the reliability of the 3.5L EcoBoost engine: 1m8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Sep 22, 2022
Key considerations for both engines

• Maintenance: Proper and regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of both engines. 
• Model year: Reliability can vary significantly between model years, with newer generations often having fewer issues due to improvements and fixes. 
• Turbochargers: Both engines have turbos, which can be expensive to replace and are a point of potential failure. 
• Oil leaks: The plastic oil pan and gaskets are a known potential issue for oil leaks in both engines. 
• Cooling system: Some EcoBoost models have had issues with coolant leaks. 

Which F-150 engine is most reliable?

The most reliable Ford F-150 engine is a subject of debate, but the most frequently recommended options for reliability are the 3.3L V6 naturally aspirated engine and the 5.0L V8 Coyote engine. The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 is also considered very reliable, with some sources pointing to it statistically having the fewest repairs, particularly since it lacks the cylinder deactivation of the newer 5.0L engines. 
Top choices for reliability

• 3.3L V6: Often cited as the most reliable due to its simpler, naturally aspirated design without turbos, which reduces potential points of failure. 
• 5.0L V8: A very strong contender, favored by many for its robust, naturally aspirated design. While some earlier models had issues like cylinder ovaling, it's generally considered very dependable. 
• 2.7L EcoBoost: Another strong candidate. Some data suggests it has the lowest proportion of repairs and recalls since 2015, and technicians report seeing fewer 2.7L engines in the shop for problems. 

Other options to consider

• 3.5L EcoBoost: A reliable engine that offers strong performance, though some older models had cam phaser issues.
• 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid: The hybrid version of the 3.5L EcoBoost is considered reliable, though slightly less so than the standard 3.5L.
• F-150 Lightning (Electric): The electric powertrain is technically the least reliable in this group, though its reliability is improving and close to the high-output 3.5L EcoBoost. 

Is the EcoBoost engine better than the V-8?

V-8 engines traditionally offer better towing and payload capacities than a V-6, especially for sustained periods of time, such as during a long trip. However, the EcoBoost technology has closed the gap between the V-6 and the V-8, and in certain models, the EcoBoost can actually out-muscle a naturally aspirated V-8.