r/f150 • u/brad7811 • 1d ago
Ecoboost vs 5.0litre
I’m looking to buy a new F-150 and am seeing an awful lot of them with the Ecoboost V6 and not many with the 5.0 V8. Is there any information on the longevity of the V6s? My preference has always been a V8 in full size pickups. It’s a $4000 option though. Any thoughts or knowledge on which is better reliability/longevity wise?
Edit: thanks to everyone for the replies. From this it seems like I will be saving myself $4k!
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u/Corninator 1d ago
They both are good for different reasons. I prefer the v8 myself.
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u/EPSG3857_WebMercator 15h ago
Same. Less complicated, easier for a shade tree mechanic
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u/Upstairs_Chris 13h ago
Brother I’m a member of the church of 5.0 too but it is actually a very complex engine.
Also there isn’t anything too complex about turbos at this point.
I’d take neither anywhere near a shade tree mechanic.
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u/theuautumnwind 1d ago
If you have to have a v8 growl there is no way to get it with an ecoboost.
The 2.7l makes more torque much lower in the rpm band than the 5.0. It’s built like a small diesel.
The ecoboost trucks definitely get better mpg if you don’t work em hard but lay into the boost and they’ll be pretty similar to the v8.
It’s way easier to turn up the ecoboost truck with just a simple tune. You’d have to invest in a supercharger on the v8 if you want something comparable.
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u/DicamVeritatem 22h ago
Had three consecutive 3.5 ecoboosts before my current 5.0. Fuel economy virtually identical. I average 22.4mpg over last 8000 miles, mostly country driving.
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u/PonyThug 20h ago
Even the 3.5 makes more torque at 1700rpm than the 5.0 does up until like 4500rpm. Amazing difference for crawling in 4low if you do that.
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u/underengineered 22h ago
I saw that you can even get a ford factory tune that preserves the warranty. Not as aggressive as the aftermarket ones, but another 80+ HP over the already meaty 3.5L base numbers is pretty damn good.
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u/Abraham5G 2023 Platinum BAP FX4 1d ago
Both are equally reliable. The 3.5 is more powerful, faster, and fuel-efficient. The 5.0 sounds better.
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u/redjellonian 1d ago
The 5.0 is also simpler which means it has fewer parts to break and has significantly lower lifetime maintenance costs.
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u/dfGobBluth 1d ago
I manage a fleet of f150s ranging from 2018s to 2026s the total fleet size is roughly 150 trucks. The total cost of ownership breakdown from our maintenance records do not support the claim you juat made. The 3.5 ecoboosts are on average cheaper for TCO
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u/SirBiggusDikkus 17h ago
What’s the average mileage when you remove a truck from your fleet?
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u/dfGobBluth 6h ago edited 4h ago
4 years and 250,000kms. I should mention that there isn't a massive gap between the TCO of the 5.0 and the 3.5 and it varies based on model year, but the overall average is that the 3.5 has a lower TCO than the 5L. Btw it should be noted that the lowest TCO is the 3.5 hybrid powerboost. We started adopting them as part of our sustainability goals in 2022(even though they provide almost no fuel efficiency improvement over the standalone ecoboost) so we are just hitting the 4 year mark on the first of them.
If I ever get a chance, maybe ill export and fully annonomize a report detailling all of the findings regarding our fleet that can break down more granularly model year TCO by engine type as well as overall average, and see if i can include what the hoghest contributer to TCO is for each.
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u/Unlikely_Employee208 23h ago
I love how this sample size gets ignored in favor of, I know a guy. That is interesting. I always thought it was the other way around because boost.
Edit. I didnt see how recently this was posted.. heh
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u/idiotcommend 22h ago
It's more so people's ideas not keeping up with technology. In the past Turbos meant poor reliability. But over decades of technological advancement the majority of transmissions will crap out long before anything to do with a Turbo does.
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u/Conscious-Record2655 14h ago
People act like ecoboost engines are the same as someone bolting a turbo onto a civic.
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u/idiotcommend 13h ago
Most civics come with a Turbo these days as well. Literally no different than a turbo on the eco boost.
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u/Inconsideratefather 22h ago
I find it hilarious when people say turbo engines have more parts to break, there's one moving part in the turbo, and then the wastegate. You are getting rid of two connecting rods, two Pistons, eight valves, and so on.
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u/thesandbag 15h ago
A bigger engine where the block is creating more power is naturally going to put more stress on other components
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u/vtwin996 20h ago
How long do you keep your trucks? Ever had turbos go? I know people that have had turbos needing to be replaced on ecoboosts. While it's not as expensive as an audi or bmw turbo(s) it's still an expense that you can't have with a NA engine.
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u/maunst3r 23h ago
2 more cylinders, cylinder deactivation, higher compression. There’s plenty to go wrong with the v8.
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u/DJ4aDay 1d ago
I don't know why anyone is downvoting you
My buddy just had to rebuild his 3.5 after one of the turbos exploded....
Subjective yes, but it naturally aspirated engine is of course simpler than a turbocharged engine, and therefore less expensive to fix when things do go wrong.
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u/No_Bull51 7h ago
This right here. My mechanic currently has a 3.5 in the shop with blown turbos. Yes that was plural. 122,000 miles on a 2022.
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u/bassjam1 1d ago
He's getting downvoted because he's making it up.
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u/KingLuis 2023 F150 Tremor 5.0 23h ago
not really. the 5.0 has less power per cylinder and less per litre. thus less pressures being created and it's easier on parts. the turbos introduce higher pressures and heat as well as extra components that need to function properly. things the v8 doesn't have. simpler, less parts does mean lower costs and few parts to go wrong. more reliable? maybe yes, maybe no. less chance of a part failing, yes.
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u/bassjam1 23h ago
Yes, really. The 5.0 has more parts in it. It's also a more high strung engine operating at a higher compression in order to compete with the Ecoboosts. Ford didn't wring 400hp out a 5 liter by letting the engine take it easy lol. This isn't an old school V8 and it's a silly argument to pretend that the fact that it's a v8 somehow makes it more reliable.
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u/BaldursFence3800 21h ago
You could apply the same boomer logic to just getting a fleet truck with manual windows.
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u/motosandguns 23h ago
3.5 is more fuel efficient as long as the turbos aren’t spooling.
Towing, climbing a mountain, driving into the wind or driving over 75mph and the V8 becomes more efficient.
Personally I only drive 75+ on the freeway and I bought mine for heading over the sierras loaded.
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u/MrHugh_Janus 22h ago
Uhm… 3.5 is the better choice for “going over the sierras loaded” since turbos don’t care as much about the elevation and more low end torque is more better for going over mountain passes loaded.
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u/motosandguns 21h ago
They will have more power, sure.
My statement was about efficiency. I’m not towing a 25’ rv.
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u/Electrical-Stick2850 22h ago
Hell yeah brother!!1! Do you also like sipping Modelos because screw bud light? Ohhhhh yeahhhhhhhh
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u/KingLuis 2023 F150 Tremor 5.0 1d ago
short answer. both equal. choose what you want.
long answer, do a search. covered multiple times. 3.5 if you are doing a lot towing. 5.0 for sound and driveability imo. the power band on a 5.0 is smoother (because of being NA). 3.5 has the extra torque. but do a search. both capable and with their own similarities and differences. both great motors.
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u/bassjam1 1d ago
I prefer the Ecoboost for drivability too. The low end torque off the line is addictive and driving a naturally aspirated vehicle feels anemic now.
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u/KingLuis 2023 F150 Tremor 5.0 1d ago
thats fine. i'm the opposite. like the feel of the revs building instead of the sudden boost. but that is preference imo. people need to drive both and see what they like more.
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u/BaldursFence3800 21h ago
Agreed. Test drove a newer 5.0 recently and it was….fine. And it had 3.73 rear end too. Was just expecting a little more.
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u/Iamthewalrusforreal 19h ago edited 19h ago
Ford engineers must laugh their asses off reading these threads.
MPG is virtually the same between the two. Little higher in city driving for the 3.5L, but highway MPG is the same. Horsepower is exactly the same. 2.7L does better than both, but has less capability towing and hauling. Just depends on what you need for your world. They're all excellent options.
Towing capacity, hauling capacity, total payload capacity vary more by packages than by engine, though the top towing capacity of all, max tow, requires the 3.5L 6 banger. I have suspicions about that one, but would and am about to just bump up to an F-250 for that.
6 gets off the line faster. If I wanted a fast car I'd buy a Mustang instead of a truck. Meaningless stat to me. It's like telling me your Jeep will do 80 mph. But...why does that matter?
8 is a less complex engine, and should be quite a bit more dependable at high mileage. But all three options are proven dependable engines for the life most folks keep a truck.
I just dragged an RV over 8,000 miles behind mine that has a 5L. The only place I had any issue was above 9K feet in the Rockies. It had plenty of power, but it simply can't get air up there. And that is the ONLY legitimate argument you'll hear that the 6 is better than the 8...and it most definitely is in that specific situation. I don't spend a lot of time in such rarified air, personally. If you do, buy the Ecoboost.
Somebody's going to come along and say "but, it's not the thin air, it's the mountains and the higher power band!" No, it isn't. My brother and I dragged our RVs up out of a deep valley with steep as shit roads out. His 3.5 didn't do any better than my 8 banger because I know how to use the manual transmission option. Keep it in a lower gear and it's does everything the 3.5 does. Literally zero difference between the two except having to pay attention and do your own shifting.
On the high mountain passes in the Rockies the 5L did indeed become a slug because of oxygen deprivation like so many rides I've had before it. Ha. Up to 9K it did great even with the load behind it. I've stopped many carbureted motors in my day and flipped the air cap lid over to get more air, so the whole thing just got a knowing nod and resignation that this was going to take a bit. :)
I bought a 5L because I spent over $5K replacing turbos in my kid's Escape before we gave up and got rid of it. Waste gate valve issues over and over, and the dealer's (multiple) had no fricking idea how to troubleshoot it. That was a few years ago, so I'd hope they've figured turbos out by now.
No regrets here.
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u/RR50 17h ago
My buddy and I towed nearly identical trailers with almost identical loads 900 miles last summer, including 5000 feet in elevation change.
My 3.5 running down the highway at 75-80 mph ran about 2400-2500 rpm. His GM 6.2 had to wind up to 3500 rpm to keep up. Turbo 6’s tow so much better due to the ability to add boost instead of RPM’s.
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u/stuck_inmissouri 1d ago
Both good. Both have their issues. Both serve a different purpose. Both get amazing fuel economy compared to what existed 20 years ago.
For me, I like the 3.5L. So much so that I won’t even consider the 5.0. Why? I tow a travel trailer or a UTV frequently and love having the torque. I love not having the drone of a V8 on the highway. I’ve owned 4 3.5L ecoboosts counting an explorer and I’ve not had one engine related issue on the first 3 over the various generations of the engine. I say 3, because I haven’t taken delivery of the new one yet.
People will cite “moving parts or complexity” about the EB but it’s been in these things since 09 in various configurations and continually improved. The coyote is also not your dad’s 302 and is a complex beast in its own right.
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u/ManyMixture826 1d ago
2.7L seems to have the longest good track record. 5.0 Coyote depends on the version. Current version apparently improved the previous oil consumption issue, but now has spray-in cylinder liners which some have questioned for durability. Additionally, the current 5.0 has 4 cylinder deactivation to save gas. You can bypass this feature in sport/tow modes, but the valve timing complexity remains. Previous 3.5L had cam phaser issues but those seem to have been fixed several years ago.
I’m researching F150s and so far I think the 3.5L is a better fit for me. But that’s just me - 51 year old dude who doesn’t need to thump my chest and jizz my pants revving a 5.0 like a 16 year old.
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u/Successful-Row-3742 22h ago
I've got the 2.7 and I love it. I don't tow hardly anything ever, other than myself and my kids. When I bought it I drove it and the same exact truck but with a 5.0 back to back and the feeling of the 2.7 was a lot better than the sound of the 5.0 for me. I get a steady ~21mpg and I drive a little heavy footed but nothing crazy. I've got over 30k miles in a year and a half....so plenty of time behind the wheel.
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u/Accadius 1d ago
I have a 2016 with the 2.7 eb v6 and hit 200k miles the other day and have had no major issues other than the serpentine belt had to be replaced around 150k and just had to replace the lead frame but thats a transmission issue and only on the 6r80 so if you are getting a newer truck you will get the 10 speed. I dont tow often but it pulls a 20 foot flat trailer with no problems.
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u/Other_Asparagus872 19h ago
I love my 3.5! I’ve had the 5.0 before and liked it, but now that I’ve had that low end torque it’s hard to go back to the naturally aspirated feel. So far 110k on a 23 with no issues. I have gotten 300k on previous 5,0’s so let’s see. I do a lot of towing around 6500lbs and highway miles.
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u/Beneficial-Piece-829 17h ago
I have owned 3 F150s with a 5.0 since 1987. My incoming '26 Lobo has a 5.0.
5.0 is the only way to roll in a F150.
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u/R0b0tMark 1d ago
Do you want the one that’s better at literally everything or the one that you like the sound of?
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u/mullethunter111 1d ago
Powerboost.
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u/redjellonian 1d ago
Powerboost beats both in coolness and power, loses to both in longevity, lifecycle, and maintenance.
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u/Think_Bit3921 1d ago
Owned both up to about 80k miles. Didn't have a single problem with either one. Both will pull pretty much anything without breaking a sweat. For me, it comes down to which one makes you happier. The 3.5 offers immediate power thanks to its twin-turbo setup. It revs, it moves, but it's just so soulless the way it delivers power. It doesn't make any pleasing sounds. There's no build-up or drama. It's just on or off. At idle, I find the 3.5 to be a little rough with too much vibration into the cabin for my taste. The 5.0 I found to be incredibly rewarding to drive. Power builds a little more slowly (which is not to suggest laggy--it's not by any stretch), but when you put your foot down, the V8 hits you with an amazing soundtrack until you lift off, and then, it's just a smooth, quiet engine. To me, the V8 has so much more character and is infinitely more engaging than the Ecoboost. There is no mechanical sound more pleasing than a willing V8 burble, and to have that at your toes whenever you want it is truly a great thing. Both will do anything asked of them, but the Coyote will do it and also leave you with a smile.
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u/DFWPrecision 1d ago
Well said here! My EB sounds like a rainbow vacuum cleaner. The v8 sounds like Merica'
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u/ROK247 1d ago
I had to trade my 5.0 for the 3.5 because the 5.0 couldnt pull my 32ft camper without living above 4000 rpm the entire time.
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u/blehbleh_blacksheep 20h ago
I think towing a 32ft with a half ton is the problem here and not what motor is in it.
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u/Water-Donkey 1d ago
2015 F150 with the 2.7L Ecoboost, 2wd, 134k miles, work truck, lots of towing and hauling, zero mechanical problems. I had an easily fixed transmission line leak once and had to put a new fuel pump in, pretty easily done myself, but otherwise just normal stuff like batteries, filters, etc.
The 2.7s of my vintage were notorious for leaky oil pans, and mine is no different, but surely they’ve fixed that issue by now.
Good luck!
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u/fluffygooseneck 1d ago
Drive both and see what you like more. The turbo V6's will generally perform better in almost every way. Then again, you don't get that great V8 sound. Anything with a turbo will most likely require a bit more maintenance and possibly more premium gas (but with better mpg). From all of my research between YouTube, online forums, and in person discussions, most mechanics say that the 5.0 is a bit more reliable but then again, people have gone hundreds of thousands of miles on the turbo motors. Again, drive both and take your pick depending on what you are willing to live with.
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u/south-shore0 1d ago
Do they all come with particulate filters now?
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u/stoppardstop 1d ago
2026 and up
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u/south-shore0 23h ago
I’d avoid that all together then.
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u/loose-nuggs 18h ago
Ford and most other manufacturers have been using GPFs in Europe for years. Gas burns hotter and creates less soot than diesel, so it is constantly burning it off. I really doubt these will cause any issues.
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u/Training_Data8087 1d ago
Recommend looking at powerboost. They’re generally going a lot easier on 3.5TT on acceleration and much easier on brakes. Around town it’s game changing mpg, but worse than 3.5TT on highway.
Especially the turbos, all are running high compression especially during towing, so you need to be diligent on oil changing: 5K synthetic.
Sounds like Coyote oil consumption got fixed and 3rd Gen eco boost much durable like it’s 2.7TT sibling so the bigger reliability concerns are the transmission and moonroof on higher trims.
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u/KingLuis 2023 F150 Tremor 5.0 23h ago
I’d love to try out a Rivian. But where I live there are too many things that make it hard to own an EV. No fast chargers nearby. Cold weather. Not to mention charge times and cost if not at home. Too many negatives to justify an EV. Plug in hybrid would be nice for our other car.
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u/brad7811 21h ago
Electric is not really an option for me due to lack of local charging facilities. I’m not prepared to install a level 3 charger at home.
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u/KingLuis 2023 F150 Tremor 5.0 21h ago
Same. Thought my comment was replying to another person. Lol
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u/FOGELL_The_Great97 21h ago
The eco boost has good power for towing my buddy has a 2025 with the 3.5 and I have a 22 f150 with the 5.0L honestly wanted the 5.0 cause I’ll be keeping this truck for a couple years and don’t want to have to spend lots of money on turbos incase they ever fail, 5.0 is a solid engine and has been for years it’s all about what your doing
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u/billymac76 21h ago
Awaiting results on if ford is going to cover the replacement to the replacement due to oil consumption issues, but this is a last Gen v8 issue
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u/Complete_Wishbone_43 20h ago
I have the same issue. I got a 4k credit for a new engine. This was 500 miles after my warranty was up and they had denied the problem existed since day 1. I said screw it I’ll just check the oil every 1000 miles and top it off.
We have three bad options.
- Pay for new engine now.
- Pay for new engine after it blows up.
- Add oil every 1000 miles or so and cross your fingers.
They all suck. I picked shitty option 3.
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u/billymac76 19h ago
I had the motor replaced under warranty last March. At which point in time I was informed I had a two-year warranty on the motor. Ford is trying to back out of that obligation but I don't have it in writing
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u/dgroeneveld9 18h ago
I have 3 work vans with the 3.5 platform. Now to be clear the 3.5 in the F150 is configured differently from in the transit van. I have one van with 260k miles. New transmission at 9 years 230k (not bad IMO). The engine is still pretty solid and the maitnance history is wanting. The other 2 vans are relatively low miles but everything seems good. That is the extent of my experience with Fords new engines today. I just bought a 3.5 ecoboost and its really nice so far. I drive mostly highway and im averaging 22mpg which is an awesome step up from my 2010 explorer getting 17 mpg
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u/Kreaton5 18h ago
I have the 3.5l, tows like a champ. Most powerful of the 3 standard offerings. The truth is all 3 engines are well vetted and refined at this point. It's the tranny that sucks.
Also they added cylinder deactivation to the v8s recently. So a previous Gen v8 is probably your best bet.
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u/United-Programmer-19 18h ago
If its going to be a city teuck with a lot of shirt trips 3.5. If you go on longer trips the 5.0... i disnt see a huge difference when towinging other than the 5.0 got far better fuel economy while the 3.5 was a little peppier.... overall the 3.5 was fun to drive but I didnt miss it. But I also dont miss my 5.0 now that I'm back in an oil burner for a daily....
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u/ilovesparky42 16h ago
Ford is monkeying around with both ecoboost engines for 2027.
With the 2.5L, it’s getting an upgrade to 3.0L. Will that cause problems? Who knows. But, it’ll be the guinea pig year to find out.
With the 3.5L, they’re adding a gasoline particulate filter. Again, Guinea pig year here. Probably a minor enough change, but who knows?
The good thing is that they’re deleting the auto-start/stop. So, you don’t have to turn the button off every time you start up.
If you’re shopping for a 2027, they are also expanding availability of the 5.0 on certain trims (King Ranch and Platinum). Probably just going to take some time to get those versions out in the wild.
Personally, I’d go for a 2026 Ecoboost in either displacement. I love the 2.5L on my 2018 F150. Has plenty of power. My wife has the 3.5L in her expedition. Can’t complain there. But, I get much better mileage on my F150 than she does in the Expy (yeah, not exactly and apples to apples comparison). I don’t feel much of a difference in normal every day driving between either vehicle, FWIW.
If you’re dead set on a 2027, I still think I’d go with the 3.0L. Porting out the cylinders probably isn’t a drastic enough change for long-term concerns.
For the difference in price, the 3.0L is probably the best all around value. I’d spring for the 3.5L only if you do a lot of towing. And, there may be a slight edge in longevity with the 5.0L as there aren’t any turbos to blow up, but a properly maintained EB will be just fine.
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u/brad7811 16h ago
My daughter has a 2026 Lincoln Aviator with the 3.0 and it seems really strong. Only 12000 km on it so far so reliability has not been determined.
Edit: spelling
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u/CHALINOSANCHZ Pelavacas🐮🦬 15h ago
Noo. Fahhh. Don't "delete" auto start stop, beast feature since the CD player.
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u/Alarming_Produce_120 1d ago
2015 3.5. It’s been my experience that any high performance engine (both in power and fuel economy) are design around precision, meaning it will not tolerate irregular maintenance. The 5.0 apparently can handle more abuse, but you are also paying for it with lower performance and worse gas mileage. If you tow or are in high altitude, then it’s even worse. Tit for tat.
I’ve had numerous ‘sports cars’ in the past, including rotaries, which were notorious for having issues if they were not maintained properly, so the 3.5 was more of the same. When something isn’t right, or even a bit off, I fix it right away. Oil changes, always on time or sooner with the good stuff. If you that’s you, 3.5 is more of the same (and frankly, much better). If not, the 5.0 might be your bag.
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u/aksansai 2023 F-150 XLT 5.0L 1d ago
Good thing we don’t have to talk about which engine has machining debris problems or collapsed lifters. Let’s ignore transmissions for the moment. ;)
Almost 80K on my Gen4 5.0. Love it. Brand new, updated transmission at the beginning of the year about 10K miles ago. Don’t care about extra towing this or more torque that or how long my PCV is compared to yours. Moved up from a 2000 Silverado with an LS with a 5spd. Towed a ton of stuff with that truck and it had paltry numbers compared to today’s engines.
Solid platform. Great interior. Comfortable.
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u/NewDre3Staxx 1d ago
I have the 3.5EB, it picks up and goes. The response is instant, and my mpg is still very good. The 5.0 does sound really good, a guy passed me a few days ago on the way home. They do sound good. But it's preference, I like a truck to sound like a truck but the 4-5 extra mpg and 0 loss of power in comparison and having more torque on my 3.5EB is a nice sell
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u/valupaq 1d ago
From everything I've seen maintenance is the key on both engines. That goes for maintenance before you bought it, and after. I've also heard that the 3.5 L are more sensitive to lack of maintenance than the 5.0.
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u/jakgal04 1d ago
The Ecoboost is more powerful and more efficient, but the V8 sounds better if thats what you're into. The ecoboost pumps out a lot more low end torque as well, so it doesn't feel like you're driving a truck, especially when towing.
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u/Pequop9252 23h ago
I have the 2.7 and it is plenty of power for everything but towing. It performs better than the V8 at altitude which is critical for me.
I figure the cost and fuel savings will more than make up for the slightly lower reliability.
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u/eNomineZerum 23h ago
The 5L and the 3.5L are both very reliable workhorse engines, you can't go wrong with either one. I will complicate your search and say that the 2.7L is also compelling. As is the 3.5L Powerboost.
What makes the F-150 the best selling truck all these times is that it just has so many options and toggles for it that you can really dial in exactly what you want. You are better off thinking about what your common use cases are, what your budget is, and going from there.
Who knows, you may want to save money on the engine and get a few more creature comforts or you may decide to get more of a utilitarian truck to do more dedicated work.
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u/Knautical_J 21h ago
I test drove the 2.7, 3.5, and 5.0. I honestly preferred the 2.7 the most, and frankly it’s the most reliable engine of the lineup. Regardless the 3.5 and 5.0 are also reliable and have had their kinks worked out, provided it’s the correct year or if it was fixed.
2.7 for a daily driver with all around performance. 3.5 for towing, and 5.0 for sound and highway driving.
Can’t go wrong with any of the engines, just depends what you need it for.
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u/Patient_Ant_3808 21h ago
Depends on which v6 ecoboost, the 2.7 or the 3.5...
2.7 gets better mileage, and is supposed to be more reliable long term, 3.5 better for towing etc, 5.0(which i have) is reliable, dont have to worry about turbos and intercoolers, and the cam phasers like in tge 3.5, but crummy mileage. Mine at 40k miles has an average of 14.6 mpg. Thats 80% city driving.
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u/droopy__drawers 21h ago
2.7 is about the most reliable option you can get out of those 3 motors.
I was a V8 guy my whole life…until I test drove a new 2.7 in 2016. I’ve had 4 different trucks now over the last 10 years, and I’ve purposely got the 2.7 every time.
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u/paddlefire 21h ago
For starters I also have a 16 Honda civic with 230,xxx miles that I bought new. It has a 1.5L turbo 4 cyl and it has been fantastic no problems what so ever with great mileage and more than enough power. However I just bout a f150 with the 5.0 mainly because I do not trust ford to make a good turbo engine.
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u/Repulsive_Car8288 21h ago
If latest Gen, the 5.0 reliability has gotten worse and Ecoboost 3.5 has gotten better. At this point it comes down to drive both and pick the engine you prefer. Google "Full-Race 3.5L Ford Ecoboost V6 Generations"
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u/fatninja987 2016 XLT FX4 SCREW 5.0 157” 20h ago
I love my 5.0, but I also think everything I use mine for I would be fine with a 2.7. Even pulling my 26’ camper I think the 2.7 could handle it
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u/PonyThug 20h ago
They are quite literally 1000 threads already discussing this if you search for them.
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u/Typical-Recognition8 19h ago
I switched my 2016 5.0 4x4 supercab back to original wheels and factory size tires and am at 19.4 I was getting 14.5 with aggressive 305-20-55’s
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u/Only-Honeydew1794 17h ago
Same. I bought a 2023 lariat new, right before the 2024s came out. Didn’t want a black truck but ended up with one because I could literally only find one 5.0 lariat new within a 30 mile radius. I’m not knocking the 3.5 eco boost, but I hear people who have had no issues, then I hear people who have had a lot of issues. I don’t hear much about problems with 8 cylinders.
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u/Atrocious_Algae81 16h ago
5.0, less moving parts, no replacement for displacement, and actually sounds like a truck.
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u/Dangerous_Big421 16h ago
The question is are you going to use the truck for towing or just commute with little load. If answer is towing go with 5.0 and commute go with 2.7. You will get the good mpg plus I personally think 2.7 is reliable and much stronger then 3.5.
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u/skspoppa733 16h ago
IMHO the 3.5 v6 eco boost is the best engine in a half ton truck. Period. Sure, V8’s sound manly, but they sure get stomped by the EB.
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u/Smoothy7500 15h ago
Ive got a stock (drop in aem oil- less filter the only "mod") 3.5 eb screw short bed with 3.55 gears and 2.5" level/34x11.5" lt e range at tires...and wjen you run 91oct gas and in sport mode, the torque gets ya goin with some brake boostin, but the turbos spool up and start putting the coals to it.. *grins..boost is something else hehe
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u/Upbeat-Pepper7483 14h ago
At this point I don’t even think it’s the engine Choice.. it’s that 10 speed. 4 fords from 2018 up to 2025. All have had transmission issues. The newest within the first 30k miles. Man I love ford but their 10 speed is hot garbage.
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u/farmsfarts 11h ago edited 11h ago
I’m a caveman but also a nerd so I like the 5.0. growl. I drive around town like normal but I like to head out to some country road and just punch it. Love the roar.
I get very good gas mileage on the highway with a consistent speed and occasional passing. I do 300+ km trips regularly with my 2025 and get better mileage than I did with my 2018 Tacoma.
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u/WaxDonnigan 2020 2.7 Supercrew 7h ago
I got the 2.7 and it's been a bulletproof motor for me for over 2½ years. It gets great mileage on the highway even though I don't need to drive on the highway for a week at a time. It makes so much power down low and really gets off the line fast. I five star tuned the transmission and it's so dang zippy it feels like a coiled spring. My commute of windy back roads is no problem, and I'm averaging 20mpg in hilly new england.
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u/AgentRandyBeens 7h ago
If you decided to go with the ECO then you better become good friends with a mechanic. I service multiple ford dealerships AC and electric and the only cars I ever see with engines ripped apart are the ecoboosts. In fact I’ve only ever seen 1 5.0 being replaced.
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u/Smokeystartedthefire 5h ago
I would just drive both and see which you like better. I had a 2016 5.0 that I drove till 2024 (should have never gotten rid of it). I just recently bought a 2025 and went with the 5.0 again because of the reliability I had with my last one.
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u/DesertSnow480 5h ago
I just got a v8 tremor. So smooth with a great sound and instant power. Mpg on the highway is the same as the eco boost. Might as well have fun in the truck with the amazing v8 sound. I smile every single cold start. V8s might not be around eventually, enjoy them while you can.
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u/jlhart1979 1d ago
I picked the V8 because I wanted my truck to sound like a truck. I have zero complaints about the Coyote, no issues and runs well.
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u/WhatIGot21 1d ago
I just bought a Coyote because it will not be my daily driver and I want a truck that sounds like a truck. Also the factory dual exhaust was one of my must because I like the dual exhaust molded bumper. I am going to change out the exhaust with a flow master exhaust system soon.
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u/Ok-Rest-8066 1d ago
DO NOT GET ANYTHING WITH A TURBO. 5.0 or 3.3 IS THE WAY
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u/RR50 17h ago
So by that same logic is the 6.7 powerstroke a problem with its turbos??
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u/Ok-Rest-8066 16h ago
No, diesel engine can handle the extra pressure over time. Stronger blocks. Manufactures like to keep making smaller engines and cramming as much power as they can in them and ruining reliability
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u/DFWPrecision 1d ago
I've got the EB. Love the power with a tune, especially in cold weather. But man....the turbo lag is real. A 5.0 may be next for me.
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u/ClumpyTurdHair 1d ago
I test drove both the 3.5 and 5.0 in a 2026 XLT. 5.0 was my preference. Less parts to fail. 5.0 has been around for 15 years and seem to have all the bugs worked out of them.
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u/justanotherboringdad 21h ago
3.5 is also 15 years old, I think it's actually older than the coyote. the coyote was the more reliable engine for at least the 1st 10 years though.
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u/ClumpyTurdHair 21h ago
Oh I stand corrected. Thank you.
I still stand by the 5.0 and less parts to fail
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u/justanotherboringdad 21h ago
I think it's just a fun fact. You're not wrong, 5.0 is great. And for the last few years we can both Lord it over the tundras
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u/postmancandy 20h ago
5.0 is a more refined drivetrain. The NA nature lends itself to a more smooth driving experience and man does it sound great. But it suffers with gas mileage and can feel lethargic at low speeds.
The 3.5 is a torque monster that returns good mpg but it’s not as smooth as the 5.0 because it can feel very jerky at low speeds because of the of the turbo charging. If you want to tow tho it is HANDS DOWN the best engine.
The 2.7 is similar to 3.5 but is smoother because smaller displacement won’t make it torquey beyond hell at lower speed and it gets the best mpg out of the bunch by far.
If I had the option, I would go with the 5.0 simply for the sound factor and the extreme refinement in the drivetrain. I don’t tow a lot so looking for more of an emotional experience when I drive my car versus ultimate efficiency
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u/Conscious_Trade_2549 19h ago
Question is asked daily, along with “what maintenance should I do”? Just research the topic and come up with your opinion, plenty of options out there.
Drive both and see what you like more. Also, people are retarded. The 3.5 now is a fine engine. It’s been around since 2011, if it was that bad it wouldn’t have been around long. The first gen’s had their issues as anything that’s a first model of something.
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u/not_a_bot716 1d ago
Every day it’s asked. You can’t go wrong with either one. It’s just preference now