F150 - 2.7L vs 3.5L vs 5.0L

[Explorerinil]

I have 33k on my 2017 f150 police responder with the 5.0, it’s on its second cam phaser replacement, it sounds like a diesel and they say it’s normal to have a knock. The trans shifts funny and often gets stuck in 7th gear and has had several selonoids replaced. Personally I would stay away from the 5.0, my friend had a 2.7 truck and now a 3.5 and has never had one issue ever. He puts allot of miles on them and said the 3.5 for some reason gets better mileage than the 2.7.

 

[D45]

The second gen eco boosts got dual fuel injection.

Dual?

 

[jbaucom]

My 2019 5.0 crew cab 4x4 with 3.31 gears gets about 22 mpg on the interstate if I can keep my speed below 75 mph. My lifetime average is 17 mpg, including a lot of stop and go on my commute and dropping the kids off at school.

 

[jbaucom]

Dual?

Direct and port injection - it helps keep the valves cleaner, since with only direct injection no fuel flows over the back of the valves.

 

[rruff]

...3.5 for some reason gets better mileage than the 2.7.

On fuelly, the 2.7 gets ~18.5 avg vs ~16.0 for the 3.5 and 5.0. The 2.7 might get poor mpg if you are into the boost a lot, and it makes sense that it would come on sooner.

 

[tacollie]

You guys that are getting 20+ mpgs from either ecoboost what tires are you running and with what loads? I have an acquaintance who has a 19' 3.5 EcoBoost with 34-in tires and a FWC. He averages 12 MPGs. I often wonder what MPG gain he would see if he was geared lower. I often wonder what a properly geared 2.7/3.5 EcoBoost with 35-in tires and a Gofast camper could get for MPGs.

I towed once with a 3.5 EcoBoost. It got worse MPGs than my Tundra and F250. It was also faster than both ?

 

[calicamper]

2019 heavy tow pack Expedition I typically see 20-21mpg road trips 70-75mph. Around town worst case 15-16mpg. Platinum 400hp, 3.73 gears, locking diff, 2spd transfer case. Currently on stock 22’s. Likely switching to bfg Trail Terrain on the 22’s in a month or so. Zero issues great rig. I was going to dump the 22’s right away but in my use they have been decent. Better tire like the trail Terrain will be nice. They are 285/65R22

 

[Rovertrader]

Good fast or cheap- pick two!
I’ve had several 150’s past 15 years, 5.0 and 3.5 EB, and like both. But the biggest gain was the aluminum body and dropping 900#!! I chose the 3.5 Lariat two years ago, 2020 model, end of 13th generation, and love it. Mileage great until towing, then considerable hit. Power is noticeably better, aka immediate, and more accessible than the 5.0.
I wanted to like the 5.0 more being an old fart from big simple engine hay days, but the EB is just plain fun!! And running 34/35” tires affects it less than the 5.0.
I use mine for everything- live on 200 acres so it gets worked, tows the Rovers, and is used as family hauler for longer trips- like 5-700 mi each way stuff. Has level kit, 34’s, steel front bumper, Raptor rear bumper w/ recovery points, resonator delete with dual exhaust behind muffler exiting the rear, Timbren overload stops, and Leitner rack.
Great truck and engine for max flexibility!!

 

[Todd n Natalie]

in reality i would not get an F150 at this point in my life unless it was a Raptor, which would be foolish for me at this stage in my life ...

 

[D45]

You guys that are getting 20+ mpgs from either ecoboost what tires are you running and with what loads? I have an acquaintance who has a 19' 3.5 EcoBoost with 34-in tires and a FWC. He averages 12 MPGs.

My old 2012 had 3.73s and 34s

13.5 mpg

 

[D45]

2019 heavy tow pack Expedition I typically see 20-21mpg road trips 70-75mph. Around town worst case 15-16mpg. Platinum 400hp, 3.73 gears, locking diff, 2spd transfer case. Currently on stock 22’s.

22s on a 4wd truck? Lol

I wouldn't want anything other than 18s

 

[D45]

Direct and port injection - it helps keep the valves cleaner, since with only direct injection no fuel flows over the back of the valves.

Is this true for both the 2.7L and the 3.5L?

 

[OverlandFT]

I drive a 2020 F150 5.0L 10 speed and hate it. The truck is so anemic in the normal drive setting. The 5.0L with the 6 speed was a much better combo. Since the 10 speed is the only option anymore, ecoboost or bust.

 

[D45]

My 2012 had the 6 speed trans, with 2wd diff lock

It was one of the best auto transmissions I've had in a pickup

 

[stevo_pct]

I drive a 2020 F150 5.0L 10 speed and hate it. The truck is so anemic in the normal drive setting. The 5.0L with the 6 speed was a much better combo. Since the 10 speed is the only option anymore, ecoboost or bust.

Do you have the 3.31 gears? I've heard the 5.0 is not very peppy with that gear set. Mine seems to have similar power and acceleration as the 2.7 EB ( I test drove many of these). The 3.5 EB is way more powerful than both the 5.0 and the 2.7 EB.