The F-150 3.5L EcoBoost FAQs. In 2011, Ford debuted the first generation of the 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 to an intrigued but cautious public. Ford positioned the 3.5L EcoBoost as a more efficient alternative to large block V8s, which are being phased out of most trucks. The 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 has demonstrated that it deserves a spot in Ford’s range in the 12 years since its release. All indications are that it is here to stay.
The 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 is in an intriguing position. Ford has based the F-150’s brand identity on the industrial working class, which is in stark contrast to environmental standards and EPA requirements. Its All-American mythos has a Kevin Costner-like attitude. Because of this, the 3.5 EcoBoost is a contentious member of the family.
Ford undoubtedly realized that many people would regard the EcoBoost F-150 as borderline traitorous. To compensate, they made the EcoBoost’s performance unarguable.
This Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost FAQ is intended to bring anyone interested up to speed. In many ways, the EcoBoost has given the F-150 a new soul. Our goal here is to describe that character shift as well as some of the advantages and disadvantages of the 3.5L EcoBoost power unit. We’ll also go over some general statistics and the distinctions between the EcoBoost and Coyote V8 F-150s that are currently on the market. Here’s how we’ll explain it:
- F-150 3.5L EcoBoost General Information
- Capabilities of the F-150 3.5L EcoBoost
- Maintenance and Reliability of the 3.5L EcoBoost
- Comparison of the Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost vs the Ford F-150 Coyote V8
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F150 3.5L EcoBoost General Information
What distinguishes the 3.5L EcoBoost F150?
The integration of Ford’s 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine is the most important alteration made to the tried and proven F-150 formula with the EcoBoost model. F-150s employed solely normally aspirated V6 or V8 engines for the majority of the F-Series’ extended production period until 2010.
Ford adopted the EcoBoost engine to the F-150 lineup as fuel efficiency and environmental effect became more significant in the current era. Ford’s goal was to develop an F-150 variation that was more efficient while maintaining performance. They were mostly successful in their task. Despite having less displacement than some of the larger V8-equipped F-150s, the usage of turbochargers compensated for the discrepancy.
Fewer cylinders meant less fuel use and higher torque from turbochargers. The EcoBoost formula is aimed at customers who want a more fuel-efficient vehicle that can yet haul hefty loads.
What model years did the F-150 EcoBoost come in?
Ford began using the EcoBoost engine in 2011 with the 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 version. And has marketed a 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 model every year since then, till 2022.
Ford has produced more EcoBoost F-150 variations in addition to the 3.5L EcoBoost model. Following the popularity of the 3.5 EcoBoost, Ford introduced the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost F-150 in 2015. Despite having 0.8L less displacement, the 2.7L EcoBoost generates 335hp and 400lb-ft of torque. Following 2015, the 2.7L EcoBoost F-150 was available every year and is still in production today.
Capabilities of the F-150 3.5L EcoBoost
How much power does the 3.5L Ford EcoBoost F-150 engine produce?
Ford has altered the 3.5L several times over the course of its manufacturing. Each change has resulted in a slight increase in power and torque.
The 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 produced 365 horsepower at 5,000rpm and 420 lb-ft of torque when it was released in 2011. Peak torque was reached at 2,500rpm, implying that the majority of torque was delivered low in the rev range. Because low-end torque is required to move a weight, the EcoBoost is an excellent tow vehicle. This first-generation 3.5L EcoBoost engine was utilized from 2011 to 2016, when Ford updated it.
The second-generation 3.5L EcoBoost engine was introduced in 2017 and is still in use today. The update increased horsepower to 375 hp at 5,000rpm. Torque has also increased significantly, currently standing at 470 lb-ft. Peak torque is still produced at 2,500rpm, ensuring superiority in towing capability.
What is the towing capacity of the 3.5L EcoBoost F-150?
To critics, the 3.5L EcoBoost F-150’s towing capacity has been its biggest selling point since its inception. In fact, the 3.5L EcoBoost boasts the maximum towing capacity in the whole F-150 family, which may surprise some. That’s quite a feat when you realize it’s up against a 5.0L Coyote V8 model.
The towing capability of the 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 varies based on the drivetrain option. The GVWR of the long bed, 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 outfitted with a stock 3.55 rear axle is 17,000 pounds, with a maximum towing capacity of 12,100 pounds.
In reality, that’s significantly more than a 5.0L V8 F-150 can manage. The GVWR of the EcoBoost F-150 is 2,100 pounds higher than that of the V8 F-150. The EcoBoost can also haul a full ton heavier load.
How much gas does the 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 get?
Ford prioritized efficiency when designing the 3.5L EcoBoost engine that powers the F150. This is reflected in the 3.5L EcoBoost’s gas mileage ratings, especially when compared to the competition. The gas mileage of the EcoBoost is determined by the drivetrain configuration, with the rear-wheel-drive type being more efficient.
The 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 with rear-wheel drive achieves 18 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined mpg. The EcoBoost F-150 achieves 17 city, 23 highway, and 19 combined mpg when equipped with all-wheel drive. There are clearly vehicles that get better gas efficiency than the 3.5L EcoBoost F-150, but they are decent figures for a truck that weighs more than 4,900 pounds.
What is the payload capacity of a 3.5L EcoBoost F-150?
The F-150 3.5L EcoBoost has the same cargo and storage dimensions as the other F-150s. F-150s are often regarded as one of the most capable pickups available today. They have historically set the standard for the pickup formula, and the EcoBoost is no exception.
The size of the cargo bed vary based on the model of F-150. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 comes with three bed length options. The three sizes are as follows: 5.5ft Regular Cab, 6.5ft SuperCab, and 8ft SuperCrew. Bed volume is directly proportional to bed length. The storage capacity of the Regular Cab is 52.8 cu.ft. The SuperCab offers a bigger storage volume of 62.3 cu.ft. Finally, the SuperCrew has an enormous storage capacity of 77.4 cu.ft.
Overall, all three F-150 models are quite capable of carrying out the majority of material-hauling operations. All three can be purchased with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine, which provides improved towing capability as well as increased efficiency.
Maintenance and Reliability of the 3.5L EcoBoost
Are the 3.5L EcoBoost F-150s dependable?
As previously stated, the 3.5L EcoBoost engine’s top two priorities were performance and efficiency, in that order. Their third priority was dependability. As a result, the 3.5L EcoBoost is one of Ford’s most dependable engines. The reliability of the early production 3.5L V6s has shown the longevity of the EcoBoost, which has been available for over 12 years.
However, the second-generation 3.5L EcoBoost (introduced in 2017) is superior in terms of dependability. Ford changed and enhanced specific components between generations to improve dependability and performance. Port fuel injection was added in the second generation to decrease carbon buildup on the valves. The turbochargers were also updated to improve responsiveness and reliability. The cam drive system was also given a more robust and long-lasting dual-chain construction.
What are the most prevalent issues with the 3.5L EcoBoost F-150?
While the 3.5L EcoBoost is widely regarded as a fairly reliable engine, no engine is without flaws. The 3.5L EcoBoost suffers from a few infrequent issues, the majority of which are minor.
The most frequently mentioned 3.5L EcoBoost issue is carbon buildup on the engine’s intake valves. This is especially problematic for the first-generation 3.5Ls, which use direct injection fueling. As a result, carbon deposits on the intake valves accumulate over time.
Timing chain wear is another issue that occasionally affects first-generation 3.5L EcoBoost engines. Timing chain guides, tensioners, and cam phasers on 3.5 EcoBoost vehicles stretch and wear over time and with mileage. This is just an issue with early production 3.5L V6s, as the second-generation boasts a durable dual-chain construction.
With only those two flaws, the 3.5L EcoBoost is quite reliable for an engine that has been around for almost a decade. Of course, other issues may arise as the engines age, but at this moment, those are the ones that matter. If you wish to understand more about these topics, we have an article about it. For additional information, see our post on the 3 Most Common Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Problems.
What type of oil does the 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 require?
Because the 3.5L EcoBoost is a turbocharged “performance” engine, Ford is picky about the oil it uses at normal service intervals. According to Ford, only SAE 5W-30 totally synthetic engine oil should be used.
Furthermore, the 3.5L EcoBoost F150 has a 6.0-quart oil capacity. You should also replace your filter after every oil change.
What is the service schedule for a Ford F150 3.5L EcoBoost?
The 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 offers many of the same standard features as any other F-150. The EcoBoost engine does not require any specialist maintenance. The following is a breakdown of the required maintenance:
Engine air filter replacement is recommended every 30,000 miles (check the status during oil change intervals).
Replace engine oil and filter as advised by the onboard oil life monitor, but no more than 10,000 miles or one year. (A multi-point examination is recommended at each oil change interval.)
- Fuel filter replacement – Equipped with a lifetime filter, there is no need for maintenance.
- Every 150,000 miles, replace the accessory drive belt.
- Every 100,000 miles, replace the engine spark plugs.
- Every 150,000 miles, replace the gearbox fluid and filter.
- Engine coolant replacement – Initial change at 100,000 miles or 6 years, then every 50,000 miles or 3 years.
- Every 150,000 miles, replenish the rear axle fluid.
- Every 150,000 miles, replace the front axle fluid.
- Every 150,000 miles, the transfer case fluid must be replaced.
Comparison of the Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost vs the Ford F-150 Coyote V8
Is the 3.5L EcoBoost Ford F-150 less expensive than the Coyote V8 Ford F-150?
The starting price of an F-150 varies substantially depending on the model. The XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, Tremor, and Raptor trim levels are available for the 2022 F-150. Except for the XL and XLT, every F-150 version is available with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
The cost of including the 3.5L EcoBoost depends on the model. A pricing chart is presented below to make pricing information easier to manage:
As it turns out, the 3.5L EcoBoost engine is virtually always more expensive than the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine choice for the majority of the F-150 lineup. That makes sense in some ways, given that the EcoBoost engine is significantly more complicated and technologically advanced. Depending on your application, the greater efficiency and torque may be worth paying the extra money.
Related : The Upgrade Guide for the F-150 3.5 EcoBoost Intercooler
Is the F-150 3.5L EcoBoost better than the V8?
Obviously, this is a highly subjective topic, and the answer will differ from person to person. A few metrics, however, can be measured in a head-to-head comparison. Given that we’re comparing F-150s, let’s go over the kinds of things that a typical prospective F-150 owner might be concerned about.
First, consider towing capacity. As previously said, the 3.5L EcoBoost certainly has the advantage when it comes to towing. The EcoBoost boasts over 100lb-ft more torque, making it considerably easier to transport big equipment. This is reflected in the towing capacity figures. The GVWR of the long bed, 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 outfitted with a stock 3.55 rear axle is 17,000 pounds, with a maximum towing capacity of 12,100 pounds.
In reality, that’s significantly more than a 5.0L V8 F150 can manage. The GVWR of the EcoBoost F-150 is 2,100 pounds higher than that of the V8 F-150. The EcoBoost can also haul a full ton heavier load.
While the 3.5L EcoBoost has unquestionably greater torque, it also has less horsepower. The 3.5L EcoBoost generates 375hp, while the 5.0L V8 generates 395hp. Although 20 horsepower may appear substantial on paper, the EcoBoost will feel faster thanks to improved torque.
Due to the fact that some F-150 models can be equipped with either the 3.5L EcoBoost or the 5.0L Coyote V8, bed storage space may be similar. The quantity of rear storage space is determined by the type of F-150 you select, not by the engine.
Summary of Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost F150 FAQs
Ford thought they had produced something remarkable with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine when it was released. The 3.5L EcoBoost has converted even the most ardent coal-rollers into fans of an eco-friendly turbocharged 6-cylinder engine over its 12-year and continuing life cycle. Because of this, the F-150 name now has a completely new meaning.
The 3.5L EcoBoost engine is so highly regarded because it excels in practically every aspect. It’s not an underpowered and underperforming slog; quite the contrary. It is the ideal engine for the F-150 lineup’s requirements. The increased torque over the 5.0L V8 allows it to tow more while being more fuel-efficient. Its outstanding dependability ratings demonstrate that EcoBoost technology is strong and dependable. It is available on the majority of F-150 variants and wheelbases. Overall, it’s difficult to identify many flaws.
