F150 - 2.7L vs 3.5L vs 5.0L

rruff

Explorer
wow I didn't know this.
If you had to pick a new F150 for long-term ownership, longevity, cheap service, decent mpg and you also knew you were not gonna tow anything more than 8000lb what engine would pick, the 2.7EB or the 3.3NA?
I'd give the 3.3 the nod for both MPG and reliability. According to Fuelly, the 3.3 averages ~19.5 vs 18.5 for the 2.7... but data on the 2021+ 3.3 models with the 10 spd are lacking; really not a lot of data on the 3.3 period.

It seems to really bother people when their "weak" engine has to downshift and rev to go up hills, but it doesn't hurt anything, and 3.3 should be fine towing. The 2.7 is definitely stronger and will tow more effortlessly. It will be even stronger (relatively) at high altitude. Something else in it's favor is the ability to get a heavy payload option... don't know about other options, be sure to check what's available. I'd guess the 3.3 is only available on lower trims. The 3.3 is so unpopular you may be able to get a deal if you find what you want on the lot.
 

rruff

Explorer
I guess it depends on whether Ford builds too many or too few for the meager demand there is for them.
 

Grassland

Well-known member
3.3 isn't available with STX package on XLs, nor on Sport package for XLT, and not available on Lariat and above.
IIRC equivalently equipped there isn't much difference in payload or towing rating between the 3.3 and 2.7. both tap out around the mid 7000# range. On SCAB 4x4 with large fuel tank anyway.
However, the 2.7 PP trucks get heavier rear axle and come with some features in the package that are not standard on non 2.7 PP trucks, and there you get increased towing and payload and it's a good price. (In Canada it was $2200 or something for 2.7 with PP, vs a 3.3, and you get the 2.7, tow package, heavy rear axle, and a few other minor things I forget, with big rebates or deals for "on the lot" not existing up here, that's a small price increase for a lot of stuff)
I'd want neither a 3.3 or 2.7 if I were towing 7k+, but I might occasionally tow that heavy with a 2.7 PP.
*Edit* the 2022 builder is finally online for Ford Canada, the 2.7 PP includes tow package so it's literally a $500 difference over the identically built 3.3 truck. (301a XLT SCAB 4x4, tailgate step, spray in liner, rear wheel well liners, 3.73 w/ ELD)
But it's $56820, about $16k too much.
 
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D45

Explorer
The availability of used 2.7L trucks is far greater than used 3.5L trucks

Reason why people are ditching their 2.7L trucks?

Prices for the used 2.7L trucks are also much less

2.7L - 165 cid
325 HP @ 5,000
400 TQ @ 2,750

3.5L - 213 cid
375 HP @ 5,000
470 TQ @ 2,500
 

Grassland

Well-known member
The availability of used 2.7L trucks is far greater than used 3.5L trucks

Reason why people are ditching their 2.7L trucks?

Prices for the used 2.7L trucks are also much less

2.7L - 165 cid
325 HP @ 5,000
400 TQ @ 2,750

3.5L - 213 cid
375 HP @ 5,000
470 TQ @ 2,500
The 2.7 is the standard engine in some trims, and a very small price increase over the 3.3 in lower trims, along with being the volume order engine of choice. The used market would reflect that.
 

tacollie

Glamper
Drove 1400 miles over the past two days in my 2022 F150 with the 2.7 and averaged 23.3mpg. This with four passengers and about 1k pounds of gear in the bed. All highway miles at 65-75mph. That is darn good IMHO. Well done Ford.

R
What tires?
 

D45

Explorer
I'm familiar with the oil filter location and oil change process on the 3.5L Eco

Hows the 2.7L and 5.0L compare?
 

SDDiver5

Expedition Leader
The availability of used 2.7L trucks is far greater than used 3.5L trucks

Reason why people are ditching their 2.7L trucks?

Prices for the used 2.7L trucks are also much less

2.7L - 165 cid
325 HP @ 5,000
400 TQ @ 2,750

3.5L - 213 cid
375 HP @ 5,000
470 TQ @ 2,500
Another large reason there are many more 2.7 engines is because they are 90%+ of the leased and fleet vehicles that go to auction after "x" amount of years.
 

calicamper

Expedition Leader
Another large reason there are many more 2.7 engines is because they are 90%+ of the leased and fleet vehicles that go to auction after "x" amount of years.
2.7 is most definitely higher production engine over the 3.5 simply due to having far more platforms that were designed for it. No biggie

The current 3.5 most definitely is its own engine and not like the early versions which may have had carry over bits from older NA stuff.

The 2022 3.5 no doubt has tweaks and changes that my 2019 doesn’t have. Just like my mid yr 2019 has changes the first 2019’s don’t have. Blatant example. Early to mid yr 2019 3.5’s have the plastic oil pan. Un announced mid ish yr change cast aluminum pans were swapped in. Mine to my surprise was cast aluminum.
 

skrypj

Well-known member
The availability of used 2.7L trucks is far greater than used 3.5L trucks

Reason why people are ditching their 2.7L trucks?

Prices for the used 2.7L trucks are also much less

2.7L - 165 cid
325 HP @ 5,000
400 TQ @ 2,750

3.5L - 213 cid
375 HP @ 5,000
470 TQ @ 2,500

Last I heard, the 2.7 outsells the 3.5 and so its availability is greater in the used market.

Honestly though, if I was going to take on the risk of a used Ecoboost, and I didnt know an exact maintenance history, I would pick the 2.7 all day long.
 
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