2.7 vs 3.5 EcoBoost Ford Engines

Engine power is everything while cruising your favorite Ford truck models. Whether you’re just running your own errands or on official duty, there’s no doubt you’d love efficiency. From normal driving to handling all types of terrains, you’ll need the right amount of engine power.

So, depending on personal preference or driving conditions, you’d need the appropriate EcoBoost Ford engine for your truck. But what is Ford EcoBoost? You may be wondering.

Ford EcoBoost is a lineup of turbocharged gasoline engines. The engines were originally developed by FEV Inc., however, they’re currently being produced by Ford. Normally, EcoBoost engines are designed to deliver power and torque while enhancing fuel efficiency by 30% and reducing greenhouse emissions by 15%.

In the next few minutes, you’re going to discover the difference between 2.7 vs 3.5 EcoBoost engines. I’ve put together this comparison so that you can make an informed decision depending on the engine that’s best for you.

So, let’s get to it!

EcoBoost Specs & Info

For starters, there are two generations for both 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines. Compared to 3.5L, 2.7 is more advanced and had its first-generation between 2015 and 2017. Afterward, the second generation came in from 2018 to date.

On the other hand, the 3.5L had its first-generation engine between 2011 and 2016. Thereafter, the second generation came in from 2017 to 2020.

2.7L vs 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 Specs Comparison (First and Second Generations)

Below is a detailed comparison of the specs for both engines.

1. Horsepower

The 2016 and 2018 2.7L Ecoboost engines operate on the horsepower of 325 @ 5750 rpm and 325 @ 5000 rpm respectively. On the flip side, the 3.5L operates on the horsepower of 365 @ 5000 and 375 @ 5000 rpm.

From this, the earlier generation of 2.7L has a higher horsepower compared to 3.5L of the same year. Therefore, this makes it more efficient in operation.

The later generation of 3.5L has a higher horsepower compared to the 2.7L of the same year. Likewise, this makes it more efficient in operation.

2. Torque

The 2016 and 2018 2.7L Ecoboost engines operate on a torque power of 375 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. @ 2,750 rpm respectively. In comparison, the 3.5L operates on a torque power of 420 lb.-ft. @ 2,500 rpm and 470 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm respectively.

The first-generation 2.7L has higher torque at low revs compared to the 3.5L of the same generation. This makes the 2.7L more comfortable to drive and more fuel-efficient than the 3.5L. This is also true for the second-generation EcoBoost engines.

3. Maximum Payload Capacity

The 2016 and 2018 2.7L EcoBoost engines have a maximum payload capacity of 2,210 lbs. and 2,470 lbs. respectively. On the other hand, the 3.5L has a maximum payload capacity of 3,240 lbs. and 3,230 lbs. respectively.

As you can see, the 3.5L has more maximum payload capacity than the 2.7L. This means it can handle more weight which makes it more appropriate for anyone handling cargos.

4. Maximum Towing Capability

The 2016 and 2018 2.7L Ecoboost engines have a maximum towing capability of 8,500 lbs. and 9,100 lbs. respectively. On the other hand, the 3.5L has a maximum towing capability of 12,200 lbs. and 13,200 lbs. respectively.

The 3.5L has a higher towing capability than the 2.7L. Therefore, you can confidently add more weight to your 3.5L Ford truck even when there’s already some cargo weight.

Read also: How To Tell If F150 Has Max Tow Package

5. Fuel Economy

For the 2016 first generations, 2.7L has a fuel consumption of 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined mpg for 4×2 and 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined mpg for 4×4. On the other hand, the 3.5L has a fuel consumption of 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined mpg for 4×2 and 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined mpg for 4×4.

A higher MPG means more fuel efficiency. Therefore, since 2.7L has a higher MPG, it’s more efficient in fuel consumption while driving in the city or the highway.

For the 2018 second generations, 2.7L has a fuel consumption of 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined mpg while the 3.5L has a fuel consumption of 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined mpg. Still, just like the first generation, 2.7L has higher fuel efficiency.

How Does the EcoBoost Work?

Every EcoBoost engine has turbochargers to produce far more power than the engine volume. The turbochargers are accelerated by exhaust gases that are not normally used and force air into the engine at high pressure, resulting in a significant increase in power.

EcoBoost F-150 Towing Capabilities

The 2021 latest model of Ford 150 has a maximum towing capability of 14,000 lbs. this gives it more power to handle high volume loads throughout the day.

Besides, this Ecoboost F-150 has a payload capacity of 3325 lbs. This is important as it has a direct influence on the towing ability.

How Many MPG’s Does an EcoBoost F-150 Get?

For 2.7L EcoBoost, F-150 gets an average of 20 MPG city and 26MPG highway. On the other hand, the 3.5L F-150 does 17 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. Most importantly, this depends on several factors such as your driving style and the weight of the cargo you’re transporting.

How to Get a Better MPG with F150 EcoBoost?

There are several ways to reduce fuel consumption and get a better MPG WITH F150 EcoBoost. However, the main ones include: keeping your speed below 70, keeping watch of your revolutions per minute (RPM), being wary of the road status, and avoid turning on the air conditioner.

Other strategies include: sticking up with the truck’s stock parts, avoiding the neutral gear mode, inflating tires correctly, getting a mechanic to custom tune your truck, using higher octane fuel, and keeping off from warming up the engine.

How to Improve the Acceleration of an EcoBoost F-150

There are a couple of ways to accelerate your Ecoboost F-150. First, get rid of unnecessary cargo that you may be storing in the back of the truck, opting for a simple tune-up, installing a turbocharger, installing a cold air intake, and changing your exhaust system. Other options include seeking professional tuning and buying a high-level octane gas.

Common Problems with the EcoBoost F-150

Below are the common problems associated with Ecoboost F-150 2.7L and 3.5L

F150 2.7L EcoBoost

• Valve guide defect — whenever you see blue smoke coming out of the exhaust, this should be enough reason to know there’s a valve guide defect. This problem comes about when oil gets into the combustion chamber because of leaking and burns off.
• Oil pan leak — the problem occurs when there’s an oil leak because the engine is not sealed properly by the oil pan. The problem is common with the 2015 to 2017 models. The 2018 model has an improved oil pan design that seals the engine properly.

F150 3.5L EcoBoost

• Timing chain wears — this problem occurs when you exceed your oil change interval limit. Exceeding this limit wears out the oil which is always under extreme pressure in the engine. Therefore, the used-up oil damages other engine parts like tensioners, guides, and the chain.
• Ignition — this problem occurs with the misfire code P0300-0306. To solve the issue, you need to pull out the plugs together with the coil boots. Then replace the insulator and plug if you see traces of carbon.
• Induction cleaning — this happens when you use induction cleaners that damage your turbocharger elements like bearings, turbines, and seals. The best way to avoid this common problem is by only using high-quality fuel.
• Reflash — this common problem is associated with frequent stalling or loss of power. And mostly occurs when the PCM doesn’t have an updated calibration.

EcoBoost F-150 Reliability & Longevity

The Ecoboost F-150 engines are reliable because of the high power, fuel efficiency, and low carbon emission. Therefore, this makes them efficient in running daily operations regardless of the driving conditions.

Besides, the trucks are tough and supercharged to handle all types of terrains and cargo. This makes the engine sturdy and durable. For example, you can cover an average of between 200,000 miles and 250,000 miles while using the 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines respectively.

However, you can achieve more with the engines especially when you change the oil every 7000 to 8000 miles and maintaining the spark plugs and filters.

F150 Diesel vs Ecoboost

According to Ford, the F-150 diesel can handle 11,400 lbs. of weight while towing. On the other hand, the Ecoboost can tow approximately 13,200 lbs. Also, the F-150 diesel is more economical on fuel consumption as compared to the Ecoboost. The only difference is, the Ecoboost has more power and torque.

Owner Reviews

Below is a summary of users’ experience and reviews for 2.7L and 3.5L Ecoboost engines.

MrWalleye73
I own the 2.7L EcoBoost truck and it’s pretty impressive how it’s got a high towing power. I say this because it can pull the 400lb boat/trailer effortlessly. Also, the gas mileage has been at 22mpg while driving my daily commute to work.

Tyler H from Grand Junction
This truck is comfortable on the inside and while driving on the roads. I found the 2.7 EcoBoost more convenient than the 3.5L. It’s simply astonishing how easy it is to get the truck on the roads with minimal effort. Besides, the fuel efficiency is top-notch and the truck’s inside can is extremely quiet and comfortable. This truck and its engines impress me a ton and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anybody that can afford it.