A Look at the Engine Lineup for the 2015 Ford F150 with Possible Power Numbers

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Since the 2015 Ford F150 was introduced at the 2014 North American International Auto Show, Ford Motor Company has been a little tight lipped on the details of the engine lineup for the next generation of America’s bestselling vehicle so we thought that today would be a good day to put together what we know for sure to help clear up any current confusions.

The 2015 Ford F150 will come with four different engines with two of those being new and two returning from the 2014 model year F150. This includes the new 3.5L V6, the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, the 5.0L V8 and the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. The 6.2L V8 from the SVT Raptor has been removed from the lineup for the 2015 model year.

The base engine for the 2015 Ford F150 is the new 3.5L V6. This motor replaces the 3.7L V6 that served as the base F150 powerplant for the last few years and while it is expected to be “only” as powerful as the old V6 (it could actually offer less power), the lightweight 2015 F150 should perform just as well as the 2014 F150 with the bigger base V6. More importantly, the new 3.5L V6 should offer better fuel economy than the outgoing 3.7L V6. Something in the area of 295 horsepower and 265lb-ft of torque coupled with the lightweight new F150 could offer similar performance and better fuel economy than the outgoing base V6.

The first optional engine for the 2015 Ford F150 is the new 2.7L EcoBoost V6, which has been designed with features of both the PowerStroke diesel and the popular 3.5L EcoBoost V6 that serves as the premium engine option for 2015. Ford has not offered up any power figures, but the company has stated that it will offer similar power to entry level V8s – which I would guess would put it in the low 300 horsepower range. Something in the area of 315-325hp would give this new EcoBoost engine comparable power to some of the less powerful V8s in the half ton truck segment while the EcoBoost technology in this small V6 should make it the most efficient engine in the segment. While this motor will only offer a touch more power than the base 3.5L V6, it should be vastly more efficient while also offering vastly more torque based on what we have seen from the other EcoBoost engines.

Next up is the only V8 offered in the 2015 Ford F150, in the form of the tried and true 5.0L. This motor served as the entry V8 for the 2014 F150 with 360 horsepower and 380lb-ft of torque and with the demise of the 6.2L V8, I could see this engine getting a bump in power…although not a very big bump. Ford could increase the output up around 370 horsepower and 400lb-ft of torque without stepping on the toes of the range topping 3.5L EcoBoost V6.

Last but most certainly not least for the 2015 Ford F150 is the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. This motor is also being carried over from the 2014 F150, but I expect that with the demise of the 6.2L V8 Ford will beef up the larger EcoBoost so that it packs more power and can do even more work. The current 3.5L EcoBoost produces 365hp and 420lb-ft of torque, but I expect to see an increase up to roughly 380 horsepower and 440lb-ft of torque. An increase of this size would allow Ford to boast of the EcoBoost being one of the most powerful engines in the segment while also making plenty of space for a more powerful 5.0L V8…all while maintaining the same impressive levels of efficiency as the current EcoBoost V6.

It should be noted that the power figures above are all based on speculation from what we have seen in the past and there is a good chance that both the 5.0L V8 and the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engines in the 2015 Ford F150 could be introduced with the same specs as the outgoing models. This would allow the company to focus on the marketing of the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and the new base 3.5L V6 – before unleashing a more powerful version of both the 5.0L V8 and the 3.5L EcoBoost a year later. In any case, I fully expect Ford to make changes that will allow the 2015 F150 to be the most powerful truck in the half ton segment.

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Submitted by Sean Walters (not verified) on March 17, 2014 - 9:14AM

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In real world testing the 3.5L Ecoboost has less true pulling power during towing tests and worse fuel economy than GM's 5.3 V8. This looks like a missed opportunity for Ford. I like what they are doing with going to a lighter weight aluminum bodied truck. That's pretty cool. I still think the F-150 is a pretty ugly truck, but it is still far better looking than a Tundra. I can't imagine that a 2.7L engine will ever be a volume seller in a full size truck. Glad I'm not the person having to sell them! Also a point of curiosity for me, is why Ford would decide to continue along with an engine lineup (Ecoboost) that has them trying to settle over 300 class action lawsuits. Interesting. I see this as a win and a definite marketing point for all of Ford's competitors.

Ive pulled extensively with the Ford EcoBoost F150 and it pulls every bit as well as any of the mid range V8 half ton trucks Ive tested including the new GM trucks. Ive pulled a uniform 7,000lb trailer with the Ram 5.7L Hemi, the Silverado 5.3L and the EcoBoost F150...and I can say without any question that the Ford pulled better than any of the other trucks with the exact same trailer and the exact same course. The other people involved with that same head to head testing session all found the same - that the Ford pulled the best with the closest competition coming from the Ram. Some of the big media driven by ad dollars might disagree but its a joke to claim that the 5.3L will outpull the EcoBoost.

As for the class action suits...Those 300 lawsuits aren't having any impact on EcoBoost sales from what I have seen and that is because the suits are all nonsensical...especially relative to the total number of trucks sold with that engine. Smart consumers aren't going to care about foolish owners who expect their trucks to pull 10,000lbs and get 22mpg at the same time. Many of those suits might as well have been explained as "people suing Ford for not understanding the marketing campaign". It is still Ford's bestselling half ton engine by a comfortable margin.

I always have to laugh when I see someone even bring up such a ridiculous comment like 300 lawsuits. As a percentage of the between 600,000 and 700,000 sold last yr. alone not to mention since ecoboost was introduced in 2011. The odds of someone really want to sue Ford are extremely low. In fact you may sooner be struck by lightning or with the Mega Millions lottery. That guy above is clearly a fan boy from another brand, lol!

The odds of Ford or any other major automaker being sued are actually quite likely. Don't believe me? Read the verbiage of their owners manuals and advertising. Read all of the documentation of a new car delivery. It's ridiculous how much they all have to cover their asses these days. And the 300 is not a ridiculous comment. It is actually an outdated conservative estimate of the lawsuits filed against Ford for the Ecoboost engine. As with all class action suits the plaintiffs can number in the hundreds or even the thousands. So, it is not simply 300 individuals that are suing Ford. I am a proud and admitted fanboy of GM products and have equally thrown them under the bus for egregious errors. All automakers make mistakes. It's what they do to make them right that sets them apart. I'm just trying to say that its not all sunshine and kisses when it comes to the Ecoboost. There is always a price to pay for that kind of output. Especially, in something with the aerodynamic properties of a full size truck.

Submitted by Sean Walters (not verified) on March 18, 2014 - 5:50PM

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I agree and am proudly a fanboy of Chevrolet. And the Ecoboost is a powerful engine. I have not towed with it myself. I simply base my opinions from what I have heard from people that come into my dealership after owning an Ecoboost for years and are looking for an engine that offers pulling power AND gas mileage. Most of the numerous lawsuits are in regards to the spurious gas mileage claims made by Ford and their complete disregard for customer service when people call to complain about not getting the advertised mileage. This is typical of Ford's marketing department. They have made unfounded horsepower claims in the past (see 1998 Ford Mustang Cobra) this is the first for them to make unfounded gas mileage claims. The worst of it is when you call up a Ford dealership and they tell you how you are driving your truck wrong! Tell me, seriously, fanboy or not that is a major issue.

Well how many people have died from MPG issues with Ford? How many people have died from faulty ignition problems with GM? what would you expect there customer service staff would have to say about that? build quality has always been poor on GM's now they have the recalls to prove it, I have 110,000km on my eco and wouldn't trade it for anything, as for MPG I'm a realist and undersand how engines work so I'm not surprised by what i get, which is still lower then any of the V8's I've seen.. I feel bad for the people that came into your dealership and got talked into a sluggish underpowerd truck with worse or marginally better (depending on the driver) fuel economy then what they had before, ask those customers now if it was worth it?

Submitted by Adam Kessler (not verified) on March 18, 2014 - 7:30PM

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Really the only point that I was trying to make is that of the million plus ecoboost trucks sold 300 is very, very low and as you stated above Sean. That is pretty commendable for such a huge gamble. Really for towing trailers from all of the articles I have read the ecoboost is clearly the best to own. Case in point (fastlane trucks) an independent has put the Ecoboost against all other half ton pickups including the new silverado with Corvette 6.2L 420 hp and 460 lbs ft torque and the Ecoboost beat it up Eisenhower pass by 50sec. Not because it was more powerful but because it's software was simply smarter. The Silverado kept hunting for the right gear and even started getting up in temperature. The extremely flat torque curve and computer software programming makes it the clear choice for those towing heavy trailers long distances. I would certainly be warey of any particular manufacturers propaganda. That's why I went with an independent companies tests. Though that drivetrain on the Silverado would be my second choice. It looks like fun to drive and tow with under normal conditions.

I have to agree with, Mr. Kessler here. Until you have driven and put the Eco-boost to the test, there is no question. I would like to add however that Ford did their research and put out the correct numbers for the Eco-boost, and here's why!

1. People who are in the class action lawsuits have filed them as Adam said, " for nonsensical things", such as a combination of Mpg, HP and TQ. What these people do not realize is that Ford has always had a disclaimer that states. Testings done with (3.5 Eco-boost, 3.55 Axle, with one 165 Lb Driver at 65Mph) or some combination of the of the above. People don't realize that these are best case scenarios for driving conditions. Be sure you read these!!!!!!

2. People are being Incompetent and not paying attention to what combination of Eco-boost engine and rear axle ratio their are getting.I.E.

If you buy an Eco-boost with a 3.15 axle ratio you're going to get a boost in your Mpg because your using lower Rpm to move your vehicle down the road at say an average speed of 70Mph. But if you have a Super crew, 4x4, with 3.73 axle and an Eco-boost engine, your turning over more weight, more Rpm, more people and more trailer and expect to get better Mpg, Hp and Tq when you run it at 70+ Mph through hilly country with the cruise control on, your asking for a bit much for any truck(GM included) to do. At these speeds, weights, you 're pumping more air which means more fuel and higher rpm. BE SMART LOOK AT WHAT YOU BUY, and NEVER TRUST WHAT A SALESMAN JUST TELLS YOU. DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

This is what people are suing Ford over and it really burns my backside because people didn't do their homework for what really fits them best, instead of getting involved in penis envy and stupid sibling rivalry. So in a word, I don't feel sorry for people who don't do their research personally instead, in the words of Sean up there, "heard", this about that. Now you might say I'm just being biased because, yes it's true, I prefer Ford over GMC/Chevy, but that's because Ford fits me better for what I do. Would I buy a new model Chevy, Absolutely! I am very impressed with Chevy, especially the re-design of their reliable 5.3 Vortec and the old school box design, but like I said Ford Just fits me better for what I do.

I guess what I'm saying is, please be smart and find what works best for you!!!!! don't just go off of what people have written or said, go and experience it for yourself and do your homework on your engines, axles ratios, and many more, also read the disclaimers and your life will be a lot easier.

Seth your comment hits it on the head...I'm researching for a 2015 ford 150 and trying to pin point the correct axle ratio to have...for medium towing and everyday use I'm looking toward the 3.5 tt with a 3.31 electric lockup....any thoughts of mpg versus torque lose with that setup...any comments will be appreciated ....thanks

I would have to know, how far your daily drive is verses what is the heaviest object you tow more than four times a year. Medium towing could mean 3000.lbs up to 5000.lbs. But, that being said, your torque loss would not be noticeable especially when you use your Tow/Haul mode whilst towing said object. It will be more noticeable when just towing in "Drive", especially with the six speed. Your Mpg Will be negligible as say compared to a 3.55 when towing in Tow/Haul since your going to running at a higher Rpm. Better overall Mpg when not towing of course.
So in conclusion I think the setup that your looking will be fine for your needs.

Seth, I'm looking at a 2015 F150 as well. In line with what you were saying, I commute 60mi a day and need to haul a 8000lb 33ft camper about 5-10 times a yr. What Ford drivetrain would suit me best? Or should I look at GM 6.2? Thanks, Walt

You would need the 3.55 axle to ensure that you have comfortable towing even when using your Tow/Haul mode. Now I say this becaue anything over 5000 Lbs. Is getting heavy Into heavier hauling. Moreover the ecoboost verses the 6.2 is a negligible difference especially when it comes to MPG whilst towing. However, your overall MPG is going to be better with the ecoboost especially in the half ton market, especially for a daily driver.

Seth,
I appreciate the quick reply, thank you! You have a realistic knowledge of Fords trucks. You are a great asset to this thread.
Now that I know what drivetrain I need, my next thing is to weigh the packages vs cost to fine tune my decision of which (Platinum 700/701 vs King ranch 600/601 vs Lariat 500/501) truck with the Max tow pkg. Would you be able to help with that or at least point me in the right direction? It's a bit overwhelming how they are marketing the new truck. I really don't think I need a massage while going down the road in a platinum 701...seriously? Hahahaha! Thanks Seth! Have a great day, Walt

Submitted by Dan Judkins (not verified) on July 3, 2014 - 12:36AM

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I own the 2012 F-150 with the eco boost . Its a super crew w 3.73 gears. I weigh 190 lbs and my truck averages 24.1 mpg @ 60 mph. It tows like a mule and flat out smokes the competition hands down . That's why its in my driveway. It generates 90% of its power throughout the ENTIRE rpm band. Two less cylinders. Two more turbos does the trick.

Submitted by TaurusSHO1 (not verified) on August 29, 2014 - 12:23AM

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I have the 2011 Taurus SHO with the 3.5 l ecoboost. It actually provides mileage better than Ford's claims.
On the highway I get 28-29 mpg, and in city 20. Not bad for this ecoboost.

Submitted by Gus Ramos (not verified) on September 15, 2014 - 9:20PM

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I have the f250 2012 model in 6.7 diesel, love the power on it. I have though noticed that the fuel economy is not there when pulling and the weight doesn't have to be that heavy. My old 2012 f150 in 5.0 got better fuel economy when pulling. Go figure? The 250 will get up to 26 mpg with a slight back wind at 62 mph and is great when empty. So, I will either go back to a 5.0 or might consider the eco boost just wish they made a 5.0 with at least one turbo 435 mph and 480 to 500 torque with approximately 14 mpg when pulling 7,000 pounds. Oh well.