Ford has produced two twin-turbocharged V6 engines for its light-duty pickup and large SUV lineup: the Ford EcoBoost 2.7-liter and Ford EcoBoost 3.5-liter engines. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost can rival the performance of a 6.0-liter V8 engine and provide significant fuel savings. In fact, these engines are so good that they are available options for the Ford F-150 full-sized truck lineup.
EcoBoost Technology
Ford EcoBoost engine technology in both engines revolves around a twin-turbocharged V6. To promote longevity, the block is aluminum, and the components are steel. The twin cams are each operated by a different chain, further bolstering the engine’s durability. These engines also have a multi-port and direct fuel injection system and an increased compression ratio. Multi-port and direct fuel injection confer higher compression capability, providing more efficiency and power.
Although these EcoBoost engines are popular in Ford F-150 pickups, owners ask which of these is the best. Of course, with most issues in the automotive world, there may be better engines for your individual use case than the best engine for another owner. Let’s examine both engines and take a look at their attributes so you can make the best choice at the dealership for the F-150 that is right for you.
The 2.7L EcoBoost: A Compact Powerhouse
The 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine is smaller and weighs less than its 3.5-liter sibling. The former is also known as the EcoBoost Nano engine. The Nano engine delivers 325 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque to the Ford F-150. With the Nano engine, you get up to 19 miles per gallon city and up to 25 miles per gallon highway, can tow up to 8,400 pounds, and haul up to 1,785 pounds.
Overall, the Nano engine is smaller than the 3.5-liter EcoBoost model, providing better fuel economy. The Nano can still deliver quite a bit of consumer-grade towing capability, even for larger trailers. This makes the Nano EcoBoost a great daily driver and towing vehicle for your RV trailer.
The 3.5L EcoBoost: A Performance Beast
The larger, 3.5-liter EcoBoost outperforms the Nano EcoBoost engine. The 3.5-liter model delivers 400 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque. It gets up to 17 miles per gallon city and up to 25 miles per gallon highway. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine can tow up to 13,500 pounds and haul up to 2,440 pounds in a Ford F-150 pickup.
As you can see, the larger EcoBoost engine provides more power and torque and can haul and tow more than the Nano EcoBoost engine. From the towing figure, it is clear that the towing range is at the highest end of consumer-grade towing usage. A Ford F-150 outfitted with this EcoBoost engine could be used to tow and haul regularly and would be suitable for uses just shy of the heavy-duty range of towing and hauling. The larger EcoBoost engine is also ideal for performance driving uses.
Another key information about the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine is its advanced features, such as auto start-stop and cylinder deactivation. Both of these features help the larger EcoBoost engine get better fuel economy and provide greater longevity. Auto start-stop technology saves fuel by shutting the vehicle off at a signal and turning it back on when you give a throttle. Cylinder deactivation means that some cylinders are purposely shut off when unneeded, such as when you are not towing or hauling large loads.
Which Engine Is Right for You?
When choosing an engine, you have to consider your unique situation. If you need to save money, save on gasoline, and only need the F-150 for light-duty towing and daily driving needs, the EcoBoost Nano, or the 2.7-liter version, is likely the best choice. If you need your vehicle to do heavier, consumer-grade towing or if you need it for performance driving, the EcoBoost 3.5-liter is the better bet.
Both of these EcoBoost engines are state-of-the-art technology. They are both twin-turbocharged V6 engines that can tow large trailers. The EcoBoost 2.7-liter version is the best to use as a daily driver with consumer-grade towing usage. The Nano also has a better fuel economy and is usually available at a lower price point. The EcoBoost 3.5-liter engine is for those customers who require more frequent towing and hauling usage with a larger maximum load capacity. The larger EcoBoost engine is also great for performance driving enthusiasts. The choice is up to your individual needs and preferences.
Visit us at Fayetteville Ford for a test drive. Explore our online inventory of Ford vehicles with the EcoBoost engine that is right for you. Our customers love the power and fuel efficiency of these powerful gasoline engines.
