When it comes to engines, Ford 2.7 and 3.5 are considered as best engines for the Ford F150 truck. That is why today, we are going to compare 2.7 ecoboost vs 3.5 ecoboost engines.
Both engines offer outstanding performance, fuel economy, power, reliability, and towing. Comparing these two engines is not an easy task at all.
However, we hope to compare elements such as towing, performance, specs, and more.
Table of Contents
What Are Ford 2.7L and 3.5L Ecoboost Engines?
2.7L Ecoboost is a turbocharged engine that comes with low fuel consumption and high efficiency. Ford officially release the 2.7L engine in 2015.
It came with the Ford F150 truck. In 2018, they release the 2.7L V6 engine. Compared to the 2015 model, this 2018 model was much improved.
Also, the 2.7 engine comes with an aluminum cylinder. This cylinder and the engine are made with a compact iron graphite body.
Furthermore, this engine is equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation, integrated water pump, integrated front cover, and an oil filter system.
Supported vehicles: Ford-150, Ford Fusion Sports, Ford Edge Sports, Lincoln MKX, and Lincoln Nautilus
On the other hand, 3.5L Ecoboost is a turbocharged engine that has more reliability and horsepower. Apart from that, this engine can deliver performance like a 6L engine. The initial design was produced in 2007.
In 2018, Ford called this engine Twin Force at that time, and it was a substitute for the V8 engine. 3.5L engine comes with an excellent aluminum body that includes a crankshaft and forged steel rods.
Supported vehicles: Ford Flex, Ford Transit Van, Ford-150, Ford Expedition, and Ford Taurus
Top Features of 2.7L and 3.5L Ecoboost Engine
In this section, we will talk about the top features of 2.7L and 3.5L engines. So, you will get a better understanding of 2.7 vs. 3.5 Ecoboost.
2.7L Engine Top Features
- Higher fuel efficiency
- Compacted graphite iron design
- Auto Stop-Start technology
- Automatic 10-Speed transmission
- Exhaust gas recirculation
2.7L Engine Top Features
- Better towing capacity
- Massive power output
- Auto Stop-Start technology
- An automatic electronic 10-Speed transmission
- Aluminum engine block
Common Problems of 2.7L Ecoboost Engine
Even though 2.7L Ecoboost is an excellent engine for Ford-150, there are some common issues that users have encountered over the years.
Without talking about these issues, we cannot compare the 2.7 vs. 3.5 Ecoboost. So, here are some Ford 2.7 EcoBoost problems.
01. Oil Pan Leak
When it comes to the oil pan, the 2.7L Ecoboost is made with metal and plastic materials.
The problem is this combination of metal and plastic is not the best for an oil pan. So, many users have complaints about oil leakages.
Solution: To solve this oil leak issue, first, you must identify it. And here is a way to accomplish that. When you parked the truck, check for the ground of the parking spot for oil. If you can spot any oil drops, your truck is leaking oil. To avoid this oil leakage, you will have to change the oil filter regularly.
02. Valve Guide Fault
Valve guide fault also occurs because of the oil leakages issues. However, this issue is a little different from the oil leakage issue.
This defect allows leaked oil to go inside the combustion chamber. Eventually, it will lead to increased oil usage. Besides, over time, the consumption rate of oil will be increased too.
Two main signs indicate this valve guide fault: blue exhaust smoke and less fuel mileage.
Common Problems of 3.5L Ecoboost Engine
Just like in the 2.7L Ecoboost engine there is some frequent problem in the 3.5L Ecoboost engine too. Therefore, here are two main problems that revolve around this 3.5L model.
01. Ignition System Issues
A usual ignition coil will last for at least 140000 miles. However, when it comes to the 3.5L model, the ignition coils wear down before your truck reaches the 140000-mile mark.
So, the user might experience stuttering issues and misfires. These misfires can cause ignition problems.
Solution :First, identify the issue by the carbon tracks. To avoid such ignition problems, you can replace the plugs or the ignition coils.
02. Timing Chain Issue
When it comes to F150 model engines, the timing chain ratio problems are a little bit higher than the other models.
The turbocharged technology of this 3.5L model causes the engine oil to be more vulnerable to stress problems.
So, when the oil changing interval gets delayed, the oil filters get worn out easily. This stretches the timing chain to a great deal.
To identify this issue, you must check for a rattle when you start the vehicle. Furthermore, you can inspect for check engine light.
Comparison of Ford 2.7 Ecoboost vs 3.5 Ecoboost
In this section, you can learn the basic and most important comparisons of 2.7 vs. 3.5 Ecoboost engine models.
For instance, here we will talk about comparisons such as Towing capacity, horsepower, torque, fuel efficiency, and more.
2.7 vs. 3.5 Ecoboost: Towing Capacity Comparison
Before we dive into the comparison of the towing capacity, it is always better to learn about the towing capacity. Therefore, here is a simple explanation of towing capacity.
What is Towing Capacity?
In simple terms, a towing capacity refers to the weight that your vehicle can pull both safely and legally. Too much towing capacity can affect a vehicle very badly.
For instance, it could lead to an out-of-control vehicle or a trailer swinging that can occur during an exceeded towing capacity.
Besides, stopping difficulties and quick break wear out can happen too. You should never tow more than your vehicle’s towing capacity. So, let us dive into the 2.7 vs 3.5 EcoBoost towing comparison.
What About the 2.7L Ecoboost Towing Capacity?
Ford is popular for providing trucks that have good towing capacity. So, when it comes to the 2.7L model, they do not disappoint their users. The 2.7L Ecoboost has a maximum of 10100 lbs towing capacity.
What About the 3.5L Ecoboost Towing Capacity?
When it comes to the 3.5L model, it has a payload capacity of 14000 lbs. The 3.5L engine is superior when it comes to towing. Compared to the 2.7L model’s 10100 lbs, it is a 3900 lbs massive increment.
Winner: With an outstanding 14000 lbs towing capacity, a 3.5L Ecoboost engine is the winner.
2.7 vs. 3.5 Ecoboost: Payload Capacity Comparison
Most people confuse the payload capacity with the towing capacity. However, they are not the same. So, here is a simple explanation that can clear things out for you.
What is Payload Capacity?
The carrying capacity of a vehicle is known as payload capacity. Usually, we measure payload capacity with weight. On the other hand, towing capacity means the pulling capacity.
So, we hope now you have a good understanding about carrying a load and pulling a load. In other words, payload capacity vs. towing capacity. Always remember it is a little difficult to carry an item rather than pulling an item.
What About the 2.7L Ecoboost Payload Capacity?
2.7L Ecoboost has a maximum payload capacity of 2480 lbs. That means a 2.7L model vehicle can carry up to 2480 lbs.
What About the 3.5L Ecoboost Payload Capacity?
3.5L Ecoboost has a maximum payload capacity of 3250 lbs. That means a 3.5L model vehicle can carry up to 3250 lbs. Compared to a 2.7L engine it is an increment of 770 lbs.
Winner: With a 3250 lbs payload capacity, a 3.5L Ecoboost engine is the winner.
2.7 vs 3.5 Ecoboost: Torque Comparison
A vehicle’s torque plays a significant role in acceleration. However, if we give a simple explanation for torque, it is simply the circulatory force.
When the circulatory force increases the acceleration increase automatically. In other words, torque is the measuring stick for the engine’s strength.
What About the 2.7L Ecoboost Torque?
A 2.7l Ecoboost model has a 375-400 lb-ft torque. For any truck, this value is remarkable.
What About the 3.5L Ecoboost Torque?
A 3.5l Ecoboost model has a 420-510 lb-ft torque.
Winner: With powerful 420-510 lb-ft torque, a 3.5L Ecoboost engine is the winner.
2.7 vs. 3.5 Ecoboost: Fuel Efficiency Comparison
When it comes to fuel efficiency, we do not have to explain it to you. However, for the sake of the article, fuel efficiency is an indicator of how far your vehicle can travel with a specific amount of fuel. Usually, we use miles per gallon (MPG) to measure fuel efficiency.
What About the 2.7L Ecoboost Fuel Efficiency?
A 2.7l Ecoboost model has a 20-26 MPG.
What About the 3.5L Ecoboost Fuel Efficiency?
A 3.5l Ecoboost model has an 18-25 MPG.
Winner: With AN IMPRESSIVE 20-26 MPG, 2.7L Ecoboost engine is the winner. Therefore, 2.7L is the more economical option.
2.7 vs. 3.5 Ecoboost: Horsepower Comparison
First, you must understand that the horsepower and the torque are not the same. The horsepower gives us an indication of your engine’s timely works load.
On the other hand, torque gives us an idea about the amount of work of the engine.
What About the 2.7L Ecoboost Horsepower?
A 2.7l Ecoboost model has a 325 HP.
What About the 3.5L Ecoboost Horsepower?
A 3.5l Ecoboost model has a 356-450 HP.
Winner: With a 356-450 HP, 3.5L Ecoboost engine is the winner.
2.7 vs. 3.5 Ecoboost: Reliability Comparison
When it comes to reliability, the Ford has built both engines remarkably well. As you can understand, both models encounter some similar issues that can be taken care of easily.
However, with some proper maintenance both engines should be highly reliable.
Besides, second generation 2.7L and 3.5L engines come with an extra port injection capability. They can also prevent issues such as timing chain that 3.5L models suffered over the years.
So, when it comes to reliability, you cannot find any trustworthy brand than Ford.
Winner: Both models are equally impressive. So, no winners here.
2.7 vs. 3.5 Ecoboost: Price Comparison
With some advanced upgrades and features, the 3.5L Ecoboost engine cost more than the 2.7L engine. We believe this price difference is fair according to the quality of the 3.5L model.
However, if you are looking for numbers, a 2.7L engine will cost you around $45000. On the other hand, the 3.5L engine cost $1400 more than the 2.7L one.
2.7 vs. 3.5 Ecoboost: Common Specs
For better understanding, here is a detailed comparison chart for 2.7 vs. 3.5 Ecoboost. Here you can find the 2.7L Ecoboost specs and 2021 3.5 EcoBoost specs.
Comparison | Ford 2.7 Ecoboost | Ford 3.5 Ecoboos |
Engine | 2.7L Ecoboost | 3.5L Ecoboost |
Fuel Economy | 20-26 MPG | 18-25 MPG |
Torque | 375-400 lb-ft | 420-510 lb-ft |
Horsepower | 325 HP | 365-450 HP |
Max Payload Capacity | 2480 lbs | 3250 lbs |
Max Towing Capacity | 10100 lbs | 14000 lbs |
Years | 2015 – present | 2011 – present |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is 3.5L Ecoboost better than 2.1L when we compare fuel economy?
To tell you the truth, 2.7L Ecoboost has better fuel economy than 3.5L Ecoboost. There are several facts behind this. For instance, a 3.5L engine comes with more towing, HP, torque, and payload capacity.
Therefore, all this extra workload surely burns up the fuel. Besides, 3.5L is equipped with the latest turbocharged technology. That means more fuel burn.
Is the direct injection still an issue for Ford?
Since the launch of the 2.7L engine, Ford has encountered several issues related to its direct injection method. It builds up carbon over time.
So, at the time, this was a huge issue. However, with the launch of the 3.5L engine, Ford was able to fix this issue to some degree.
If you use a newer Ford model, you will not experience this issue much.
How many miles can my new 2.7L Ecoboost run?
Usually, 2.7L Ecoboost will last around 230K miles. On the other hand, 3.5L Ecoboost will last over 250K miles.
However, during this period, proper maintenance is required. Otherwise, these engines will not last according to their lifespan.
Conclusion
Given the circumstances, we can confidently say that when it comes to 2.7 vs 3.5 Ecoboost engines, they both are excellent designs.
Both products are highly reliable and fit perfectly with F-150 models. However, there are significant differences that we can identify in these two engines.
We truly hope that, with this article, you were able to learn about those differences. So, choosing the perfect engine for your F-150 will not be difficult anymore.