22/23 F150 2.7 VS 3.5

[JPerkmr954]

I am trying to get some feedback about owners with the 2.7 vs the 3.5 and what might be the real time differences that would really impact my ownership experience if I were to go with the 2.7? It seems that I could get all the amenities I desire, just being open to considering the 2.7 ecoboost in the used market and possibly even exploring a tune to bring it closer to the 3.5 performance wise.

Is there something I'm not thinking of? Anything I need to know or can read up on? Thank you!

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[Mancerator]

Partially depends on whether you will do much towing and if so what the gross trailer weight is likely to be. The general rule of thumb for frequent towing is to aim for a trailer around 80% of maximum towing capacity which is determined based on the specific tow vehicle options. The 2.7 is pretty capable and the 3.5 a bit better. If you aren't likely to tow very often but MPG is important the 2.7 MPG is a bit better than the 3.5

 

[jakearb]

I'm lucky enough to just have work leased F-150s, but I've had all of them except the 5.0.
2020 3.5 EB
2023 2.7 EB
2025 3.5 PB
If I was to purchase a truck on my own dime, I'd probably go with the 2.7 unless I really needed the additional towing capacity. I drove that 2023 with the 2.7 to 80,000 miles in 2 years and the average mpg was 23-24. Sure the 3.5 has some more acceleration, but the 2.7 feels a lot more powerful than you'd think it would. Throw a Livernois tune on it and you'll be really happy.
The general consensus online is the 2.7 is the most reliable motor out of the F-150 options as well. It's built like a diesel.

 

[JPerkmr954]

Thank you for that info. I won't be towing anything crazy and it looks like the 2.7 can handle over 8,000lbs so I'd likely never have an issue. And I was looking into intakes and intercoolers, so I did see there is some more modest power than can be extracted.

 

[dmac]

Get a 23+ or a 22 that was made post August, when they started putting the fixed CDF drum in the 10r80 transmission.

2.7's seemed to have that problem less so than the 3.5/5.0, but that's a 6-11k repair when it happens (only really applies to trucks built before September 2022).

2.7 is an awesome motor. Very reliable since 2015 and great mileage. 3.5 also has been very reliable since 2021.

 

[MJG44]

I've had each motor. If I were forced to pick between the two, it would be the 2.7.

 

[Highway 11]

The 2.7 will be more than enough. If anything I wish it had more character - it's a bit quiet for the performance it pushes out. Plus oil changes on it are quick and easy.

 

[redline]

I find the 2.7 lacking in hiway passing power but it is great around town, it is kind like a v8… you have to rev it to get it moving at hiway speed… maybe I am just too used to the 3.5 power advantage.

 

[JCsTruck]

I’m about to get a new company truck with the workhorse 2.7 but my personal truck is a 5.0. The 5.0 has impressive highway passing power. I’m excited to experience how the 2.7 compares to my 5.0. I currently have the reliable 3.7 V6 in my 2014 work truck and its peppy around town but lacks passing power on the highway. The 6-speed trans probably doesn't help there.

 

[Elevatorman]

Saying you'll tune the 2.7 to be closer to the 3.5 is not apples to apples. Id say tune both and see. This is the same old discussion as the 4.6l v8 vs 5.4l v8 for many years.

Its got less power, supposed to get better mileage. Mid size engine option. I once had a 4.6l for 7 years. Always regretted not getting the 5.4l. I ended up later owning a 3v 5.4l and appreciated its additional torque.

I currently own a 23 3.5l. I tow a 5,000 pound travel trailer. I am happy with the engine. Its got great torque and runs well. But at no point when towing did I ever think this things got such an over abundance of power I would've been fine with the 2.7l. As a matter of fact it reconfirmed my decision as any less than what my 3.5ls doing I wouldnt be happy with.

But this is a personal decision! Ive heard folks make the argument thr 2.7l has the power and torque of the 5.4l so its all you need. Forgetting that the 5.4l (with 3.73s) was NOT impressive. Much better than the 4.6l but never was impressed with it. I would say decide what's most important to you. Engine or the truck itself. What are you willing to compromise on? For me I pick exactly what engine and must have features i need then look till I find it.

BTW I get 22 to 23 mixed driving with my 3.5l in a 4x4 crew cab with 3.55s, the gas mileage argument might not be much of a arguement

 

[Elevatorman]

If you tow alot get the 3.5l.

Edit let me rephrase that. If you tow once or twice a year, a small two thousand pound utility trailer to bring some mulch home from lowe's.Then, yes, the two point seven might be great for you. If you tow anything serious or heavy or often, then I think you would be mistaken to not get the 3.5l

 

[Elevatorman]

And no matter what you do, do not get a twenty twenty two. Get the twenty twenty three so that the c d f drum issue is fixed and you're not holding a ticking time bomb of a transmission

 

[JPerkmr954]

Get a 23+ or a 22 that was made post August, when they started putting the fixed CDF drum in the 10r80 transmission.

2.7's seemed to have that problem less so than the 3.5/5.0, but that's a 6-11k repair when it happens (only really applies to trucks built before September 2022).

2.7 is an awesome motor. Very reliable since 2015 and great mileage. 3.5 also has been very reliable since 2021.

$6-11K REPAIR - ITS GOING IN THE LAKE... LOL

But seriously thank you for the info. The Build date in inside the door on frame correct?

 

[dmac]

$6-11K REPAIR - ITS GOING IN THE LAKE... LOL

But seriously thank you for the info. The Build date in inside the door on frame correct?

That works, or you can look at the "blend date" listed in the top left of the window sticker.

Most 2022s are before the cutoff. Mine was luckily 1 month before so hopefully mine breaks under warranty.

 

[Jerome10]

Just want to add I agree with most posts here.

If I didn’t want the Powerboost I likely would have gone 2.7, with slight possibility of the 5.0. Supposedly most reliable. Also have heard it’s a little more sprightly around town than the 3.5. Something about smaller turbos spooling faster. Been awhile since I was shopping though.

If towing heavier or you want the Pro Power on Board, then that changes.

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