Debating Powerboost or Ecoboost

[Mixmastergosu]

I found the Ford F-150 I’m looking for in exact trim and mostly fully loaded at two different dealers.

• One dealer has the powerboost at xplan price
• Another dealer has the ecoboost and doesn’t do xplan price.
• So basically I can get the powerboost at the same price as the ecoboost.

Im just worried about getting the powerboost for the following reasons:

• been reading and seeing many threads and YouTube videos on PB electronic shifting issues, engine noises in the cold weather, and general bugs that cause harsh transitions
• Not sure the PB powertrain and electronic motor be reliable past 5 years
• What if ford enhances the hybrid motor in 2023/24 to be more optimized with the 3.5 V6 and all of us early adopters are stuck with lemons

Getting the PB at the same price as Ecoboost looks good on paper and have been seriously consider pulling the trigger but a bit gunshy. Would love to get your thoughts, thank you!

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[Ajzride]

My PB has been pretty much problem free for 20k miles now. I think the problem free ones are much more plentiful than the problematic ones. No one takes the time to rant for hours on forums about things that work like they should. The only thing I caution is have the right mindset, the powerboost is designed for power, not economy, don’t go into it expecting a fuel sipper. If your driving routines, terrain, and traffic are just perfect you can see some amazing mpg numbers, or you could just wind up with a more powerful eco boost if those things don’t line up for you.

 

[DEWAI]

Powerboost. It’s fantastic- the truck does hit EPA fuel ratings if you drive it - hmmmm how do I put this conservatively… it thrives in 30 degree plus - under that it’s usually 17-18 MPG - I got XLT FX4 Supercrew - Love it - Hybrid components and batt come with 8 year warranty on them - love my truck

 

[DBL R]

Depends what you are using the truck for. Highway only? towing heavy? need more payload? Then eco boost. Wanting better fuel efficiency in town? more utility with generator mode? quicker stop light to stop light? powerboost.

 

[Mixmastergosu]

Depends what you are using the truck for. Highway only? towing heavy? need more payload? Then eco boost. Wanting better fuel efficiency in town? more utility with generator mode? quicker stop light to stop light? powerboost.

Mostly highway and long trips across town. Occasionally road trips

 

[Ajzride]

Mostly highway and long trips across town. Occasionally road trips

this sounds like my driving. I live in the suburbs of Houston and hit the tollways almost everywhere I go. My average speed over 20k miles is almost 55mph, that includes all the 15 mph trips getting in and out of the neighborhood. My truck is a 157” lariat 502a with a 2” level. My lifetime mpg is 18.2. It’s actually worse than my 2018 3.5 EB, but my 2018 didn’t have a level. I was getting 20.5 on my 2021 until I put the level on. For your use case, you probably won’t get better mileage, so the PB would just be about power. With an 8 year warranty I wouldn’t worry about the extra components of the drivetrain.

 

[Mixmastergosu]

this sounds like my driving. I live in the suburbs of Houston and hit the tollways almost everywhere I go. My average speed over 20k miles is almost 55mph, that includes all the 15 mph trips getting in and out of the neighborhood. My truck is a 157” lariat 502a with a 2” level. My lifetime mpg is 18.2. It’s actually worse than my 2018 3.5 EB, but my 2018 didn’t have a level. I was getting 20.5 on my 2021 until I put the level on. For your use case, you probably won’t get better mileage, so the PB would just be about power. With an 8 year warranty I wouldn’t worry about the extra components of the drivetrain.

Thank you, So you went with the proboost? How’s the transmission feel on the highway

 

[Ajzride]

Thank you, So you went with the proboost? How’s the transmission feel on the highway

Never even notice it. I think it shifts smoother than my 2018 3.5 EB.

 

[suryc]

I have a late build 2021 F150l Lariat Mid w/PB. As others have stated get ready to learn how to drive. It’s different enough w/the Hybrid motor and transmission that it will confuse you with its mannerisms and behavior initially. But, give it time and research these forums to get a better idea of how others are getting the maximum out of their trucks.

The trans is the same 10 speed mess since it was released. I think Ford is trying to massage as much MPG’s as possible so you see quick shifts to the higher gears. With this much torque in the PB its easy but, on hard accelerations you’ll feel the kick in the kidneys.

Keep in mind these trucks are rolling computers. They have more software and more processing power in them than the Gen 13. As such you have to learn how the designers envisioned the users. It’s not like a Mac or Windows its Fordism. It’ll make you guess why Ford doesn’t use the logic their engineers have in their hands. But I’ve read many complaints about “why this” and “how come”when it comes to Sync 4.

I’ve had three F150’s in the new Aluminum body style. This one is the most fun and definitely the most interesting.
Good luck with the decision.

 

[gtotco]

Mostly highway and long trips across town. Occasionally road trips

I had wanted a PB but went 3.5EB when I found one on a lot in Dec 2020 for 6 or 7k below MSRP (it was a different world, clearly). I am mostly highway (truck is really only to drive the 150 miles to our mountain house - drive our CR-V around town) so I think it was worth the savings, but all else equal still would have preferred the PB. If you can get it cheaper I would get that.

TBH though right engine for me would have been 2.7 and wish I had thought about it more. I rarely use the extra power in the 3.5 and the 2.7 really sips on the highway. Doesn’t sound like that fits your scenario but point mostly is you can’t really go wrong. Honestly I’d just take whatever is cheapest.

 

[Valleyrider]

I got a powerboost because in stock form it is the fastest truck and I got the 7.2kw generator. I drive it quick and I don’t baby it around town. This engine is more fun to drive with than the eco boost so long as you’re not sitting around trying to play a high mileage game. Don’t buy it for mileage buy it because it’s more enjoyable and keep your foot in throttle to actually use the power the truck has.

Its fun to go and race a Trx at a stoplight - yes they beat me but by a much smaller margin than you would think.

 

[mbouck3]

I think it also comes down to if you are the kind of person that likes new tech or what they call a early adopter. There are some driving differences to the PB and I think a lot of it is because of the clutch engagement for electric motor and generator. On my 50 mile drive home from dealer the first couple of miles I was a little taken back between the electric clutch engagement and new unlearned transmission. I picked up the truck with 55 miles on it and first thing I did as I was driving was watch the average mpg, not good, 14 mpg. Now I know it was from ford doing its testing. By the time I got home it was 23 mpg and shifted much better, even better now with better mileage than that. So far I could not be hipper with my PB and its the fastest vehicle I have ever had bar none. Oh and keep a separate trip log for sport driving and give those turbos a work out. its a blast

 

[Fredm2002]

For what it is worth ...I have had my PB for 36,754 miles. No problems with the PB itself. The only problem, to be honest, is the OTA debacle and the recalls. I have found a good dealer, Witham Ford to help, along with this forum. I have used it several times when I am away from the house or too far for an extension cord.

Previously, I have had trucks with the 3.5 EB, 2.7 EB, and the 5.0 v8 and none of those engines ever had any problems.

For me, when they make a new version I will probably trade it in or sell it outright so I can get the new version, and I am sure that will make my wife, not so happy.

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