The F-150’s Second-Gen 3.5-liter EcoBoost is Easy on Fuel too

2017 Ford F-150 (Credit: © Ford)

When Ford switched to a turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine in its F-150, many truck enthusiasts scoffed at the idea. Now, with a few years under its belt and yet another turbo V-6 in the smaller 2.7-liter, Ford is primed to roll out its second-gen 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine in the 2017 F-150. Today, we learn that this more powerful version of the 3.5-liter is more fuel efficient than the first-gen engine.

While the increases in fuel economy aren’t amazing, they are a nice addition to the extra power this engine delivers. Specifically, the two-wheel-drive version of the EcoBoost-powered 2017 F-150 will deliver 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, which are increases of 1 mpg across the board. As for the four-wheel-drive model, it will get 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined – increases of 1 mpg, 1 mpg, and 2 mpg, respectively.

While I am sure the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which produces 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and its auto start-stop have a lot to do with the increase in fuel economy, it’s new transmission likely has a hand in these improvements too. This new cog-swapper is a 10-speed unit, which has plenty of ranges to assure it’s at the ideal engine speed for the conditions.

Ford has yet to reveal pricing and the on-sale date for the 2017 F-150. We’ll bring you updates as they become available.