Ford’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Turbocharged engine is one of the most exciting and capable half-ton trucks since it was introduced in 2011. Since 2011 however, the 3.5L EcoBoost engine has come a long way, with numerous improvements being made throughout the years to increase reliability and capabilities. In 2022, there are even three separate variations of the engine in Ford F-150 trucks. There is the standard output 3.5L EcoBoost, the 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid, and even a 3.5L EcoBoost High Output version.
In this post, we’re going to focus on the 3.5L EcoBoost High Output V6 Turbocharged Engine. We’re going to cover the differences between standard output and high output 3.5L EcoBoost engines, as well as performance specs, Fuel Economy, and other important engine information too. Let’s dive right in.
When Did the Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost High Output Engine Become Available?
The Ford F-150’s 3.5L EcoBoost High Output V6 engine was first introduced in the 2017 Ford Raptor. 2017 Ford Raptors equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost High Output V6 Turbocharged engine produce a whopping 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft of torque. Compared to the new 2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine that debuted in the 2017 Ford F-150, that was a difference of 75 horsepower and 40 lb.-ft of torque.
After a couple years of being married to the Ford Raptor exclusively, the 2019 Ford F-150 Limited was introduced to the High Output EcoBoost Engine too. Ford wanted to give its luxury customers the same performance capabilities as those seeking the Baja Race-ready Ford Raptor. 2020 Ford F-150 Limited trucks also came with the High Output EcoBoost engine.
The High Output engine was discontinued in 2021 Ford F-150 trucks except for the Ford Raptor. Instead, a revised 3.5L EcoBoost Engine is found in all trims that produces 400 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft of torque. The 2021-2022 Ford Raptor trucks have maintained a High Output 3.5L EcoBoost engine, however we suspect a revised engine is coming with the introduction of the Ford Raptor R.
3.5L EcoBoost High Output V6 Engine Specs
| 3.5L EcoBoost High Output Years | 2017-2022 |
| Applications Ford Raptor Ford F-150 Limited | See Below 2017-2022 2019-2020 |
| Engine Build Location | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Configuration | 60 Degree V6 DOHC |
| Displacement | 3.5 Liters (213 Cubic Inches) |
| Cylinder Bore | 3.64″ |
| Cylinder Stroke | 3.41″ |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Firing Order | 1-4-2-5-3-6 |
| Engine Block Material | Aluminum |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum |
| Valvetrain | Roller Finger Follower |
| Ignition System | Coil on Plug |
| Fuel System | Twin-Port and Direct Fuel Injection |
| Air Delivery/Aspiration | Twin-Turbocharged and Intercooled |
| Horsepower | 450 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 510 lb.-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium Unleaded |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 6 Quarts (5.7 Liters) |
| Engine Oil Type/Recommended Oil | Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil XO-5W30-5Q3SP (5 Quarts) |
| Engine Oil Filter | Motorcraft FL-500-S |
3.5L EcoBoost High Output Tow Capacity
Ford F-150s with the standard output 3.5L EcoBoost engine actually hold a larger tow capacity and payload than those equipped with the High Output engine. If you are going to be towing frequently with loaded trailer weights greater than 6,000-8,000 lbs we actually recommend going with the standard output 3.5L EcoBoost engine. Ford F-150’s 3.0L Powerstroke Diesel engine also offers excellent towing performance and fantastic fuel economy as well.
2019-2020 Ford F-150 Limited Tow Capacity
| Model Year | Drivetrain | Max Tow Capacity (Conventional) | Max Payload |
| 2019 | 4×2 4×4 | 11,100 lbs 9,300 lbs | 1,530 lbs 1,280 lbs |
| 2020 | 4×2 4×4 | 11,100 lbs 9,300 lbs | 1,520 lbs 1,270 lbs |
2017-2022 Ford Raptor Tow Capacity
| Model Year | Cabin Type | Max Tow Capacity (Conventional) | Max Payload |
| 2017 | SuperCab Crew Cab | 6,000 lbs 8,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs 1,200 lbs |
| 2018 | SuperCab Crew Cab | 6,000 lbs 8,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs 1,200 lbs |
| 2019 | SuperCab Crew Cab | 6,000 lbs 8,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs 1,200 lbs |
| 2020 | SuperCab Crew Cab | 6,000 lbs 8,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs 1,200 lbs |
| 2021 | Crew Cab | 8,200 lbs | 1,400 lbs |
3.5L EcoBoost High Output Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy is also lower in High Output 3.5L EcoBoost Engines compared to those with the standard engine. This is especially true with the Ford Raptor. That being said, the Ford Raptor comes with 35″ or 37″ tires and an off-road performance suspension. Fuel economy is better on 2019-2020 Limited Models as they more closely resemble the regular F-150.
Ford Raptor Fuel Economy
| Model Year | City Mpg | Highway Mpg | Combined Mpg |
| 2017 | 15 mpg | 18 mpg | 16 mpg |
| 2018 | 15 mpg | 18 mpg | 16 mpg |
| 2019 | 15 mpg | 18 mpg | 16 mpg |
| 2020 | 15 mpg | 18 mpg | 16 mpg |
| 2021 (with 35″ Tires) 2021 (with 37″ Tires) | 15 mpg 14 mpg | 18 mpg 16 mpg | 16 mpg 15 mpg |
| 2022 (with 35″ Tires) 2022 (with 37″ Tires) | 15 mpg 14 mpg | 18 mpg 16 mpg | 16 mpg 15 mpg |
Ford F-150 Limited Fuel Economy
| Model Year | Drivetrain | City Mpg | Highway Mpg | Combined Mpg |
| 2019 | 4×2 4×4 | 17 mpg 17 mpg | 22 mpg 21 mpg | 19 mpg 19 mpg |
| 2020 | 4×2 4×4 | 17 mpg 17 mpg | 22 mpg 21 mpg | 19 mpg 19 mpg |
3.5L EcoBoost High Output Engine Design Characteristics
The 3.5L EcoBoost High Output V6 Engine contains most of the same upgrades that are found with the 2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost that was also introduced in 2017. However, there are some unique engine improvements made to the high output engines to increase power and maintain reliability.
Upgraded Fuel System
Instead of a solely direct fuel injection system, the High Output EcoBoost engine gains a redesigned twin-port and direct fuel injection system. Two injectors are used per cylinder, one at the intake port and the other within the cylinder. They work together and produce greater power and efficiency while simultaneously decreasing emissions. This new design also makes carbon build-up, a common 3.5L EcoBoost problem, a significantly lesser issue compared to 2011-2016 EcoBoost engines.
New Twin-Turbocharger System With Upgraded Intercooler
High Output EcoBoost engines also receive the new Borgwarner turbocharger system introduced in the 2nd Generation EcoBoost. Unlike the standard engine however, High output engines have more aggressive compressors that allow for even greater boost. The high output engine also benefits from an electronic wastegate.
In addition to the differences with the turbocharger system, at least the Ford Raptor models gain an air-charge cooling system that features dual 100-watt fans, plus a standard heavy duty trailer-tow cooling system. This trailer tow cooling system features a 23% larger core radiator and dual 700-watt brushless radiator cooling fans.
Weight Reduction
Another important feature that enables the quicker acceleration of both standard 3.5L EcoBoost engines and High Output engines is the lighter weight of both the engine and the trucks themselves. In 2017, Ford Redesigned the F-150, utilizing aluminum body paneling. In fact, the 2017 Raptor shed up to 500 lbs compared to 2016 models.
Durability Enhancements
The 3.5L EcoBoost High Output engine also benefits from the new materials used within the engine. Hollow Camshafts are used in the roller-finger valvetrain, removing as much as 4 pounds of weight. A new lower end structure features an upgraded crankshaft and bearings, in addition to a two-piece oil pan. A new Dual-Chain cam drive design also improves reliability and provides simplicity.
Upgraded Exhaust System
Ford Raptors and the F-150 Limited with the High Output EcoBoost both benefit from a true dual exhaust system. They also utilize cast stainless steel manifolds.
What is the Difference Between the Standard 3.5L EcoBoost and the 3.5L EcoBoost High Output Engine?
Compared to the standard output 3.5L EcoBoost, High output engines in the Raptor and F-150 Limited feature more aggressive turbo compressors offering increased boost calibrations. Cast stainless steel manifolds are used, in addition to a full dual exhaust system. Ford also gave the high output EcoBoost oil-cooled pistons for increased reliability. Lastly, far more aggressive engine control calibrations were implemented to ink out as many ponies as possible.
Compared to standard output EcoBoost engines, the High Output EcoBoost spools quicker and providers greater acceleration. Horsepower and torque are greater, however, max tow capacity and payload is lesser on trucks with the High Output engine. If you need the maximum towing capacity offered by the 3.5L EcoBoost today, up to 14,000 lbs with the 2022 Ford F-150 Max Tow package, stick with the standard output engine.
Standard 3.5L EcoBoost Vs High Output 3.5L EcoBoost
| Specs | Standard | High Output |
| Horsepower | 2017-2020: 375 @ 5,000 rpm 2021+: 400 @ | All Years: 450 @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 2017-2020: 470 lb.-ft @ 3,500 rpm 2021+: | All Years: 510 lb.-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Fuel Economy (4WD) (City/Highway/Combined) | 2017-2020: 17/23/19 2021+: 17/23/19 | Raptor (35″ Tires): 15/18/16 Raptor (37″ Tires): 14/16/15 2019-2020 Limited:17/21/19 |
| Max Tow Capacity (Max Tow Package) | 2017: 12,200 lbs* 2018-2020: 13,200 lbs* 2021+: 14,000 lbs** | Raptor (17-20): 8,000 lbs Raptor (2021): 8,200 lbs 2019-2020 Limited: 11,100 lbs |
3.5L EcoBoost High Output FAQS
What are the major differences between the standard 3.5l EcoBoost and the high output 3.5l EcoBoost engines?
High Output Engines offer 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft of torque, which is higher than the standard output EcoBoost engine. This can be attributed to a more aggressive turbocharger design with increased boost calibrations, upgraded intercooler, oil-cooled pistons, and more aggressive engine calibrations. They also benefit from a true dual exhaust and cast stainless steel manifolds. The result of this performance is quicker spool times and ultimately faster acceleration.
How Much Horsepower Does the High Output 3.5L EcoBoost Engine Have?
450 Horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
How Much Torque Does the High Output 3.5L EcoBoost Engine Have?
510 lb.-ft of Torque @ 3,500 rpm
Which Ford F-150s have the High Output 3.5L EcoBoost Engine?
2019-2020 Ford F-150 Limited
2017-2021 Ford Raptor
Learn More About the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Turbocharged Engine
Visit our other Posts on this EcoBoost Engine by clicking on one of the bulleted points below.
- Comprehensive 3.5L EcoBoost Maintenance Guide
- 3.5L EcoBoost Specs
- 7 Best 3.5L EcoBoost Performance Upgrades
- Common 3.5L EcoBoost Problems
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