Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine Specs & Performance Information
At the turn of 2010, stricter fuel economy and emissions standards in pickup trucks began to take effect. Traditional, naturally-aspirated V8 engines began to struggle to meet these emissions and fuel economy standards, while also offering limited performance figures. In response to these standards, Ford created the innovative EcoBoost engine platform that provided lower emissions, better fuel economy, and even greater capabilities. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Turbocharged engine was introduced to the Ford F-150 pickup truck in 2011 offering an impressive 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft of torque and it hasn’t left the F-150 lineup since. In fact, they are one of Ford’s best selling powertrains and are used in a number of other vehicle applications like the Ford Expedition and the Ford Explorer. They’ve also continued to improve the Ford F-150’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine Performance Specs, Fuel Economy, and Tow Ratings since then.
Since the 3.5L EcoBoost’s introduction into the Ford F-150 pickup truck, it has been modified to provide higher performance figures, and today, there is even a Hybrid variation of this engine, coined the 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid V6 Engine. There are also “High-Output” 3.5L EcoBoost engines that are used in 2019 F-150 Limited models and the Ford Raptor. In this post, we’ll cover the various variations of the 3.5L EcoBoost Engine, along with this engine’s design characteristics, performance specs, and even fuel economy too.
Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Performance
In a time when Big V-8 Engines were all the rage, the V6 EcoBoost Engine rattled the pickup truck industry. 2011 Ford F-150 pickup trucks with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine provided the best tow capacity, payload, and second highest torque amongst F-150 Powertrains. They actually provided better than tow capacity than every V-8 Half-ton pickup out there as well! In our next sections, we’ll go over how the EcoBoost engine was able to accomplish these feats.
Engine Design And Characteristics
The 3.5L EcoBoost Engine utilizes a smaller V-6 configuration and a Dual Overhead Camshaft or DOHC design. Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing, otherwise known as Ti-VCT, allows greater control over the camshafts, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and power.
Other key contributors to the 3.5L EcoBoost’s performance include twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection. This combination creates superior low-end torque that is maintained across a huge rpm range, similar to a Diesel engine. Peak torque is reached at 2,500 rpm, however, up to 90% of peak torque is available at only 1,700 rpm. This diesel-like performance also comes at a cheaper price, as 3.5L EcoBoost maintenance and operation is relatively inexpensive compared to diesel engines. This helps make the 3.5L EcoBoost the premier gasoline powertrain for towing. In fact, even today in 2022, the 3.5L EcoBoost engine continues to be the tow capacity leader amongst F-150 Powertrains.
When the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost entered the F-150 lineup, it was originally mated to the 6-speed 6R80 automatic transmission. In 2017, it was paired with an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, known as the 10R80. 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid engines, Ford’s latest hybrid variation of the 3.5L EcoBoost, utilizes the 10R80 with an additional 35-kilowatt (47-horsepower) electric motor integrated into the transmission.
3.5l EcoBoost Engine Specs
| Engine Years | 2011-2022 |
| Generations 1st Generation 2nd Generation PowerBoost Hybrid | See Below 2011-2016 2017-2022 2021+ |
| Applications | Ford F-150 & Ford Raptor |
| Configuration | 60-Degree V6 DOHC |
| Displacement | 3.5 Liters (213 cubic inches) |
| Cylinder Bore | 3.64″ |
| Cylinder Stroke | 3.41″ |
| Compression Ratio 2011-2016 Standard Output 2017-2022 Standard Output 2017-2022 High Output | See Below 10.0:1 10.5:1 10.0:1 |
| Firing Order | 1-4-2-5-3-6 |
| Engine Block Material | Aluminum |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum |
| Valvetrain 2011-2016 2017+ | See Below Direct acting mechanical bucket Roller Finger Follow |
| Ignition System | Coil on Plug |
| Fuel System 2011-2016 2017+ | See Below High Pressure Direct Fuel Injection Twin-Port and Direct Fuel Injection |
| Air Delivery/Aspiration | Twin turbocharged and intercooled. Electronic wastegates were added in 2017+ models |
| Horsepower (Standard Output) 2011-2016 2017-2020 2021+ | See Below 365 Horsepower @ 5,000 rpm 375 Horsepower @ 5,000 rpm 400 Horsepower @ 6,000 rpm |
| Horsepower (High Output) 2017-2022 Raptor 2019-2020 Limited | 450 Horsepower @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque 2011-2016 2017-2020 2021+ | See Below 420 lb.-ft @ 2,500 rpm 470 lb.-ft @ 2,500 rpm 500 lb.-ft @ 3,100 rpm |
| Torque (High Output) 2017-2022 Raptor 2019-2020 Limited | 510 lb.-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Recommended Fuel Standard Output Engines High-Output Engines | See Below Regular Unleaded Premium Unleaded |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 6 Quarts (5.7 Liters) |
| Engine Oil Type/Recommended Engine Oil | Motorcraft SAE 5w-30 Synthetic Blend XO-5W30-Q1SP |
| Recommended Engine Oil Filter | Motorcraft FL-500-S |
Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine Generations
Generation 1 (2011-2016)
The first generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine was introduced in Ford F-150 trucks in 2011. It became an instant success due to its astounding performance and fuel economy. Despite being a smaller engine, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine outperformed most V-8 engines used in both the F-150 and competitors trucks in the same time period. It also really shined when towing, offering owners diesel-like performance. Two major contributors to the EcoBoost’s performance include a set of BorgWarner K03 turbochargers and direct fuel injection.
As with any initial powertrain offering, the First Generation 3.5L EcoBoost had to have some kinks worked out. Despite this, they’re still favorable powertrains amongst Ford F-150 owners. Visit our 3.5L EcoBoost Problems post for the most common issues found on these trucks.
Other key features of the first generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engines include:
- Cast Exhaust Manifolds for maximum durability
- Paired with the 6-Speed 6R80 Automatic Transmission
- DAMB (Direct-Acting Mechanical Bucket valve train with polished buckets
- High-Pressure direct fuel injection fed by a common rail
- Pistons with optimized bowls to improve efficiency during combustion
- Twin-independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT)
- Improved manifold & Cylinder Heads
1st Generation Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Performance Attributes
| Years | 2011-2016 |
| Transmission | 6R80 6-Speed Automatic Transmission |
| Horsepower | 365 Horsepower @ 5,000 Rpm |
| Torque | 420 lb.-ft @ 2,500 Rpm |
| Max Tow Capacity 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 | See Below 11,300 lbs 11,300 lbs 11,300 lbs 11,300 lbs 12,200 lbs 12,200 lbs |
| Max Payload 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 | See Below 3,060 lbs 3,100 lbs 3,100 lbs 3,100 lbs 3,270 lbs 3,240 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (City, Highway, Combined) 2011-2014 2015-2016 | See Below 16 Mpg, 22 Mpg, 18 Mpg 17 Mpg, 24 Mpg, 20 Mpg |
Generation 2 (2017-2021)
The second generation 3.5L EcoBoost engine was introduced in 2017. In addition to a revamped motor, these trucks also gained a new 10-speed automatic transmission, known as the 10R80. 2017 Ford F-150 with the second generation 3.5L EcoBoost engine gained 10 more horsepower and 50 lb.-ft more torque than 2016 First generation engines. Fuel economy also improved 1 MPG on 4×2 models, and 2 MPG on 4×4 Models.
While the numbers show the improved performance, 2017 EcoBoost owners also received other benefits that are not quite as obvious on paper. Acceleration, Reliability, and overall driving experience were all improved. The second generation also has better low-end and peak performance, resulting in better towing performance.
Key 2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine Changes
Twin-Port and Direct Injection Fuel System
An important contributor to better performance and reliability on the 2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost engine is a re-designed fuel system. A new twin-port and direct injection fuel system was introduced. In this type of fuel system, two injectors are used per cylinder. One injector Is located on the intake port where air is introduced to the cylinder, and the other is positioned within the cylinder. These two injectors work together and ultimately result in greater efficiency, lower emissions, and more power. It also aids in reliability by reducing carbon build-up.
Updated Twin-Turbocharger System
Another significant contributor to the second generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engines updated performance specs include a new BorgWarner turbocharger system. The updated design provides greater boost. In addition, a new, lighter turbine wheel is used that is made of high-temperature, super ally Mar-M-247. This turbine wheel upgrade increased responsiveness. An electronic waste gate was also added to the new turbocharger setup.
Weight Reduction & Durability Improvements
Ford’s newer aluminum body panels aren’t the only way they tried to reduce weight to improve performance. The 2nd Gen 3.5L EcoBoost engine features a variety of lighter, but more durable components. Hollow camshafts are used in the newly designed roller-finger valvetrain that remove as much as four pounds of weight. The Valvetrain was also updated with the addition of more durable intake and exhaust valves. Hydraulic valve-lash adjusters were also introduced that optimize engine durability throughout the trucks lifetime.
The 3.5L EcoBoost’s lower end was also improved. An upgraded crankshaft, bearing system, and more stout connecting rod undercuts provide greater durability to support all that new power. A Dual-Chain cam drive was also added providing greater simplicity and simultaneously reducing NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) of the engine.
Auto Start-Stop
2nd Generation Versions of this engine also benefit from lower CO2 emissions and sometimes better fuel economy thanks to a new Auto Start-Stop standard feature. Idle times are decreased because the engine is shut off when the vehicle is at a stop during normal driving operation. This feature is disabled when towing or in 4WD.
New High-Output Engine
In addition to the introduction of the new 3.5L Ecoboost engine in 2017, Ford also unveiled the 2017 Ford Raptor. It boasted significantly better performance characteristics including more horsepower/torque and fuel economy. This was in large part to a modified 2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost that was coined the “high-output” model. 2017+ Ford Raptors come standard with the 2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost High-Output engine that produces 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft of torque.
Later, 2019 Ford F-150 Limited models were also given the high-output 3.5L Ecoboost engine providing greater performance specs for luxury truck customers.
2nd Generation Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Performance Attributes
| Years | 2017+ |
| Transmission | 10R80 10-Speed Automatic Transmission |
| Horsepower Standard Output 2017-2020 Standard Output 2021-2022 High Output (2017 + Raptor & 2019-2020 Limited) | See Below 375 Horsepower @ 5,000 rpm 400 Horsepower @ 6,000 rpm 450 Horsepower @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque Standard Output 2017-2020 Standard Output 2021-2022 High Output (Raptor + 2019-2020 Limited) | See Below 470 lb.-ft @ 2,500 rpm 500 lb.-ft @ 3,100 rpm 510 lb.-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Max Tow Capacity (Standard F-150s only) 2017 2018 2019 2019 High-Output (Limited Models) 2020 2020 High-Output (Limited Models) 2021 2022 | See Below 12,200 lbs 13,200 lbs 13,200 lbs 11,100 lbs 13,200 lbs 11,100 lbs 14,000 lbs 14,000 lbs |
| Max Payload (Standard F-150s only) 2017 2018 2019 2019 High-Output (Limited Models) 2020 2020 High-Output (Limited Models) 2021 2022 | See Below 3,220 lbs 3,230 lbs 3,230 lbs 1,520 lbs 3,230 lbs 1,520 lbs 3,250 lbs 3,250 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (City, Highway, Combined) 2017-2019 2020 2021-2022 | See Below 18 Mpg, 25 Mpg, 21 Mpg 17 Mpg, 23 Mpg, 19 Mpg 18 Mpg, 24 Mpg, 20 Mpg |
3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid (A Hybrid 3.5L EcoBoost Engine)
In 2021, Ford released the 2021 Ford F-150 equipped with a new 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid Engine. Essentially, it is a 3.5L EcoBoost engine with an added 35-kilowatt, or 47 horsepower, electric motor integrated into a 10-speed transmission. This engine produces a whopping 430 horsepower and 570 lb.-ft of torque. This is the highest torque offered in an F-150 yet, and it translates into more pulling power. 2021 Ford F-150 trucks with the 3.5L PowerBoost engine can tow up to 12,700 pounds when equipped with the max trailering package. Fuel Economy is also very impressive, offering almost similar fuel economy to the 3.0L Powerstroke Diesel engine available in the 2021 Ford F-150 too.
3.5L PowerBoost Specs
| Years | 2021+ |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Modular Hybrid Transmission |
| Horsepower | 430 Horsepower @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 570 lb.-ft @ 3,000 Rpm |
| Max Tow Capacity 2021 2022 | See Below 12,700 lbs 12,700 lbs |
| Max Payload 2021 2022 | See Below 2,120 lbs 2,120 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (City, Highway, Combined) * 2021 2022 | See Below 25 Mpg, 26 Mpg, 25 Mpg 25 Mpg, 25 Mpg, 25 Mpg |
Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Major Model Year Milestones
2011
Ford F-150 is introduced with the 1st Generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine offering impressive performance specs, fuel economy, and tow ratings.
2015
In 2015, Ford F-150 trucks received a new body-style made from high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy to reduce weight. These trucks also contain an improve fully boxed ladder frame that uses more high-strength steel than previously. All together up to 700 lbs of weight was removed, giving the 2015 Ford F-150 trucks with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine greater towing and payload specs, while simultaneously helping acceleration, fuel economy, and stopping times.
2017
In 2017, the 2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6 turbocharged engine is introduced in Ford F-150 trucks. Power numbers increased substantially to 375 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft of torque. The 2nd Gen engine features a revised turbocharger design with electronic waste gates, a new fuel system, and other durability improvements. A high-output version of the 2nd Gen 3.5L EcoBoost engine becomes available on the new 2nd generation 2017 Ford Raptor. A new 10-Speed Automatic Transmission is also added.
2018
In 2018, Ford F-150 trucks with the 3.5L EcoBoost receive a big bump in towing capacity. 2018 Models can tow 1,000 lbs more than the previous 2017 model. 2018 models also received a freshened interior and exterior.
2019
2019 Ford F-150s in the Limited trim package now come with the high-output 3.5L EcoBoost engine that boasts an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.
2021
2021 marked some major changes for the 3.5L EcoBoost Engine. The standard 3.5L EcoBoost engine now produces 400 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft of torque. The 3.5L PowerBoost engine is also introduced, which is a hybrid variant of the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, offering impressive fuel economy and an array of capabilities never before seen on a Ford F-150. The 2021 Ford F-150 also had a significant body-style change this year.
3.5L EcoBoost Specs FAQs
Does the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine use twin turbochargers?
Yes, the 3.5L EcoBoost utilizes a twin turbocharger design which is a major factor in these engines diesel-like performance characteristics.
How much horsepower does a 3.5L EcoBoost have?
Horsepower on a Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost varies across model years.
2011-2016 Ford F-150s with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine produce 365 horsepower. 2017-2020 F-150s featuring the second generation standard output 3.5L EcoBoost engines produce 375 horsepower. 2017-2021 Ford F-150s equipped with the high-output 3.5L EcoBoost Engines provide 450 horsepower. Finally, 2021-2022 Ford F-150s with the standard output 3.5L EcoBoost engine produce 400 horsepower.
How much torque does a 3.5L EcoBoost Have?
Torque on a Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost varies across model years.
2011-2016 Ford F-150s with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine produce 420 lb.-ft of torque. 2017-2020 F-150s featuring the second generation standard output 3.5L EcoBoost engines produce 470 lb.-ft. 2017-2021 Ford F-150s equipped with the high-output 3.5L EcoBoost Engines produce 510 lb.-ft of torque. Finally, 2021-2022 Ford F-150s with the standard output 3.5L EcoBoost engine produce 500 lb.-ft of torque.
How do you make a Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Faster?
There are a number of Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Performance Upgrades that allow you to increase horsepower, torque, fuel economy, and even speed. The most common Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost performance upgrade to increase speed and performance is tuning.
How much can a 3.5L EcoBoost-Equipped Ford F-150 Tow?
Early Ford F-150s with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine could tow 11,300 pounds. Today, in 2022, Ford F-150 trucks equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost and Max Tow package can tow up to 14,000 pounds.
Learn More About the 3.5L EcoBoost Engine
Visit some of our other posts about this engine by clicking on the links below.
- Comprehensive Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Maintenance Guide
- 7 Best Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Performance Upgrades
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