Home / Ford News and Reviews
Patrick Rall's picture
By Patrick Rall Dec 22 2014 - 5:15pm

The 2016 Ford F150 Should Get the Stronger Lincoln EcoBoost V6

The 2015 Ford F150 features a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 that makes it one of the most capable and most efficient half ton trucks sold in America, but for the 2016 model year, the Motor Company should really introduce the 3.5L EcoBoost from the Lincoln Navigator to the F150 lineup.
Advertisement

The 2015 Ford F150 XLT from the side
A silver 2015 Ford F150 XLT from the rear
A 2015 Ford F150 pushing a plow
The 2015 Ford F150 race truck from the front

When the new Lincoln Navigator was introduced with a retuned version of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with more powerful than the previous Ford F150 pickup with the same engine, it was widely expected that the 2015 F150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 would pack the same power as the big luxury SUV. However, when the specs for the new F150 were announced, the biggest EcoBoost option receives the same power ratings as the 2014 models. Were I a betting man, I would expect to see the Navigator EcoBoost V6 in the F150 for 2016.

The 2015 3.5L EcoBoost V6
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is among Ford’s most popular motors, serving as the premium drivetrain option in the Ford F150, the Ford Taurus, the Ford Flex, the Ford Expedition, the Ford Explorer, the Lincoln MKS, the Lincoln MKT and the Lincoln Navigator. The output has always varied a bit from vehicle to vehicle, but the version used in the F150 has always been the most powerful with 365 horsepower and 420lb-ft of torque. However, with the introduction of the refreshed 2015 Lincoln Navigator earlier this year, FoMoCo rolled out a new version of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 that offers 380 horsepower and 460lb-ft of torque.

This 2015 Lincoln Navigator EcoBoost V6 allows the 6,000lb+ SUV to get away from a stop in a hurry, while also being able to comfortably tow 9,000 pounds. I would almost go so far as to call the 2015 EcoBoost’d Navigator fast and when you aren’t pushing it hard, the Navigator can top 20mpg on the highway. This new 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is impressive and it seemed like a no-brainer for the newly released next generation F150 to get this new EcoBoost, but when the specs for the 2015 F150 3.5L EcoBoost were announced, it got the same 365 horsepower and 420lb-ft of torque as the previous models.

2015 Ford F150 Galleries:
A closer look at the trimlines of the 2015 Ford F150
The 2015 Ford F150 at the 2014 NAIAS

The 2015 Ford F150 with the available 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with 365hp and 420lb-ft of torque is still one of the most powerful and most capable trucks in the half ton segment while also being one of the most fuel-friendly gas-powered pickups, so it really doesn’t NEED the added power. At the same time, if Ford has the same engine that 15 extra horsepower and 40lb-ft more torque, why wouldn’t they be using it in a vehicle as important as the 2015 F150?

I think that it is all about timing and if I am right, we will see the more-powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in the 2016 Ford F150.

Why the Wait for the Beefier EcoBoost?
The automotive industry is all about getting everyone to talk about your products, and that includes both the media and the people buying the vehicles in question. With the 2015 Ford F150, there were a great many “big stories” within that one vehicle. It was the first of a new generation, introducing a bold new style. It was comprised heavily of aluminum. It featured a new 2.7L EcoBoost v6 that would make it the most efficient gas-powered truck in the half ton segment. Finally, it packed a slightly revamped 5.0L V8 that is the strongest in the lineup in terms of payload capabilities.

In other words, there were so many new and improved aspects of the 2015 Ford F150, that the company was smart to save something for later on. Ford has done this in the past when rolling out a new generation of a popular product, holding back on drivetrain changes for the following year and letting people focus on the new version rather than a new engine. Afterwards, Ford would then roll out improved drivetrain features that would get everyone talking about them again once the focus on the exterior design discussions have gotten old.

Right now, everyone is talking about the new aluminum body of the 2015 F150 and the super-efficient 2.7L EcoBoost. By the time the 2016 models reach showrooms, we will have all gotten tired of questioning the aluminum body, the new exterior design and the new fuel-friendly 2.7, so we will need something new to discuss. I expect that something new to discuss will be the Lincoln Navigator’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6 under the hood of the 2016 F150 – a move which will make it even more capable in addition to being more powerful.

Automotive News
Pickup Trucks
Ford News and Reviews

Subscribe to Torque News on YouTube.
Follow Torque News on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

Comments

Brandon D wrote on December 22, 2014 - 7:22pm
2nd times a charm eh? When i read this the first time i figured you had something but i will lay some eco boost owner info on you. Not only is my eco and everyone elses not good on fuel at all but even when i have it custom tuned, still not good on fuel. Custom 93 octane race tune and custom 87 tow tunes. tested for thousands of miles in my 2013 f150 with 3.31 gears. Custom economy tune is worst than stock. stock isnt so bad if you keep your foot like its riding an egg shell. Power wise the custom tunes i have all bring it within the spec of the new and improved edition you talk about in the navigator. With Bad mileage already inherent do you think that ford can make it get the same mileage with a tune? I dont! I know one thing, if they want to piss off buyers of the 2015 that waited months to receive there order that would be a good way to do it. The 2015 buyers also have to deal with the inevitable change of sync that ford has already shown us to be upgraded in vehicles. the 2015 f150 will get that in 16/17 for the upgrade to keep people interested. In 17' the 10 speed might show up but its doubtful. All i can say is that i tow often and drive many times every day wishing it was better than it was on fuel. Power wise it is excellent and feels refined compared to a v8 in any brand. I wouldnt say its efficient getting the power that it does though. It tows better and feels better than lesser motors. its cost more for that experience. If i had the choice to make again i would have bought a 6.2 v8 in the f150 instead. I would have the same mileage but i would have had something with guaranteed reliability. where the eco doesnt really do that for you without modifications that dealers consider to void the warranty. Ford will most likely reign supreme in sales but i highly doubt they would make any moves to anger the loyal customers that waited patiently to get the barley released yet 15' f150.
Brian wrote on December 24, 2014 - 8:05pm
I guarantee that if you drive the 6.2 v8 with a lead foot, you will get far worse gas mileage than your 3.5.
Brandon D wrote on December 25, 2014 - 7:14am
I dont have a lead foot. i get superior mileage driving superduty with a 6.2 around the same town. The quality of motor is superior too. 6.2 is a strong bullet proof engine. wont have issues with it like ecoboost. ecoboost needs modifications to help carbon deposits from entering the intake. its a problem ford has acknowledged, and is documented on f150 forums.
Tom wrote on October 15, 2015 - 7:50am
I too am waiting on delivery of a 2015 EB F150 and do agree with what you mention, do hope to see this engine do a little better on fuel, have had this motor in the past and loved the power. That said you make a valid point about the PCV system and oil ingestion, but, that same problem exists in many vehicles including naturally aspirated. My 6.2L Raptor showed to deposit plenty of oil in my the catch can I installed and the fuel mileage in the Raptor was not overall better than the 3.5 EB, accepting of course the weight difference of that beast. I'll be ordering my catch can kit for the 2015 F150 EB.
Crate wrote on December 24, 2014 - 9:37am
How can you say all Ecoboost owners fuel consumption is poor? Just not true. You say you had yours custom tuned and used 93 octane, maybe you should just leave things alone.I have a 2011 with the Ecoboost engine. The first 15k I averaged around 18mpg and it starter to increase to where I'm at now about 19.7mpg for city driving and 21mpg highway with 43k on it now.This has become the most popular engine based on Ford claims about it and satisified owners like myself. I pull a 6000lb camper with it and I'm very impressed with the torque and how fast you can get up to speed. I will certainly add the 3.5 Ecoboost option to my next F150 and I hope it will be the Lincoln version.
Brandon D wrote on December 25, 2014 - 7:37am
I am sorry but i just never take someones word for good fuel economy. I am a mechanic i drive a plethora of vehicles ranging from 1993-2014. I test drive vehicles to figure out what customers need fixed. i am very sensitive to a vehicle and its components. I know how to make it do what i want when i want. 15 years of training from my own father whom i work with daily. I come from a family of Garage owners and mechanics, that runs 3 generations deep. If for some reason i got a dud of a f150 it would have been lemon law instantly! i have no reason to believe it is not running as perfect as it can. I left it stock for 10k miles. it never got the mileage it should have as an average. on stretches of driving i could get 24+ mpg avg but that was the flat or downhill trajectory i could route the vehicle on. Put it in traffic, on hills and it doesnt matter how light you hit the gas pedal it isnt good when on a hill. and it isnt good from stop light to stop light. I guess i could creep it up to 20 mph to get that fake non realistic truck mileage but the v8's i test from other manufacturers are hands down better on fuel in the same situations and you can accelerate normally up to 30 mph. I have many people i know with 3.55 gears and fx4 models with 3.73 gears. they all get underwhelming fuel economy. the 3.31 in my truck out of all of them has the best potential to get good mileage but in real world conditions it just doesnt happen often enough to call it real world. If i could do it all over again i would have went with a 6.2. they hold resale value to private sales. second choice would have been the 5.0 but i would have rather had the upgraded version in the 2015. it has a serious upgrade in torque compared to the 14' model. 387ftlbs 400-600 rpm earlier on the curve makes the curve much fatter. Hand calculate your mileage the fuel tank on mine is 36 gallons i have gotten 37 in it after running it on E with a zero miles to empty for 20 miles. I hand calculated 13.1+ using that 37 gallons to divide mileage. i tried as hard as i could to do good on fuel. after that i said who cares ill look at the dash to figure i am 1 mpg lower than what it says. well it say 12.3 right now. i resest both the instant and the trip b to measure or periods of times. the trip b reads 11.7 right now over 330miles of city driving with 3-4 mile stretches of highway. I can garuntee i can do better with a v8. Towing wise i would rather have the eco boost it tows wonderful and is the best atribute to the truck and funny thing is i can get 12 mpg avg on the dash towing through the hills! that to me is a conundrum. but 5k on a new Landscape trailer might not be very much to bring mileage down. or is the right load for it to be efficient. i could never see that mileage in the hills with a v8 towing as fast and haivng the power that a comparable v8 does. MERRY CHRISTMAS
Crate wrote on December 25, 2014 - 1:51pm
Sounds like you have a lemon, something is just not right. All of the Ecoboost owners I know easily get 17-19 mpg depending how they are driven and weather conditions. Good Luck.
Brandon D wrote on December 26, 2014 - 2:40pm
Nope not a lemon. Just a f150 ecoboost.
Bill mee wrote on December 25, 2014 - 3:51pm
Hi all. I owned a 2011 f-150 4x4 5.0 with off road package and 3.73 locking rear. I babied it to an indicated 10.5. But actually drove it to 12.0on highway at 120kmph. Last month I rented a 2013 f-150 crew 4x4 Eco with bed cover. Put her on the highway at 110kmph and she sat down on a fixed 14l per 100 km. can't believe we're still talking mileage here. The Eco is a disappointment. Mostly I think as its turbo is trying to be bigger all the time. I suspect if they back down the turbo. Ie more turbo lag. You would have much better mileage. Remember this Eco is rated stronger than the 8. Power oh boy yes the Eco moves. No disappointment there. Since most boys care more about the muscle than the 8 bucks bigger fuel bill. Guess ford got it right. But I'm just saying it could be better factory. Eg why do the chip tuners offer power settings but ford doesn't.
van m bond jr wrote on February 4, 2015 - 12:17am
they should use this version of the 3.5L Ecoboost in the next-gen Taurus and as the replacement for the 3.7L V6 in the mustang. 380hp/460lb-ft tq would be a perfect "V6-Sport" setup with the new Ford/GM 10-speed auto that FOMOCO & GM are working on. Honestly I wish Ford would use the different variants of the V6 engines in their mustangs since we already have a monstrous GT car and the two new GT350 cars.
Ford F-150 Owne... wrote on July 18, 2015 - 6:14pm
The 2.7 is a super nice fuel efficient and rather quick / fast engine, at least in my regular cab / short bed ... Darn thing gets up and goes!