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He traded his twin-turbo punch for a high-tech V8, but now he’s asking: Is the 2025 F-150’s "lazy" engine a dealbreaker?
Imagine finally settling into the plush leather seat of your brand-new Ford F-150 Lariat, enjoying the cutting-edge hands-free driving technology on a cross-country trek, yet every time you merge onto the interstate, you feel a nagging hollow sensation where raw acceleration used to be. You traded your trusted twin-turbo workhorse for the soul-stirring rumble of a V8, only to find that the daily drive feels less like a sprint and more like a marathon. This exact sentiment is echoing through the truck community as one owner realizes that modern tech cannot always replace the immediate punch of a specialized powertrain.
Michael Collura on the Ford F-150 Owners Facebook page says,
“So this is my 2025 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.0. I have 11k on it now, and I just took it on a trip to Florida. I love it, and BlueCruise is a game-changer for a trip like that. One thing I miss is the power and quick response of my 3.5L EcoBoost. (2015 screw 4x4). The 5.0L is lazy and lacks the “ooommmfffhhh” that the 3.5L had. I am not saying I have buyer's remorse, but I kinda want to grab another 3.5L Eco before the 2026 models and their gas smog filters. The 5.0L does sound cool, and I hate an Eco with exhaust.”
The 2025 Ford F-150 Engine Debate: Why the 5.0L V8 Feels "Lazy" Compared to the 3.5L EcoBoost
As a Senior Reporter at Torque News with 30 years in the automotive trenches, I have seen every trend from the rise of the original muscle trucks to the high-tech, electrified haulers of today. When an owner like Michael shares his story, it strikes a chord because it highlights a fundamental misunderstanding of the 2025 Ford F-150 engine performance comparison specs.
On paper, the 5.0L Coyote V8 is a beast, pumping out 400 horsepower. But as any seasoned driver knows, horsepower is for show, while torque is for "go." The 3.5L EcoBoost delivers its 500 lb-ft of torque much lower in the RPM range, giving you that "pinned-to-the-seat" feeling the moment you touch the pedal. In contrast, the V8 is a high-revving engine that requires a heavy foot to find its sweet spot.
Many drivers are finding themselves in Michael's shoes, questioning their purchase. In a recent report I filed, “I Thought About Buying a 2025 Ford F-150 STX Until I Test Drove It and Floored It - It’s Gear Changes Are Smooth, But I’ll Keep My 2020 5.0L, It’s Much Quicker”, I explored how the perceived speed of these trucks can vary wildly depending on your previous daily driver and the specific transmission tuning.
The Hidden Impact of 2026 Gasoline Particulate Filters
Michael’s mention of "gas smog filters" is a sharp observation that many casual buyers are missing. For the 2026 model year, Ford is introducing Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPF) to comply with tightening EPA emissions standards. These filters act as bottlenecks in the exhaust system, and initial data suggest a slight drop in horsepower for the 3.5L EcoBoost down to roughly 382 hp from the current 400 hp.
If you want the maximum "oomph" without the added complexity of these new emissions components, the window is closing fast. I recently discussed the longevity of these trucks in Ford F-150 Owner Says He's 'Done With Ford,' at 83K Miles With Too Many Issues, where I noted that as these trucks get more complex, the "best" model year is often the one right before a major hardware shift.
Is BlueCruise a Fair Trade for Performance?
There is no denying that Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving technology has revolutionized long-distance travel. For a trip to Florida, having the truck handle steering and speed on pre-mapped highways significantly reduces driver fatigue. However, a luxury feature doesn't fix a "lazy" throttle.
The 10-speed automatic transmission in the 2025 models is tuned for maximum fuel efficiency, often keeping the V8 in a higher gear than necessary. This creates a lag when you need to pass. If you are searching for the most reliable Ford F-150 engine for towing and highway passing, you have to decide if you want the effortless low-end grunt of the twin-turbos or the traditional, linear build of the V8.
For those who feel the current lineup is missing the mark, I've seen some owners make even more drastic changes, as I detailed in An F-150 Owner Won't Buy Another Ford, Says, 'I Have Serious Buyer's Remorse One Year In.
Key Takeaways for F-150 Buyers
- Torque Delivery Matters: The 3.5L EcoBoost delivers peak torque at 3,000 RPM, while the 5.0L V8 requires revs toward 4,500 RPM to feel truly powerful.
- The 2026 Shift: New emissions hardware (GPFs) will likely sap some power and add complexity to future models.
- Sport Mode is Your Friend: If your V8 feels "lazy," shifting into Sport Mode alters the 10-speed transmission's shift points to keep the engine in its power band.
- Test Drive Both: Never buy based on the sound of the exhaust alone; the "butt dyno" doesn't lie.
What F-150 Owners Are Saying
The debate between the Coyote V8 and the EcoBoost is raging on forums like Reddit. Here is what real-world owners are reporting:
"The 5.0 may scream up high, but the 3.5 will dig in and make power much sooner. I literally don't see the appeal of the V8 anymore unless you don't trust the turbo." r/f150 User
"I have a 5.0 and wish my truck had more get up. Driving up an incline in the mountains in Colorado can result in pedal to the floor, yet only revving at 4000 and barely increasing in speed." r/f150 User
"I went with the 3.5L. I liked the torque off the line better, but the sound of the 5.0L is unmatched." r/FordTremor User
In The End
Michael's experience is a perfect example of the "grass is greener" syndrome in the truck world. While the 5.0L V8 offers that classic American soundtrack and long-term simplicity, it simply cannot match the effortless, turbocharged surge of the 3.5L EcoBoost that Ford truck owners have grown accustomed to over the last decade. If you value that "oomph" and immediate throttle response, the clock is ticking to grab a 2025 EcoBoost before the 2026 filters change the game forever.
Tell Us What You Think
Have you experienced the "lazy" feel of the new 5.0L V8, or do you think the 3.5L EcoBoost is overhyped? Drop a comment below and let’s talk trucks!
Next Up: Ford F-150 Owner Says, “Here’s the Proof For All You Crybabies, I Just Put In 38 Gallons Into My Truck’s 36 Gallon Tank.” Is Ford hiding extra fuel capacity in your truck? One owner went to the absolute limit to prove a point about the extended-range fuel tank. Read the full story here.
With over 30 years of industry experience, Denis Flierl brings an insider’s perspective to Torque News, where he has been a Senior Reporter since 2012. Before picking up the pen, Denis consulted for the automotive industry's biggest brands and honed his skills as a test driver. He cuts through the noise to deliver the latest auto news, compelling owner stories, and the expert analysis necessary to navigate today's changing automotive market.
Have a tip or question? Follow me on X @DenisFlierl and @WorldsCoolestRides, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl
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