“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”

One test drive was all it took for this F-150 owner to ditch the 2025 EcoBoost and run back to his 5.0L V8. Here is why he says the new 2.7L just doesn't move.

Imagine this: it’s the end of the year, you are at the Ford dealership, seriously thinking about trading in your 2020 F-150 for a shiny new 2025 Ford F-150 STX with the high-tech 2.7L EcoBoost engine. You take it for a spin, and while the transmission shifts like butter, you floor the pedal and wait for a surge of power that never quite arrives.

For this veteran truck owner, that lack of "seat-of-the-pants" acceleration was enough to walk away from the deal and head back to his trusty 5.0L V8.

Adrian Ubario on the Ford F-150 Owners Facebook page says,

“Ford F-150 2.7 vs 5.0. I thought about buying a 2025 Ford F-150 STX 2.7, so I test drove it and floored it. The gear changes were very smooth, and I have to say, I’d rather keep my 2020 F-150 5.0L. I don’t understand why everyone says the 2.7L is quick. With all honesty, I feel my 5.0L is much quicker, and I don’t think the 2.7L is a quick truck.”

Why the 2025 Ford F-150 2.7L EcoBoost Left This Owner Underwhelmed

As a senior reporter with 30 years in the automotive industry, I have seen engine trends come and go, but the debate between Ford's displacement vs. forced induction remains the most heated topic in truck circles. Adrian’s experience is a classic case of the "EcoBoost Paradox."

On paper, the 2.7L engine is a marvel of modern engineering, featuring a Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) block and impressive low-end torque. However, when you are used to the linear power delivery and high-RPM scream of a Coyote V8, a small-displacement turbo engine can feel "soft" during a wide-open throttle (WOT) test.

When you search for the best Ford F-150 engine for highway passing power, you will often see the 2.7L praised for its efficiency. But for many, the perceived speed is what matters most. The 2020 5.0L V8 in Adrian’s current truck produces roughly 395 horsepower, while the 2025 2.7L EcoBoost is rated at 325 horsepower. Even with the 2.7L's 400 lb-ft of torque coming in much earlier in the rev range, it lacks the "top-end" legs that the V8 provides.

The Maintenance Reality of the 5.0L Coyote V8

I often tell my readers that choosing an engine is about more than just a 0-60 time; it is about long-term ownership. The 5.0L is a legend for a reason, but it is not without its quirks. In my deep dive into truck longevity, I recently highlighted how some owners are reaching massive odometer readings by strictly adhering to service intervals. As I noted in my report, They Said I Was Crazy For Changing My Ford F-150's Oil Every 10K Miles Since It Was New, But They Were Wrong, It Has 217K Miles, and Still Going Strong. The key to keeping that V8 "quicker" than the new models is fresh, high-quality synthetic oil. If you neglect the maintenance, that performance advantage disappears into a cloud of blue smoke.

Understanding the 2.7L "Diesel-Like" Power Delivery

The 2.7L EcoBoost behaves more like a small diesel engine than a muscle car engine. It is designed to get a 5,000 lb truck moving from a stoplight with minimal effort. This makes it a fantastic city driver. But if your driving style involves flooring it to merge onto a fast-moving interstate, you might find the 2.7L feels a bit breathless compared to the V8.

For many owners, the frustration with newer models is not just about the engine but also about the overall reliability of the newer platforms. I’ve seen a growing number of enthusiasts who are hesitant to trade in their older, proven trucks for the latest tech. In fact, I recently covered a story where a loyalist finally had enough, which you can read here: Ford F-150 Owner Says He's “Done With Ford,” at 83K Miles With Too Many Issues. This highlights why Adrian might be making the smart financial and performance move by sticking with his 2020 model.

Is the 2025 Ford F-150 STX Right For You?

If you are searching for the most reliable 2025 Ford F-150 configuration, you have to weigh your specific needs.

The 2.7L EcoBoost is the "Logic Choice." It offers better fuel economy and is arguably the most robustly built engine in the lineup due to its block material. It is perfect for the homeowner who occasionally tows a jet ski or utility trailer.

The 5.0L V8 is the "Emotional Choice." It provides the sound, the high-speed pull, and a sense of simplicity that the turbos can't match.

However, don't let the "smooth gear changes" of the 10-speed automatic mask potential issues. This transmission has been the subject of numerous customer complaints. If you are experiencing rough shifts or hesitation, it might be time to look at your options. I’ve explored how some owners are even jumping ship to other brands to avoid these headaches, as seen in my article I Ditched My 2021 Ford F-150 For This Toyota Tundra, Now All My F-150 Repair Problems Are Fixed Forever.

Key Takeaways for F-150 Buyers

• Test Drive Under Load: Don't just drive around the block. Take the truck on the highway and simulate a passing maneuver to see if the power delivery matches your expectations.
• Know Your Ratios: A 5.0L with a 3.73 rear gear will feel like a rocket ship compared to a 2.7L with a 3.55 gear. Check the window sticker.
• Maintenance is King: Whether it is the EcoBoost or the Coyote, 5,000-mile oil changes are my professional recommendation for anyone planning to keep their truck past the 100k-mile mark.
• The "Butt Dyno" Doesn't Lie: If a truck feels slow to you, it will always feel slow. Don't let a salesperson talk you into an engine that doesn't "grin" when you hit the gas.

What F-150 Owners Are Saying

The debate on social media and forums like Reddit is just as split as Adrian’s experience. Here is what other real-world drivers are reporting:

User Successful-Row-3742 on Reddit: "I currently have a 2025 5.0 as a loaner while my current 2.7 is getting some warranty work done... I can't wait to get my 2.7 back. It just feels easier to drive around with how much quicker it is."

User Bdaawg977 on Reddit: "I had a similar experience test-driving a 2.7, but it was so sluggish that I refused to attempt taking it on the highway. It was outright just slow and gave me no confidence." 

User oxidize-reduction on Reddit: "I test drove both, and 2.7 felt like a go-kart to me. Bought the 5.0 immediately after." 

In The End

Adrian's decision to keep his 2020 5.0L F-150 proves that the newest model isn't always the best fit for every driver. While the 2025 STX offers a smoother, refined experience, it lacks the raw, high-revving character that V8 loyalists crave. If you already own a 5.0L that is running strong, there is very little reason to trade down in displacement unless fuel economy is your only priority.

It's Your Turn: Have you test-driven the new 2025 F-150 yet? Does the 2.7L EcoBoost have enough "zip" for your daily drive, or are you a V8-only owner for life? Let me know in the comments below.

Next Up: Think you need a fancy trim to have a fast truck? Think again. Read about the owner who bypassed the luxury and went straight for the "dumbest" truck with the biggest engine: “I Walked Into the Ford Dealer, Asked For the Dumbest F-150 With the Biggest Engine”.

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 via Adrian Ubario