The 2013 Ford F-150 could be optioned with a basic 302-hp 3.7L V6 up to a monstrous 6.2L V8 with 411 hp. There’s also a 365-hp EcoBoost twin-turbo 3.5L V6 capable of towing up to 11,300 pounds. All four engine options deliver a decent mix of power, efficiency, and mpg.
Key Points
- The 2013 Ford F-150‘s base 3.7L V6 is no slouch, with 302 hp and 278 lb.-ft. on tap, it can tow up to 6,700 pounds with the optional 3.73 rear axle.
- To minimize annual maintenance costs, consider the naturally aspirated 5.0L V8, which has specs very similar to that of the EcoBoost V6 without the extra components.
- The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is the best option for reasonable gas mileage at 17/18 mpg 2WD/4WD. Note that the engine’s added complexity may carry higher service costs.
- If you’re planning on hauling 11,000 pounds on a regular basis, you may want to look at the 6.2L V8 with 411 hp and a stump-ripping 434 lb.-ft. of torque.
- Ford’s 2013 F-150 shines most when equipped with either the 5.0L V8 or the EcoBoost V6, both of which deliver capable performance and modest fuel consumption.
2013 Ford F-150’s Base 3.7L V6 Engine is a Solid Choice for Lighter Duty Needs but is Limited by 6,700-lb. Max Tow Capacity
In the not-so-distant past, an entry-level V6 engine in a full-size truck made for sluggish acceleration and poor hauling capability. However, those days are long gone as evidenced by the 3.7L V6’s 302 hp rating and 278 lb.-ft. of torque. Those figures are superior to some of the V8 options in full-size trucks of only a decade prior. As a bonus, the 3.7L’s fuel economy is the best of the bunch at 18-19 mpg combined.
While the 3.7L V6 is capable for its size, it is limited in its hauling capability as it’s only rated to tow a maximum of 6,700 pounds. The next most powerful option, the 5.0L V8, can drag nearly double that figure. Still, if all you’re looking for is a simple engine that can handle lighter-duty hauling, the 3.7L V6 is a good option.
2013 Ford F-150’s 5.0L V8 Offers Good Power in a Simple Package, Still Musters Almost 400 lb.-ft. of Torque
Though the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 offered superior power and economy, Ford did not want to abandon traditional truck buyers who just wanted a powerful V8. The 5.0L engine may have only been the second most powerful option in the lineup for 2013, but with 360 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque it’s no snail.
The 5.0L V8 can haul up to 10,000 pounds, and its fuel economy ratings only slightly trail those of the EcoBoost motor. In some real-world applications, the 5.0L V8 may be the more efficient choice over the turbo six-pot, as a heavy right foot will have the force-fed V6 spending a lot of time under boost, which will negate much of its economic advantage.
3.5L EcoBoost V6 Delivers Perfect Mix of Power and Efficiency, Tows as Much as 11,300 Pounds
The twin-turbo 3.5L V6 was the second most powerful option for 2013 F-150s, with 365 horsepower, and the second most fuel-efficient at 17 to 18 mpg combined, according to the EPA.
This combination of impressive power and reasonable fuel economy makes it a very appealing choice for buyers that want to utilize the full hauling capabilities of their pickup (11,300 lbs. max towing) but also want to spend less time and money at the pump.
Ford’s EcoBoost engines have proven to be durable, but the added complexity of its turbo system could lead to some costly repair bills should one of the components fail or require service.
6.2L V8 Has Big Power for Heavy Hauling, but Fuel Economy Ratings are Model’s Lowest at Just 15 mpg Combined
For buyers who need to do heavy hauling on a regular basis, Ford offered a 6.2L V8 rated at 411 hp and 434 lb.-ft. Those figures are impressive, but the engine does pay the price in fuel economy.
The 6.2L is by far the thirstiest engine available with a combined EPA rating of just 15 mpg for 2WD models and 13 mpg for 4WD trucks. But that’s the price you pay for an engine capable of hauling up to 11,300 pounds.
It’s worth noting that the 3.5L EcoBoost can match the 6.2L’s max tow rating, but if heavy hauling is something you do on a regular basis, you’re probably better off with the big V8.
All 2013 Ford F-150 Engines are Decent, Consider the 5.0L or 3.5L EcoBoost Options for the Best Experience
While the 3.7L V6 and 6.2L V8 have plenty to offer, most buyers will probably be happy with either the smaller 5.0L V8 or the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. The EcoBoost V6 offers plenty of power for when you need it, and reasonable fuel economy when you don’t. Fans of conventional trucks will be plenty happy with the 5.0L V8, which nearly matches the EcoBoost’s capabilities with less complexity.
Photos: Ford
