The 2015 Ford F-150’s many engine offerings cover virtually any driver’s needs. Out of the four, the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 stands out for its superb 22 mpg and ample 8,500-pound towing capacity.
Key Points
- The 2015 Ford F-150‘s base V6 engine delivers a reasonable 282 hp, 255 lb.-ft. of torque, and a maximum towing capacity of 7,600 pounds, making it a great option for buyers who don’t need huge performance numbers and want to save some cash.
- The 2.7L EcoBoost is our recommended choice, because it gets the best fuel economy while still delivering excellent power and torque. Plus, it can still tow up to 8,500 pounds when properly equipped.
- The naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 is the most powerful engine at 385-hp and is great for buyers who prefer old-school muscle under the hood of their 2015 Ford F-150.
- The 2015 F-150’s top-of-the-line twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 has an impressive 420 lb.-ft. of torque and is the best choice for towing needs with a max of 12,200 pounds, but it has a recall issued for a damaged cable inside the engine block.
- These are engines are built to be very tough and reliable and are known to last 250,000 without much headache, provided they’ve been properly maintained.
2015 F-150’s Base 3.5L V6 Offers 7,600 Pounds of Towing Capacity and Reasonable Fuel Economy
The base engine in the 2015 Ford F-150 is a 3.5L V6. It produces 282 horsepower, 255 lb.-ft. of torque, and has a maximum towing capacity of 7,600 pounds. Additionally, its payload rating comes in at 1,910 pounds. While those numbers aren’t quite as impressive as the rest of the engines, they are still sufficient. This is especially the case for buyers who want to save money and don’t need crazy towing numbers.
The 3.5L V6 engine produces reasonable fuel economy. According to the EPA, it puts out 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg highway. For a midsize truck, that’s pretty good. In fact, it has the second-best fuel economy behind the 2.7L EcoBoost V6.
Replacing this engine is not cheap. A used 3.5L unit with 68,000 miles costs $2,099.00 per Car Part Planet. This does not include labor.
As for oil, the base engine runs on six quarts of SAE 5W-20.
2015 F-150’s 2.7L EcoBoost V6 has ‘Plenty of Acceleration on Tap,’ Say Auto Critics
Ford’s 2.7L EcoBoost V6 delivers the most value among the 2015 F-150 lineup. It produces a more than adequate 325 hp and 375 lb.-ft. of torque. Along with that, the 2.7L has a respectable 8,500-pound max towing capacity and can carry up to 2,250 pounds.
Edmunds complimented the 2.7L EcoBoost’s performance, saying, “With the turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 under the hood, there’s plenty of acceleration on tap and the brakes feel strong and solid.”
The main reason to select this engine above all others is its fuel economy. 2015 Ford F-150’s with the 2.7L engine get an impressive 19 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway.
A replacement engine for the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 is even more expensive than the 3.5L V6. A used unit with 42,000 miles costs $3,550.00 not counting labor.
For motor oil, the 2.7L V6 requires six quarts of SAE-5w30. Fully synthetic is recommended for maximum performance.
5.0L V8 is 2015 F-150’s Most Powerful Engine, with 385 Horsepower and 387 lb.-ft. of Torque
For buyers who prefer old-school muscle, the 5.0L V8 is the one to choose. It is the most powerful engine offered in the 2015 Ford F-150, with 385 horsepower and 387 lb.-ft. of torque. The V8 also has an impressive 11,100-pound maximum towing capacity and can carry 3,300 pounds.
Unsurprisingly, the big and powerful V8 takes a big hit in the fuel economy department. The 5.0L gets just 15 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. Running Ethanol E85 fuel, it gets 11 mpg city and 16 mpg highway.
Replacing the V8 costs around the same as the 2.7L EcoBoost. A replacement unit with 57,000 miles costs $3,499.00 without labor.
The 5.0L V8 requires eight quarts of SAE 5W-20 oil.
2015 F-150’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6 has a Class Best 3,180-pound Max Payload and 12,200-pound Towing Capacity
The top-of-the-line engine offered in the 2015 Ford F-150 is a twin-turbocharged 3.5L GTDI EcoBoost V6. It produces 385 hp and 387 lb.-ft. of torque, making this engine the most powerful of the four.
In fact, it propels the 2015 F-150 from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which is genuinely fast. The 3.5L EcoBoost has a best-in-class maximum payload of 3,180 pounds as well as a 12,200-pound towing capacity.
Compared to the 5.0L V8, the 3.5L EcoBoost gets 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg highway. With E85 in the tank, expect four to six mpg less on average.
Despite the 3.5L EcoBoost’s impressive performance capabilities, a recall was issued for it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall for this engine concerning a damaged cable in the block. This is a serious but rare problem affecting 13,854 units. If it’s not taken care of, it could cause an electrical short and potentially cause a fire.
Replacing the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is considerably more expensive than the other engines. A used unit with 72,000 miles costs a hefty $4,999.00 without labor. Meanwhile, a rebuilt block will set you back $4,166.00 also not including labor.
Like the 2.7L V6, you’ll need to use six quarts of fully synthetic SAE 5W-30 oil for this engine.
All the 2015 F-150’s Engines are Reliable and Can Last to 250,000 Miles with Proper Maintenance
The 2015 model year proceeds the Ford F-150’s worldwide reputation as a dependable workhorse. According to ownership data, these engines can last up to and past 250,000 miles with proper maintenance. Also, Repair Pal puts the annual repair cost at around $700, a reasonable price for a midsize truck.
Whichever engine you choose with your 2015 Ford F-150, they will be tough as nails. All of them are very capable and will do what you ask of them. Just remember to stay punctual with maintenance and repairs and they will last a very long time.
Photos: Ford
