Power and performance has made the F-150 a best seller for 30 years. Now, with six engine options available for the 2020 model, we review what powers the F-150 in various trims.
What’s the best-selling vehicle in America, period? The Ford F-150. This versatile pick-up truck has been in production since 1948 and has remained on top of the sales charts for over 30 years.
One of the reasons for that popularity is Ford’s versatile configurations for the F-150. For the 2020 model year, there are six available engines that all get paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Let’s take a look at what powers the F-150 to its sales success.
2020 Ford F-150: Diesel Engine Option
Ford provides a single diesel engine option for the 2020 F-150. Typically, a diesel engine offers less horsepower but more torque than its gasoline-fueled counterpart. The torque is also available much lower in the rev range, making a diesel engine an excellent option for towing with your F-150.
The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 pumps out 250 hp and 440 lb.-ft. of torque, while achieving better fuel economy (20.9 city, 28.5 highway, 23.7 combined) than its gasoline counterparts. The engine features Ford’s Power Stroke technology, which was introduced in the market in 1994.
In its current form, this technology features two oil pumps that help the oil increase the fuel pressure at the injectors. This allows for fuel to be injected with up to 3,000 psi of pressure, which produces more power while increasing fuel economy. Truck Trend called the technology “revolutionary.”
Looking to carry things? The V6 can tow up to 11,500 pounds, with a payload of 1,940 pounds.
2020 Ford F-150: V8 Engine Option
In the age of turbochargers, many of the V6 options on the 2020 Ford F-150 produce more power than this lone V8, but there are a few advantages.
Known as the Coyote, the 5.0-Liter Ti-VCT V-8 produces 395 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, and offers the flexibility of running on propane or natural gas.
Part of Ford’s modular engine family, this engine features Twin independent Variable Cam Timing (that’s where the Ti-VCT acronym originates), with Ford Authority stating “Ti-VCT improves fuel economy and power delivery while reducing emissions.”
The V-8 can tow 10,600 pounds and haul up to 3,270, depending on if F-150 is configured with rear or all-wheel drive.
2020 Ford F-150: The Base V6
If the above options so far aren’t for you, Ford offers a group of four V6s. The base engine is a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated gasoline Ti-VCT V-6 that produces 290 hp and 265 lb.-ft. of torque.
Towing tops out at 7,700 pounds, with a maximum payload of 1,990 pounds. It’s entry-level price makes this the best choice for the construction job site.
2.7-liter V6
Next up is 2.7-liter twin-turbo Ecoboost gasoline V6 engine that makes 325 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. While this engine is smaller than the base option, it features two intercooled turbochargers, as well as Ti-VCT and PFDI (Port Fuel Direct Injection).
Ford states that “this dual-delivery system features two fuel injectors per cylinder. These injectors work together to improve power output, efficiency and emissions.” It also helps to avoid carbon build-up that direct-injection alone can’t solve.
PFDI is part of Ford’s Ecoboost technology, which according to Autotrader “is a combination of turbocharging and direct fuel injection that improves fuel economy without sacrificing engine power.” All turbocharged engine options on the F-150 offer this technology.
3.5-liter V6
Similar to the 2.7-liter, this engine ups displacement for more power, with 375 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.
Competitors like the Dodge Ram offer a V8 here, but the Ecoboost V6 rates high, with Car & Driver stating “The King Ranch model we tested with the 375 hp V6 finished among the best in all categories against the competition’s largest V8 engines.”
This engine can be considered the top choice when it comes to towing, with a maximum of 13,200 pounds of towing ability, and 3,230 pounds to haul.
High Output V6
As the name suggests, the high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is a more powerful version of the 3.5 V6 above, with 450 hp and 510 lb.-ft. of torque.
It’s available in both the sporty Ford Raptor and luxurious F-150 Limited trims. If you’re looking for the toughest F-150 around, then the Raptor is your choice, with standard all-wheel drive, electronically controlled Fox Shocks, and a Recaro seat package with carbon-fiber interior trim. Check out the truck in action in the YouCar clip, below.
While other engines here focus on capability, this V6 is meant for sporting off-road adventures, so it can’t haul as much as the base 3.5 V6 or V8 option, with 11,000 pounds of towing and 1,520 pounds of payload capability.
If you remember the original Raptor, it was powered by a V8. Fear not, says Motor Trend: “We think the current EcoBoost-powered Ford F-150 Raptor is one of the most fun and capable off-road trucks on the market, at least as good as the V8 original.”
Which 2020 F-150 Engine is Right for You?
With so many trims and configurations available, it might seem overwhelming when it comes time to decide which F-150 is right for you. While The high-output 3.5-liter V6 is a thrill, its limited towing capacity might not match well with a buyer’s needs.
The pull of a traditional V8 might be strong, but it doesn’t offer much beyond Ford’s range of V6 options, and comes at a price premium over those engines.
A base engine is always the cheapest choice, but given a pickup truck’s work ethic, you may find life without a turbocharger challenging. And while the diesel offers excellent fuel economy, it’s not as highly rated at towing as some of the other options here.
That leaves the 2.7- and 3.5-liter V6, which offer enough power, torque, and capability to satisfy the average truck consumer looking for a reliable daily driver.
With so many choices, it’s no wonder the F-150 has remained atop the sales charts. Whichever engine you choose, you’ll be getting a capable truck that should provide years of comfort and utility.
Photos: Ford
