Since the late 1970s, the Ford F-150 has been the best selling full-size pickup truck line in America. That shouldn’t be a surprise – the automaker regularly updates and improves its iconic trucks to stay ahead of its competition.
And the F-150’s competition is stiff: formidable challengers include the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, the Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan. Each of these trucks brings something to the full-size pickup arena, offering customers plenty of power, storage capacity and interior room. But, Ford is clearly the winner and aims to stay in first place by refusing to rest upon its laurels.
New Engines
Last updated in 2009, Ford isn’t waiting for its next generational change before making important interim moves. Beginning with the 2011 model year, the Ford F-150 gains engines new to this model, once again throwing down the gauntlet for its competitors to pick up.
The four engines, mated to six-speed automatic transmissions, are:
3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 – Ford is offering the power of a V-8 and the fuel economy of a V-6 in its EcoBoost 3.5-liter twin-induction turbo-charged engine. Rated at 365 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque, this engine offers power equivalent to the outgoing 5.4-liter V-8. The EcoBoost offers 11,300 pounds of towing and 3,030 pounds of payload, and operates on regular gasoline.
3.7-liter four-valve V-6 – Base six-cylinder power can be found in this new to the F-150 engine, rated at 302 horsepower and producing 278 pound-feet of torque. E85 flex fuel capable, this engine also takes regular gasoline. This engine offers 6,100 pounds of towing capacity.
5.0-liter four-valve V-8 – This engine is similar to the one offered in the Ford Mustang, tweaked for truck use. Rated at 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, the 5.0-liter V-8 takes regular gasoline or E85 fuel. Towing capacity is 10,000 pounds.
6.2-liter two-valve V-8 – The largest Ford F-150 engine is its most powerful one, rated at 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. This engine runs on regular gasoline is standard on the SVT Raptor and is also used in the Super Duty. Towing capacity is 11,300 pounds.
Diesel Option
If you’re looking for a diesel engine, that 6.7-liter 32-valve Power Stroke turbo-diesel V-8 is reserved for Ford’s Super Duty truck line. Super Duty payload ratings are from 2,210 pounds to 7,070 pounds. Rated at 400 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque, this model can pull up to 24,400 pounds with 5th-wheel towing.
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