Ecoboost Opinion

I’m looking at newer trucks and need opinions on the f-150 ecoboost. Don’t know much about them.

I’ve got close to a year and about 18,000 miles on mine and am very happy. The gas mileage is all over the place depending on wind, hills, etc, but for the most part is pretty darn good when empty. I typically see at least 17.5 MPG in mixed driving and have seen as high as 24.5 MPG on the road. It can fall anywhere between those numbers depending on conditions. The Eco-Boost is a very capable engine for towing. It’s got great torque and pulls my 20 ft glass boat with absolutely no problems, but gas mileage when towing isn’t great. I typically see anywhere from 10.5-14 MPG when towing, again depending on conditions. Bill hills or big wind will kill the mileage really quick.

I’d definatley buy one again.

I’ve got close to a year and about 18,000 miles on mine and am very happy. The gas mileage is all over the place depending on wind, hills, etc, but for the most part is pretty darn good when empty. I typically see at least 17.5 MPG in mixed driving and have seen as high as 24.5 MPG on the road. It can fall anywhere between those numbers depending on conditions. The Eco-Boost is a very capable engine for towing. It’s got great torque and pulls my 20 ft glass boat with absolutely no problems, but gas mileage when towing isn’t great. I typically see anywhere from 10.5-14 MPG when towing, again depending on conditions. Big hills or big wind will kill the mileage really quick.

I’d definatley buy one again.

Only driven one twice and for a short distance both times, they have a lot of snap for a V6, I’ll give them that. What I’ve heard on gas mileage lines right up with setters comment, and is pretty much identical to what the 5.3 in my silverado gets (save the best I’ve ever done with it is 21.5), so doesn’t really seem like the whole fuel mileage thing is what its advertised.

Is there anything in the usual maintenance that is costlier to the eco-boost?

Depends on how much and what you’re pulling…I’ve heard a lot of pros and cons to the ecoboost. Couple guys I know have had turbo issues with them. I get the impression that the ecoboost guys think they can hook up anything and pull it no problem! 5 wheel goose necks, 20ft enclosed trailers, etc. Which is not the case

They are pricer, but day in day out when it comes to fuel mileage, longevity and pulling, nothing beats a diesel. No gas truck will ever be able to pull as good as a diesel.

Heck even if I didn’t pull anything I’d still own a diesel. beter on mileage, and when you need the power, you have it. ANNNND diesels haul some serious A$$!!

So to answer your question, unless you have your mind made up on an ecoboost, look at a diesel……especially the ones with a bow tie emblem

Have you looked at the new Ram 1500 Eco Diesel? I’ve been running one for a few months now. Getting 26-27 MPG with a Crew Cab and 6’4″ box. This V-6 diesel is awesome. Towing the Grady White, 6000lb trailer, I was getting 16.1 MPG. Ram dealers can’t keep these trucks on the lot, very very nice vehicle. I got the Outdoorsman which has the single exhaust pipe out the right side. This lets me use my tow guard without any modifications too it.

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I have a 2013 F150 with a 5.0 V-8 and my son has a 2014 Eco boost the mileage is similar between the two but he has a lot more acceleration. When he puts his foot into it, it goes with or with out a boat. He pulled my WX 1880 to LOTW this summer. When he was driving 60 on the 2 lane roads he got 15.5mpg. When he was driving 75 on the interstate he got 12.5mpg. I get similar mileage with the 5.0 and am very happy with it. He is very happy with the Eco boost.

as stated a lot depends on how you use it and also what gear ratio you have in the rear end, that can make a big difference when towing.

Well I went with the 5.0 and pleased so far with the little trip to the cabin this weekend. I got just a tad over 14 MPH and it is about 50/50 freeway to 2 lane roads. Seems like the truck is going to handle it well. Thanks for everyone’s input. I didn’t choose the 5.0 over the Eco Boost, it was just which one I stumbled on first.

i stumble upon an opinion next time

I test drove a few pre owned models but went with the v8… Mainly because of price. Wonder what maintenance is like on those turbos at 150k+ Miles?

I drove an Ecoboost for 2 years after driving v8 150’s for 7 years prior to that. I am back in the v8 mostly because when I was looking for a new vehicle I couldn’t find an Eco in the extended cab vs. crew. It really depends on your driving habits and conditions. If you do the majority of your driving towing, then go V8. If your majority is hwy with no towing than Eco.

My next is likely to be a diesel.

I’m on my second ecoboost F-150. I put 65,000 on the first with absolutely zero issues. I had a 5.4 in the truck before the first ecoboost. The ecoboost makes the 5.4 feel like the small engine.

Don’t buy the ecoboost for the mileage — even the cost of the engine upgrade will typically outweigh any gas savings between the 5.0 and the ecoboost. You can make the same argument about most trucks because a lot of them get good mileage these days. In most cases, and assuming you’re not driving 20,000+ miles/year, fuel consumption really shouldn’t be a major factor in new(er) truck purchase decisions if you do the math.

Do buy the ecoboost because it’s one kick butt engine. It’s a blast to drive and tow with. I still smile when I pass people on the highway while pulling the boat. They’ve been on the market for a few years now I haven’t heard of any significant issues with them. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one again and probably will in a couple of years.

I have a 5.0 and wouldn’t trade it for a ecoboost. I get good fuel mileage for a full sized truck. My typical day to day driving mileage is 16-17. With cruise set at 62 and no towing I get between 20-21 mpg.