The Ford F150 pickup trucks are built to deliver a power-packed performance with outstanding reliability. The Ford company produces F150s with high-strength steel fully boxed ladder frames, and a high-strength military-grade aluminum body. The Ford F150 Pickup trucks offer exceptional towing capacity as it is able to tow heavier trailers, and also deliver best-in-class payload ratings.
All available engines for the Ford F-150 Pickups are powerful but when it comes to towing, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost engines offer better performance with a maximum capability of 14,000 lbs.
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If you are planning to purchase an F150 truck and use it for towing purposes, it is recommended to choose the appropriate engine. In this blog, we will find out ‘Which Ford F-150 engine is best for towing?’ with reference to the latest 2023 F-150 models.
Which Ford F-150 engine is best for towing?
There are six different engines available for the 2023 Ford F-150 including 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 5.0L Ti-VCT V8, 3.3L Ti-VCT V6, and High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 Engine
The 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 engine uses a combination of gas, and electric energy to produce a maximum power of 430 hp and a maximum torque of 570 lb.-ft.
This powerful hybrid engine offers a maximum towing capacity of 12,700 lbs. In addition, the available hybrid engine has a heavy-lifting maximum available payload rating of 2,120 lbs.
The maximum rated towing capacity is only achieved when the F-150 is equipped with a Max Trailer Tow Package. Besides, it also varies according to cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and the number of passengers.
3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine
This is one of the most powerful engines available for the 2023 Ford F-150 that delivers a maximum power of 400 hp, and a peak torque of 500 lb.-ft. It combines with a 10-speed transmission system and offers a towing capacity of up to 14,000 lbs when equipped with a Max Trailer Tow Package, and Heavy-Duty Payload Package. Cargo weight, vehicle configuration, number of passengers, accessories, and various other external factors affect the towing capacity.
2.7L EcoBoost V6
The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine is built with a Ford Port-Fuel and Direct-Injection (PFDI) system. This V6 engine delivers a maximum power of 325 hp and a maximum torque of 400 lb.-ft.
The PFDI system is integrated with 2 injectors per cylinder, dual overhead cam design with variable intake/exhaust cam timing, and twin intercooled turbochargers for on-demand power. This 2.7L EcoBoost V6 can tow up to 10,000 lbs when properly equipped with towing accessories.
5.0L Ti-VCT V8 Engine
The 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 is a legendary engine for the Ford F-150 that produces a peak power of 400 hp, and 410 lb.-ft of torque. It is equipped with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), as well as the Ford PFDI system with 2 injectors per cylinder (one in the air intake port, and another inside the cylinder – to increase power). Talking about the towing capacity, this 5.0L engine is capable of towing up to 13,000 lbs when equipped with appropriate towing packages, and accessories.
3.3L Ti-VCT V6 Engine
The 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 is also the most powerful engine available for the Ford F-150 pickup truck. It is also equipped with a Ford PFDI system with 2 injectors per cylinder. The maximum power offered by this engine is 290 hp while the peak torque delivery is 265 lb.-ft. 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 engine offers a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 lbs when properly equipped with towing accessories and packages.
High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost
This powerful High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost engine is only available on Ford F-150 Raptor. The 24-valve, 3.5L Twin-Turbo HO EcoBoost engine with Ford PFDI system delivers an exceptional power of 450 hp and torque of 510 lb.-ft. With this powerful engine, you can tow up to 14,000 lbs with the 2023 Ford F-150.
Conclusion
We explored six different engine options for the 2023 Ford F-150. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost engines offer the highest towing capacity of 14,000 lbs. These two engines are best for towing purposes.
The High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost engine is only available on F-150 Raptor so, you can choose the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 for other models.
| FORD F-150 ENGINES | MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 14,000 lbs |
| High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost | 14,000 lbs |
| 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 | 12,700 lbs |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 | 13,000 lbs |
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 10,000 lbs |
| 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 | 8,200 lbs |
To obtain maximum towing capacity, the Ford F-150 should be equipped with a max trailer tow package and essential towing accessories. Besides, the maximum rated towing varies according to vehicle configuration, availability of towing accessories, and the number of passengers.
Stellan Carter is an accomplished writer, entrepreneur, and avid Ford Raptor owner. As a co-founder and content contributor for this renowned blog website, Stellan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the automotive industry. When he's not behind the wheel of his beloved Ford Raptor, Stellan can be found exploring new terrains, capturing the essence of his automotive adventures through his camera lens.
