Which Engine Should You Put in Your 2020 F-150?

We all know about the Ford F-150—it’s been the best-selling vehicle in the country for decades and for a good reason. It’s definitely the most popular truck to find at Ford dealers in Ohio. It’s the perfect example of a tough yet modern full-size pick-up truck. But with so many options and features, how do you know which model is right for you? If you have found yourself scratching your head at the many configurations offered for the 2020 Ford F-150, you’re in luck. We’ve taken the time to break down the many different possible cab and powertrain options for you, so you’ll be able to narrow down your search and be confident in what you want from your next truck.

The 2020 Ford F-150 is no different from other model years in that it offers a wide range of configurations. This is part of the appeal of the F-150. It has the power to haul and tow at the top of its class while also offering many luxury and technological features. No matter which model you choose, you know you will be getting a truck that has more value, capability, and style than any other truck on the market. So let’s take a look at the many engine choices you will have to sort through during your search and see which configuration is a must-have for you and your family.

If you need a truck for towing your boat to the lake or hauling your dump trailer back and forth from the rock yard, there are many powertrain options to choose from. In fact, you could even say there are too many options if that’s possible. Seriously, though, you will be able to tailor your F-150 perfectly to your lifestyle with the abundance of torquey engines to choose from.

3.3-liter V6

You’ll find the base engine to be more powerful and more efficient than previous F-150 V6’s, and with 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, this is a great option if you don’t need to use your F-150 as an every-day hauler. You can be confident it will get the job done. This engine comes standard on the XL and XLT trims. But if you’re looking to max-out on towing capacity, there are better options. In fact, there are five more options to choose from.

2.7-liter EcoBoost V6

The first of these options is a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, you’ll have the power and torque of a V8 with much better fuel efficiency. This is a really popular choice because of the combination of power and efficiency, achieving 20/26 mpg and delivering the low-end torque (1,750 rpm) you need for towing and rock crawling. Towing capacity for this engine is 9,000 lbs, so you’ll be able to tow a horse trailer while also tackling carpool duty or using your truck as a daily driver. We’d recommend the SuperCrew cab with this engine, along with the Lariat trim, for incredible value for you and your family. Standard features include hill-start assist and trailer sway control as well as Ford’s Co-Pilot360.

3.0-liter Power Stroke V6

The 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 diesel engine offers 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque and is a great option if you need to tow something heavy, such as a travel trailer. You’ll also benefit from its excellent fuel efficiency (20/29 MPG). Max towing capacity for this engine is an astounding 11,500 lbs. You’ll find this engine available on the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. The 440 lb-ft of torque will be of interest to those who work their trucks hard.

3.5-liter EcoBoost V6

If you want an engine that’ll make you constantly check your rear-view mirror to confirm your boat is still on the hitch, we’d recommend the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 (375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque). You won’t know you’re towing with this engine, even on a hill. In fact, you’ll idle forward on steep boat ramps. This powerful engine is optional on the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. We’d like to say we’d recommend this engine, but, really, we’d like to recommend all of them. This one should be at the top of anyone’s list, however, with the rare power it possesses. It can tow up to 13,200 lbs, which is only 200 lbs off the class leader and can handle up to 3,230 lbs of payload.

5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8

Another great option, if you’re looking for a big V8, is the 5.0-liter with 395 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. This engine features the most payload capacity of any of the engines, at 3,720 lbs, and a towing capacity of 11,600 lbs. It comes as the standard engine on the King Ranch and Platinum trims and is optional on the XL, XLT, and Lariat trims.

H.O. 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6

The last engine you have to choose from is one of the strongest engines you’ll find in any full-size truck. This engine is available on the Raptor and Limited trims and is a high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. It features remarkable horsepower (450 hp) and out-of-this-world torque (510 lb-ft). With this engine on the Raptor trim, you’ll be able to tow 8,000 lbs, while the Limited trim can handle 11,100 lbs. And the off-road possibilities are endless with this kind of power.

You’ll find specialty off-road features for the Raptor trim like Beadlock wheels (if you’re running with low air pressure, this keeps your tires attached to the wheels and rotating together in off-road conditions), and a trail control system, which is similar to cruise control, but for off-roading. You can also change driving modes to match the terrain with the Raptor, and it comes with FOX off-road performance racing shocks and an electronic locking rear differential with 4.10 axle, just for good measure.

Towing-Assist Features

The F-150 has a number of features that can make towing easier than ever, whether you’re driving down the road or backing a boat down the boat ramp. Trailer Backup Assist, for example, allows you to back into a space, inputting left or right commands via a control knob while the F-150 controls the brakes and steering. Dynamic Hitch Assist and Trailer Sway Control also make it easier to connect a trailer and maneuver it. The 360-degree camera can be useful too, especially when locating a trailer’s hitch, and a blind-spot monitor can assist in avoiding vehicles outside the view of the side mirrors.

Visit Us at Kings Ford

Whether you are looking to tow or haul, to drive far off the road, or for incredible fuel efficiency, we’ll find the right truck for you. The F-150 comes in 44 different configurations to ensure you will find the perfect combination to meet you and your family’s needs. You won’t have to sacrifice anything with the F-150, and you’ll probably end up with more than you expected.

Our goal is to help you drive home in the truck of your dreams, and that’s why we’re always ready to work with you and your budget to find the perfect match for you and your family. We offer competitive pricing and our financial experts have an extensive knowledge of applicable rebates and incentives to help you get the best possible price. When you’re ready to start looking and take a test drive, stop by and visit us at our Ford dealership in Cincinnati, OH.