Which Ford Engine is the Best for Towing?

If you are looking for a used Ford for sale because you need an excellent towing vehicle and are wondering where to start your search, we have a few ideas of where you should begin. Ford makes many good engines for towing. But the best Ford engine for towing is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine. There are many other great options when you start looking at heavy-duty Ford trucks because Ford has been making these engines for so many years. But we at Kings Ford in Cincinnati, OH, thought we would give you a few examples of certain models and years where you can find this excellent engine for towing, as that is what will really assist you in your search for a towing master.

Whether you are looking to tow a fifth-wheel trailer or just need a good standard V8 to tow your boat to the lake or take your travel trailer out on the open road, Ford has an option for you. So let’s take a look at the best Ford models and engines for towing to see if any of these engines meet your needs. We know not everyone will be towing with a truck, so we thought we would give examples of years and models where you can find this engine as it is one to look out for, a solid engine for towing in Ford SUVs and trucks. It’s easy to see why Ford has put this engine in so many of its models.

2017 Ford F-150

This is a model year with the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered incredible towing chops from the start: introduced in 2015 for the Ford F-150, the 3.5-liter V6 can tow up to 12,200 pounds in the 2017 model year, which is a great year to target. This is definitely a year to watch out for if you are looking for a used Ford F-150 with serious towing capabilities.

The 2017 Ford F-150 received an improved 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine as well as an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 in the Raptor model has 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. You will also find that most of these trucks on used car lots come with lots of equipment because there are many standard features for the model year.

For one, they have more high-strength steel than in previous generations. And one of the most impressive things about the 2017 F-150 is that the standard equipment makes it easy for an F-150 buyer to get work done without breaking the bank. All F-150s for 2017 come with hill-start assist and Trailer Sway Control, both extremely useful when towing. Also standard are fail-safe cooling, and Curve Control, which helps to keep the truck under control when you take a turn too fast. This is a great model, year, and engine to look out for in your search.

2018 Ford Expedition

What makes this a great year for the Ford Expedition is not just that the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 is standard, but that Expedition is all-new for the 2018 model year. This means that it has the same aluminum construction as the 2017 F-150, which shaves about 300 pounds off its curb weight from the previous generation. What does this mean for you? Better drivability and fuel economy, and many other benefits, such as an increase in towing capacity.

The 2018 Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds, which is enough to tow Airstream’s largest trailer and more. If you are looking for a full-size SUV to tow your boat to the lake or to tow a trailer, there is no better option on the used car market. You’ll also appreciate the Expedition’s independent rear suspension. This technology not only smooths out the bumps, but it also increases cargo capacity and rear-seat space, making this the most spacious full-size SUV on the market.

This big SUV also returns 24 MPG on the highway, so you will not have to pay at the pumps for all of this power and family-hauling space. It would be hard to find a better overall value on the used full-size SUV market, especially when considering the added utility of its superior towing capacity. Platinum models increase displacement to the tune of 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Overall, this is one strong vehicle.

2015 Ford F-150

Just as the Ford Expedition was overhauled for the 2018 model year, the Ford F-150 received its revamp in the 2015 model year. This was also the first year for the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, and the F-150 featured best-in-class towing for this year because of the new engine. Offering 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, this engine provided an amazing combination of power and efficiency. Even with so much power, the 2015 Ford F-150 returns 24 MPG on the highway, showing that Ford was way ahead of its time. This model year dropped 700 pounds out of the F-150, with its aluminum truck body, making it lighter and more efficient while making it stronger at the same time.

Like the 2018 Ford Expedition, the 2015 F-150 comes standard with hill-start assist and Trailer Sway Control—again, very useful and handy when towing. Also standard on the 2015 F-150 is fail-safe cooling, as well as Curve Control, which keeps the truck under control when you take a turn too fast. With the 2015 F-150, you can safely tow up to 12,200 pounds, which is enough to get just about any job done.

2017 Ford F-350

Although the engine for this model is different, we thought we’d throw this one in here just to show the true capability of Ford trucks. If you really need to tow heavy, the Ford F-350 is the truck for you, and the 2017 model year is one to watch out for. This was the year the Super Duty truck received the all-new, significantly more durable frame, a restyled body with military-grade aluminum, and more powerful engines.

It also received a wide variety of innovative and new features to make it easier to tow and haul, to make it safer, and to improve interior comfort. Here you’ll find a 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel V8 with 440 hp and 925 lb-ft of torque. This engine can easily tow over 30,000 pounds. So if you are looking for serious towing capacity, this is a good place to start.

Ford Offers Fantastic Towing

If you are looking for a used truck or SUV to tow heavy, you have come to the right place. At Kings Ford, we have a great selection of new and used Ford trucks and SUVs ready to get the job done. Whether you need an SUV like the Expedition or Expedition Max for your family as well as to tow your boat and trailer safely, or need a truck for work for hauling heavy loads frequently, we’d love to talk to you and see what your needs are. We have a staff of trained professionals ready to answer any questions you might have about towing.

The 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 is a unique engine, and you can find it in many Ford models, so stop by and see which model makes the most sense for your lifestyle. We offer competitive pricing and excellent customer service, and with our extensive inventory, you are sure to find what you are looking for at Kings Ford! Visit us or give us a call and schedule a test drive.