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A Ford Mustang is seen during the Vienna Car Show press preview at Messe Wien

Which Ford Truck Engine Is the Most Reliable?

Ford trucks are among the top-selling trucks in the U.S. and for good reason. Ford trucks have a solid reputation for power, performance, and dependability. If you’re in the market for a Ford truck, new or used, which engine is the most reliable? Should you opt for the EcoBoost V6? The Coyote V8?  The F-150, …

Ford trucks are among the top-selling trucks in the U.S. and for good reason. Ford trucks have a solid reputation for power, performance, and dependability. If you’re in the market for a Ford truck, new or used, which engine is the most reliable? Should you opt for the EcoBoost V6? The Coyote V8? 

The F-150, for example, offers six engine options today with more on the way. Whether you need an engine for hauling and towing, fuel efficiency, or just sheer power, there’s an option for you. But if finding a long-lasting engine that won’t let you down is your goal, here are our picks for the top three reliable Ford truck engines.

Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6

Many industry experts like the folks at Popular Mechanics agree that the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is one of the best engines Ford makes. In a recent episode of “Dude, I Love or Hate My Ride” on the Fast Lane Truck channel on YouTube, the hosts featured two owners each with a 2013 Ford F-150 truck that had over 200,000 miles on it. The owner of the F-150 with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, who took great care of the engine, described many years of dependable service. The video showed very little wear and no rust.

A step above the base engine but only about $1,600 more, the basic EcoBoost (not the Raptor version) gets 375 hp with 470 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed transmission, you can tow up to 13,200 pounds and enjoy great power. It’s got a great reputation for making it more than 100,000 miles, 200,000 miles, and more. 

The 5.0-liter Coyote V8

Ford decided to try out the 5.0-liter Coyote engine in the Ford F-150 around the same time that the 3.5-liter EcoBoost launched. It gets an impressive 385 hp and 387 lb-ft. of torque. It’s a powerhouse of an engine whether it’s revving in the Mustang GT or the force within the Ford F-150.

You don’t see many complaints about Ford’s Coyote engine, particularly in the F-150. Just the occasional stall or rough run issue. The Coyote is a naturally-aspirated engine that doesn’t necessarily get the best fuel economy. It’s rated at 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway when the truck also has four-wheel drive. While it might not be the most efficient engine that Ford has made, it is very reliable.

The 6.7-liter Power Stroke Turbodiesel V8

One diesel option for Ford trucks is the 6.7-liter Power Stroke Turbodiesel V8, and it’s a good one. Using its Power Stroke technology in a truck engine, the 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel gets up to 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. This V8 doesn’t get the horses its gas-fed counterparts, but the torque is provided at a lower RPM. 

The 6.7-liter Power Stroke Turbodiesel V8 engine is known for being highly reliable with very few issues. A recent change saw it go from using four to six bolts per cylinder to make it even more durable. The risk of head bolt stretching and head gasket malfunction is greatly reduced with the six-bolt setup. It’s a solidly robust engine that’s one of the best Ford has made.

As long as the oil is changed regularly for this V8 engine and quality motor oil is used to meet Ford’s lubricity standards for this particular engine, it can last for many years of dependable service. It’s an engine that can last a few hundred thousand miles and help you meet your daily goals. The 6.7-Liter Power Stroke Turbodiesel V8 is a Ford truck engine most reliable.

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