Thinking of getting a 2016-2017 expedition with V6 - how are they compared to the older V8 5.4 Liter models?

[zablalbaz]

Hey All,

I just learned that a ticking noise in my 2006 Expedition Ltd is due to what the dealership is calling "Internal Piston Slap." They took off the valve covers and checked out the rockers and said those looked good to them. After they ruled out everything they could, they determined that the sound is caused by "internal failure" and they recommended a new engine. They can't replace a piston b/c that is apparently just as much (or more) work then swapping an engine out so ... new engine needed. The engine has only 157K miles on it so I'm a little bummed out. I thought these Tritan 5.4L engines were supposed to have a little more durability....

Anyway, I am looking at (new to me) used Expeditions. And I have noticed that they are all V6 3.5L engines now. And I am wondering how they compare to the V8 5.4L Tritan engines? Can they still tow a 24' boat or pop-up camper like my 2006 model? Do they have the same torque? Do they have the same (or better) power coming off a red light? Can any of you who have come off an older model with V8 engine and gotten the new V6 give me advice?

Thanks!

 

[Groover]

Limited and higher (or XLT with HD tow pkg) can tow 9,200lbs - I haven't seen another SUV that can tow more.

 

[zablalbaz]

Thanks! That bit is confusing. I'm reading different things on different web sites. All the specs that I get with my google search are saying that the max towing weight for any of them is 6,600lbs. But Edmunds is saying a "properly equipped" model can do 9,200 lbs. Overall the specs seem to be good for the v6 engine. Seems like more Horsepower, more Torque than the V8? And if it can actually tow 9,000 lbs maybe I don't need to get hung up on this after all.

Just wish my 2006 could have held out longer... this is not a good time to be trying to buy a car. The dealers have all the power right now....

 

[Boostedbus]

The 3.5 Ecoboost tows better than the 5.4 Triton V8 mainly because of its power band giving it nice amounts of torque at lower RPM’s. To many people’s surprise, it actually doesn’t have to work as hard pulling because of the low end/RPM torque. It’s not some high revving weed eater of a V6 that’s gotta be twisted to extreme to get the job done towing. It’s actually the opposite and feels like it pulls things with little or no effort. As far as durability goes it does have 2 turbos that are wear items that the V8 doesn’t have, but in towing situations it should theoretically last longer because of less RPM = less wear. My opinion on if it’s better than the 2 valve 06 5.4 V8 on durability is probably not, but I’d guess that the 3 valve engine is very similar with the Ecoboost as far as durability.

 

[grumpyoleman]

Having owned vehicles with both, I can say that you will not be disappointed with the 3.5 EB. The driving experience with these two engines are like night and day. I won't argue with anyone who has concerns about "more moving parts equals more things that can go wrong" but as for me, I am a convert to forced air induction. You definitely will appreciate the difference in HP and Torque.

Just remember, the EcoBoost gets decent gas milage when driving with a light foot. Start enjoying boost too much and you will notice at the filling station.

 

[sjwelds]

I'd suggest a second opinion on your current engine..... dealerships aren't necessarily known for accuracy or honesty...

 

[Plati]

.

 

[Charles M]

I have a 2017 Expedition Limited with Tow Package and it pulls a fully loaded 21' Yamaha with fuel and gear (6000 lbs.) and 8 passengers in suv with ease. It is a joy to tow with it. Even on slick algea covered ramps no issues. It has the Eccoboost.

 

[Groover]

Thanks! That bit is confusing. I'm reading different things on different web sites. All the specs that I get with my google search are saying that the max towing weight for any of them is 6,600lbs. But Edmunds is saying a "properly equipped" model can do 9,200 lbs. Overall the specs seem to be good for the v6 engine. Seems like more Horsepower, more Torque than the V8? And if it can actually tow 9,000 lbs maybe I don't need to get hung up on this after all.

Just wish my 2006 could have held out longer... this is not a good time to be trying to buy a car. The dealers have all the power right now....

Properly equipped = HD tow package + weight distributing hitch + trailer brakes

Search for "2016 expedition brochure" or whatever year you are interested in and download (usually the first link) the actual brochure with specs from Ford, rather than relying on car shopping websites or dealer listings.

I presume that if an XLT has the HD tow package then it will have the brake controller on the dashboard like the other trim levels do as standard. This makes it easy to tell by looking at dealer pictures.

For any vehicle you are seriously interested in you can get the window sticker with all of the options for $7 from monroneylabels.com.

 

[mr_dave]

The Ecoboost v6 has more power at the expense of more moving parts, as others mentioned. Another benefit to the v6 is the tune-ability, if you're into that. I personally chose the v8 since I've had several turbocharged vehicles previously and I didn't want to deal with the potential issues and maintenance this time around. I wouldn't try to sway anyone in either direction, it's simply a tradeoff choice.

That being said, I recently towed a car on a heavy trailer for the first time (probably a little over 6k lbs total) several hundred miles and it performed the task effortlessly, I was very pleased. I have the 3.31 gears, and I'd think the 3.73 ratio would do even better.

 

[larkja]

I am on my fourth expy/f150. 2003 Expy (5.4), 2014 F150 (with ecoboost), 2014 Expy EL (5.4), and my current 2000 Expy with a 5.4. My thoughts/observations:

Had the the 2003 for 10 years and 200,000 miles and then donated to charity. The engine and tranny were rock stars. It was everything else that was driving me nuts - mainly electronics.
2014 F150 - Had for three years. Put 20,000 on it. Purchased with less than 30,000 miles used. Never had an issue.
2014 Expy EL - Had for two years. Only drove 10,000 miles. No issues.
2000 Expy - Purchase a couple months ago. 5.4 and tranny running strong. Vehicle only has 120,000 on the clock.

I have had zero issues with either the ecoboost or 5.4L. The thing I didn't like with the ecoboost is the turbo lag. If you're trying to do a quick merge on the freeway, you need to be on the boost before merging. The lag is a good second, and if you're not prepared, you could get rear-ended. I tested a 2016 Expy and that ecoboost did the same thing so I suspect it's just inherent with the motor.

The ecoboost will also get better gas mileage. If buying used with lower mileage, I would get an ecoboost with a warranty. If no warranty available, I would get the 5.4L.

Just my $.02.

 

[bws2015]

Before I bought a 2015 expedition, I didn't know that the 3.5 ecoboost was the only option. This is the only forum I've been on where the 5.4 is even in the same discussion as the ecoboost. Everywhere else its 5.0 vs ecoboost. I have a f 150 5.0 and the expedition with the 3.5 ecoboost, and I find that the power is very comparable between those two. I don't notice any turbo lag on the ecoboost, it makes its power at lower rpm than the 5.0.

 

[mbtech2003]

I thought it was piston slap too in my 05 5.4. Was just cam phasers. I did them with all timing components at 134k. Has 180+ on it now. Also I’m using 5-30 oil. As it uses 1 quart of oil every 800 miles or so.

 

[Eldelewis]

I had a 2004 with 5.4, really had no mechanical issues or towing concerns. Replaced it with a 2017 Limited Ecoboost with HD Towing package. Overall I enjoy the newer version because of bells n whistles (20 plus mpg, back up camera, heated/cooled seats, remote start, etc.) Towing is a whole nother animal tho. Specs say 9200 towing capacity, mine struggles with 6000. Six mpg towing and have to use manual shift. In its defense, I have 3:15 gears (dont know why a HD Towing vehicle would have that and how I missed it at purchase) where the 3:31 or 3:55 ratios would help for towing as mentioned by others. Love my Expy, but no longer considered for towing my cargo trailer more than short distances. Towing issue not enough to make me want to replace it. My 2 cents...

 

[Rusty90272]

The Ecoboost v6 has more power at the expense of more moving parts, as others mentioned. Another benefit to the v6 is the tune-ability, if you're into that. I personally chose the v8 since I've had several turbocharged vehicles previously and I didn't want to deal with the potential issues and maintenance this time around. I wouldn't try to sway anyone in either direction, it's simply a tradeoff choice.

That being said, I recently towed a car on a heavy trailer for the first time (probably a little over 6k lbs total) several hundred miles and it performed the task effortlessly, I was very pleased. I have the 3.31 gears, and I'd think the 3.73 ratio would do even better.

Amen. If towing isn't a concern, go with the 5.4L. Mine has 257,000 on it (2007) and it has only cost me a tad over $2,000 over 10 years. I still get 18-19 MPG.

 

[proftomda]

Before you pay up in this economy for a high maintenance eco-boost you definitely need to look at repairing your 5.4. The 5.4 engine needs new timing components, oil pump and cam roller followers and then it’s pretty much bulletproof. $1500 parts or 4000 including labor and your engine is on easy street. I bulletproofed my sons 2008 in 2012 and it purrs like a kitten in 2021.

 

[lbv150]

I used to own a 2006 Expy and now a 2016. Dump that 3 valve 2006 junk as fast as you can while it still runs and don't look back. The '16 with the Ecoboost is night and day. Keep the oil fresh every 3000 miles regardless of the oil life percent gauge with 5-30 semi synth (turbos like clean oil) and Motorcraft filter, warm it up before driving and let her cool the turbos and spool down before shutting it off, install a catch can. Do all that and you will have an awesome truck.

 

[cattlecar]

3.5 EBs are great if you change the oil at 5k or less often mostly short trips and your life revolves around remote start feature.. There are people that get full life and no engine repairs with the manufacturer interval but in my shop I see all brands with issues when the oil is changed when only when a message or light says to. Dust gets by air filters. Not big stuff but it is not all caught by the filter. The fine dust is harmless to lows specific pressure parts and those flooded with oil. The cam phasers, chain guides, and chain link pins are where it does harm. I see lots of 3 valve 5.4s with over 200k miles and no noises. Those engines look like bare aluminum down in oil filler cap with a camera. The engines intake apart for chain and phaser rattles and worse have deposits and dark brown build-up everywhere. Most of those owners say they change it regularly but their receipts and contacts with the lube places they use tell a different story. I'm in Texas and do not recommend 0w20 on any turbo engines. I see good results and no hot restart rattles with 5w30 here.

 

[lbv150]

3.5 EBs are great if you change the oil at 5k or less often mostly short trips and your life revolves around remote start feature.. There are people that get full life and no engine repairs with the manufacturer interval but in my shop I see all brands with issues when the oil is changed when only when a message or light says to. Dust gets by air filters. Not big stuff but it is not all caught by the filter. The fine dust is harmless to lows specific pressure parts and those flooded with oil. The cam phasers, chain guides, and chain link pins are where it does harm. I see lots of 3 valve 5.4s with over 200k miles and no noises. Those engines look like bare aluminum down in oil filler cap with a camera. The engines intake apart for chain and phaser rattles and worse have deposits and dark brown build-up everywhere. Most of those owners say they change it regularly but their receipts and contacts with the lube places they use tell a different story. I'm in Texas and do not recommend 0w20 on any turbo engines. I see good results and no hot restart rattles with 5w30 here.

You sir hit the nail on the head. The key is clean oil and shorter change intervals. I pulled the heads on two engines and at 180,000 the factory cylinder hone was still visible. Zero sluge and deposits in the engine or valve train. Oil and filters are cheep.

 

[Scott Hunter]

I upgraded from a 2003 Expy to a 2019 Expy. What a difference! I hardly knew I was towing a 8500# trailer!