Triton V8 or Ecoboost V6?

[ExpeditionAndy]

The V8 makes 310 horsepower with 365 lb/ft of torque. It can tow an impressive 9,200 pounds. (I actually didn't know that, I thought that my Expy could only tow like 6,000. Great to learn!) Meanwhile, the Ecoboost V6 has 365 horsepower, and can make 420 lb/ft of torque, but it can only tow a dismal 6,600 pounds.

The 17 can tow 9100 LBS on the 4X4

How about the V6 though? It does have two turbochargers, which definitely gives it some pep and some fuel economy, but turbochargers are not as reliable as a solid, mechanical V8. I had some trouble finding other problems, but I found a few. For starters, the turbos tend to get extremely hot, which could be a fire hazard if you happen to find yourself driving through dry brush, or if they are near any wood. Also, since it's turbocharged, the oil is heavily used. If you forget to do your routine oil changes

Turbos run cooler than catalytic converters, you are more likely to set a fire with one of those than with a turbo. Ford's recommended service interval for normal duty is 10,000 miles and 7,500 heavy duty service.

...then the timing belt could have problems. However, I do not think that the Ecoboost is a bad choice. Ford is selling them in their F150s like hotcakes, and they seem to be like reliable engines (though they are not as powerful, no matter how much Ford wants you believe they are).

The EB engines use timing chains just like the 5.4 and based on your own research they produce 55 more horse power, and 55 more ft/lbs of torque. And there are EB engines out there with well over 150,000 miles on them and have been in F150s since 2011.

Sources:
http://www.ford.com/services/assets/Brochure?make=Ford&model=Expedition&year=2013&postalCode=90210
https://jalopnik.com/these-are-the-cars-that-people-keep-the-longest-1795160276
http://jalopnik.com/these-are-the-cars-that-are-most-likely-to-go-over-200-1793819071
https://www.knowyourparts.com/technical-resources/engine/common-issues-3-5l-ecoboost/

As I tell my students, its nice to see references. Unfortunately I see some conformation bias in your selections. The last article is from at least 2011 or 2012 and talks primarily about software updates and early timing chain issues which were corrected long ago. I would put the EB up against the 5.4 and say it will out perform the 5.4 in any test, and I would love to see somebody do a test.

I'm done.

 

[Hayes Riviere]

Ouch. Disregard my original statement, everyone.

 

[donl]

Well there's the difference. I was looking at Limiteds, King Ranches, and Platinums. I wanted all of the bells and whistles. I knew that I wouldn't be happy with the stripped down version. and my 17 has every option except the Platinum trim and suspension package and the 22" wheels.

Never been a "bells and whistles" guy; just don't see the value added; it's a truck and "stripped down" works for me. I do like the look of the 22" wheels but that's an easy upgrade; might even be able to negotiate a wheel swap into a deal. Your truck is handsome but I could never live with white or EL.

This thread has been spirited, very informative and much appreciated.

 

[JExpedition07]

Never been a "bells and whistles" guy; just don't see the value added; it's a truck and "stripped down" works for me. I do like the look of the 22" wheels but that's an easy upgrade; might even be able to negotiate a wheel swap into a deal. Your truck is handsome but I could never live with white.

This>> all I do is drive my truck. My family members all have king ranches and lariats and don't use any of the extras it's all excess waste. We get in to drive not to watch tv or have a wifi hotspot. Why do I need cooled seats? Just why? It's useless.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Never been a "bells and whistles" guy; just don't see the value added; it's a truck and "stripped down" works for me. I do like the look of the 22" wheels but that's an easy upgrade; might even be able to negotiate a wheel swap into a deal. Your truck is handsome but I could never live with white.

Thanks, white wasn't my first choice. I really wanted the Blue Jeans but there weren't any on any of the dealer's locations. The sale was $100 below factory invoice and and a $6,000 rebate but it had to be on a truck they had on the lot since the only EL they had was a White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat paint one I went with it. It is a pain in the @ss to keep clean and it's at the car wash about 2-3 times a week. I pay monthly so I can get it washed as many times a week as I want to so that isn't bad.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

This>> all I do is drive my truck. My family members all have king ranches and lariats and don't use any of the extras it's all excess waste. We get in to drive not to watch tv or have a wifi hotspot. Why do I need cooled seats? Just why? It's useless.

To each his own. I use the heated/cooled seats and so does my wife. I listen to satellite radio all the time, we use the navigation, I don't use the sun roof and if I could get it without the sunroof I would have. I like the power fold mirrors, the 10 way power memory seats with the easy exit feature, the power fold seats, the power liftgate, and the power running boards. I could go on. I use my truck to haul my radio controlled airplanes and plywood, drywall when I need to, garden soil, stones etc. but it is essentially a highway cruiser and when we go on trips this is the vehicle we take. You can't beat it for comfort.

 

[Hayes Riviere]

This>> all I do is drive my truck. My family members all have king ranches and lariats and don't use any of the extras it's all excess waste. We get in to drive not to watch tv or have a wifi hotspot. Why do I need cooled seats? Just why? It's useless.

Ironic that I agree with you on this, considering the fact that I have a King Ranch. It was given to me by my dad. I originally had the limited, but my dad traded with me because I do so much driving, and wanted me to be comfortable. Thanks dad. Regarding bells and whistles, it doesn't have much in the way of safety stuff (like blind spot warning, front crash auto-stop, etc. No need! I have a blind spot mirror!) It has a screen, with touch screen, though I normally just use the buttons on the side to get to stuff or to my saved radio stations. It has cooled seats, which I use every day during the summer. Even if it's not hot in the car, I just find it more comfortable to not have a sweaty back. The Expedition has a DVD player, but I have used that a few times when I go camping with my friends. I've slept in the back with a sleeping bag a few times, and then would I watch a movie.I would say the main thing that defines the truck as being King Ranch is its distinct golden secondary color, as well as the gorgeous brown interior.

 

[Steve Heywood]

Bought a 17 XLT November of 16 and LOVE IT! The best way to describe the EcoBoost is to call it a quiet diesel. Makes power just off idle and just keeps building. We average 17 mpg running around Phoenix and 20+ on a trip to the Grand Canyon and back. I was concerned about losing power when it got HOT but so far no problem. The only time I notice any turbo lag is when I whack the throttle when it's in 6th gear.

 

[JExpedition07]

kinda changing topic back to original but involving everyone not just Ford. I was reading articles on manufacturers meeting new efficiency mandates and it seems there are two schools of thought. GM is making big engines act small when needed. And Ford is making small engines act big. Take the GM 5.3 or 6.2, they have "active fuel management" which shuts down up to four cylinders when up to speed. Funny thing is GMs V8 is actually more fuel efficient than fords ecoboost (in SUV lineup). Ford obviously does opposite and goes into boost when needed. Both schools of thought are interesting to say the least. I prefer GMs school of thought on this one. My question is how GM negates carbon build up in shut down cylinders? Does it alternate which cylinders are shut down? The GMC Yukon gets 420 horses and 465 lbs ft. Of torque and is good on fuel with a V8 that's hard to beat for ecoboost. In fact it pretty much beats and outperforms ecoboost in every conceivable way. This configuration is also coming to Tahoe now.

 

[5x10]

ecoboost torque power band is ridiculous, perfect for this vehicle

 

[Hayes Riviere]

kinda changing topic back to original but involving everyone not just Ford. I was reading articles on manufacturers meeting new efficiency mandates and it seems there are two schools of thought. GM is making big engines act small when needed. And Ford is making small engines act big. Take the GM 5.3 or 6.2, they have "active fuel management" which shuts down up to four cylinders when up to speed. Funny thing is GMs V8 is actually more fuel efficient than fords ecoboost (in SUV lineup). Ford obviously does opposite and goes into boost when needed. Both schools of thought are interesting to say the least. I prefer GMs school of thought on this one. My question is how GM negates carbon build up in shut down cylinders? Does it alternate which cylinders are shut down? The GMC Yukon gets 420 horses and 465 lbs ft. Of torque and is good on fuel with a V8 that's hard to beat for ecoboost. In fact it pretty much beats and outperforms ecoboost in every conceivable way. This configuration is also coming to Tahoe now.

That's right. My family rented a GMC Yukon XL when we went on vacation and on the dash it would say whether the vehicle was in V8 mode or V4, with a little leaf next to it. It also shows the fuel economy if the car were to continue at that rate. For example, if we were hard accelerating up a steep hill, the car would go to 4 or 5 mpg, but if we were coasting down a hill, it would read near the 50's and 60's. I think it's a great idea, keeping the big V8 with plenty of power, but also going into a V4 option in order to save on gas.

 

[JExpedition07]

ecoboost torque power band is ridiculous, perfect for this vehicle

Yea I suppose. Then again so is the triton. When I need it to pull it does it without hesitation and when I need it to go it goes. Both suffice, I was more getting at what Ford needs to do to improve mpg because they are losing the battle to hulk V8s with a V6, and there is certainly no market for an full size SUV with a boosted 4 cylinder. A lot of people go Tahoe already because they fear the six cylinder (without understanding new turbo engines are much better than old ones). If I do another SUV after this I would consider a suburban but I haven't been a fan of their tranny. Forced induction has limits you can only go so far and Ford is pledging to make no V8s. GM has sky as their limit with their program with which they can achieve better economy and get all the power you want.

 

[NevadaGeo]

This>> all I do is drive my truck. My family members all have king ranches and lariats and don't use any of the extras it's all excess waste. We get in to drive not to watch tv or have a wifi hotspot. Why do I need cooled seats? Just why? It's useless.

Cooled seats may be useless to you living in NY. In high desert country like NE Nevada, the cooled seats are the first thing to go in the summer. Interior temps can reach 120+ with our never-ending sunshine and deep blue skies!! As EAndy says, to each his own.

 

[cullinan18]

The new '18 Expy and "should be soon" new Tahoe/Suby will all have the jointly designed 10 speed transmission (of course with different programming). Once both companies release their full size SUV with the 10 speed, the head-to-head comparisons will be much more applies-to-apples. IMHO, I don't equate the 6.2 and 3.5tt as competing (but we can discuss the dream of the 5.0tt!). I see the 6.2 as a hot rod, niche market engine, but the 5.3 as the meant for nearly everybody engine, like the 3.5tt. But, there is so much more to a vehicle (SUV or otherwise) than just the engine. Buy what you like and fits your wants and needs.

Regarding the towing, you need the 3.73 rear end to tow ~9,000 lbs. The standard 3.31 only tows ~6,000. Yes, get the HD towing on both rear ends to get those towing numbers.

I never drove the 5.4, nor the Tahoe. I love the 3.5tt and Expy. I just didn't like the front end or the wheel wells of the Tahoe. I also didn't like the add'l 10k on the Tahoe I was finding in my research.

I moved up from a 2011 Kia Sorrento. So, nearly anything would be a huge improvement.

 

[ranger024x4]

First post on this forum, definitely an interesting topic. Pretty much was in the same boat as you. I ended up buying a cpo 16 xlt with the 202a package for 32k and haven't looked back. From someone who's has a 5.8 in a bronco, 5.4 3v and a 5.0 coyote in a f150, You just can't beat the torque curve of the 3.5. This is coming from someone who wouldn't even consider it just 2 years ago when I bought my 2012 fx4.

Yea I suppose. Then again so is the triton. When I need it to pull it does it without hesitation and when I need it to go it goes. Both suffice, I was more getting at what Ford needs to do to improve mpg because they are losing the battle to hulk V8s with a V6, and there is certainly no market for an full size SUV with a boosted 4 cylinder. A lot of people go Tahoe already because they fear the six cylinder (without understanding new turbo engines are much better than old ones). If I do another SUV after this I would consider a suburban but I haven't been a fan of their tranny. Forced induction has limits you can only go so far and Ford is pledging to make no V8s. GM has sky as their limit with their program with which they can achieve better economy and get all the power you want.

We get it, you have an issue with anything that isn't a v8. Jesus.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

First post on this forum, definitely an interesting topic. Pretty much was in the same boat as you. I ended up buying a cpo 16 xlt with the 202a package for 32k and haven't looked back. From someone who's has a 5.8 in a bronco, 5.4 3v and a 5.0 coyote in a f150, You just can't beat the torque curve of the 3.5. This is coming from someone who wouldn't even consider it just 2 years ago when I bought my 2012 fx4.


We get it, you have an issue with anything that isn't a v8. Jesus.

Welcome to the forum ranger024x4.

 

[JExpedition07]

First post on this forum, definitely an interesting topic. Pretty much was in the same boat as you. I ended up buying a cpo 16 xlt with the 202a package for 32k and haven't looked back. From someone who's has a 5.8 in a bronco, 5.4 3v and a 5.0 coyote in a f150, You just can't beat the torque curve of the 3.5. This is coming from someone who wouldn't even consider it just 2 years ago when I bought my 2012 fx4.


We get it, you have an issue with anything that isn't a v8. Jesus.

True that and I'll happily admit it. I have driven ecoboost and been impressed but it's not my cup of tea. Everyone doesn't have to like it and if you can't listen to others opinions it really doesn't matter what you think. I respect the opinions of those who like the ecoboost and am impressed with its torque and power. But to sit there on a throne and say ecoboost is superior to all and has no weakness as many owners do is just unrealistic, we live in an imperfect world and I'm just shining the light on some weak spots (which any production engine ever made in the history of ever has). I think it's funny owners take it to offense when you point shortcomings out on the 3.5, I don't throwe a fit when someone tells me the tritons weak spots (yep I better change my oil like crazy for those camphasers). To each his own we buy what we want and I like the V8. By the way welcome.

 

[bobmbx]

What is the opinion on this forum between these two options? If the opinion is trade up, should I stick the Triton V8 or opting for the Ecoboost V6?

Now thats it been a few days and the hand-to-hand seems to have subsided, what do you think?

 

[Thunderjet]

I just added a F150 4x4 to our household and it has the Ecoboost 3.5 with 10 speed. I do think 10 speeds is to many but the fuel economy is amazing for a vehicle with 470 pounds of torque. To date my overall mpg is 21.9, 75% highway, 25% city.
I am a old school guy who loved his V8's but at this point they are history to me.

 

[JExpedition07]

I just added a F150 4x4 to our household and it has the Ecoboost 3.5 with 10 speed. I do think 10 speeds is to many but the fuel economy is amazing for a vehicle with 470 pounds of torque. To date my overall mpg is 21.9, 75% highway, 25% city.
I am a old school guy who loved his V8's but at this point they are history to me.

How are you liking that transmission? From what I've heard it doesn't hunt for gears and runs quite well for having so many speeds. It amazes me it has 10, then again soon they all will.