Ford Truck Engines: Which One is Right for You?
February 5, 2026 - 8:42:56 am

When buying a truck, the most critical box you check on the order form isn't the color or the leather package—it's the engine. The engine defines your truck’s personality. It dictates how much you can tow, how often you stop for fuel, and how confident you feel merging onto the highway with a heavy load.

Ford currently offers the most diverse engine lineup in the industry, ranging from high-efficiency hybrids to massive turbo diesels capable of moving mountains. But with so many choices, how do you know which one fits your lifestyle or business?

At Wallwork Truck Center, we help customers navigate these choices every day. Whether you are hauling grain in the Red River Valley, managing a delivery fleet, or towing a camper for a weekend getaway, there is a specific Ford engine engineered for your needs.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the current Ford truck engine lineup to help you decide.

1. The F-150 Lineup: Efficiency Meets Power

The F-150 is the jack-of-all-trades, and its engine options reflect that versatility.

2.7L EcoBoost® V6

• The Stats: 325 Horsepower | 400 lb-ft Torque
• Best For: The Daily Driver & Weekend Warrior
  Don't let the small displacement fool you. This twin-turbo engine is snappy and quick. It uses a graphite-iron block (the same material used in diesel engines) for incredible durability. It is the perfect choice if you use your truck for commuting, running errands, and occasionally towing a small boat or utility trailer. It offers the best balance of fuel economy and pep.

3.5L EcoBoost® V6

• The Stats: 400 Horsepower | 500 lb-ft Torque
• Best For: Maximum Towing Capacity
  If you plan to tow near the F-150’s limit (up to 13,500 lbs), this is the engine you want. The twin turbos provide massive low-end torque, which helps get heavy loads moving without straining the engine. It is the preferred choice for owners of large travel trailers who aren't quite ready to step up to a Super Duty.

5.0L "Coyote" V8

• The Stats: 400 Horsepower | 410 lb-ft Torque
• Best For: Traditionalists & Snow Plowing
  For those who love the naturally aspirated roar of a V8, the 5.0L is a legend. It delivers smooth, linear power and is incredibly reliable. It is also the best choice for snow plowing applications in the F-150, as it allows for easier mounting of plow equipment compared to the intercooled EcoBoost models.

3.5L PowerBoost™ Full Hybrid V6

• The Stats: 430 Horsepower | 570 lb-ft Torque
• Best For: Contractors & Campers (Pro Power Onboard)
  This is the most powerful engine in the standard F-150 lineup. It combines the 3.5L EcoBoost with an electric motor. The real game-changer here is Pro Power Onboard—it turns your truck into a mobile generator providing up to 7.2kW of exportable power. You can run chop saws, air compressors, or even your entire travel trailer directly from the bed of the truck.

2. The Super Duty Lineup (F-250, F-350, F-450)

When the work gets heavy, you need an engine designed for abuse. The Super Duty lineup is split between gas and diesel, each serving a distinct purpose.

6.8L V8 Gas

• The Stats: 405 Horsepower | 445 lb-ft Torque
• Best For: Fleet Cost Management
  This is the standard engine for F-250 and F-350 XL models. It is a simple, pushrod V8 designed for low maintenance costs. It is ideal for fleet managers who need a capable work truck without the higher upfront cost of the diesel or the premium 7.3L gas engine.

7.3L "Godzilla" OHV V8 Gas

• The Stats: 430 Horsepower | 485 lb-ft Torque
• Best For: Heavy Duty Work without Diesel Complexity
  Ford built this engine from the ground up for commercial durability. It features a cast-iron block and pushrod design. It offers massive torque for a gas engine, making it capable of hauling heavy payloads and towing substantial trailers. It is the perfect middle ground for businesses that want high capability but want to avoid Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) and higher diesel maintenance costs.

6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel

• The Stats: 475 Horsepower | 1,050 lb-ft Torque
• Best For: Heavy Towing & High Mileage
  This is the workhorse of the American towing industry. If you tow over 15,000 lbs regularly, diesel is the answer. The exhaust brake provides confidence on steep grades, and the fuel efficiency while towing is significantly better than gas options.

6.7L High Output Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel

• The Stats: 500 Horsepower | 1,200 lb-ft Torque
• Best For: The Ultimate Towing Experience
  With a staggering 1,200 lb-ft of torque, this engine offers best-in-class power. It features a water-cooled turbocharger and upgraded exhaust manifolds to handle the heat. If you are hauling a massive 5th wheel toy hauler or heavy construction equipment, this engine ensures you never feel underpowered.

3. Medium Duty (F-650 & F-750)

For vocational trucks—dump trucks, box trucks, and flatbeds—durability is the only metric that matters.

The 7.3L V8 Gas (Vocational Tune)

In the F-650 and F-750, the "Godzilla" V8 is tuned for longevity rather than peak horsepower. It is an excellent choice for local delivery trucks or landscape crews where the truck sits idle often or runs short routes. It warms up faster than a diesel in winter and is cheaper to maintain.

The 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel (Commercial Tune)

In Medium Duty applications, the Power Stroke is available in three power ratings (up to 330 HP / 850 lb-ft). These engines are paired with the Ford TorqShift® HD 6-speed or 10-speed automatic. They are designed for a B10 life of 500,000 miles, meaning 90% of these engines are expected to reach half a million miles without a major overhaul.

Summary: Which Engine Should You Choose?

• Choose the 2.7L EcoBoost if you commute daily and want the best fuel economy.
• Choose the 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid if you need a mobile generator for tools or camping.
• Choose the 7.3L "Godzilla" Gas if you plow snow or want a heavy-duty truck without the maintenance cost of diesel.
• Choose the 6.7L High Output Diesel if you tow heavy 5th wheels or livestock trailers and want the absolute best performance available.

Still Undecided? Test Drive the Difference.

Reading about torque curves is helpful, but feeling the power firsthand is better. At Wallwork Truck Center, we stock the full range of Ford engines across the F-Series lineup.

Come visit us today. Our commercial truck experts can look at your specific trailer weights and payload requirements to recommend the exact engine and axle ratio combination that will give you the best performance and longevity.

Power your business with the right choice. Call Wallwork Truck Center today.