A leak in dealer order guide, which has been doing the rounds in enthusiasts’ forums, has revealed some power train modifications that will be implemented in the 2027 Ford F-150. Rather than focusing its efforts on an extensive design overhaul or makeover of its exterior, Ford is spending most of its efforts on what lies under the aluminum hood. The main modifications include substituting the popular 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 for a bigger engine and making more models of the naturally aspirated V8 available among the premium luxury models. These modifications signal that Ford is catering to the changing demands for power in the full-size truck market.
They come three years after Ford launched its extensive mid-cycle redesign of the 2024 F-150. In the process, it offered refreshed exterior design, enhanced cabin technology, upgraded interior quality, and more advanced driver assistance options, but left the majority of the already well-proven platform alone. This time, however, Ford is going to concentrate on its powertrain range. And this makes one wonder whether the more powerful base engine and additional V8 engines make the 2027 F-150 worth waiting for?
1. The 2.7-Liter EcoBoost V6 Is Being Replaced
Replacing an existing engine is never an easy task for any manufacturer, especially if the existing engine has gained popularity. This 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 has been used in the F-150 to provide a good mix of fuel economy and performance. It is capable of generating 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, making entry and mid-range versions of the truck capable for routine driving and commercial purposes. But now full-sized pickups require higher performance capabilities than ever before.
2.7L EcoBoost Replacement Highlights:
- Long-running F-150 engine retires
- Produced 325 horsepower
- Delivered 400 lb-ft torque
- Balanced efficiency and capability
- Replaced by larger EcoBoost
The current market expects the trucks to be fast off the line, have sufficient passing ability on the highway and provide reliability while hauling or towing large loads. Trailers, boats, camping vehicles, and equipment require a lot from a pickup and therefore, more powerful engines are becoming more attractive options for consumers. The discontinuation of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine by Ford is indicative of this trend. Instead of offering buyers an engine that they recognize but is not as powerful, Ford is increasing the standards across many of the F-150 models.
2. The New Standard Engine Is a 3.0-Liter EcoBoost V6
The key replacement for the 2.7-liter engine is the turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. As indicated by the dealer order guide that was leaked, the new engine will be offered as standard for the XL, STX, XLT, and Lariat model range. Though the exact power output of the engine in the F-150 model range has not been officially announced yet by Ford, it can offer higher outputs than the previous engine of 325 hp.
3.0L EcoBoost Engine Highlights:
- Twin-turbocharged V6 architecture
- Standard across four trims
- Larger than outgoing engine
- Official output remains unconfirmed
- Raises baseline F-150 performance
The 3.0-liter EcoBoost isn’t an alien to the lineup offered by Ford Motors. Different forms of the same twin turbo technology engine have been used by Ford in other models like Ford Explorer ST, Ford Explorer Tremor, Ford Explorer Platinum, Ford Ranger Raptor, Ford Bronco Raptor, and Lincoln Aviator. The power output in all cases differs between around 385 hp and 418 hp. For example, the Lincoln Aviator offers 383 hp, the Ford Explorer ST has 400 hp, Ford Ranger Raptor gives 405 hp, and Ford Bronco Raptor boasts of 418 hp.
3. Ford Is Raising the F-150’s Performance Baseline
The greater 3.0-liter engine provides Ford with the chance to boost performance throughout its standard F-150 models without necessitating that buyers move up to the more expensive engine choice. This would allow the extra cubic inches combined with the twin-turbo to produce more low-end power and better acceleration over a broader range. Such performance would prove especially beneficial when merging on the highway, climbing hills, towing trailers, and hauling heavy cargo in the bed.
Everyday Performance Improvements:
- Stronger standard engine performance
- Increased low-end torque potential
- Better highway passing confidence
- Improved heavy-load capability
- Twin-turbo responsive power delivery
The company does not plan on tuning the new engine to achieve peak performance that would equal the power achieved by the engines installed in the Raptor variants of Bronco and Ranger. This kind of tuning might lead to an unneeded competition for the current 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 and 5.0 liter naturally-aspirated V8, both producing about 400 horsepower. It seems that the most probable scenario involves placing the new 3.0 liter right between the current 325 horsepower engine and the high-output alternatives.
4. The 3.0-Liter Engine Has One Important Towing Restriction
Despite the improvements that the new 3.0-liter EcoBoost brings in terms of performance, there is a drawback for people looking to tow with the help of the leaked order guide. The Tow/Haul package cannot be ordered by those who choose the new twin turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. Customers have the option of ordering the trailer brake controller as an individual unit, but Ford has not yet come up with an explanation regarding this.
3.0L Towing Package Details:
- Tow/Haul Package unavailable
- Trailer brake controller remains available
- Exact reasoning remains undisclosed
- Heavy towing buyers should consider carefully
- Order guide reveals restriction
It will be especially significant for those customers who think about purchasing the base or mid-range F-150 mainly for towing purposes. The new engine will offer better acceleration and torque than the 2.7-liter engine; however, due to package restrictions, there will be quite an interesting situation when there is a clear difference between the engine itself and available towing packages. This is why fleet owners and contractors need to consider carefully all of Ford’s information on this matter.
5. Shared Engine Architecture Could Benefit Owners
With the existing 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 powering various models of the Ford brand as well as Lincolns, the range is already getting exposure through a number of models within the manufacturer’s line-up. The adoption of the engine by Ford for different models implies that there are already processes in place when it comes to production and logistics.
Shared Engine Ownership Benefits:
- Common Ford engine architecture
- Broad existing vehicle usage
- Streamlined manufacturing operations
- Familiar dealership service knowledge
- Potentially easier parts availability
This will help Ford to simplify its production and logistics processes. On the side of the car owner, this engine range might have several advantages. First of all, the widespread use of mechanical elements in the design of this engine family will allow to ensure better access to spare parts and better technical knowledge of the engine at dealerships. Secondly, it will be easier to perform maintenance of the engine if mechanics already know about this design in other Ford cars.
6. The 5.0-Liter Coyote V8 Returns to Premium Trims
The second significant powertrain revision is associated with the non-turbocharged 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine by Ford. According to the order guide leaked for the 2027 model year, it looks like Ford is going to offer the V8 engine to high-end models such as King Ranch and Platinum trims. This means that buyers interested in luxurious versions of the F-150 will get a chance to choose from eight-cylinder engines instead of only having the choice between six-cylinder ones.
Coyote V8 Availability Highlights:
- Returns to King Ranch
- Returns to Platinum trim
- Naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8
- Restores premium V8 choice
- Expands F-150 engine flexibility
Over the last few model years, customers purchasing either the King Ranch trim or Platinum could only get the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 or the 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid engine. However, despite the demand from customers who favored natural-aspiration engines, the 5.0-liter V8 engine was not available in either of these top trims. This is not the case for the 2027 model year, however. Luxury pickup buyers can now have their premium equipment and a V8 engine too.
7. Ford Is Reversing Its Earlier V8 Strategy
It is evident that the reintroduction of V8 engines for the high-end trims of the F-150 is definitely a strategic departure from the product strategies that were once employed by the company. According to reports, the introduction of V8 engines would be limited to just five trims of the F-150, which include the XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, and Tremor trims.
Ford V8 Strategy Changes:
- Earlier V8 availability was narrower
- Five trims were previously considered
- Premium trims regain V8 access
- Buyer demand influenced reversal
- Traditional power remains relevant
The move demonstrates the continuing popularity of naturally-aspirated eight-cylinder engines among full-size truck consumers. Turbocharged V6s are efficient and high performing, but some buyers would like to have the linear feel of the gas pedal, the classic look and sound of the V8 engine. The fact that Ford decided to increase the number of F-150s with the V8 engine demonstrates that the company considers the demand for the product to be sufficiently high.
8. Ford Faces Renewed V8 Competition
The choice by Ford to reintroduce the V8 into some high-end models of the F-150 line also coincides with rival brands of trucks focusing on the eight-cylinder engine once again. GM will launch the brand new 6.6-liter and 5.7-liter V8 engines on the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 lines, respectively. Meanwhile, Ram has reintroduced the Hemi V8 engine into the Ram 1500 range.
Full-Size Truck V8 Competition:
- GM expands V8 offerings
- Silverado gains new V8 choices
- Sierra receives V8 options
- Ram restores Hemi V8
- Ford expands Coyote availability
This is why the V8 wider availability of the F-150 becomes significant in a competitive market setting. In the current lineup of Ford F-150 models, the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine has a power output of 400 horsepower in the F-150 model. The engine has a power delivery that is linear and smooth that most truck buyers find appealing. Although the official figures of 2027 power output for King Ranch and Platinum trims have not yet been established, there is definitely more power output from the same engine.
9. PowerBoost and Raptor Options Continue
The 2027 F-150 is not going to use just the new 3.0-liter EcoBoost and enlarged Coyote V8 engine. There will still be a choice for those customers looking for solid towing capabilities offered by the tried and proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. There is also the 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid variant, which is a combination of a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and an electric motor.
F-150 Powertrain Variety:
- 3.5-liter EcoBoost continues
- PowerBoost hybrid carries over
- Pro Power Onboard remains
- Raptor lineup gains new group
- Raptor R keeps supercharged V8
Even today, the PowerBoost proves to be valuable due to its Pro Power Onboard feature of generating energy and making the F-150 capable of supplying electricity to various devices, gadgets, camp sites, or home appliances during an emergency situation. Off-roading enthusiasts also have a new version of their truck to choose from, as Ford launched an 800A low-cost equipment package for the Raptor. The new offering will join other 801A, 802A Raptor 37, and 803A Raptor R trim versions. The Raptor R still relies on its supercharged V8 engine of 5.2 liters.
10. 2027 F-150 Also Gets Cosmetic and Ordering Changes
The powertrain upgrades are leading the way for changes in the F-150 for 2027, although other changes have been revealed through the leaked Ford dealer order guide that involves the vehicle’s exterior colors and configurations. These are Birch Sand, Neptune Blue, and Wild Green. On the contrary, some of the outgoing exterior colors include Antimatter Blue, Argon Blue, and Avalanche.
2027 F-150 Update Highlights:
- Three new exterior colors
- Three outgoing colors removed
- New appearance packages introduced
- Some Lariat configurations narrowed
- National discount packages added
Changes are also being made to ordering methods. Some combinations of long-bed Lariat are being narrowed in an attempt to limit production options; new Chrome Appearance and Satin Appearance groups are coming into play. New also is a National Discount Packages page that applies discounts automatically when orders containing the correct groups of features are configured together. Canadian-market trim has not been entirely ironed out but the move to the 3.0-liter base engine will be applicable there too.
