Ford Expands V8 Availability for the 2027 F-150, but One Engine Choice Could Disappoint Traditional Truck Fans

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Ford Expands V8 Availability for the 2027 F-150, but One Engine Choice Could Disappoint Traditional Truck Fans

black ford suv on dirt road during daytime
Photo by David French on Unsplash

Ford is overhauling the 2027 F-150 with a handful of changes that include additional powertrain options, a fresh design and new tech features aimed at making the truck easier to live with at the jobsite or on the highway. Perhaps the biggest change for buyers of traditional trucks is the return of a non-turbocharged 5.0-litre Coyote V8 to the King Ranch and Platinum a move that means buyers can have the familiar V8 performance without sacrificing luxury, though it will likely disappoint those who preferred the smaller displacement mill that is now being discontinued as the base engine. Instead, Ford will be adding a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre Eco Boost V6 for the King Ranch and Platinum versions, plus a revision to automatic start-stop availability for select models.

In addition to the powertrain updates, the 2027 F-150 will come with a number of other updates that help to improve the versatility of the pickup and make it more attractive to various buyers. This includes increased Blue Cruise free highway driving support when pulling compatible trailers, updated design for the body, new colours, new off-road equipment packages with more affordable options, a Carhartt version, and other convenience items like Pro Power Onboard that allows certain models to be used as a mobile power source to power tools and appliances away from traditional outlets. All of this combines to bring a new level of practicality, V8 character, and driving convenience to the pick-up segment.

1. Ford Expands 5.0-Litre V8 Availability Across the 2027 F-150 Range

Ford is making a few key powertrain changes for the 2027 F-150, offering more options for buyers on the available engine and trim levels. As reported by a leaked F-150 dealership ordering guide that originally appeared on the F150Gen14 forum, the most significant development for traditional truck drivers is the return of the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine in the luxury King Ranch and Platinum trims. Those configurations had been limited to the twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre Eco Boost V6 in 2023, available in regular petrol and Power Boost hybrid setups. However, the model now expands the choices back out to include the V8, which allows buyers to pair a premium interior with the power and sound of a traditional eight-cylinder engine.

Key Changes to the 2027 V8 Line-up:

  • Coyote V8 returns to premium trims
  • King Ranch gains a V8 option
  • Platinum offers traditional eight-cylinder power
  • Engine produces 400 horsepower overall
  • V8 available across every F-150 trim

The 5.0-litre Coyote V8 has 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, providing the natural aspirated V8 howl and linear acceleration preferred by many customers. The fact that it is available on every F-150 trim is reassuring for those who want to ensure their engine choice is not compromised when selecting model features, comfort and luxury. This should be especially true of those who want an old-fashioned truck but prefer it with a V8 rather than a turbocharged V6 Ford is trying to respect those very different customer wishes, while ensuring there is an engine choice across the 2027 F-150 lineup. Instead of restricting the V8 to just a few configurations, the entire 2027 lineup will allow buyer to have their cake and eat it too.

Close-up of a modified car engine with a turbocharger showcasing advanced performance parts.
Photo by astesmedia on Pexels

2. The 2.7-Litre EcoBoost V6 Disappears as a New 3.0-Litre Engine Arrives

The availability of more V8 options is certainly good news for traditional-truck enthusiasts, but Ford has also changed the baseline engine for the F-150. The 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged Eco Boost V6 that came as the standard engine for previous model years won’t be available in the 2027 F-150. Instead, Ford will be offering a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre Eco Boost V6 that’s based on the architecture of the 2.7-litre engine in the prior-generation vehicle. That bigger engine is already used in a handful of other Ford and Lincoln vehicles including the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Ford Ranger Raptor and Bronco Raptor. It will be the new base for the F-150.

What Changes With the New Base Engine?

  • 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 discontinued
  • New 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 introduced
  • Larger engine displacement replaces the outgoing unit
  • Existing Ford models already use it
  • Selected XL, STX, XLT and Lariat trims

The 3.0-litre Eco Boost will generate 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque in the proposed F-150 application, on par with the claimed outputs of the current 2.7-litre engine. “This is because the larger displacement means the engine doesn’t have to work quite as hard to produce this power, which in turn could lead to a better driving experience,” Ford said. Its output varies widely throughout Ford and Lincoln’s larger product range. The Explorer SUV produces 400 horsepower, while the Lincoln Aviator SUV makes 383 horsepower and up to 440 pound-feet of torque. The Ranger Raptor produces 405 horsepower, and the Bronco Raptor cranks out 418 horsepower. The different ratings show how the same basic engine family can be tuned for different purposes.

Detailed view of a car's engine start button set in sleek carbon fiber interior.
Photo by Erik Geiger on Pexels

3. Automatic Start-Stop Is Removed From Selected F-150 Configurations

Ford is pulling start-stop, the automatic engine shutoff feature, from a handful of the 2027 F-150 trucks the automaker says are the most popular. When enabled, start-stop automatically turns off the engine when the truck comes to a stop like at a stoplight and then fires the engine back up when the driver is ready to get back to work. While the technology is designed to cut down on engine idling, the experience of a stop and startup repeatedly isn’t popular with some of the truck’s owners. Ford truck communications spokesperson Daniel Peake said in an email that the switch off for start-stop would be on 3.5-liter 4×2 models, all 5.0-liter V8 models, and the Raptor. It’s still enabled on 3.0-liter Eco Boost and 3.5-liter 4×4 models.

Where Automatic Start-Stop Will Change:

  • All 5.0-litre V8 models lose start-stop
  • Raptor models also lose the feature
  • 3.5-litre 4×2 configurations switch it off
  • 3.5-litre 4×4 models retain start-stop
  • 3.0-litre EcoBoost models retain start-stop

It is a particularly important distinction for anyone who doesn’t want to have the auto start stop feature. The 3.5 litre Eco Boost alone will not necessarily be free from the feature, because the 4×4 is one where it remains, and the 4×2 is one where it is not. A similar situation will exist for the new 3.0 litre base engine from the traditional V8, as the 5.0 litre Coyote is unaffected by the change in trim level and is removed in all of the trim levels for the 3.0 litre base engine. This change not only reduces the effort for the owner who would like to keep the engine running when the vehicle is at a standstill, but also gives customers one more reason to examine the various drivetrain options.

4. V8 Cylinder Deactivation Remains Despite the Removal of Start-Stop

However, the loss of automatic start-stop shouldn’t imply that Ford is giving up all efficiency features on the 5.0-litre V8. Variable Displacement Engine (VDE) will stay on in the 2027 Coyote V8, Ford says in a follow-up statement issued in October. While the two systems will both have the ability to cut gas use in some instances, they do so in different ways. An automatic start-stop shuts down the entire engine when the vehicle comes to a halt, while cylinder deactivation gets rid of combustion in some of the cylinders in the engine while keeping it running. Ford began implementing cylinder deactivation on the 5.0-litre V8 in the 2021 model year.

Understanding the Two Engine Technologies:

  • Start-stop shuts down the entire engine
  • VDE deactivates selected cylinders during cruising
  • Cylinder deactivation remains active for 2027
  • V8 idling continues without automatic shutdown
  • Efficiency technology dates back to 2021

For the traditional truck buyer, it represents a compromise between their familiar V8 feeling and 21st-century management. If you can’t stand having your engine turn off at red lights then a non-start-stop 5.0-litre is available while still deactivating some cylinders when rolling along the highway in light load. Ford would simply keep the cylinder deactivation tech, which was designed to optimise highway fuel management, but would get rid of the engine shutdown. A buyer should be aware that this represents a compromise as the two things (instantaneous shutdown and partial shutdown) are not interchangeable and one does not mean the other will be absent. The 2027 F-150 V8 offers the change in behaviour while stationary without compromising the extra optimisation on the highway.

“Ford F-150 Raptor” by Alexandre Prevot is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

5. The Remaining F-150 Engine Range Delivers Power for Different Needs

Fortunately, Ford is keeping a number of strong options around for those in need of a little extra whoosh. The 3.5L Eco Boost V6 continues to be one of the most potent options for heavy trailering, and makes 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque in its current state. Those in need of a split strategy of juice and electrical energy can grab the Power Boost hybrid, with the 3.5L Eco Boost engine paired with some electric assistance to make 430 horses and 570 lb-ft. For the true off-road enthusiast, a high-output version of the 3.5L Eco Boost will make 450 hp and 510 lb-ft. Topping the heap is the Raptor R that makes use of a supercharged 5.2L V8.

Powertrain Choices Across the F-150 Range:

  • 3.5-litre EcoBoost delivers 400 horsepower
  • PowerBoost hybrid produces 430 horsepower
  • High-output EcoBoost reaches 450 horsepower
  • PowerBoost torque reaches 570 pound-feet
  • Raptor R delivers 720 horsepower

The Raptor R features a supercharged V8 pumping out 720bhp and 640lb/ft of torque that should deliver the kind of performance that Ford’s Raptor is all about. Elsewhere, the standard 3.5-litre Eco Boost offers ample torque for high-speed trailering duties, and the hybrid Power Boost combines electric assistance and lofty figures with the sort of technology that’s made a hybrid such a popular powertrain in the F-150. There are a few different engines in the 2027 line-up to let buyers pick whether they want to prioritise work and towing or off-road entertainment at high speeds. Rather than choosing a single powertrain to appeal to everyone, Ford wants to keep the capability and capability options broad, which is why you’ll find a larger standard V6, a few different variations of 3.5-litre Eco Boost, hybrid V6 and V8 engines, as well as two distinct options for V8s a naturally aspirated Coyote, and supercharged Raptor R engine.

Close-up shot of dual exhaust pipes on a sleek car, with a focus on detail and design.
Photo by Tim Diercks on Pexels

6. The 3.5-Litre EcoBoost Gains Emissions Equipment and Revised Power Ratings

Ford has also announced a key emissions detail for the 2027 model-year F-150’s 3.5-litre Eco Boost. Daniel Peake, a Ford communications spokesperson, confirmed the 3.5-litre Eco Boost will feature a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) to trap fine particles of soot and then eject the build-up via an exhaust regeneration process. The technology first debuted on the 2026 F-150 when Ford increased the engine’s existing output levels. For that model year, the standard 3.5-litre Eco Boost’s horsepower figure was down from 400 to 382, while the Power Boost hybrid’s power figure was trimmed from 430 to 420 however, the torque outputs for both remain unchanged from earlier figures.

Important Emissions and Powertrain Updates:

  • Gasoline particulate filter confirmed for 3.5-litre
  • GPF captures fine exhaust soot particles
  • Regeneration clears accumulated filter material
  • EcoBoost output reduced by 18 horsepower
  • PowerBoost output reduced by 10 horsepower

Ford has confirmed the same figures for 2027, with 3.5-litre Eco Boost and the Power Boost hybrid producing 500 pound-feet and 570 pound-feet respectively. The fact that the filter is on board means the engine’s emissions hardware remains a key part of the equation, along with the updated power ratings introduced for 2026. The process burns off collection depending on various driving conditions, allowing the system to remain up to snuff. As such, someone debating between the standard Eco Boost and the hybrid should be focused on horsepower as well as torque, the latter of which is still huge for a pickup truck.

7. BlueCruise Introduces Hands-Free Highway Driving While Towing

Trailering is also getting a technology boost in 2027 with an upgraded highway driving system that’s designed to make highway driving easier, especially when pulling a trailer. Ford says roughly three-quarters of F-150 buyers use their trucks to tow trailers at some point, and in order to provide that trailering capability, Ford is expanding the Blue Cruise driver-assistance system to include matching highways mapped for the eyes-on, hands-free highway driving system with compatible trailers. This feature is available for vehicles equipped with hands-free highway assistance, allowing Ford owners to enjoy hands-free, eyes-on-the-road highway driving assistance with that trailer in tow.

BlueCruise Trailering Features to Know:

  • Hands-free driving on mapped highway routes
  • Compatible trailers supported by the system
  • Drivers must keep their eyes on the road
  • Automatic hands-free lane changes disabled while towing
  • Eligible 2027 trucks receive enabled technology

While the expanded ability avoids the need for keeping one’s hands on the wheel under supported conditions, it doesn’t mean the driver has no role in staying aware. Ford says the following about automatic hands-free lane changes: “The truck’s tow/haul mode disables automatic hands-free lane changes when towing a trailer.” This feature is offered on 2027 F-150s with the necessary Blue Cruise hardware, accessible via a supported subscription or free-trial period on most higher trim grades. For those who often need to travel long miles with a trailer in tow, this tech provides another benefit for an existing feature related to trailer towing. It demonstrates Ford’s willingness to offer work-ready capability as well as driver-assist features that acknowledge how many of their buyers tend to use their trucks.

8. Fresh Exterior Styling, New Colours and More Accessible Off-Road Trims

Ford has freshened up the looks of a handful of 2027 F-150 trims, all without straying too far away from the iconic styling of the 14th-generation pickup. The new XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trims will all feature new exterior styling, such as revised grille designs and new wheel choices. It’s a refresh but not a complete overhaul that keeps the tall proportions and chunky look of the current truck. Ford is also making some tweaks to the colour palette with Birch Sand, Neptune Blue and Wild Green joining the options list for the new model year. Meanwhile, the Antimatter Blue, Argon Blue and Avalanche colours are being deleted from the 2026 palette, so the 2027 colours will be an important factor for order-time choices.

Styling and Equipment Changes for 2027:

  • Updated grilles across four trim levels
  • Fresh wheel designs introduced
  • Birch Sand joins the colour palette
  • Neptune Blue adds another exterior choice
  • Wild Green replaces none of the departing colours

There are also new entry-level gear groups for off-road customers in the new Tremor and Raptor. They include the core off-road hardware in the Tremor and Raptor and take away some of the cabin luxury and convenience gear to take thousands of dollars off the purchase price. It’s an appeal-to-all-odds scenario it means that much better off-road rigs don’t have to be out of reach for those interested more in the mechanical hardware, while providing a good basis for those wanting to build their trucks to their specs and still be able to add the optional equipment. These gear group changes, along with new front ends, wheel designs and updated colours, give the 2027 F-150 range a wider appeal with less of a need to spec up full premium rigs.

Gray Ford F150 driving fast on a rocky dirt road during an offroad adventure race.
Photo by JACKY LIN on Pexels

9. The New Carhartt Edition and Pro Power Onboard Add Practical Appeal

The 2027 model year will also introduce the first and only F-150 Carhartt package. The partnership between Ford and the workwear brand has been going on since the F-150 Super Duty, and the carmaker is now injecting some of that rugged workwear styling into the F-150 XLT 4×4 Super Crew. The Carhartt package will be available as a $4,195 option for the XLT 4×4 Super Crew, and features workwear-specific styling cues combined with equipment that includes Lobo headlamps, a Tremor bonnet, the rugged Tremor running boards, two-tone upholstery, all-weather floor mats and bespoke interior trim accents. Ford has opened orders for the Carhartt Package, which will be available from early 2027.

Highlights of the F-150 Carhartt Package:

  • First-ever F-150 Carhartt edition introduced
  • Based on XLT 4×4 SuperCrew
  • Optional package priced at $4,195
  • Rugged Tremor bonnet and running boards
  • Deliveries expected in early 2027

The Pro Power Onboard system also remains a significant practical benefit for the 2027 F-150. Rated up to 7.2 kW of output on certain models (including Power Boost Hybrid), it turns the pick-up into a generator for when customers need to run the tools in remote locations or appliances for the holiday getaway. For buyers whose F-150 needs to be much more than a vehicle that transports their family and gear, the generator fills in one more space, somewhat filling in the horsepower number and max tow rating of the truck. Along with the unique Carhartt edition, it shows how Ford is creating a vehicle with both the customization and the utility that many customers demand, with the refreshed F-150 line-up.

10. How Ford’s 2027 F-150 Updates Benefit Different Truck Buyers

The changes to the 2027 F-150 have been designed by Ford to cater to as many types of pickup consumers as possible without straying away from the brand’s old tactics. With extra 5.0-litre Coyote V8 availability, buyers can now opt for fully-equipped King Ranch and Platinum trims with naturally aspirated eight-cylinder powertrain. Replacement of the 2.7-litre Eco Boost with a bigger 3.0-litre V6 adds a new cost-effective entry-level engine choice, while the axing of auto start-stop for a couple of trim levels caters to specific customer needs. Other things that have seen improvements include bumpers, a new selection of colours, off-road accessory packages, and an extra Blue Cruise feature for supported trailers.

Reasons to Consider the Updated F-150:

  • More trims offer traditional V8 power
  • Larger EcoBoost replaces the outgoing base engine
  • Selected configurations eliminate automatic start-stop
  • Hands-free highway trailering capability expands
  • New styling and packages broaden choice

And it all depends what your priority is. If you want to retain the classic traditional engine note and performance feel, the new 5.0-litre Coyote V8 provides more options, including access to higher trims without compromising the engine choice. Drivers seeking a more linear turbocharged V6 will have the new 3.0-litre Eco Boost to consider, as will buyers interested in towing torque or electric assistance both of which include the 3.5-litre Eco Boost and the Power Boost hybrid. If you need off-road talent, look at the Tremor and Raptor and Raptor R, while Pro Power Onboard and the Carhartt package will appeal to those looking for added practicality. Weigh the benefits of each engine’s output and drivetrain specification to find the right F-150 for you.

Martin Banks is the managing editor at Modded and a regular contributor to sites like the National Motorists Association, Survivopedia, Family Handyman and Industry Today. Whether it’s an in-depth article about aftermarket options for EVs or a step-by-step guide to surviving an animal bite in the wilderness, there are few subjects that Martin hasn’t covered.

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