Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford F-150 Ecoboost

Ford's massively popular US pick-up gets all new high-tech petrol engine - we head to Detroit to try it out

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your next car here
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

It’s easy to see why the F-150 has been such a hit in the US. It offers space for five, huge towing and carrying abilities and is top value. Efficiency is increasingly important to American drivers – which is why the powerful, but relatively frugal, V6 EcoBoost is a step in the right direction. Sadly, in the UK it’s import only – which will bump up one of its most attractive features: the price.

Advertisement - Article continues below

America’s best-selling truck has been given a boost! As well as a new diesel, Ford’s Focus gets new EcoBoost petrol engines – and the 2.2-tonne F-150 pick-up is benefiting from the technology, too.

Now in its 12th generation, the F-Series truck has been a huge success story for Ford. At its 2004 peak, 939,511 found homes in the US in a single year – that’s nearly one sold every 30 seconds! But the blue oval isn’t resting on its laurels.

All EcoBoost petrol engines get direct-injection and a turbo. And while the 1.6 and 2.0-litre units are already established, and a 1.0 three-cylinder is on the way, the F-150 requires something more substantial. 

Under the bonnet is a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 360bhp and 570Nm of torque. It’s billed as the premium engine in the range, and eclipses the current top-spec 5.0-litre V8 by 5bhp and 55Nm, while returning 1.4mpg more, at 26.4mpg. Climb aboard, and you’re faced with a dash layout that strikes a neat blend of ruggedness and luxury.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

RAV4 Hybrid

2024 Toyota

RAV4 Hybrid

25,094 milesAutomaticPetrol2.5L

Cash £27,241
View RAV4 Hybrid
MG3

2022 MG

MG3

15,072 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £9,687
View MG3
HS

2023 MG

HS

16,859 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,499
View HS
Ioniq electric

2021 Hyundai

Ioniq electric

22,097 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £11,600
View Ioniq electric

The latter is a bonus, though, as the F-150 has always been designed as a workhorse first and foremost.

Put your foot down and, once the ponderous six-speed auto has picked a ratio, there’s a surprising turn of pace given the car’s size.

Of course, it doesn’t have the signature V8 burble – instead there’s a turbo whistle under heavy throttle – but in every other respect the EcoBoost is more than a match for the larger unit.

Huge torque at low revs makes the engine perfect for the F-150 – it can even tow a 30-foot boat.

Thanks to the light steering and a vagueness to the major controls, the handling is tricky – as we discovered during several laps of Ford’s test track in Dearborn, Michigan. 

But cornering agility isn’t the point of this car. More important is the high-set seating position, which gives a great view of the road ahead, and the surprising refinement. It all adds up to a traditional American driving experience, which is powered by a thoroughly modern engine.

Rival: VW Amarok

The Amarok boasts the solid build quality for which the German firm is famous, allied to a sophisticated 4WD system, ample load bed and spacious cabin. A truly premium pick-up.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,297 off RRP*
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,575Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £7,850
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,462 off RRP*Used from £11,847
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,647 off RRP*Used from £13,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details
Range Rover Velar EV - front (watermarked)

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details

JLR is getting ready to unveil a mid-size electric Range Rover to end its four-year new model drought, and our exclusive images preview how it could l…
News
10 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

The Honda Civic was already a great car, but updates for 2025 have elevated it even higher
Road tests
11 Sep 2025
New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - front tracking

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch

The hottest front-wheel-drive Golf has sharpened up its act in Mk8.5 form, but it's not as fun as we'd like it to be
Road tests
11 Sep 2025