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After six years of success in the Ford F-150 powertrain lineup, the First Generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6 turbocharged engine was retired after the 2016 model year, and a new, more powerful EcoBoost replaced it. This revised engine, known as the 2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost engine, joins the Ford F-150 powertrain lineup for the 2017 model year. It provides an array of improvements that not only increased power, but also reliability.

Just like the first generation engine, however, the second generation maintains the 3.5L EcoBoost’s record of delivering best-in-class performance, even against rival manufacturers using engines with almost twice the displacement. In this post, our guide to the 2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost engine, we’re going to explain how it’s all possible. We’ll cover Second Generation 3.5L EcoBoost specs, engine design changes, and performance information . We’ll also go into detail about the differences between this engine, and the previous one and how they translated into greater reliability.

The 2nd Generation EcoBoost Meets the Ford F-150

After two years of sporting a new body style featuring military-grade aluminum exterior paneling, the Ford F-150 gets a revised 3.5L EcoBoost engine in 2017. This engine, the 2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost engine, raises the bar even further, providing greater fuel efficiency, more power, and even improved reliability. In addition to this engine, a high-output version was also introduced.

The new High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost Engine debuted on the 2017 Ford Raptor and later was added to 2019-2020 Ford F-150 Limited trucks. This engine took the 2nd Gen EcoBoost engine to new heights, and delivers a whopping 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft of torque making this one of the most powerful trucks available. Since it’s release, the High-output 3.5L EcoBoost engine is also now available in Ford’s other vehicles like the 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline Edition.

2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost Specs

Engine Years	2017-2022
Applications	Ford F-150 & Ford Raptor
Configuration	60-Degree V6 DOHC
Displacement	3.5 Liters (213 cubic inches)
Cylinder Bore	3.64″
Cylinder Stroke	3.41″
Compression Ratio 2017-2022 Standard Output 2017-2022 High Output	See Below 10.5:1 10.0:1
Firing Order	1-4-2-5-3-6
Engine Block Material	Aluminum
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum
Valvetrain	Roller Finger Follower
Ignition System	Coil on Plug
Fuel System	Twin-Port and Direct Fuel Injection
Air Delivery/Aspiration	Twin turbocharged and intercooled. Electronic wastegates were added in 2017+ models
Horsepower (Standard Output) 2017-2020 2021+	See Below 375 Horsepower @ 5,000 rpm 400 Horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
Horsepower (High Output) 2017-2022 Raptor 2019-2020 Limited	450 Horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
Torque 2017-2020 2021+	See Below 470 lb.-ft @ 2,500 rpm 500 lb.-ft @ 3,100 rpm
Torque (High Output) 2017-2022 Raptor 2019-2020 Limited	510 lb.-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Recommended Fuel (Standard Output)	Regular Unleaded
Recommended Fuel (High Output)	Premium Unleaded
Engine Oil Capacity	6 Quarts (5.7 Liters)
Engine Oil Type/Recommended Engine Oil	Motorcraft SAE 5w-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil XO-5W30-Q1SP
Recommended Engine Oil Filter	Motorcraft FL-500-S

2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost Engine Design & Information

Similar to the First Gen Ecoboost, the second Generation has a V6 configuration and uses a Dual Overhead Camshaft engine design. 3.5 Liter EcoBoost Engines use an aluminum for both the engine block and the head that have been proven adequately durable, despite the high numbers produced by these engines. These engines use direct fuel injection and turbocharging to provide diesel-like performance. Peak torque is reached very early in the RPM range and maintained for a long duration, making these engines a great choice for individuals who tow frequently.

Because of the smaller displacement and more efficient design, these engines are typically much better on fuel than naturally-aspirated engines like the 5.0L V8 engine also used in Ford F-150s. This is especially true in the second generation EcoBoost engine as it benefits from aluminum exterior body paneling that reduces a lot of weight, in addition to a number of weight-saving mechanical changes made to these engines for this generation.

The Second Generation 3.5L EcoBoost features a number of major mechanical improvements that help increase power and reliability. After years of production of the First Generation and seeing what the flaws were, Ford responded by engineering practical solutions and making the necessary improvements to make a better 3.5L EcoBoost engine. Key changes to the 2nd Generation engine include valvetrain improvements, an updated turbocharger design, new fuel system, and the addition of Auto Start-Stop technology. The engines lower-end also benefits from durability enhancements.

Updated Valvetrain

An updated Twin Independent Variable Cam timing system improves reliability while still giving greater control of the camshafts, effectively increasing fuel efficiency and power output. Second Generation EcoBoost engines benefit from a more durable dual-chain cam drive system than the single chain found on the outgoing first gen engine. This dual-chain cam drive system also helps in reducing noise, vibration, and harshness of this engine.

Hollow camshafts, along with a new roller-finger valvetrain replace the old Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket valvetrain (DAMB) system found in first gen engines and reduce engine weight by as much as four pounds. Other valvetrain durability improvements were also made, including Hydraulic valve-lash adjusters, intake, and exhaust valves.

New Turbocharger System

A major factor in the improved capabilities and acceleration of the 2nd Gen 3.5L EcoBoost is a revised turbocharger design. Maximum boost increased thanks to a set of new turbochargers. Turbine wheels use Super ally Mar-M-247 which is stronger, lighter, and increases responsiveness. An electronic waste gate was also added.

Twin-Port and Direct Fuel Injection

2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost engines benefit in reliability and performance from a new fuel system that uses both Twin-Port and Direct Fuel Injection. In this system, two injectors are used per cylinder. One injector is present on the intake port, where air is introduced to the cylinder. The other injector is located within the cylinder itself. By working together, these injectors create greater fuel efficiency, power, and even lower emissions. This design also helps to significantly reduce the amount of carbon build-up experienced in these engines, which is one of the most common 3.5L EcoBoost Problems.

Auto Start-Stop

2nd Generation EcoBoost engines were given the controversial Auto Start-Stop standard feature. While this is a feature pretty much mandated by the EPA, it does decrease idle times because the vehicle is shut off when at a stop during operation. The result is lower CO2 and supposedly better fuel economy. When in 4WD or while towing, this feature is disabled.

Lower End Durability Improvements

To further improve the 3.5L EcoBoost engines reliability, second Generation engines were given a more robust lower end. A new upgraded crankshaft, bearing system, and more stout connecting rod undercuts help support the higher output of the new engine.

Other Changes

• Variable Displacement Oil Pump
• partnered with a new 10-Speed Automatic Transmission

10-Speed 10R80 Transmission Joins the 3.5L EcoBoost

Despite the number of upgrades giving to the 3.5L EcoBoost engine for its 2nd Generation model, there is another critical factor that makes the newer F-150s with the EcoBoost engine more desirable and capable. 2nd Gen EcoBoost engines in 2017+ Ford F-150s are mated to a 10-Speed Automatic Transmission that really boosts performance and provides a smoother ride.

This new transmission is known as the 10R80 transmission, and it is still being used to this day in the Ford F-150. It uses high-strength steel and aluminum alloys/composites allowing it to be lightweight, yet durable. The 10R80 transmission puts all this new found power to the ground and optimizes towing performance and fuel efficiency.

The 10R80 automatic transmission uses a wide-ratio span and optimized gear spacing. Three overdrive gears improve fuel efficiency in both city and highway driving environments. Max tow capacity at 12,200 is maintained in instances as well. Ford F-150s with this engine also benefit from an advanced tow/haul mode. A newly introduced electronic control system uses real-time adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms to select the right gear at the right time. This includes skip-shift and direct downshifting.

2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost Performance

The Second Generation 3.5L EcoBoost engine, when found in the 2017-2020 Ford F-150, produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft of torque. That’s 10 more horsepower and 50 lb.-ft more torque than the outgoing 1st Generation engine. High-Output engines produce an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft of torque. There’s no doubt that Ford F-150s with the Second Gen EcoBoost offers greater performance numbers, quicker acceleration, and they’re more fun to drive.

Horsepower and torque aren’t the only thing that matter though. When it comes to trucks, tow capacity is really important. As I’m writing this, while gas is over $4 a gallon, fuel economy is also important to truck owners. In the following two sections, we’ll go over how this generation of the 3.5L EcoBoost engine holds up in terms of towing performance and fuel efficiency.

2nd Generation Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Tow Capacity

Standard Output 3.5L EcoBoost

Model Year	Drivetrain	Max Conventional Towing Capacity
2017	4×2 4×4	12,200 lbs 12,000 lbs
2018	4×2 4×4	13,200 lbs 13,000 lbs
2019	4×2 4×4	13,200 lbs 12,900 lbs
2020	4×2 4×4	13,200 lbs 12,700 lbs
2021	4×2 4×4	14,000 lbs 13,900 lbs

2019-2020 Ford F-150 Limited High Output 3.5L EcoBoost

Model Year	Drivetrain	Max Conventional Towing Capacity
2019	4×2 4×4	11,100 lbs 9,300 lbs
2020	4×2 4×4	11,100 lbs 9,300 lbs

Ford Raptor Tow Capacity

Model Year	Cab Type	Max Conventional Towing Capacity
2017	SuperCab SuperCrew	6,000 lbs 8,000 lbs
2018	SuperCab SuperCrew	6,000 lbs 8,000 lbs
2019	SuperCab SuperCrew	6,000 lbs 8,000 lbs
2020	SuperCab SuperCrew	6,000 lbs 8,000 lbs
2021	SuperCrew	8,200 lbs

2nd Generation Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Fuel Economy

Standard Output

Model Year	Drivetrain	City Mpg	Highway Mpg	Combined Mpg
2017	4×2 4×4	18 mpg 17 mpg	25 mpg 23 mpg	21 mpg 20 mpg
2018	4×2 4×4	18 mpg 17 mpg	25 mpg 23 mpg	21 mpg 20 mpg
2019	4×2 4×4	18 mpg 17 mpg	25 mpg 23 mpg	21 mpg 20 mpg
2020	4×2 4×4	mpg 16 mpg	mpg 22 mpg	mpg 18 mpg
2021	4×2 4×4	18 mpg 17 mpg	24 mpg 23 mpg	20 mpg 19 mpg
2022	4×2 4×4	18 mpg 17 mpg	24 mpg 23 mpg	20 mpg 19 mpg

High Output Limited Models

Model Year	Drivetrain	City Mpg	Highway Mpg	Combined Mpg
2019	4×2 4×4	17 mpg 17 mpg	22 mpg 21 mpg	19 mpg 19 mpg
2020	4×2 4×4	17 mpg 17 mpg	22 mpg 21 mpg	19 mpg 19 mpg

Ford Raptor

Model Year	Drivetrain	City Mpg	Highway Mpg	Combined Mpg
2017	4×4	15 mpg	18 mpg	16 mpg
2018	4×4	15 mpg	18 mpg	16 mpg
2019	4×4	15 mpg	18 mpg	16 mpg
2020	4×4	15 mpg	18 mpg	16 mpg
2021 2021 (37″ Tires)	4×4 4×4	15 mpg 15 mpg	18 mpg 16 mpg	16 mpg 15 mpg
2022 2022 (37″ Tires)	4×4 4×4	15 mpg 15 mpg	18 mpg 16 mpg	16 mpg 15 mpg

Performance Upgrades for 2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost Ford F-150s

The EcoBoost engines incredible performance can be largely attributed to the use of twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection. These two characteristics make increasing horsepower relatively easy too. By simply adding a 3.5L EcoBoost tuner with box tunes or custom tuning you can crank out over 50 more horsepower and 50 more lb.-ft of torque very easily. There are a number of other upgrades that are affordable and can improve horsepower, torque, and even fuel economy too. Check out some of our favorites.

Tuners

Cold Air Intake Systems

For more ideas to increase horsepower, torque, and fuel economy in your 3.5L EcoBoost-powered F-150, visit our 7 Best 3.5L EcoBoost Performance Upgrades Post.

2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost Maintenance Basics

Second Generation 3.5L EcoBoost Maintenance plays an extremely important role in keeping your Ford F-150 reliable and on the road for a long time. It can be done at a dealership, mechanic shops, or even at home, by yourself. If you want to save yourself a couple bucks and make sure your truck is getting the best quality fluids and filters, you might want to try maintaining it yourself. Many of the tasks are easy and can be done at home. If you choose to go this route, we’ll supply you with some basic maintenance intervals to follow, in addition to some parts and fluids you’ll probably need.

Maintenance Intervals (Normal Operating Conditions)

Tasks	Miles	Kilometers
Change Engine Oil/Filter	5,000-10,000 miles	8,000-16,000 kilometers
Change Cabin Air Filter	20,000 miles	32,000 kilometers
Replace Engine Air Filter	30,000 miles	48,000 kilometers

If you truck is used for commercial purposes, as part of a fleet, or if you tow frequently, you’ll need to follow a severe maintenance schedule that requires more frequent maintenance intervals.

Common 3.5L EcoBoost Fluids, Oil, And Filters

Part Type	Part #/Affiliate Links
Engine Oil Filter	Motorcraft FL-500-S
Engine Oil	Motorcraft SAE 5w-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil XO-5W30-5Q3SP
Engine Air Filter	Motorcraft FA-1883
Cabin Air Filter	Motorcraft FP-92
Engine Coolant	Motorcraft Yellow Prediluted AntiFreeze VC-13DL-G

For more information on performing maintenance on these specific trucks, visit our Comprehensive Guide to 3.5L EcoBoost Maintenance.

1st Gen 3.5L EcoBoost Vs 2nd Gen 3.5L EcoBoost

There are numerous changes that were made to the 2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost engine to improve reliability and performance. In the following chart and bulleted list we’ll list the specific differences between these two engines.

Specs/Features	1st Generation	2nd Generation
Model Years	2011-2016	2017-2022
Configuration	60-Degree V6 DOHC	60-Degree V6 DOHC
Displacement	3.5 Liters (213 cubic inches)	3.5 Liters (213 cubic inches)
Cylinder Bore	3.64″	3.64″
Cylinder Stroke	3.41″	3.41″
Compression Ratio	10.0:1	Standard Output: 10.5:1 High Output: 10.0:1
Firing Order	1-4-2-5-3-6	1-4-2-5-3-6
Engine Block Material	Aluminum	Aluminum
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum	Aluminum
Valvetrain	Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket with polished buckets (DAMB)	Roller Finger Follower
Fuel System	High Pressure Direct Fuel Injection	Twin-Port and Direct Fuel Injection
Air Induction	Twin Turbocharged and Intercooled	Twin turbocharged and intercooled. Electronic wastegates are used.
Ignition System	Coil On Plug	Coil on Plug
Horsepower	365 Horsepower	Standard Output (2017-2020): 375 Horsepower Standard Output (2021+): 400 Horsepower High Output: 450 Horsepower
Torque	420 lb.-ft	Standard Output (2017-2020): 470 lb.-ft Standard Output (2021+): 500 lb.-ft High Output: 510 lb.-ft
Transmission Used	6-Speed 6R80 Automatic	10-Speed 10R80 Automatic

Other 2nd Gen Improvements

• Better Fuel Economy due to a number of mechanical improvements that make this engine more efficient, along with lighter components being used in the engine. 2nd Gen engines are also used in trucks that utilize aluminum exterior paneling.
• Updated Fuel System and Turbocharger Systems
• Greater Horsepower and Torque
• Increased Tow Capacity
• Updated lower End with lighter, more durable components.
• Standard Auto Start-Stop

Overall, these changes help make the Second Generation more durable and desirable than the previous one.

2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost Ford F-150 Changes By Model Year

2nd Generation 3.5L EcoBoost FAQS

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