Ford Expedition: Is the turbo V6 really better than the V8?

Advice Needed
1

I’m considering upgrading my 2008 Expedition, which has a V8 that I love, to a newer model. But I’m hesitant because the newer Expeditions only come with turbo V6 engines. I can’t help but wonder—can a turbo V6 handle a heavy SUV like the Expedition? If you’ve driven one of the newer models, what’s your take?

2

Take a test drive. You might be surprised—the EcoBoost has more power and torque than the old 5.4 Triton. But the V8 definitely sounds better.

3

Keaton said:
Take a test drive. You might be surprised—the EcoBoost has more power and torque than the old 5.4 Triton. But the V8 definitely sounds better.

I hadn’t thought about the sound! Definitely curious now. Thanks for the advice.

4

@Aza
I’ve got the 3.5 in my F150 with 78k miles, and I love it. I thought about switching to a V8 but didn’t like the power difference—it just didn’t compare.

5

Ford has really invested in their turbo engines. The 3.5L EcoBoost makes more power and torque than the V8 and delivers it at lower RPMs. It’s worth test-driving one. You’ll be impressed with the performance, though it might drink fuel like a V8 when boosting.

6

@Arden
Thanks for sharing. Those stats are really helpful!

7

I’ve owned a Triton F150 and now have an F150 with the EcoBoost. No comparison—the EcoBoost wins in power and fuel efficiency. Ford has resolved most of the issues with the EcoBoost, and it delivers 450 ft-lbs of torque at just 1,700 RPM. Not many V8s can do that.

8

@Sidney
Do you know if the issues were resolved by the 2017 model year? That’s the one I’m looking at.

9

Aza said:
@Sidney
Do you know if the issues were resolved by the 2017 model year? That’s the one I’m looking at.

I’ve got a 2013 with over 90k miles and no engine issues. From what I’ve read, the 2017 model should be even better, with upgraded turbos and more power. Definitely worth looking into.

10

The 5.4 Triton has some serious valve timing and spark plug issues. They can become a maintenance nightmare. Be cautious if you’re holding onto one.

11

Lennon said:
The 5.4 Triton has some serious valve timing and spark plug issues. They can become a maintenance nightmare. Be cautious if you’re holding onto one.

I guess I’ve been lucky—no major problems yet, but I’m only at 150k miles.

12

@Aza
Issues typically show up between 130k and 200k miles. Frequent oil changes with high-quality oil can help, and always use anti-seize on spark plugs when changing them.

13

I drove my dad’s Traverse with a V6, and it wasn’t bad at all. Plus, he gets over 20 MPG. These vehicles aren’t designed to be fast anyway.

14

Lior said:
I drove my dad’s Traverse with a V6, and it wasn’t bad at all. Plus, he gets over 20 MPG. These vehicles aren’t designed to be fast anyway.

Fair point—it’s not like I’m racing it. Thanks!

15

Turbocharged engines are the way forward. My dad replaced his 2000 Silverado with a turbocharged V6 F150 and says towing his trailer feels effortless now. It’s the same trend we’re seeing with car manufacturers like BMW moving to turbos over more cylinders.

16

@Reese
That’s really interesting. I think I’m starting to see the appeal.

17

Aza said:
@Reese
That’s really interesting. I think I’m starting to see the appeal.

Don’t just take my word for it. Bring your trailer to the dealership and test drive an EcoBoost while towing. That’s how my dad made his decision, and he never looked back.

18

@Reese
That’s a fantastic idea. Thanks!