The Ford F-150, a cornerstone of the American automotive landscape, saw a significant refresh in 2018 as part of its thirteenth generation (2015-2020). This facelift brought updated styling, enhanced technology, and continued powertrain refinement. Among the engine options available, the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost producing 375 horsepower and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, coupled with a four-wheel-drive system, represented a potent and popular configuration. Produced from 2018 through October 2020, this variant occupied a sweet spot in the F-150 lineup, offering a balance of capability, comfort, and technology for both work and personal use. It was primarily marketed towards buyers needing substantial towing and hauling capacity without the expense of the higher-trim level engines.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | F-Series F-150 |
| Generation | F-Series F-150 XIII Regular Cab (facelift 2018) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 V6 (375 Hp) 4×4 Automatic |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | October, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg, 20.5 UK mpg, 7.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg, 9.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 375 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 107.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 637 Nm @ 3500 rpm (469.83 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 3490 cm3 (212.97 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 14.35 l (15.16 US qt | 12.63 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space (minimum) | 1495 l (52.8 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 87 l (22.98 US gal | 19.14 UK gal) |
| Length | 5316-5789 mm (209.29 – 227.91 in.) |
| Width | 2029 mm (79.88 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2121 mm (83.5 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2459 mm (96.81 in.) |
| Height | 1953 mm (76.89 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3109-3584 mm (122.4 – 141.1 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 239 mm (9.41 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 10 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 275/45 R22 |
| Wheel rims size | 22 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this F-150 variant is Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This engine, designated with various internal codes depending on the specific year and calibration, utilizes a twin-turbocharged configuration with direct fuel injection. The direct injection system allows for precise fuel delivery, optimizing combustion efficiency and power output. The twin-turbochargers, coupled with an intercooler, mitigate turbo lag and provide a broad, flat torque curve. The engine’s valvetrain features four valves per cylinder, enhancing breathing and contributing to its high-revving nature. Paired with this engine is Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission, a significant advancement over the previous six-speed unit. This transmission offers a wider gear ratio spread, improving both acceleration and fuel economy. The 10-speed’s sophisticated control logic allows for smooth and responsive shifting, adapting to driving conditions and driver input.
Driving Characteristics
The 375-horsepower, 4×4 F-150 delivers a compelling driving experience. The twin-turbo V6 provides ample power for everyday driving and demanding tasks like towing and hauling. The 10-speed automatic transmission keeps the engine in its optimal power band, resulting in strong acceleration. Compared to the base V6 engine, this EcoBoost variant offers a substantial performance upgrade. While not as raw and visceral as the 5.0-liter V8, it provides a more refined and efficient power delivery. The 4×4 system provides excellent traction in various conditions, making it a capable off-road vehicle. The gear ratios in the 10-speed transmission are well-spaced, allowing for confident passing maneuvers and maintaining comfortable cruising speeds on the highway.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2018-2020 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost and 4×4 was available across several trim levels, including XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. The base XL trim offered a functional and affordable option, typically featuring vinyl upholstery, basic infotainment, and manual climate control. The XLT trim added more comfort and convenience features, such as cloth upholstery, power windows and locks, and an upgraded infotainment system. Higher trims like Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum offered premium features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, advanced driver-assistance systems, and premium audio systems. Standard equipment on most trims included Ford’s SYNC infotainment system, a rearview camera, and basic safety features like ABS and stability control. Optional extras included a tow package, navigation system, and various appearance packages.
Chassis & Braking
The F-150’s chassis is built around a high-strength steel frame, designed to withstand the rigors of heavy-duty use. The front suspension utilizes an independent coil-spring setup, providing a comfortable ride and good handling. The rear suspension employs a leaf-spring design, optimized for load-carrying capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps to maintain control during emergency braking situations. The specific stabilizer bar thickness and brake rotor size varied depending on the trim level and payload capacity. The 4×4 system utilizes an electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case, allowing the driver to easily switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 quickly became a popular choice among F-150 buyers. Critics praised its combination of power, efficiency, and refinement. Compared to the naturally aspirated V6 and V8 engines, the EcoBoost offered superior fuel economy without sacrificing significant performance. The 10-speed automatic transmission was also well-received for its smooth shifting and wide gear ratio spread. However, some critics noted that the EcoBoost engine could be more complex and potentially more expensive to repair than the traditional V8 engines. In terms of reliability, the EcoBoost engine generally proved to be dependable, although some owners reported issues with the turbochargers and fuel injectors.
Legacy
The 2018-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4×4 remains a popular choice in the used truck market. Its combination of capability, comfort, and technology continues to appeal to buyers. The powertrain, while more complex than older designs, has proven to be relatively reliable with proper maintenance. The 10-speed automatic transmission has become a benchmark for modern truck transmissions. These F-150s represent a significant step forward in truck technology, offering a compelling blend of performance, efficiency, and features that continue to make them a desirable option for both work and play.
