The Ford F-150, consistently America’s best-selling vehicle, entered its thirteenth generation with the 2015 model year. This generation marked a significant shift in construction, utilizing a high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body on a fully-boxed steel frame – a first for a mass-produced full-size pickup truck. Within this generation, the SuperCab configuration offered extended passenger space, and the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission represented a compelling blend of power, efficiency, and capability. Production of this specific configuration ran from 2015 to 2017, positioned as a mid-range offering appealing to buyers seeking a step up from the base V6 while remaining more affordable than the larger engine options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | F-Series F-150 |
| Generation | F-Series F-150 XIII SuperCab |
| Type (Engine) | 2.7 V6 (325 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5-6 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg, 31.4 UK mpg, 11.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.3 kg/Hp, 159.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4 kg/Nm, 250 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 325 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 121 Hp/l |
| Torque | 508 Nm @ 3000 rpm (374.68 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 2687 cm3 (163.97 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| 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 | 15.5 l (16.38 US qt | 13.64 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2032-2096 kg (4479.79 – 4620.89 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1495 l (52.8 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2200 l (77.69 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 87 l (22.98 US gal | 19.14 UK gal) |
| Length | 5890-6363 mm (231.89 – 250.51 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 | 1918 mm (75.51 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3683-4158 mm (145 – 163.7 in.) |
| Front track | 1717 mm (67.6 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1717 mm (67.6 in.) |
| Front overhang | 960 mm (37.8 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1247 mm (49.09 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 221 mm (8.7 in.) |
| Approach angle | 24.4-24.5° |
| Departure angle | 24.0-24.4° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 16.8-18.5° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| 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 | 245/70 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this F-150 variant is the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, internally designated as the 3.5EB. This engine represents Ford’s foray into widespread turbocharged gasoline engine technology in its full-size trucks. It features a compact 60-degree V6 block with twin turbochargers, direct fuel injection, and variable valve timing. The direct injection system, coupled with the twin-turbo setup, allows for a high compression ratio (10:1) without detonation, maximizing both power and efficiency. The engine utilizes a cast iron block with aluminum cylinder heads. The 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission, known for its durability and smooth shifting, is paired with the engine. This transmission features a wide gear ratio spread, optimized for both towing and fuel economy.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.7L EcoBoost F-150 SuperCab delivers a noticeably different driving experience compared to the base 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 or the more powerful 5.0L V8. While not as immediately responsive as the V8, the 2.7L provides ample torque – 375 lb-ft – readily available from 3,000 rpm, making it well-suited for everyday driving and moderate towing. The six-speed automatic transmission is well-tuned, providing smooth and timely shifts. The gear ratios are optimized to keep the engine in its peak torque band during acceleration. Compared to manual transmission equipped F-150s, the automatic offers convenience, but sacrifices some driver control. Fuel economy is a strong point for this configuration, offering a significant improvement over the larger engines.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.7L EcoBoost engine was typically offered in the XLT and Lariat trim levels. The XLT trim included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic infotainment system with a 4.2-inch display, and a rearview camera. The Lariat trim added features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford’s Sync 3 software, and additional chrome exterior trim. Optional extras included a towing package, a moonroof, and advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist.
Chassis & Braking
The F-150’s chassis features a fully-boxed steel frame designed for strength and rigidity. The front suspension utilizes an independent double-wishbone setup, while the rear suspension employs a traditional leaf spring configuration. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality while maintaining good load-carrying capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at all four corners, providing adequate stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The SuperCab configuration offers a good balance between passenger space and bed length, making it a versatile option for both work and family use.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2.7L EcoBoost F-150 received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its combination of power, fuel efficiency, and refinement. Compared to the base 3.5L V6, the 2.7L offered a significant performance upgrade without the higher fuel costs associated with the 5.0L V8. However, some critics noted that the engine could feel strained when pushed to its limits, particularly when towing heavy loads. Reliability has been generally good, although some owners have reported issues with the turbochargers and fuel injectors.
Legacy
The 2.7L EcoBoost engine proved to be a successful addition to the F-150 lineup, demonstrating Ford’s commitment to fuel efficiency and advanced engine technology. The powertrain has continued to be refined and improved in subsequent generations of the F-150. On the used car market, the 2015-2017 F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost and automatic transmission represents a compelling value proposition, offering a capable and efficient full-size pickup truck at a reasonable price. Proper maintenance, including regular oil changes and turbocharger inspections, is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability of this powertrain.
