The Ford F-150 XIV SuperCab, equipped with the 3.5 EcoBoost V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, represents a significant iteration of Ford’s best-selling full-size pickup truck. Introduced for the 2021 model year and continuing through 2023, this configuration occupied a sweet spot in the F-150 lineup, offering a compelling blend of power, capability, and technology for buyers seeking a versatile and capable truck. It falls within the fourteenth generation (F-150 XIV) of the F-Series, known for its extensive use of aluminum alloy body panels and advanced driver-assistance systems.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | F-Series F-100/F-150 |
| Generation | F-Series F-150 XIV SuperCab |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 EcoBoost V6 (400 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | October, 2020 |
| End of production | 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5-6 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg, 10.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.2 kg/Hp, 191.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.1 kg/Nm, 324.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 400 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 114.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 678 Nm @ 3100 rpm (500.07 lb.-ft. @ 3100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 3497 cm3 (213.4 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92.46 mm (3.64 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86.61 mm (3.41 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection and Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 13.5 l (14.27 US qt | 11.88 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2090-2161 kg (4607.66 – 4764.19 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3561 kg (7850.66 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1400-1471 kg (3086.47 – 3243 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1764-2192 l (62.3 – 77.41 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 87-136 l (22.98 – 35.93 US gal | 19.14 – 29.92 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 6350 kg (13999.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 5885-6358 mm (231.69 – 250.31 in.) |
| Width | 2029 mm (79.88 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2123 mm (83.58 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2431 mm (95.71 in.) |
| Height | 1918-1920 mm (75.51 – 75.59 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3693-4168 mm (145.39 – 164.09 in.) |
| Front track | 1725 mm (67.91 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1735 mm (68.31 in.) |
| Front overhang | 955 mm (37.6 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1234 mm (48.58 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 208-213 mm (8.19 – 8.39 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 14.6-16 m (47.9 – 52.49 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 21.2-21.5° |
| Departure angle | 23.2-23.9° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 16-17.6° |
| 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 | 10 gears, automatic transmission SelectShift |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 350×34 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 336×20 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/70 R17 110T; 265/70 R17 115T; 265/60 R18 110T; 275/65 R18 116T; 275/60 R20 115T; 275/50 R22 115T |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17; 7.5J x 18; 8.5J x 20; 9J x 22 |
INTRODUCTION
The Ford F-150 XIV SuperCab 3.5 EcoBoost V6 Automatic, produced from 2021-2023, is a configuration within the fourteenth generation of the Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for over four decades. The SuperCab body style offers extended rear seating, providing increased passenger space compared to the standard cab, while maintaining a relatively manageable overall length. This particular variant aimed to deliver a balance between robust performance, respectable fuel economy, and a comfortable driving experience, making it a popular choice for both personal and professional use. It sat comfortably in the mid-range of the F-150 lineup, offering more power and features than the base engine options but remaining more accessible than the top-tier trims.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this F-150 variant lies Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This engine, designated with various internal codes depending on the specific year and calibration, is a 24-valve, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design. It utilizes direct fuel injection combined with port fuel injection, maximizing combustion efficiency and power output. The twin-turbocharger system, featuring electronically controlled wastegates and an air-to-air intercooler, provides significant boost across a wide RPM range. The engine produces 400 horsepower at 6000 rpm and a substantial 500 lb-ft of torque at 3100 rpm. This torque figure is particularly noteworthy, providing excellent towing and hauling capabilities. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the chassis. The 10-speed automatic transmission, known as SelectShift, is a key component of this powertrain. This transmission offers a wide gear ratio spread, optimizing both acceleration and fuel efficiency. It features a sophisticated control system that adapts to driving conditions and driver input.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.5 EcoBoost V6 with the 10-speed automatic delivers a noticeably different driving experience compared to the naturally aspirated V8 options or the smaller turbocharged engines available in the F-150 lineup. The twin-turbochargers provide immediate and strong acceleration, with minimal turbo lag. The 10-speed transmission allows the engine to stay within its optimal power band, resulting in responsive performance in various driving situations. While not as raw or visceral as a V8, the EcoBoost offers a refined and powerful driving experience. The wide gear ratios of the transmission contribute to smooth shifting and efficient highway cruising. Compared to the 5.0L V8, the EcoBoost prioritizes torque delivery over peak horsepower, making it particularly well-suited for towing and hauling heavy loads. The automatic transmission, while generally smooth, can sometimes exhibit slight hesitation during downshifts.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.5 EcoBoost engine was available across a range of F-150 trim levels, including XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. Standard equipment on the XLT trim, where this engine was often first offered, included features like a SYNC 4 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, FordPass Connect, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies such as Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. Higher trims added features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a larger touchscreen display, a premium sound system, and advanced towing technologies. Optional extras included the Pro Power Onboard generator system, which provided exportable power from the truck bed, and various appearance packages.
Chassis & Braking
The F-150 XIV utilizes a high-strength steel frame and an aluminum alloy body, contributing to its overall weight reduction. The front suspension features an independent double-wishbone design, while the rear suspension employs a leaf spring setup. This configuration provides a balance between ride comfort and load-carrying capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, with larger rotors available on higher trim levels. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard, along with electronic stability control. Steering is rack-and-pinion with electric power assist.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 3.5 EcoBoost V6 quickly gained popularity among F-150 buyers, praised for its combination of power, efficiency, and refinement. Critics generally lauded its strong towing capabilities and smooth power delivery. Fuel economy, while not class-leading, was respectable for a full-size pickup truck, averaging around 19.9 US mpg in combined driving. Compared to the 5.0L V8, the EcoBoost offered similar or slightly better fuel economy with comparable performance. The EcoBoost also proved to be more reliable than earlier iterations of Ford’s EcoBoost engines, though some owners reported issues with spark plugs and turbocharger components.
Legacy
The 3.5 EcoBoost V6 has become a mainstay of the Ford F-150 lineup, and the XIV generation helped solidify its reputation as a capable and reliable powertrain. In the used car market, F-150s equipped with this engine and transmission hold their value well, particularly those that have been well-maintained. The engine’s robust design and readily available parts contribute to its long-term durability. While newer F-150 models offer even more advanced technology and higher power outputs, the 2021-2023 3.5 EcoBoost V6 remains a compelling option for buyers seeking a capable and well-rounded full-size pickup truck.
