How can I tell if an F150 has the 2.7 Ecoboost?

I’m in the market for a 2.7 Ecoboost F150 since I’ve heard it’s both reliable and fuel-efficient. This is important because I drive over 400 miles daily, and I’d like to save on gas. How can I check if a truck has the 2.7 engine? Thanks in advance!

Check the sticker inside the driver’s side door jam. It lists the engine type.

The engine type is usually on the window sticker, especially if you’re buying new. For used trucks, ask the seller. If they don’t know or won’t tell you, that’s a red flag. You can also look up the VIN online using a Ford VIN decoder. Alternatively, compare the engine bay photos to verified 2.7 setups to identify it.

In my 2016 F150 with the 2.7, the plastic oil filter housing is at the top left front of the engine. The 3.5 has a spin-on filter located lower. That’s an easy way to differentiate between the two.

You can check the rear differential. The 2.7 has an 8.8 diff, while the 3.5 uses a 9.75 diff. The differential covers are visually different—the 9.75 has a slanted bottom-right corner.

If the window sticker is available, it will list the engine type under optional equipment. It’s usually the second item listed.

Look under the hood. If you see a black plastic oil filter housing on the passenger front of the engine, it’s the 2.7L. Other engines have standard filters located underneath the truck.

Just look up the VIN to confirm the engine type.

Under the hood, there’s a sticker labeled ‘catalyst.’ On that sticker, you’ll see the engine displacement in smaller text.

The emissions sticker under the hood will tell you. Also, the 8th digit of the VIN indicates the engine:

  • ‘P’ = 2.7L Nano
  • ‘8’ = 3.5L Cyclone

This may vary by model year, so double-check for your specific truck.

Keep in mind that driving style, gearing, tire setup, and vehicle weight affect MPG as much as engine type. From my experience with a 2.7 and a 5.0, I’d personally take a 5.0 or 3.5, but that’s because efficiency isn’t my top priority. If fuel efficiency matters, look into getting 3.55 gears over 3.73s.

If you drive 400+ miles a day, have you thought about getting a more fuel-efficient car instead?

Hartley said:
If you drive 400+ miles a day, have you thought about getting a more fuel-efficient car instead?

Can a Camry haul appliances like washers and dryers, which I need for my job?

@Ari
You didn’t mention work in your post. My bad.

Taliesin said:
@Ari
You didn’t mention work in your post. My bad.

I’m the type who uses a truck for actual truck work.

Ari said:

Taliesin said:
@Ari
You didn’t mention work in your post. My bad.

I’m the type who uses a truck for actual truck work.

Wow, no need to be rude. All your post said was you drive 400+ miles a day, nothing about work. Next time, maybe be clearer. Anyway, just narrow your search online for the 2.7 or look under the hood for the info sticker.

@Oren
Take a breather, man. No need to blow up. Stress isn’t worth it.

@Oren
Bro probably doesn’t even drive 400 miles a day. Lol.

@Ari
For a job like that, a van like a Ford Transit or Chevy Express might make more sense—no worries about rain messing with your cargo.

@Ari
Is there a big reliability difference between the 2.7 and the 3.5?