Hey everyone, I’m stuck between choosing the Powerboost or the Ecoboost. I get that the Powerboost has a bit more horsepower, but I’ve also read it doesn’t tow as much? I’m confused because I keep finding conflicting info. Any help would be great!
For context, I currently have a 2018 Ecoboost and really like it.
Looking for thoughts on:
Thanks in advance!
The Powerboost does have more power and is quicker 0-60 than the Ecoboost. With the max tow package, they both have the same max tow capacity. However, the Ecoboost might have a higher payload, depending on the options.
The Powerboost’s big advantages are the extra power and the available 7.2kW generator, which is amazing. Plus, it’s cool to cruise through parking lots in total silence.
@Luca
I’d add that the 2.4kW generator is also great. I’ve run an RV AC on it—truck only needs to run for a couple of minutes and the AC goes for 8. The 7.2kW is definitely worth the extra cost if you want more power, though.
@Luca
I’m also leaning towards the Powerboost. I have a 2018 Ecoboost and love it, but the 10-speed transmission hasn’t been perfect. Does the extended warranty cover everything, especially for the hybrid components? I made the mistake of not getting it for my 2018 and had to deal with cam phaser and VVT issues out of pocket.
@Debrabrown
The hybrid system comes with its own 8-year/100k-mile warranty, separate from any extended warranty. I get why you’d skip the extended warranty before, but having dealt with Ford engines before, it’s worth getting now. The cam phasers were redesigned for '21, so they shouldn’t be as big of a problem. One thing to note is the exhaust heat exchanger—mine needed repairs at 33k miles and it wasn’t covered outside the 3-year/36k warranty unless you have the extended warranty.
@Luca
Thanks. I keep reading that the Powerboost is faster but also that it has a lower tow rating and isn’t as quick due to the battery weight. Is the 7.2kW generator really the main selling point?
Dare said:
@Luca
Thanks. I keep reading that the Powerboost is faster but also that it has a lower tow rating and isn’t as quick due to the battery weight. Is the 7.2kW generator really the main selling point?
Nope, the Powerboost is definitely faster than the Ecoboost. There are plenty of videos online showing it, and the only thing that takes a hit is payload, not towing. If you’re worried about towing, just get a weight distribution hitch and you’ll be good. I test drove both and found the electric assist on the Powerboost made it feel much smoother around town.
@Val
Just to clarify, a weight distribution hitch won’t increase your payload limit. If you have, say, a 1300lb payload, that’s still the max regardless of the hitch. The Powerboost will typically have a lower payload than the Ecoboost by about 200-250lbs, which could make a difference if you’re towing with passengers and cargo.
Dare said:
@Luca
Thanks. I keep reading that the Powerboost is faster but also that it has a lower tow rating and isn’t as quick due to the battery weight. Is the 7.2kW generator really the main selling point?
Yeah, not sure who’s saying the Ecoboost is faster because it’s not. The Powerboost is actually quicker than the stock Raptor. I can hit 0-60 in the 4s with a piggyback tune. And about the tow rating—both trucks are the same with the max tow package. The weight of the hybrid system only affects the payload, not towing. With a 1600lb payload, I could tow a 12,000lb trailer with my wife, myself, and 150lbs of gear.
@Luca
What exactly is a piggyback tune?
It’s a device, like the ones from Burger, that tricks the ECU into adding more boost without rewriting anything. It’s not as powerful as a full tune, but it’s easy to remove and doesn’t mess with the factory settings. A good option if you don’t want to flash the ECU.
No one’s mentioned the Pro Power Onboard feature yet. That built-in generator is a huge perk, especially if you get the 7.2kW version.
I have a '23 F-150 XLT Powerboost, and it’s rated to tow 12,500lbs. I’ve towed a 6,000lb trailer with no issues, plenty of power for passing.
I’ve been thinking about upgrading to a Powerboost, mainly because it could power our travel trailer. The problem is that most crew cabs near me have payloads around 1300lbs, which isn’t enough for my needs. Ford really missed the mark here. For a typical setup with 350lbs of passengers, 150lbs of gear, a 100lb weight distribution hitch, and an 850lb trailer tongue weight, it’s tough to stay within limits.
@Toni
How heavy is your trailer? 850lbs sounds like a lot for tongue weight.
LisaMoore said:
@Toni
How heavy is your trailer? 850lbs sounds like a lot for tongue weight.
The trailer weighs about 6100lbs loaded. The brochure said 5040lbs dry, but the actual weight from the factory was closer to 5400lbs. After adding propane, batteries, and gear, the tongue weight is around 850lbs. If we fill the fresh water tank, it’s closer to 900lbs.
@Toni
Check this out:
King Ranch 2024 F-150 VIN: 1FTFW6LD7RFC20854
Max Payload: 1,304lbs
Max Tongue Load: 1,004lbs
Max Trailer Rating: 10,040lbs
Does that work for you?
@Noor
Even with a 1304lb payload, if you factor in 350lbs for passengers, 150lbs for gear, 100lbs for the hitch, and 850lbs for the trailer tongue, I’d still be over by about 146lbs. It’s tough to make the numbers work for a typical family setup.
@Toni
Did all those trucks have the panoramic sunroof? That thing kills payload capacity. Try looking up some VINs without the sunroof, and you’ll probably find Lariats with 1600+lbs payload.
My '21 F-150 Powerboost SuperCrew Lariat is rated to tow 14,000lbs.