I’m stuck between a 2018 Lariat with the 3.0L PowerStroke and a 2017 with the 3.5L EcoBoost. I’d love to hear from anyone who owns the diesel or has compared the two.
I own the 3.0L PowerStroke. Knowing that Ford abandoned it after two years, I wouldn’t buy it again. It’s tough finding parts and service sometimes since a lot of people don’t even know this engine exists.
That said, it’s a great powertrain—smooth and no drama. Full torque at 1750 RPM is awesome if you know, you know.
Same engine here, and I agree with everything you said.
I also have the same engine and agree. It’s been reliable except for the EGR recalls and transmission shifting issues with the 10R80. I might trade it soon since it’ll eventually become hard to find parts or techs who know how to work on it.
I like mine too. Just letting you know, parts are available on RockAuto if you need them.
The 3.5L EcoBoost has more power, tows just as well or better, and runs on regular gas instead of diesel. The baby diesels in F-150s are just okay.
Even if you run 91 octane in the EcoBoost, it’s still cheaper than diesel.
I averaged 28 MPG with my 3.0L PowerStroke on the highway. My 2.7L EcoBoost got 23 MPG. Diesel was cheaper than gas in Canada during the summer, so it worked out for me.
Go check out MotorTrend’s review. Those little diesels don’t make much horsepower. I personally wouldn’t get one.
The 3.0 is worth it if you’re towing small to medium loads regularly and want the fuel economy boost. Otherwise, you’re dealing with higher maintenance costs, DEF, and potential DPF issues.
Also, 2018s are known for snapping crankshafts—not super common, but it happens enough to be cautious.
The 2017 EcoBoost might need timing chain phasers at some point, but it’ll outpull the 3.0 while burning more fuel. Just something to keep in mind.
It’s not as fast as the EcoBoost, but if mileage and range matter to you, the 3.0 is a great powertrain. It tows well—I get 18 MPG towing my Mustang with a leveled truck on 35s.
As long as the load doesn’t stick up past the cab, the mileage is solid. Maintenance costs are manageable if you buy filters in bulk and find deals on oil.
The 3.0L is unique but hard to recommend when it has less horsepower and torque than the 3.5 EcoBoost. Plus, you’ve got the added expense of DEF, fuel filters, and potential DPF problems.
Diesel is about $0.80 more per gallon than gas right now. The fuel economy is nice, but I’m not sure if it’s worth it.
Most overused word on this forum: ‘Thoughts.’
Too many issues—get the EcoBoost.
There’s a reason they stopped making the 3.0L in 2021.
Ford marketed the 3.0 as the fuel-efficient option, but they priced themselves out by only offering it in high trims with a $7,500 engine option. People went for the Ram EcoDiesel or GM’s I6 MiniMax instead because they were cheaper.
The engine itself is reliable, but the price tag killed it. Ford shifted focus to the PowerBoost hybrid instead.
Isn’t it more likely you saw fewer 3.0s in service because Ford made way fewer of them compared to the EcoBoost?
They quit making it in 2021, not 2018.
You’re right—production started in 2018 and ended in 2021.
I worked for a big truck manufacturer, and I wouldn’t spend money on any diesel with a DEF system. The emissions systems fail eventually, and the repairs are expensive. Plus, DEF and $4-per-gallon diesel add up.