Current situation is this. I have a SD w/the 6.2 and it's a hog of course on MPG's. I knew that going in, but things have changed and I'm looking to go back to a 1/2 where I really belong.

Most of my driving is running about 5 miles into town to run errands, pick up kids, etc. Only put about 12k on my truck in the last year and that included taking it on a vacation.

However, we plan on buying an investment/vacation property at the Lake of Ozarks and I will be make numerous trips there throughout the year to do maintenance, enjoy the place, etc. I cannot leave my trucks alone and will add a level kit and move up slightly in tire size. Nothing crazy, just to a 33-34" tire, noting crazy heavy because I know the weight kills the MPG's over most else.

Which engine will give me the best efficiency driving the hills in the Ozarks? Have driven my current rig down there and a lot of downshifting on the hills and averaged about 14-15MPG running 70.

In reading the numerous threads here, it would seem to me one of the EB engines, with the low end torque, would provide the best boost on hills while cruising at 70. I do like the 5.0 though and would consider it too. Problem is I have no experience with any of these engines. Drives me crazy when my current setup jumps from 6th gear to 3rd to make it up a hill.

My previous truck was a 2010 5.4 that I regret trading. I liked that motor even though it wasn't very efficient.

I have looked at the Ram Ecodiesel, but the Tradesman is too bare bones for me and the next step up is pricey at 40k or more. I can get a really nice XLT for several though less. Thanks all.

 

Just came back from Big Cedar south of Branson. I was amazed with my 3.5L Eco. Really liked the tow/haul keeping speeds in check. My mileage actually jumped in the hills. Bopping around the hills of Branson and the country, Sport Mode ROCKS! I've had about 10 Superduties since they came out, and the only thing I miss is the sound of a diesel. On the hills, the EB is unbelievable. I'm only disappointed that my daily rural driving beats my interstate driving MPG's.

 

Get the 2.7 if your not towing anything. Not that it can't tow, but it will def get good MPG's.

 

Have you weighed the trade-in hit against the fuel cost of keeping your current truck? I'd wager that you can commute with the 6.2 on a regular basis and still take years to spend as much as you would trading it in.

Seeing that you plan on doing a level with bigger tires, I don't think fuel economy is your primary concern. If you liked the 5.4, you'll love the 5.0. It has very similar power and torque to the 6.2 without reaching into your wallet every time you step on the gas. There's nothing wrong with the ecoboost line, although I'd probably rule out the 2.7. The 3.5 will handle the heavier tires better and you don't drive enough around town to feel a sting in fuel economy differences. Drive both and see what you like best.

 

One thing that REALLY caught my attention is how you hate your 6.2 down shifting multiple gears on hills. The 5.0 will do the same thing ! They are both motors that need higher rpm to make power.
The 2.7 and 3.5 ecoboost motors make MUCH better low rpm torque and will downshift less than the 5.0.

 

This.

 

I agree with this...

and this...

Because of the bigger tires AND you could end up towing, hauling...

3.5 tt eco

 

You can look for a 3.73 diff and you'll see less down shifting when you move to 33" tires.

 

Above 3 posts are spot on. You will like the better low end torque of both eco engines over the 5.0. But the 5.0 really benefits from the 3.73 rear. You would hate the 5.0 w 3.31 rear if shifting down n hills bothers you.

The mpg win is on the 2.7 which on avg will exceed the other engines by 2-3 mpg. All will take a hit with any larger tires. From there the 3.5 and 5.0 will be close in mpg with the Eco having the edge driven conservatively. Really all are good choices. All reliable but just different - I suggest you drive them. Without a load the 2.7 is surprisingly responsive - that plus he efficiency sold me on mine. 22+ avg mpg on mine since new.....

 

Side note: why does everyone act like downshifting is so bad? That is the whole point of a transmission, to give you stepped gears to keep you in your engines powerband. Downshifting from 6th to 5th or 4th is not going to hurt anything.