The only decent reliability data set out there is Consumer Reports. Ford knows but will never provide this information. If an engine is egregiously bad in some respect, then you will pick up on this quickly in the forums. Otherwise you need to look at the single largest collection of surveyed experiences out there.......CR.

IMO I'd take any current F150 engine without hesitation, except the diesel.

 

I’ve owned both. A gen 1 2.7 in a 17’ Screw 6 speed, 5.5 box. Now a 20’ 3.5 10 speed 6.5’ box. The 2.7 is the same Graphite iron block as the Super Duty diesels, I believe that thing is built to last. I was excited to get into a 3.5 with the extra HP and torque but man, don’t know if it’s a weight thing being longer box or 10 speed but that 2.7 was soooo much more fun to drive, quicker snappier acceleration. I really miss that 2.7.

 

i have had 5 f150 trucks ,, starting back to 1978,, all 5 have been great,, but the 2.7 engine with the 10 speed trans is the best of the lot. could not believe the power compared to my 5.4 engine that i had in all the other trucks. gas mileage is great,, towing my 17 ft boat is a breeze,, truck doesn't even know its there.. go with the 2.7,, take out the extended warranty if your leery,, after 6 yrs you should know that you'll have minor problems. all ford mechanics i talked to said the same.

 

All the engines have their known issues commonly discussed around here. The only recurring problem I've seen around here with the 2.7L EB is oil pan leaks, some people blame the plastic pan, other blame the surface prep for sealer.

 

I typically only keep a vehicle for 2 -3 years, and I am now on my 3rd F150 with the 2.7. I had my 2015 for 3 years and just under 36k miles, my 2018 for 2 years and 20K miles, and currently my 2020 has almost 5K miles. I have not had one driveline related problem with any of those trucks. To be honest, the only problem that I have had with any of them was the famous moonroof rattle on the 2018. But the dealer fixed that, and it never did it again.

For what I use my truck for, the 2.7 was the best choice. I have seen over 25 MPG several times when I was able to keep the speed at or under 65, and there was light traffic. I normally get about 23 MPG on the highway with the cruise set at 78 MPH. (here in flat Florida anyway) Pretty darn good for a 5400 lb. truck.

 

There's a 2.7 in this thread with 400,000 miles. https://www.f150forum.com/f118/100-0...-2-7-a-389552/

 

And it is just so encouraging. You gotta wonder just how many 2.7’s the mechanic mentioned in the OP has seen with 100,000 miles, in order to comment on their reliability as such. There may be more than I would guess.

 

Just checked the Ford build web site, 2.7 is standard engine in a XLT Screw 6.5' bed 2x4, 5.0 is standard engine in the XLT Screw 6.5 bed 4x4.

Go stock engine with either 2.7 payload package in 2x4 or stock 5.0 with max tow in 4x4 are my must have starting recommendations.

If you go 2wd with the 2.7 payload package it has a higher GVWR 6900# vs 6500# on a non payload package truck , it also has 3.73 gearing.

Have a (22) 2.7 XLT 302a 4x4 5.5' bed with the 2.7 payload package and would not fear pulling a 4500# travel trailer up to the speed rating of the tires on the travel trailer which is 65mph. Speeds over that NO. Have pulled trailers over 6000#'s and have not had any problems getting to and maintaining 65mph.

A XLT Screw 6.5 4x4 comes stock with the 5.0. Have had 2- 3.5EB max tow trucks and a (21) 3.5PB with towing. If the truck comes STOCK with a 5.0 would NOT spend the extra money on a different engine. Save that money to check the Max Tow option for the 5.0 which then changes over to the 3.73 rear axle.

3.5 EB along with the 3.5 PB Hybrid winter cold is their Achilles heel in fuel mileage return. Neighbor has a 21 Lariat 6.5 bed 3.5 max tow, his only complaint is it drinks fuel pulling his travel trailer, he also runs premium to get a little further down the road before refueling with a 36 gallon tank.

The 3.5 hybrid PB turns in to a heavy 3.5 EB with very little running time on the battery in the colder weather.

Other things in the present (22) 2.7 payload package truck are, the bed utility package for the box lighting box tie downs and step, the rear slider and work top console with the 40/console/40 non shifter console, (302a XLT chrome package), the sport package gets the in the way console shifter.

Do not waste money on a B&O upgrade, done it twice not impressed twice

Good Luck going forward.

One never knows with a glut coming on new ordered vehicles not being bought one may come across what a person needs at a good price.
___________________________
22XLT,302a,2.7 payload package

 

From a reliability standpoint, you can choose any of the engines. Don't rely on buddies or social media for good information. On here you will find plenty of complaints and horror stories about each engine, because the tiny fraction of people with problems are highly motivated to complain publicly. If you want objective reliability stats, check Consumer Reports. The F150 is rated below average by CU (compared to all vehicles) for drivetrain... but I've owned 2 over the past 11 years and haven't had any drivetrain problems.

 

This thread is 2 years old. I’m sure he’s no longer waiting for a reply.