Be nice if the OP came back to us with a picture and description of the truck he finally got.

 

I had a 2013 3.5 EB with 173,000 trouble free miles. Traded into a 2024 with another 3.5 EB. I’m fond of them.

 

I had 2018 stx with 2.7 awesome truck put 170,000 on it only trouble was one set of fuel injectors. If you don't tow anything crazy .Plenty of power and good fuel mileage.

 

My experience on the subject: bought a '13 XLT S'Crew 4x4 with a 5.0. It now has 156k+ miles, mostly using it as my winter vehicle in MN & ND. Since the warranty expired, oil changes with Royal Purple @ 5k miles, did the full bodily fluid exchange (plus plugs and coil packs) at 90k miles. ZERO engine mechanical problems. I've had more issues early on with the center stack and in recent years the ignition key cylinder being loose, once confusing the ECU and it gave me the dreaded orange key display a year ago. Power cycled the engine (spun key fully off, removed it, started 30 sec. later) and it was like it never happened). I intend on running it until it dies, since I don't like the "variable displacement" in the current truck 5.0 and the 10R80 gear salad transmission. Also, I have a pal in Minot, ND that abuses the snot out of his '13 S-cab XL 5.0 4x4, has 210k miles, even still on original trans fluid, and it still runs great.

Despite what I wrote earlier about the current 5.0, if I was forced to replace it, I'd be special ordering a 5.0 again, but would consider a 2.7L over any of the 3.5's. Gas mileage isn't any better between a 3.5L EB and a 5.0L, so a 2.7L is an economy play (I do mostly highway miles with light to moderate loads, maybe pulled a trailer twice for short distances).

 

sorry about that. I've been busy preparing for knee surgery.

I got a 2025 XL regular cab long bed, white with the 2.7 Eco boost engine. I have 218 miles on it so far. The cost, in Ca was $36,540 plus fees. A little over $40k out the door.

 

I am very happy with my 2017 2.7l, twin turbo EcoBoost. It has 181,000 miles on it and is running strong.
Of course, it has been well maintained and driven mostly on the open highways and interstates.

 

Factory ordered 2006 XLT supercrew with 5.4. 6.5 box.
All good cept for the sparkplug seizing to engine block.
I never had them changed. It was all bulletproof for 10 yrs, 70,000 miles but gas mileage was lousy, 12-14 mpg lot loaded, never made 15 mpg. Per low miles, didn't drive it much, did my own oil /filter chgs and had one trans fluid swap with specified juice, not the "one size fits all" stuff the quick lube tries to put in.Buyer in 2016 nego a $1k CDN off to get plugs serviced ..cost said to be $650USD at dealer.
Jump ahead to 2018, bought a 1 y.o. lease return same 2017 SuperCrew XLT truck with the 5.0 in Caribou H5 just 22,000 KM. I miss the heated seats and wheel. Much improved mileage up to 20 mpg W/lite load at 75mph on Interstate. 36/38 gal tank gives great range.
From what I read here, the 3.5 and 2.7 don't really put out significantly better mileage.
Don't know anyone who owns the 3.5/2.7. Happy with the 5.0 at near 50,000..
7 yrs old now, and nothing ever needed cept 2 recalls: 1.pax window winder and 2. block heater cable replaced.
I'd buy the exact same again. BTW, Resale on 2wd is not good, near everyone wants the 4x4,

 

First of all, where are you finding these 5L? I have had a new one on order since 4/15/25! There are not any on any lots either! I live in the Detroit district am a retired skilled trades mechanic from the Ohio Assy Plant. I have had my 3.5 for sale since I ordered my new truck. As soon as a prospective buyer sees that it is not a 5L they are no longer interested. There is a guy on craigslist that has a standing ad looking for a 2015 or newer 5L & cannot find one. If you want to do any maint. yourself, or get it done cheaper at a shop, get the 5.0. I
have changed over 1000 water pumps in my life & could not change the one on my 3.5. Anything you do under the hood is a PITA because the first thing you have to do is remove all of the tubo tubes. I do get as much as 28 mpg regularly on my 2015 3.5, but my new one will be the 5.0 so that I can do small mechanical things myself.

 

I came from a sierra 1500 w/5.3l.
I've had my STX a little over a year now and went through the same engine questions
Once I drove the 2.7, I was stunned by the set you back in the seat acceleration. I was hooked.
Performance wise this ecoboost will run circles around my GMC.
I felt I didn't need to drive the 5.0.
My advice would be to at least drive a 5.0 before you make your final choice.

After having the truck a while i have come to realize I miss the lower end grunt of the 5.3 off idle.
There is a slight lag right off idle as the turbos spin up.
I don't drive enough miles to make the fuel mileage make a difference, but that might be import to you.

Here's a good YT video


This also helped me in deciding on the EB:

AI Overview

The Ford 2.7L EcoBoost engine block is a strong, two-piece design featuring an upper section of Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) for high strength and durability, combined with a lighter aluminum ladder frame for the lower end, creating a robust yet lighter hybrid block suitable for its powerful twin-turbocharged performance.

Key Material Details:

• CGI (Compacted Graphite Iron):
  The cylinder walls and main bearing area are made from CGI, a tougher, lighter material than traditional cast iron, used in heavy-duty diesel engines like the Power Stroke.

• Aluminum:
  A die-cast aluminum ladder frame bolts to the CGI structure, adding stiffness and reducing overall weight.

• Hybrid Design:
  This combination leverages the strength of iron where needed (cylinder walls) with the weight savings of aluminum, notes Bronco6G and
  this YouTube video
  .

 

5,0 Definitely! It may cost more for the larger motor but they have been making the 302 for a lot longer.