Please educate me on the pros/cons/issues/reliability of the current generation's engines. My 2008 4.6L rolled over 200,000 miles - Although it still runs like a top with no major issues, it's time to start thinking about the next truck.

1st question - Is the XL trim level still assembled in Mexico? I know the XLs in the 11th generation (2004-2008) trucks were assembled in Mexico and had quality issues that the Dearborn, MI trucks did not.

2nd Question -Please let me know the scuttlebutt on the modern engines - I'd only consider the 2.7L EB, 5.0L or 3.5L EB, leaning towards the 5.0L. I would be getting the cab and a half (scab), 6.5' bed & 4WD. I only occasionally tow a small single axle pop-up camper (2,100 lb. GVW) and a small single axle utility trailer (3,000 lb. GVW). The truck will be a daily driver. Fuel efficiency and power are not really the selling points as all of the modern engines will do better with both than my 2008 4.6L. Really just want to know which have known issues and which are most reliable.

 

In this gen they are all reliable thus far, the issues of last gen don’t pop up at large. If you need the tow package for 2024 your only choice will be the 5.0 & 3.5. You will never find agreement in which to get, and both are fine engines. The 3.5 EB has 400 HP/500 LB FT and being turbocharged does not lose power at elevation. Torque peaks at 3,000 rpm, lots of low end grunt coupled with big top end power. The 5.0 V8 has 400 HP/410 LB FT, and has a lot of power in the mid-upper rev band. Torque peaks at 4,250 rpm which is a significant improvement from last gen considering it’s making both more torque & at a lower rpm simultaneously over the previous gen. Laden (towing) the 5.0 will be about 10% more fuel efficient but if pulling hills will be up in the revs more naturally. Empty mpg will be a wash between the two. In test driving the 3.5 gets into the power fast and feels extremely torquey. The 5.0 feels pretty average until you get up near peak torque in that mid range where you realize it’s definitely more powerful than the competitors. Once you pass 3,000 you know the 5.0 is a 5.7 Hemi killer. The 3.5 you’ll know this fact from idle lol. They are both great engines, drive them all and pick what you like.

 

XL trim = Kansas City

 

I have a 2023 5.0 4x4 cc 6.5’bed. Have about 20000 miles on it already, mainly highway. Have done some towing also. I opted for the 3.73 gears. Truck gets good gas mileage and has plenty of power. The 10 speed must really help with the fuel economy! Make sure whichever engine you choose you are also looking at the rear axle gearing. The 3.31 is not going to pull the same as the 3.55, 3.73 etc

 

Well said, this is about as perfect a comment as I’ve read on this forum. My opinion of course, but says it all.

 

Same engines as 2021-2023 except no non-eco boost v6 and no diesel. There's dozens of posts about this

 

2.7 is now the base engine which when set up with 3.73 gearing just adds to the performance of this engine.

Have a 22 302a XLT with the 2.7 EB payload package thought it was read for 24 the payload package was only going to be available on;y in the XL but not the STX.

Had a 16 2.7EB with 3.55 gearing and being from the truck world it just lacked something. Went to the 3.5EB max tow line up then to a 21 302a PB. All good trucks all fine performers but just not my cup of tea.
Found out of and gave a try to the 2.7EB payload package truck in late December of 21 and it arrived the first of April in 22. This combo has the 36 gallon tank which supposedly is standard in 24, 3.73 gearing with the 9.75 differential along with a increased GVWR to 6900#'s instead of 6,650. All said and done it returned in the first oil change (5K miles) an average of 20mpg, 2nd oil change (5K miles) 22.1 MPG this was from February to the 9th October 23. This is all around driving hauling a 532B Bobcat, towing a 21.5' Lund Barron boat, pulling a small Aluma trailer with a 610 Mule or 52" Hustler zero turn lawn mower to highway miles and around town grocery getter miles. Here in Central WI we are limited to 70mph on I-94 and US-53N the rest is generally 65mph and under. Personally in a rural environment of up to 55mph so that is the majority of the miles driven.

This is a good combo for the base engine and good place to start.

If the driving environment is more on the higher end that is 70mph or higher first choice would be the 5.0 and 3.73 gearing and the 9.75 differential. Why ?? well now the 5.0 has the possibility to become the smallest engine with cylinder deactivation at a 2.5 Liter engine plus the related mechanical losses. The 3.5 EB can only be a minimum of a 3.5 liter engine. Both will preform better on the highway over a 2.7EB which can do the job but here is where it shows it is only a 2.7 liter engine and the fuel mileage starts to drop down to similiar or below what a 5.0 or 3.5 will return.

Another thing is buying a 5.0 truck with 3.73 gearing may just be more cost effective the buying a 2.7 payload truck as in 22 it was just about the same price.

As the 3-36 warranty comes closer the 10yr Ford ESP plan is going to be seriously looked into for this truck.

Only issues so far is the battery was replaced in Feb along with the incidental recalls today's vehicles seem to have.

Was looking at the S Cab truck because of having a 98 XLT S Cab and 6.5 box with the 4.6 engine. Only issue was my spouse is 4'11" and when she went to try to get in with both doors open there was nothing there to get a hold of to get in the rear. Great for loading but bad for smaller people to get into or out of. Been S Crew since 2016.

Good luck.
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22 XLT 302a S Crew 5.5' box payload package

 

My 2021 XL 3.5 Eco Boost with the STX and FX4 Packages says Final Assembly Dearborn?

 

Watch your payload needs. 2.7 is 6600 GVWR. 5.0 7050. 3.5 is all over the place depending battery juice that often comes with it. But on 3.5 higher GVWR doesn't (always) translate into to higher payloads.

 

Love my little 2.7L EB. Seat of the pants meter gives it a high rating, as it pulls strongly right off the line. For 15 months I had a EDGE ST with the 2.7L, man that was fun to drive.