5.0 or 3.7?
 

I am deciding between a v8 or v6. Won't do a lots of heavy towing for now but love the feel of the v8. I am selling and underpowered 4 cylinder suv and don't want to make the same mistake again. what are your opinions of these engines and what gas mileage and range have you been getting?

I think you've answered your own question. I would drive both of them and see which you like better.

Check out a few of the threads about each motor. I love my 3.7L but do not tow more than 5000 lbs, and only a dozen times a year. Test drive both, before you make any decision.

You will see dozen's of threads about each engine offered. I'd say just test drive them all and go by the seat of the pants dyno.

You'll really have to drive them and see which powerband you like the most and then decide if the rated payload and towing capacity are adequate for your needs. Then decide if the economy is up to snuff. Try all 4 motors while you're at it.

I was really liking the appearance of the XLT Custom model. Black cloth and center seat IMO sort of the best of both FX2 and XLT trims but only available with the 3.7L V6.

I was set on the 3.6L until I drove the turbo and was informed that our family needed a truck to haul a 30ft boat to the marina and back every month...

As far as fuel economy a 3.7L w/3.73 gears (which I have), and a 5.0L w/3.31 gears are so close in fuel economy from what I have read here, it won't make a big difference. But as said, drive them both. That will be the only you can tell for yourself. Then buy the one your gut tells you to buy, ain't that much difference in price between the two when your spending that much money.

Oh yea, I'm getting around 16.5 mpg in town, and 20 - 23 mpg hwy. depending on the speed. Has been as low as 19.2 mpg with bad weather, and strong headwind. Still not bad for a big old truck.

Either way you'll love the Ford. No other truck on the market to match it in my humble opinion.

You won't do lotts of heavy towing? If you're doing anything over 6k you should get the v8 hands down.

Are you looking at a regular cab, super cab or crew cab? 2wd or 4wd?

The bigger the cab the more you'll want the v8. 4wd, you'll probably want the v8.

It sounds like you want the v8, just get it. It will cost you more in fuel but you won't complain of lack of power!

I just bought a 2012 SCREW XLT. I went in dead set on the 5.0L but after test driving both, and then seeing the price comparison, the 3.7 V6 was the best choice for me. It doesn't drive like you will expect. Plenty of go. I LOVE the choice I made and the truck is awesome!

The both get almost identical gas mileage.
The 3.7 will save you $1000 off the bat plus slightly cheaper insurance.
Also the 3.7 has easier steering. It's set to feel more like power steering. I personally love the easy steering of the 3.7.