Pickup trucks like the 2022 Ford F-150 have long held a place in the hearts and minds of the workers that keep this country running strong. Put simply, the pickup carries with it a lineage that few vehicles have yet to acquire. The pickup is a symbol of individuality, endless toil, and the pursuit of perfection. No other manufacturer embodies this fighting spirit of Americana quite like Ford. For well over a century, the brand has kept us safe at home and preserved freedom on the front lines of two world wars. That’s a lineage that carries with it a powerful legacy that even today remains unmatched.
The 2022 Ford F-150, the newest in a long line of vehicles to bring rugged individuality and personal freedom to the average driver, can trace its roots all the way back to 1948. This is a unique part of America’s history, as the post-war years following the country’s involvement in the Second World War were a time of economic growth that saw the highways and byways of the country expand farther than they ever had before. Today, there’s a need for high-grade performance, both in terms of horsepower and towing capability. We’re going to examine Ford’s attest offering and see how well it carries the torch for the brand.
Ideal Performance for a Less-Than-Perfect World
Chances are, if you’re in the market for a pickup truck, you’re looking for performance that breaks the mold of expectations. The need for the right tool to handle all the big jobs that life decides to throw your way isn’t just desirable; it’s essential. To this end, the 2022 Ford F-150 has six different available engine options, all of which are specifically formulated for a variety of uses. If that wasn’t impressive enough, each option comes equipped with a standard 10-speed automatic transmission, which is something you won’t get from the competition.
3.3L V6
Just because this is on the low end of the performance spectrum doesn’t mean that this V6 is lacking ability. A part of the Ford fleet since its debut in 2018, this engine can generate 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. For truck drivers who are looking to spend less at the pump, this option is ideal. Two-wheel drive models with the 3.3L V6 have a combined 21 MPG, and four-wheel drive models achieve 20 MPG combined.
2.7L EcoBoost V6
Tried, tested, and true. Those three words describe Ford’s turbocharged 2.7L EcoBoost engine, which has been part of the F-150 since 2015. 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque are two numbers that any driver can easily get behind. Outperforming its bigger and more recently built brother in terms of fuel efficiency, the 2.7L V6 achieves a combined 22 MPG. An advantage this motor holds is it can run fine on 87 octane fuel. And with a long lifespan, you’ll have no difficulty going that extra mile.
5.0L V8
Known to Ford aficionados as the “Coyote,” this V8 not only powers the Ford F-150, but is also responsible for allowing the Ford Mustang to achieve its high performance. Think about that—speed demons and workhorses alike benefitting from the same technological innovation. This Coyote does more than howl; it lets out quite a growl with the ability to generate 400 horsepower. But that’s not all; 410 lb-ft of torque can also be generated by this most trustworthy of high-performance engines. A towing capacity of 13,000 lbs means that you’ll have no trouble carrying off that heavy workload off into the sunset.
3.5L EcoBoost V6
With an impressive life span that reaches well past 100,000 miles, this is one turbocharged V6 that many have come to rely upon. Much like the Coyote V8, a maximum horsepower rating of 400 is included, yet the EcoBoost outperforms the old soldier in terms of torque, generating an impressive 500 lb-ft. Efficient and uncompromising, it’s a Ford engine, through and through.
3.5L High-Output EcoBoost V6
Taking the already capable 3.5L EcoBoost to the next level is the 3.5L High-Output. Found exclusively under the hood of the legendary F-150 Raptor, this powerful twin-turbo generates 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Not only is this engine more capable, but it comes paired with a special Torque on Demand automatic transfer case that maximizes traction in any terrain.
3.5L Powerboost Hybrid
The future is now. That is, if Ford’s hybrid-electric engine is any indication. With the power to generate 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque, the 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid says we might see a world of electrified trucks in the foreseeable future. With the ability to travel 700 miles on a tank of gas, it appears that the future of Ford will maintain the legacy that started well over a century ago.
Towing, Trailering, and Payload
Now that we’ve spent some time examining the performance attributes of the 2022 F-150, it’s time we look at the payload and towing capabilities of each engine. Depending upon what job you’re attempting to undertake, getting the right engine is of the utmost importance. Just like you did when you bought your first car, you should think carefully before making a final choice. The name of the game is practicality and purpose. Think of the size of your average workload. Take into consideration how often you hit the road to get away from it all. Big jobs require big capabilities. Let’s look and see what you might need.
Any fan of The Simpsons will remember the phrase associated with folk hero Jabidah Springfield; “A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man.” This aspect can be attributed to the various engine options and their various capabilities. For example, the 3.3L V6 has a more than capable max towing ability of 8,200 lbs and can carry a payload of up to 1,985 lbs. If you’re in the market for fuel economy but still need to get some work done, this might be one of the better options. The 2.7L Ecoboost V6 brings towing into the five-digit range, with a maximum capacity of 10,100 lbs and a payload of 2,480 lbs.
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (not to be confused with the hybrid-electric 3.5L PowerBoost V6) possesses an impressive best-in-class max towing capacity of 14,000 lbs and a payload of 3,250 lbs. The PowerBoost has less capability than its sibling, but more than the 2.7L EcoBoost, as it is rated for up to 12,700 lbs towing and 2,120 lbs payload.
If it’s a big job you have, then it’s a big capacity you need. Ford’s more than dependable 5.0L Coyote leaves nothing to chance when it comes to demonstrating its mind-blowing capabilities. The big V8 has the ability to tow up to 13,000 lbs and easily carry a best-in-class 3,325 lbs of payload.
A Never-Ending Lineage
For as long as Ford has been manufacturing trucks, they’ve believed in being the unshakable foundation that many can rely upon. The first brand America trusts, the last truck you’ll ever need, and a pedigree that has continued to maintain its consistency of quality. No matter which engine you choose, the 2022 Ford F-150 is the right tool for the job.
