As the automotive world enters a new decade, we have seen automakers step up with some of the best trucks in the industry. The legendary Ford is not left out either, and the 2021 Ford F-150 is ours to admire.
The F-150 comes with several engine types, the three most popular being the PowerStroke, PowerBoost, and EcoBoost.
These three engines carry some differences, which translate to different overall capabilities. We’ll compare the PowerStroke, PowerBoost, and EcoBoost according to their performance, towing capacities, and fuel efficiency. Which of these is the best for you? Here’s a pit of the three engines.
Powerstroke vs. Powerboost vs. Ecoboost: Comparison Chart
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the exact features of the three engines.
| Powerstroke | Powerboost | Ecoboost | |
| Torque | 440 lb-ft | 570 lb-ft | 500 lb-ft |
| Horsepower | 250hp | 430hp | 400hp |
| Towing Capacity | 12,100 pounds | 12,700 pounds | 14,000 pounds |
| Payload | 1,840 pounds | 2,120 pounds | 3,250 pounds |
| Trims Available | XL XLT Lariat King Ranch Platinum | All Trims | Lariat XL XLT |
| Efficiency | City: 22 MPG Highway: 30 MPG | City: 24 MPG Highway: 24 MPG | City: 20 MPG Highway: 26 MPG |
| Transmission | 10-speed Automatic | 10-speed Automatic | 10-speed Automatic |
Powerstroke vs. Powerboost vs. Ecoboost: Detailed Comparison
Performance (Torque/Horsepower)
The PowerBoost engine offers higher torque and horsepower than the others. It comes in at around 570 lb-ft and 430hp, translating to more power and operational effectiveness. As a result, you can tow a more significant amount of weight or drive through more challenging terrain with ease.
The EcoBoost has 500 lb-ft of torque and 400hp, while the Powerstroke is equipped with 440 lb-ft and 250 horsepower. If you are looking for the engine with the best performance, the PowerBoost is good to go.
Towing Capacity & Payload Capacity
The towing capacity and payload capacity of the three engines are all important factors to consider. So, how capable is your engine?
The Powerstroke engine is the smallest of the three, meaning it has the least capacity. It shows up at 12,100 pounds towing capacity and 1,840lbs payload capacity.
Meanwhile, the PowerBoost engine is the next largest, with a towing capacity of 12,700 pounds and a payload capacity of 2,120 pounds. The EcoBoost engine is the best among the three and has a towing capacity of 14,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,250 pounds. That is at least 1,000 pounds greater than the rest in towing and payload capacities. It has a higher compression ratio among the three, making it more powerful. This means that you can easily carry more items while driving your F-150, making it the best in towing.
Read more: Ford F150 Towing Capacity [1994 – 2021]
Trims
The 2021 Ford F-150 Powerstroke comes with different trim levels which are the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. On the other hand, the 2021 Ford F-150 EcoBoost is available in only three of all trim levels; the Lariat, XL, and XLT. On top of that, the PowerBoost is available on all trims.
Each trim level comes with a set of features that is different from the others for a specialized experience. Therefore, the Powerboost is the most flexible when it comes to trim levels. PowerStroke, on the other hand, has a relatively wide range of trim-level choices. The EcoBoost is limited to only three trim levels.
Efficiency (City/Highway)
Fuel efficiency is a feature that is as important to consider as all others when purchasing a truck. Regarding where you’ll be using your truck, you can estimate its fuel efficiency and make an informed decision on whether to buy or not.
Both the PowerStroke and PowerBoost engines are more significant in fuel efficiency than the EcoBoost. The PowerStroke achieves an EPA fuel economy of 22/30 mpg City/Highway while the PowerBoost comes in at 24/24 mpg City/Highway. However, compared to rival trucks from other companies, all engines hold up pretty well.
Among the three, the EcoBoost has the lowest numbers in fuel efficiency, peaking at 20 MPG and 26 MPG in the City and Highway respectively. This is because the Ecoboost engine can run on a broader variety of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and E85. That means that it can run on a variety of different types of roads and highways. It’s also worth noting that the Ecoboost engine is not as noisy as the other two engines.
The Powerstroke and PowerBoost engines are both great options for Ford truck owners who want an efficient truck to handle all traffic. Nonetheless, if you need a more powerful truck for the same, the Ecoboost engine may be what you’re looking for.
Transmission
Transmission is the most crucial factor when it comes to the F-150. It has to be able to handle all the gears and keep the truck running smoothly.
The five available transmission types for the F-150 are a 7-speed manual, an 8-speed automatic, a 10-speed automatic, a 12-speed automatic, or even a 16-speed automatic. Each type of transmission offers its unique advantages and disadvantages.
These three engines are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. However, it offers seamless performance and handling, especially on the highway or city. It’s also recoilless and fast enough to handle high-speed maneuvers. However, it can be slow when shifting quickly in a tight space. You don’t have much to choose between the transmissions of the 2021 Ford F-150 as you’re offered only one transmission type.
Conclusion
The 2021 Ford F-150 is an excellent truck choice for those looking for power, towing capabilities, and efficiency. It also has an outstanding performance and fuel efficiency rating, making it the perfect choice for those who need a truck that can handle a lot.
The PowerBoost is your ultimate choice when it comes to engine horsepower and torque output.
Again, the EcoBoost is great in both towing capacity and Payload, and would make the perfect choice for someone who needs a truck that can tow around immense weights. For a fuel-efficient truck, go for either the PowerBoost or PowerStroke. The EcoBoost offers 20/26 MPG on City/Highway, which is a little less than the other two engines.
Read more: The Biggest Tire On Stock Ford F150
