Ford reveals the specs for the new 2015 F-150

In an effort to increase fuel economy, the 2015 Ford F-150 full-size pickup truck relies more heavily than ever on downsized engines. That’s left some wondering whether the new F-150 will have the capability truck buyers expect. Well, the numbers for the all-new 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6 and naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 are in.

In a popular Lariat crew-cab model, with optional payload package, the 2015 2.7-liter truck could haul about 1,900 lbs., Ford says. A current-model crew-cab with the 5-liter V-8 engine would have a payload rating of about 1,500 to 1,700 lbs. But the current truck, with all available towing and hauling upgrades, would have a higher payload rating, 2,330 to 2,620 lbs, according to Ford’s published specifications.

The smaller turbo engine produces 325 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque which, Ford claims, gives the 2.7-liter 2015 F-150 a better power-to-weight ratio than a 2014 F-150 equipped with the 5.0-liter V8. That grunt allows for a maximum payload rating of 2,250 pounds and a max tow rating of 8,500 pounds with rear-wheel drive, or 2,160 and 8,400 pounds with four-wheel drive. That leaves the F-150 2.7-liter EcoBoost in competition with the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. As the most fuel-efficient full-size truck currently available, it’s the best yardstick for the new Ford.

The Ram’s 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 produces 240 horsepower and a stump-pulling 420 pound-feet of torque. With four-wheel drive, it’s max payload rating is 1,620 pounds, while its max tow rating is 9,050 pounds. However, the point of buying a big truck with a small engine is fuel economy, and Ford hasn’t released those figures yet. The Ram EcoDiesel managed 28 mpg highway in EPA testing. Can the turbocharged gasoline F-150 beat it?

The 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 gets the majority of the attention, but the 2015 F-150 will come standard with a 3.5-liter mill. This engine replaces the 3.7-liter V6 offered in the 2014 F-150 and, naturally, Ford is predicting improved efficiency. However, with 283 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque, the new engine is a little down on power compared to the outgoing 3.7-liter V6′s 302 hp and 278 lb-ft. Ford claims a 5 percent improvement in power-to-weight ratio, though. Maximum payload capacity is 1,910 pounds, while max towing capacity is 7,600 pounds. Read more about the story here.