Bionic Man wrote:
Ecoboost is a good engine but it is NOT a step forward in MPG.
After driving an Ecoboost for the first time several years, that low-end torque and power hooked me big-time. One look at the EPA MPG numbers (16/22) on the window sticker seemed to make it a no-brainer to possibly make it my next truck. However, before I made the plunge I figured it might be advisable to visit several Ford forums and talk to a few owners.
Well, I did the above. Plus, I was lucky enough to personally drive 5 or 6 different Ecoboosts soon thereafter over a 6-month period. Long story short, the forum feedback was not flattering in terms of realworld MPG. Several owners all told me the MPG's weren't as good as expected, but the power made up for it. From a personal experience, I tried long and hard and could not get 22 MPG highway unless I drove 60 MPH or slower. From years and years of driving rental vehicles (both cars and trucks), I've noticed a pattern of usually obtaining EPA MPG highway numbers (many times better) at approx. 70-75 MPH.
My current truck is capable of getting it's rated EPA highway rating of 18 MPG at 75 MPH--which just happens to be the same MPG I got with the Ecoboost at 80 MPH--18 MPG. Yes, slightly better, but certainly not significant. Anyhow, I'm still happily driving my current truck with a bit less torque at 2k, but with a lot more jingle in my pocket--for now.
As soon as a truck comes on the market that has a payload close to 2000 lbs., can tow at least 12k, AND gets a minimum, realworld, low 20's MPG at 75 MPH, I'm pulling the trigger. Got my fingers crossed, big-time, that Toyota or Nissan can pull off these numbers with their new 5.0 Cummins! Or, maybe, the new aluminum Ecoboost with the HD/MAX Tow can do it. Either way is fine with me.
