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The success of the Ford F-Series trucks is partially due to the array of choices buyers have. Back in 2018, that was doubly true when it came to engine choices. Ford offered five engines, four of them gasoline-powered, with a new 3.0-liter V6 diesel PowerStroke. So now six years later, if you’re thinking about a used 2018 F-150, you need to narrow your choices as you search. So, should you go with diesel or gas?

What engine options did the 2018 Ford F-150 have?

Silver 2018 Ford F-150 Limited on the range
2018 Ford F-150 | Ford

The five engines are the 3.3-liter V6 base, 2.7-liter EcoBoost, 5.0-liter V8, 3.5-liter EcoBoost, and 3.0-liter PowerStroke diesel. In many cases, the engine you find in a used 2018 F-150 will depend on what model it is. For starters, the base 3.3-liter was only available on XL and XLT trims. Optional on those two trims are the 2.7 EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V8. 

Moving up to a Lariat, the 2.7 EcoBoost, 5.0 V8, and 3.0 PowerStroke are all available. For the King Ranch and Platinum F-150 trims, the V8 and PowerStroke are the two engines you’ll find. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost was only available with the Limited trim. 

We should add that if you find an XL or XLT trim with the PowerStroke, it is a fleet model. That was the only way to get a diesel engine in those lower trims. So depending on the engine you want, now you can eliminate certain trims that are advertised. 

What are the engine and towing specifications for the 2018 F-150?

Blue 2018 Ford F-150 on highway
2018 Ford F-150 | Ford

The engine combination you’re looking for will obviously be based on what your plans are for the truck, so that means towing and payload capacities are important. Below is Ford’s list of each engine’s specifications to help narrow your search a bit more.

3.3L V67,700 lbs.290 HP265 lb.-ft.
2.7L EcoBoost®9,100 lbs.325 HP400 lb.-ft.
5.0L V811,600 lbs.395 HP400 lb.-ft.
3.5L EcoBoost®13,200 lbs.375 HP470 lb.-ft.
3.0L Power Stroke® Diesel11,400 lbs.250 HP440 lb.-ft.

Fuel economy is another factor in making truck choices. Below is a chart of fuel economy figures for all five engines.

3.3L V619/25
2.7L EcoBoost®20/26
5.0L V817/23
3.5L EcoBoost®18/25
3.0L Power Stroke® Diesel22/30

How does the 2018 F-150 stack up next to rivals?

Silver2018 Ford F-150 on the open range
2018 Ford F-150 | Ford

Up to now, we have compared the Ford F-150 engines. But what about the competition? Below, we compare engine specs compared to the 2018 Ram 1500. This was the last year for this generation of Ram trucks, but it gives you an idea of how rivals stack up.

Ford F-150 3.0L Power Stroke® DieselVs.Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel
250 HPHorsepower240 HP
440 lb.-ft.Torque420 lb.-ft.
11,400 lbs.Max. Towing9,290 lbs.
2,020 lbs.Max. Payload1,640 lbs.
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Staff Writer

Thom Taylor

Thom Taylor is a celebrated automotive journalist. He was awarded the Top 100 Most Influential People in Hot Rodding from Hot Rod Magazine, and was inducted into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame and the National Rod and Custom Hall of Fame. He’s a member of SEMA and the NHRA.

Thom has authored a number of books, including Hot Rod & Custom Chronicle and several guides for drawing vehicles like a pro, which pull from his distinguished ventures as an automotive illustrator.

Thom joined the MotorBiscuit team in 2019, and focuses his coverage on new vehicle releases, design, and the latest features and tech in the industry. His tenure of 25 years writing about the industry gives him a unique context for the auto news he covers, whether it’s part of the Rusty Monday series or the latest news from Chevy. Thom has built two complete cars from the ground up and driven vintage roadsters at the Indy 500.