EcoBoost vs. EcoBoost: Which Ford F-150 is faster?

How much engine does a pickup truck really need? The redesigned-for-2015 Ford F-150 takes this question to extremes, offering a puny-sounding 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6 as one of its main engine choices. We bought and tested two F-150s, one with the 2.7-liter and one with Ford’s familiar 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, to find out if there indeed is a replacement for displacement.

Working in tandem with the redesigned F-150’s 700-pound weight savings from its new aluminum body, the 2.7-liter posts class-leading fuel economy numbers in our testing. That wasn’t really a surprise here at our test track. What did shock us was that the 2.7-liter outsprinted the 3.5-liter EcoBoost from 0-60 mph. We discuss the reasons behind that, as well as the tradeoffs incurred from the smaller engine, in our latest podcast. (Read "2015 Ford F-150 EcoBoost engine shootout.")  

In other news from the test track, our Tesla Model S P85D suffers a malfunctioning door handle. Its fancy retracting grip failed to automatically unveil itself, so we couldn’t open the driver’s door. Digging through Consumer Reports’ reliability data shows just how common Tesla door handle problems really are.

We then move onto questions. Some viewers remind us that there have been collaborations between car companies—unlike the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ—that actually proved reliable. We revisit the VW Golf R vs. GTI and discuss whether the R’s all-wheel-drive is really worth it. Another viewer objects to our opinion on the Acura ILX. We wrap up talking about two Mazda SUVs, the CX-5 and the oft-overlooked CX-9.

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Share your comments on this show below, and let us know if you need any advice for choosing a car.

Also view:

• Is the new Jeep Renegade a real Jeep?: Talking Cars, episode 68
  
• Why is there so much interest in Mazda?: Talking Cars, episode 67
• We buy a Tesla Model S P85D: Talking Cars, episode 66
• New York auto show: Talking Cars, episode 65
• Tesla and the self-driving car: Talking Cars, episode 64
• Ford Edge, Lexus NX: Talking Cars, episode 63

—Tom Mutchler