Ford officially introduces a 3.0L Power Stroke turbo-diesel V6 for the 2018 Ford F-150. Yep, the wait for a diesel half-ton truck from Ford is nearly over. What are all the specifications, when will it be available? All of the information is here for you.
2018 Ford F150 Power Stroke
Let’s get straight to business. The new 3.0L V6 is rated at 250 hp @ 3,250 rpm and 440 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm. The engine is mated to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission, and it will be offered in 2WD or 4×4 configurations (more on this later).
How does it compare to competition? Ram’s 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 has a rating of 240 hp and 420 lb-ft, but we know that FCA is working on the next generation of the turbo-diesel for the Jeep Wrangler that may eventually find its way into the next generation Ram 1500. The rating on the next iteration of the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 is 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. We do not yet know whether GM will offer a half-ton turbo-diesel in the Silverado and Sierra or what its rating might be.
Fuel Economy
Perhaps the most important number for the F-150 Diesel is the expected fuel economy. Ford expects that 85% of F-150 Diesel customer will choose a towing package with intent to tow. These customers expect higher fuel economy from a diesel. Ford is officially targeting a big and round 30 MPG on the highway. EPA emissions and fuel economy certification is not yet finalized, but Ford is confident the certification will go smoothly and the 30 MPG will be confirmed. For comparison, a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE is rated at 29 MPG on the highway.
This truck will also offer engine start/stop feature (that can be disabled with a push of button upon each ignition cycle). The feature is enabled by default to maximize the fuel economy ratings.
The 3.0L Power Stroke V6 will require the use of the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to meet the emissions regulations. The F150 will carry a 5.4 gallon DEF tank and a 26 gallon diesel fuel tank.
The 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 was known under the Lion codename is now officially a “Power Stroke”. Is it simply a marketing and branding exercise? Ford says the F150 3.0L V6 diesel has been upgraded to meet heavier payload and towing loads, as well uses in extreme hot and cold environments. Ford upgraded the crank shaft, rod and main bearings, along with several other updates to make the engine suitable for truck duty. This is also what differentiates it from the 3.0L diesels use in Land Rover and Ranger Rover SUVs, although the engine has the same architecture, and it is still built in the UK.
Towing and Hauling
Ford says the 2018 F150 Diesel is rated up to 2,020 lbs of maximum payload and 11,400 lbs of maximum towing capacity. Granted that these ratings are for a basic 2WD model, the towing rating is considerably higher than the maximum 9,200 lbs with the current Ram 1500 EcoDiesel.
The truck will be available with a choice of two rear-axle ratios: 3.31 and a 3.55. The 3.31 rear end has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR for truck + trailer) of 16,000 lbs, while the 3.55 allows for maximum towing with a GCWR of 17,100 lbs.
Ford paid special attention to noise vibration and harshness characteristics. Naturally, the diesel engine is a bit louder at idle than a gasoline counterpart. Ford added strategically placed sound deadening materials to improve the overall driving experience. We have not been able to drive one of these beasts yet, so we cannot yet confirm or deny these claims.
Is there anything missing? Yes, the F-150 Power Stroke V6 does not offer an exhaust brake. All heavy duty trucks offer an exhaust brake to help slow the loaded truck when descending a mountain. Our Ike Gauntlet™ testing suggests that smaller displacement engines need help descending a steep grade. For example, the midsize Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon diesels offer an exhaust brake. While, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and the Nissan Titan XD Cummins do not. When asked, Ford says that the grade shifting transmission mode and the brakes are adequate and an exhaust brake is not necessary.
Availability and Pricing
Ford is taking a two-pronged approach to launch the 2018 F150 Diesel. Consumers will be able to purchase a F-150 Power Stroke in higher trim levels only: Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. Commercial fleet managers will be able to purchase the engine in XL or XLT trims.
No matter who you are, the diesel F150 will be offered in either extended or crew cab configurations (Super Cab or Super Crew) with either 2WD or 4×4. Three bed lengths will be available as well: extended cab with a 6.5 or 8-foot bed, or a crew cab with a 5.5 or 6.5-foot bed.
How much moola will it cost? If you price out an F150 Lariat with a 2.7L EcoBoost V6, you will then have to add $4,000 for the 3.0L turbo-diesel V6. If you are pricing out a King Ranch with a 5.0L V8, then the diesel will cost an additional $3,000. In the end, the turbo-diesel is the most expensive engine option for the F-150. It costs $2,400 more than a 3.5L EcoBoost V6.
What is the most affordable retail F150 Diesel? It will be around $46,015 if you get a Lariat Super Cab 6.5-foot bed 4×2 with no additional options. Where is the top end? A loaded F150 Platinum crew cab 6.5-foot bed 4×4 will ring the bell at around $68,305.
Dealership orders begin in mid-January and the trucks should arriving at the dealer in the Spring of 2018. Ford expects 5% of all F-150 sales to be equipped with the diesel. The warranty remains at 5-years or 60,000 miles. The F150 will be assembled at the Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan.
| Highway MPG: | 30 MPG is targeted |
| Max Towing: | 11,400 lbs |
| Max Payload: | 2,020 lbs |
| Max GCWR: | 17,100 lbs |
| Fuel Tank: | 26 gal |
| DEF Tank: | 5.4 gal |
