The Ford 5.0L Coyote V8 is legendary among F-150 enthusiasts. For many truck owners, it is the engine to have—a naturally aspirated beast that screams American horsepower. But is it perfect? Not exactly.
With Ford pushing turbo-charged EcoBoost engines and hybrid setups, the V8 occupies a strange space in the modern lineup. Whether you are looking to buy a 2024, 2025, or even a 2026 model, you need to know the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Here is a breakdown of the five things we hate and the five things we love about the modern Ford 5.0L Coyote V8.
5 Things We Hate About the Ford 5.0L V8
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. While this engine is a powerhouse, there are some baffling decisions Ford has made regarding its pricing and configuration.
1. The Pricing Strategy
In a confusing move, Ford recently made the 5.0L V8 more expensive than the 3.5L EcoBoost. This doesn’t add up mechanically. The 3.5L EcoBoost is a twin-turbo engine that is objectively more expensive to manufacture. By pricing the V8 higher, it feels like Ford is artificially inflating the cost to discourage buyers or simply squeeze more profit out of V8 loyalists.
2. Lack of Low-End Power
If you are towing heavy loads or crawling up a hill, you want torque instantly. Unfortunately, the Coyote V8 is a high-revving engine that lacks low-end grunt. To get the most power out of this truck, you have to rev it high. While this is fun for street driving, it isn't ideal for fuel efficiency when towing or doing low-speed truck work.
3. Active Fuel Management (AFM)
This is a complaint across almost every V8 on the market today, not just Ford. The federally mandated Active Fuel Management system shuts down cylinders to save gas, but many mechanics and owners argue it "kills the engine" over time. It adds complexity and potential failure points to an otherwise solid motor.
4. Limited Trim Availability
Do you want a top-of-the-line luxury truck with a V8? Tough luck. Ford has restricted the 5.0L engine from the highest trim levels, such as the Platinum or King Ranch. If you want those trims, you are forced into the 3.5L EcoBoost or the PowerBoost Hybrid. Additionally, you can no longer get the Coyote V8 in the Ford Expedition full-size SUV.
5. Ford’s "Subliminal Messaging"
The combination of the price hike, the trim restrictions, and the push for turbos signals a grim future. It feels like Ford is slowly gearing up to phase out the naturally aspirated V8 entirely in favor of smaller, forced-induction engines.
5 Things We Love About the Ford 5.0L V8
Despite the annoyances listed above, there is a reason the F-150 guys love this engine. When it comes to performance and reliability, the Coyote is still a heavy hitter.
1. Surprisingly Good Fuel Efficiency
You wouldn’t expect a massive V8 to be a fuel sipper, but the modern 5.0L is impressive. It averages around 20 MPG, which is a far cry from the old 5.4L Tritons that were lucky to get 16 MPG. It offers near-luxury sedan fuel economy in a full-size pickup.
2. The Sound and RPM Range
There is no replacement for the sound of a V8. The Coyote is designed to perform like a sports car engine, revving all the way up to 7,500 RPM. When you are merging on the highway at 6,000 RPM, the truck sounds incredible and pulls hard. It provides a driving experience that a V6 simply cannot match.
3. Massive Towing Capacity
While the 3.5L EcoBoost is the "Max Tow" king, the V8 is right on its heels. The 5.0L can tow up to 13,000 lbs, which is only 1,000 lbs less than the EcoBoost. With 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, this engine is more than capable of handling heavy trailers, even if it does its best work at higher RPMs.
4. Improved Reliability
Earlier generations of the Coyote had issues with oil consumption, head gasket leaks, and cam phasers. However, for the 2024-2026 models, Ford has resolved the vast majority of these headaches. The modern 5.0L is proving to be a highly reliable platform, and if you disable the Active Fuel Management, it is arguably one of the most durable engines in the lineup.
5. It’s a "Working Man’s Engine"
Simplicity is key. Unlike high-performance engines that require premium fuel, the 5.0L Coyote runs happily on regular unleaded gasoline. It isn't over-complicated. It balances high-end horsepower with the simplicity of a naturally aspirated design, making it a perfect all-around usable motor.
The Verdict
The Ford 5.0L Coyote V8 remains a top contender in the truck world. While Ford seems to be pushing buyers toward EcoBoost options through pricing and trim restrictions, the V8’s reliability, sound, and towing capability make it a purchase you won't regret.
Watch the full review and breakdown in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTC_Bm2uR3s