The 2020 Ford F-150 uses two automatic transmission options depending on the engine: a 6‑speed automatic with the base 3.3-liter V6, and a 10‑speed automatic with all other available engines and the PowerBoost Hybrid.
Below is a detailed look at how the transmissions pair with each engine option, what that means for performance and towing, and how the gear-shift experience differs across the lineup.
Transmission options by engine
To understand the drivetrain choices for the 2020 F-150, here is the engine-to-transmission mapping for the model year.
- 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 — 6-speed automatic transmission (SelectShift)
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6 — 10-speed automatic (SelectShift)
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6 — 10-speed automatic
- 5.0L V8 — 10-speed automatic
- 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid — 10-speed automatic
In practice, the base engine is the only one paired with a 6-speed automatic, while every other available powertrain uses Ford’s 10-speed automatic, designed to balance quicker shifts with improved fuel efficiency and towing performance.
Technology and driving considerations
What the 10-speed means for drivers
The 10-speed automatic (10R80 family) used in the EcoBoost, V8, and hybrid variants provides a wide gear spread for smoother acceleration, more responsive towing, and better highway cruising. It also supports Ford’s SelectShift feature, allowing manual gear selection when desired.
Hybrid and towing implications
The PowerBoost Hybrid combines the 3.5L EcoBoost engine with electric motors and a 10‑speed automatic to optimize power delivery and efficiency, particularly under load. For towing and hauling, the 10-speed configurations generally offer more usable torque delivery across gears, aiding payload capacity and stability on the job site or trail.
Bottom line
For the 2020 F-150, engine choice largely determines the transmission: the 3.3L V6 uses a 6-speed automatic, while all other available engines and the hybrid use a 10-speed automatic. This setup reflects Ford’s emphasis on balancing daily drivability with strong hauling and towing performance across the model year.
Summary
The 2020 Ford F-150 offers two automatic transmissions—6-speed with the base 3.3L V6 and 10-speed with the rest of the lineup, including EcoBoost engines, the 5.0 V8, and the PowerBoost Hybrid—providing a blend of smooth shifts, better efficiency, and robust towing capability across its range.