I had a first gen ecoboost and now a 2019. Both are xlt 4x4 with the 3.5 and 3.55 gears. I liked them both more than my Chevy 5.3 for work. The aluminum dents easily but I have no complaints other than my downward sloped trailer hitch. Current payload is 1891 and previous one was 1720. No issues pulling 8k with the new gen 3.5, my old one would overheat. 10 speed is great and hand calculated mpg is 2 mpg better. Aluminum one is quieter as well. I say spring for an 18 if you can