Best Sounding Exhaust for Ford F-150 EcoBoost

Critics have loved it, owners have loved it, and enthusiasts aren’t shy in praising the Ford EcoBoost line of turbocharged gas engines. The F-150’s 3.5-liter V6 is no different. It has enough power to handle a variety of tasks, and with a twin turbocharger setup, it has virtually everything you’d expect from an engine of this caliber. 

But how well does it sound? Because the thing is, it’s a stock unit at the end of the day — and not a glorious V8. To make it sound better you’re going to need to install an aftermarket exhaust, which is what we’re helping you with today. Here’s a list of some formidable exhausts on the market to help you choose the best sounding exhaust for Ford F-150 EcoBoost.

The 5 Best Sounding Exhausts for Ford F-150:

1. MBRP 4-inch Cat-Back Exhaust – the best sounding exhaust for Ford F-150
2. Roush Cat-Back Exhaust
3. aFe Power Mach Force XP
4. Borla ATAK for Ford F-150 EcoBoost
5. Flowmaster FlowFX Cat-Back

Our Recommendations

	Loud and clear	Throaty and rich	Power of Sound	Ready to ATAK	Moderately aggressive
Name	MBRP 4-inch Cat-Back Exhaust	Roush Cat-Back Exhaust	aFe Power Mach Force XP	Borla ATAK for Ford F-150 EcoBoost	Flowmaster FlowFX Cat-Back
Preview
Our Rating	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆
More Information	Check Ebay	Check Ebay	Check Ebay	Check Amazon	Check Amazon

	Loud and clear
Name	MBRP 4-inch Cat-Back Exhaust
Preview
Our Rating	★★★★★
More Information	Check Ebay

	Throaty and rich
Name	Roush Cat-Back Exhaust
Preview
Our Rating	★★★★★
More Information	Check Ebay

	Power of Sound
Name	aFe Power Mach Force XP
Preview
Our Rating	★★★★☆
More Information	Check Ebay

	Ready to ATAK
Name	Borla ATAK for Ford F-150 EcoBoost
Preview
Our Rating	★★★★☆
More Information	Check Amazon

	Moderately aggressive
Name	Flowmaster FlowFX Cat-Back
Preview
Our Rating	★★★★☆
More Information	Check Amazon

REVIEWS YOU CAN TRUST 

We strive to always give you genuine, accurate information. To do this, all of mechanicguides.com reviews are based on market research, expert input, and practical experience. This knowledge comes from a team of automotive journalists and an independent mechanic, Steve “Whip” Whipple who has 11 years of experience in the auto industry. For more information, see here.

1. Loud and clear: MBRP 4-inch Cat-Back Exhaust – the best sounding exhaust for Ford F-150

MBRP S5248AL 4″ Cat Back, Single Side, EcoBoost Exhaust System (Aluminized Steel)

Features:

• T409 StainlessS Steel
• T304 Mirror Polished Tip Included
• Rich Mellow Exhaust Note
• Over 70% Increased Exhaust Flow

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Choosing an exhaust system based entirely on its sound might be a heavy task but with really good choices on the market, it’s hardly a problem. The MBRP Ford F150 exhaust is a great option if you’re looking for a loud exhaust.

Bolt-on, uses original hangers

Compatible with 2011 – 2014 Ford F-150 trucks, the MBRP exhaust is a cat-back unit, which means you wouldn’t need too many hands or too much time for installation. It’s a bolt-on unit, fits on to the factory hangers, and comes with the required clamps. This exhaust, made from aluminized steel, is backed by a 3-year warranty and has been dyno-proven already (to reaffirm that your truck isn’t a lab rat).

Now the most important question: How does it sound? MBRP says it’s got an aggressive exhaust tone — a point you’d find hard to disbelieve as shown in the video below. So this is loud, yes, but it’s loud both outside and in the cabin, especially if you have got a heavy foot.

What do we think of it?

It’s well-made and sounds loud as well. But it’s a V6 engine at the end of the day, so you must know where its positives are — but it won’t sound like a V8 if that’s what you’re after. Also, since the exhaust is loud under acceleration (both outside and inside), it might become irritating for whoever you’re driving. But if you’re up for it, and need a solid and loud exhaust replacement for the F-150, the MBRP unit needs to be considered.

Pros

Pros

• Loud
• Bolt-on

Cons

Cons

• Loud inside the cabin

2. Throaty and rich: Roush Cat-Back Exhaust

2015-2019 F-150 Cat Back Side Exit Exhaust System ROUSH 421985

Features:

• Increased air flow and less back pressure to help reach the truck’s full potential in horsepower and torque
• Dual tips are made from 304 stainless steel, feature the ROUSH logo, and exit out of the side of the vehicle
• The muffler, y-pipe, and inlet/outlet pipes are made from high-grade 304 stainless steel
• Mandrel-bending of tubes to ensure consistent flow, high performance, and long-lasting durability.
• Installation is quick and easy, utilizing factory hanger locations with no vehicle modifications required
• Includes all necessary hardware
• Includes ROUSH’s 3 Year Limited Warranty
• Amazing ROUSH sound is sporty and aggressive.
• The muffler, y-pipe, and inlet/outlet pipes are made from high-grade 304 stainless steel and are mandrel-bent to ensure consistent flow, high performance, and long-lasting durability.
• Exhaust tips are constructed of high-quality stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance and durability, and are embossed with the ROUSH logo, which exit out of the side of the vehicle.
• The piping in this system is 3-inch diameter, and mandrel-bent to promote consistent flow throughout. Other companies tend to crimp-bend their exhaust, which can cause restrictions and inconsistent flow.

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The Roush Cat-Back F150 Ecoboost exhaust isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s got a flavorsome sound to it, which works really well during cold starts and acceleration runs. It’s a cat-back type, has 3-inch piping in the system, and is compatible with the newer Ford F-150 EcoBoost trucks — the ones made with the model years 2015 – 2020.

3-year warranty

The system is backed by a 3-year limited warranty and the installation is said to be easy. All the required hardware is included and it uses the factory hanger locations. Its components are made from high-quality 304 stainless steel, and the exhaust setup is supposed to make the truck perform optimally. If you hear it once, you’d find it difficult to stay away from the gas pedal, because the Roush exhaust has so much character.

What do we think of it?

A well-made unit, the Roush exhaust is also not cheap. Like any aggressive exhaust system, the Roush exhaust for Ford F-150 EcoBoost also comes with the inherent issue of being a touch too loud in the cabin. This can be a problem, especially on long highway drives, because while it might not be on full, the increased noise might become a concern.

Pros

Pros

• Sounds great

Cons

Cons

• In-cabin droning
• Not cheap

3. Power of Sound: aFe Power Mach Force XP

aFe Power 49-43041-P MACH Force-Xp Cat-Back Exhaust System Fits 2011-2014 F-150

Features:

• Constructed from 4″ Mandrel-Bent Stainless Steel for Maximum Flow
• OE-Style Flange & Band Clamps for a Leak-Free Seal
• Free-Flowing Stainless Steel Muffler Absorbs High Pitch Tones & Unleashes a Powerful Sound
• Utilizes Factory Mounting Locations
• Includes a Polihsed 304 Stainless Steel Tip

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Like the other two mentioned above, aFe Power is also a well-known brand when it comes to after-market parts. The aFe’s F-150 Ecoboost exhaust, the Mach Force-XP Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System, not only offers an increase in sound but it also promises a power increase of up to 32 hp and 29 lb-ft.

Available in various materials/types of exhaust tips, the model here comes with a polished tip. It’s got a 4-inch mandrel-bent stainless steel piping across the system, OE-style clamps, and a 304 stainless steel exhaust tip. aFe Power maintains that the system is compatible with the 2011 – 2014 Ford F-150 EcoBoost trucks, and with the following wheelbases: 145-inch, 157-inch, and 163-inch. It’s a cat-back-style exhaust and utilizes the factory hanger locations for installation. Depending on the wheelbase, you might need to shorten the connecting tube.

Straight-through, free-flow

It is a straight-through, free-flow exhaust, which means the sound is, like the other two mentioned above, on the loud side. It’s deep and settles when cruising, but one tap at the gas pedal and you’re likely to experience a healthy dose of cabin noise.

What do we think of it?

The aFe Power is the only unit on our list that comes with an advertised power increase. That’s a clear positive, and its stainless steel construction lends it a deep note — also a good plus point. But like other loud exhausts, keep in mind that it’s not drone-free in the cabin.

Pros

Pros

• Power increment
• Loud

Cons

Cons

• Droning

4. Ready to ATAK: Borla ATAK for Ford F-150 EcoBoost

No products found.

Borla’s line of exhausts is simple: you get the Touring for everyday use, the S-Type for something more serious, and the ATAK for the no-holds-barred loudness. If you look closely at the video by Borla below, you’ll notice how the ATAK produces a deep, satisfying rumble. It starts off smoothly but then attains its characteristic note.

For the newer models

The exhaust system is made for the newer Ford F-150 EcoBoost trucks made with the model years 2015 – 2019. It comes with a 4-inch tip diameter, and a 3-inch into 2.5-inch piping in the system. Made of T-304 stainless steel, the exhaust is backed by Borla’s million-mile warranty and has a single-split rear exit. Both 145-inch standard bed and crew-cab, short-bed configurations are compatible, and with an adapter system, the exhaust can also be fitted to the longer 157-inch wheelbase model.

What do we think of it?

In terms of overall noise, it’s hard to beat the Borla. The ATAK F150 EcoBoost exhaust is loud, and the manufacturer claims that it’s drone-free as well. But it’s quite an aggressive raspy sound, so if you’re ready to live with that, the Borla won’t disappoint.

Pros

Pros

• Loud
• Characterful sound

Cons

Cons

• None

5. Moderately aggressive: Flowmaster FlowFX Cat-Back

No products found.

Designed to produce a sound that’s moderate to aggressive, the Flowmaster FlowFX F150 exhaust is a unique system. That’s largely down to the location of the exhaust exit: right ahead of the rear passenger wheel. It lends a very different look to the Ford F-150.

The four-inch black-ceramic stainless steel tips add to the look are connected to the system’s 2.5-inch tailpipe piping; the inlet tubing is of 3-inch diameter. All of these are mandrel-bent stainless steel components. It uses the factory hanger locations and is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Aggressive sound

In terms of sound, it’s marketed as an aggressive exhaust and it delivers in the way it sounds. The interior is relatively less noisy in comparison to the other but like all loud exhausts, your ears will either love it or hate it. It’s compatible with 2015 – 2019 Ford F-150 EcoBoost trucks.

What do we think of it?

This system looks like a good choice for aggressive sounding machines. And has a unique look to it, too. Flowmaster mentions that the throttle response sees an improvement in comparison to the stock exhausts.

Pros

Pros

• Good sound with a promise of less in-cabin noise
• Unique layout

Cons

Cons

• None

Tip Before You Buy: Check the Legal Stuff and How to Get a Good Fit

Everyone wants to make their truck sound better because the stock sound leaves a lot to be desired. But before going further please check with the seller if the system you’re interested in will come with legal implications. That’s because a lot of manufacturers don’t make it clear if the system requires a CARB certification and is ready for public road use. Certain exhaust makers also suggest you install the exhaust and run it for a while and then re-tighten it. This is only for the first time but needs to be remembered so you’ll get a good fit.

Final thoughts on the best exhaust for Ford F-150 EcoBoost

Of the choices that we have here, all sound aggressive and come with some sort of interior intrusion (in terms of noise). The Flowmaster FlowFX mentions the interior noise is moderate while the exterior is aggressive. The Borla ATAK is clearly the choice who don’t want any stone unturned in the way their truck sounds. The exhaust, according to Borla, doesn’t require a CARB certification, but will certainly need earplugs if you’re standing next to it. Best of luck, pedestrians. The aFe is the only exhaust that comes with a power and torque increase promise, along with its really noticeable tone. The Roush and the MBRP also take the cake for being loud, with the Roush priced here and the MBRP lower, but both suffer from some droning.