2.3L vs 2.7L

llv1980

I just had to redo my 2021 Outer Banks order to a 2022 and was told by the dealer I could make some changes. I didn't make any changes but after watching some videos I am wondering if I should have gone with the 2.7L engine vs the 2.3L. Is there anyone here who have received their new Bronco that can tell me how they like the 2.3 or 2.7 engines?

I test drove a mannequin in the 4 cyl. It was completely fine driving on paved roads, including the Interstate. The Bronco didn't feel underpowered. I didn't get to drive it off-road, uphill or loaded up with gear so I don't know about that. There was nothing exciting about the power or drive. Just a nice, smooth engine to drive around. I enjoyed driving it!! It will get a bit better mpg than the 6 cyl of course. So it's cheaper and more practical if you want that. If you mostly drive around town and the occasional hill or Interstate trip, I think you will be fine.

I'm getting the 6 cyl. I will be loading my Bronco up with people and gear, driving up mountains and towing toys, both on and off road. So I know I will need it.

Both engines can be tuned down the road for more performance. Ford Performance sells tuning kits so I assume they will with the Bronco as well. That 2.7L 6 cyl can be tuned quite nice and is what I plan on doing. Not because the 6 cyl Bronco needs it, but for the performance that I love.

llv1980

I just had to redo my 2021 Outer Banks order to a 2022 and was told by the dealer I could make some changes. I didn't make any changes but after watching some videos I am wondering if I should have gone with the 2.7L engine vs the 2.3L. Is there anyone here who have received their new Bronco that can tell me how they like the 2.3 or 2.7 engines?

I test drove a 2.3 badlands and was very impressed with it, with 3 adults in the vehicle on road and freeway (not off road). I have not yet driven a 2.7. I have ordered a 2.7 as I will be off roading a lot with a fully loaded vehicle.

I test drove the 2.3 and it was good on the street. Did the Off-Roadeo last week in the 2.7. Spectacular!

TK1215

I test drove the 2.3 and it was good on the street. Did the Off-Roadeo last week in the 2.7. Spectacular!

I'm envious!! Haven't driven the 2.7 yet.

I currently have a 2.3 manual Big Bend and loving it. I should have the 2.7 auto Badlands and Black Diamond at the end of the year to do a comparison. One SAS and one none SAS.

I purchased a 2020 Ranger FX4 to get me by until the Bronco arrives and it has adequate power but nothing to get excited about . I was instantly glad that I had opted for the 2.7 in the Bronco .

I want manual transmission, thus my only option was the 2.3 I4 engine. My Bronco is 2-door, so likely weighs a bit less.

I have not driven the 2.3L and ordered and received the 2.7L but I am still in the break-in period so I don’t have a side-by-side comparison for you HOWEVER, there is a reason that +90% of the Broncos utilized at the Off Roadeo venues are 2.7L.

I got to drive both before I ordered and couldn't tell a big difference. If you are going to get squatched and be doing a bunch of crawling on the weekends get the 2.7. If you'll spend most of your time on the road get the 2.3.

TK1215

I test drove the 2.3 and it was good on the street. Did the Off-Roadeo last week in the 2.7. Spectacular!

I drove the 2.7 at the rodeo also. Plenty of power. My only bitch is the frame stiffener hangs lower than the frame. The 2.3 doesn’t have it.

If you do consistent highway driving get the 2.3

llv1980

I just had to redo my 2021 Outer Banks order to a 2022 and was told by the dealer I could make some changes. I didn't make any changes but after watching some videos I am wondering if I should have gone with the 2.7L engine vs the 2.3L. Is there anyone here who have received their new Bronco that can tell me how they like the 2.3 or 2.7 engines?

I did a 24 hour drive in my dealers Wildtrak mannequin it comes standard with the 2.7 and it was extremely peppy, lots of low end grunt etc. Bronco girl noted that Ford Performance will likely offer some kind of kit for bot engines and K&N currently offers a performance upgrade kit for the 2.3. I wouldn't hesitate a second to get the 2.3 great engine and fully upgradable.

Jealous of all these test drives! My dealer, Billy Howell Ford in GA, said I had to rent it for $200 a day… no test drives!

JasHen08

Jealous of all these test drives! My dealer, Billy Howell Ford in GA, said I had to rent it for $200 a day… no test drives!

That really sucks, here's couple of pics of the Wildtrak, all my neighbors now keep bugging me about mine which is now MY22. The crew at Mullinax Ford Apopka has been absolutely amazing, no BS on pricing and really helpful.

llv1980

I just had to redo my 2021 Outer Banks order to a 2022 and was told by the dealer I could make some changes. I didn't make any changes but after watching some videos I am wondering if I should have gone with the 2.7L engine vs the 2.3L. Is there anyone here who have received their new Bronco that can tell me how they like the 2.3 or 2.7 engines?

The 2.7 is a great motor. I'd go with that.

Driven three different 2.7L Broncos, and one 2.3L.

Pros of the 2.3L

• Better fuel economy. Roughly 2-3 MPG.
• Cheaper
• Traditional all-metal oil pan and spin-on oil filter. (2.7L has a plastic composite oil pan to save weight.)
• Lighter. Therefore, more room for cargo, and the ability to option in some extra factory options (such as the roof rails on the Badlands trim)
• Available in manual transmission

Pros of the 2.7L

• More power... through in my opinion the power difference wasn't really that noticeable.
• More torque... which was definitely noticeable
• Better for towing
• Better for more extreme off-roading
• Better for larger tires (> 37")

I talked to my buddy who works at a Ford dealer and he said he has seen WAY more 2.7L engines with issues than 2.3L engines. BUT, I'm fairly confident that has more to do with the fact that the 2.7L engine is available on the F-150... which as we all know is the most popular vehicle in America.

I think most people would be happy with both. In my opinion,. if your Bronco is going to be a daily driver the 2.3L is probably the better choice. Otherwise, the 2.7L makes the most sense. Personally, I want the manual transmission, so I'm locked into the 2.3L.

observation: There are a lot of posts here saying they drove the 2.3 and were impressed by it...only to turnaround and order the 2.7. That might be the statement the OP was looking for...

I like how everyone is like "get the 2.7L for extreme offroading".... That statement couldn't be further from the truth! Unless your going mud bogging (I mean deep ruts with big tires) or bajaing through the desert on 40" tires the 2.3L will follow the 2.7L anywhere! You don't need high horsepower or even huge torque bands to go trail riding or rock crawling! A big motor does not make a vehicle a great off roader!

IMO- if you plan to DD the bronco with bigger than 35" tires then you probably want to opt for the 2.7L, it will handle going up hills(on comute) better and take offs with the bigger tires! If you like to drive stuff with a snappy acceleration then get the 2.7L. If you don't plan to DD with bigger than 35" tires, it doesn't bother you to not be the fastest car on the road, and would prefer a little better mpg... then get the 2.3L!

I will also say, if your already not sure, then go with the 2.7L... It's easier and better to have the extra hp & torque and not need it then to wish you had it and not have it!

I got the 2.3L Outer Banks four door and it has plenty of power! It is my daily driver and is averaging 22.8 mph. Keep in mind I didn't buy her for major off-roading or towing, although she does have the towing package.