2022 Ford Bronco's 2.3 L- 4-Cylinder Turbo Engine- Is it sufficient for the Colorado Mountains?

Oh yeah. Just attended the Bronco Super Celebration in Buena Vista Colorado and lots of 6G Manual Broncos had no issues at all. A friend of mine(who was also at the event) runs 37” tires on his manual and loves it.

He has the Cyber Orange next to me.

Yeah. It’s fine. Off-road it’s a non-issue.

Highway driving I rarely use 6th gear, keep revs above 2000rpm and it pulls strong.

There are pretty easy ways to get a bit more performance (throttle controllers for $200-$300, tuners for $500-$800) if you need it.

Three trips to Moab, several up Coal Creek Canyon, and Loveland Pass. No power issues.

I don’t plan on towing but if that’s important to you then maybe the v6 a better choice.

The 2.3 is probably sufficient but:

I test drove a 2.3 and floored it at highway speed. It pretty much just sat there. My 2.7 feels very powerful and smooth and is probably faster than it needs to be.
Non port fuel injection is a 2.3 problem in the making for carbon buildup down the road. There is pretty much no real gas mileage benefits between the two engines looking at the EPA data.

Just as concerning is the braking system on the 2.3’s. They already have a TSB documenting potential problems and fixes. Many folks have experienced them, so have many Ranger owners. Long stopping distances and soft pedal feeling have been documented.
If you get the 2.3 you also don’t get the one pedal drive if that is important to you.

On the plus side if you desire to manually shift, the 2.3 is the only way to go.

extra toasty

The 2.3 is probably sufficient but:

I test drove a 2.3 and floored it at highway speed. It pretty much just sat there. My 2.7 feels very powerful and smooth and is probably faster than it needs to be.
Non port fuel injection is a 2.3 problem in the making for carbon buildup down the road. There is pretty much no real gas mileage benefits between the two engines looking at the EPA data.

Just as concerning is the braking system on the 2.3’s. They already have a TSB documenting potential problems and fixes. Many folks have experienced them, so have many Ranger owners. Long stopping distances and soft pedal feeling have been documented.
If you get the 2.3 you also don’t get the one pedal drive if that is important to you.

On the plus side if you desire to manually shift, the 2.3 is the only way to go.

Most of been something wrong with the one you drove then. 300 hp and 320 lbs torque is more than any previous Bronco ever had. I come from a position of driving big block v8s and 500+ hp suped up diesel pick ups and I find the 2.3 in my more door base sasquatch quite up to the job. The 2.7 I had in my f150 was overkill frankly.

I live in NM, just over 6,000 ft elevation at my house. Have taken my 2door 2.3 manual up Sandia crest 10,000 feet twice now and it loves climbing hills. I regularly catch myself hitting 90 getting on the interstate because it just pulls through the gears so well. If rolling in second and get into it can feel the left front try to pick up and the right rear try to pass me with the torque steer. The turbo lag is definitely noticeable but easy enough to adapt to. I was skeptical about the 2.3 having enough torque on the low end for off road use but after spending a few hours tooling around the forest roads today it had no problem climbing up anything I encountered. The only real negative I can give it is the sound. It’s a GDI 4 banger it’s never gonna have a sound that matches the looks of the bronco. You can change out the exhaust and make it sound like an import street racer but neither engine option will have the nice rumble of a small block V8 or inline 6.
Just my $.02

Eninty
OP, it's a forced induction (turbocharged) engine, which does not experience the power loss at altitude than a normally aspirated engine does. The 2.3L has 300 HP running on 91/93 high octane fuel, which in most verisions of the Bronco is more than adequate. There is nearly a 500-pound weight differential between Bronco models, so the higher trim 4-door models are heavier than the Base and Big Bend models 2-door models. Adding off-road hardware like the modular bumper and skid plates (Black Diamond and Badlands) adds significant weight but based on my experience with my 2-dr Black Diamond and having driven in Colorado many times over the years (not yet in my Bronco) I think you'd have no issue with the 2.3L. Also, the automatic transmission has 10 forward gears, so there is no lack of gear ratio choices to keep the 2.3L in its powerband.

Also, Ford just released the factory warranty-backed 2.3L engine tune, which boosts horsepower to 330 and torque to 385 pound-foot. The torque increase of 65 pound-foot is significant. It's $825 + installation.

I don’t think many people read the fine print on the Ford Performance warranty.
Your good for the first 3 years and 36k miles from your in service date. After that is up to Ford’s discretion. It would be different if they mirrored the 5yr 60k warranty, but they don’t.
Read on:
SELECT FORD PERFORMANCE PARTS LIMITED WARRANTY
Rev. February 14, 2021
Ford Motor Company, The American Road, Dearborn, MI 48025, provides a Limited Warranty on select Ford Performance Parts and as described herein when installed on late model Ford vehicles. This warranty works in conjunction with -- and does not void -- the Manufacturer's New Vehicle Limited Warranty. It is valid for the original retail purchaser of the vehicle and is transferable to subsequent vehicle owners.
Performance Packs and Component Parts
Performance Packs and Components are warranted for factory-supplied material or workmanship when correctly and completely installed on a late model Ford vehicle by an authorized Ford or Lincoln Dealer, Shelby American, Inc., or an automotive service technician certified by the Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or endorsed by the Red Seal Program (RSE). This Performance Packs and Components Limited Warranty begins upon installation and registration of the part(s) with Ford Performance and remains in effect for the balance of 36 months or 36,000 miles / 60,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first, calculated from the start date of the manufacturer's New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Installation of these select Ford Performance warranted performance packs and components by an authorized installer will NOT void your New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Engine, driveline and suspension concerns not caused by the use of Ford Performance parts remain eligible for warranty coverage according to the terms of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Ford Performance parts are aftermarket parts. The use of Ford Performance parts may impact the performance characteristics of other systems of the vehicle. Even when operating properly, Ford Performance parts, such as these, have the potential to adversely impact other systems of the vehicle. If an adverse impact is caused by a warranted Ford Performance pack or component, the period and coverage of this Ford Performance Limited Warranty applies to the repairs.
Premium Fuel Requirement: Customers who purchase power upgrade packs, cold air kits with calibration, engine calibrations, or superchargers are required to use 91-octane or higher (“premium”) fuels at all times. Any failures associated with the non-use of premium fuel will be ineligible for warranty repair.
Performance Handling Pack FR3/FR3A Note: Performance handling packs are designed for "Track Day" ride and handling. Such performance standards suggest the vehicle ride will be more indicative of race performance vehicles. Certain vehicle conditions including, but not limited to, squeaks, rattles and harsh ride related to use of a Performance Handling Pack or components will not be covered under this Limited Warranty. The performance handling pack requires the use of original equipment size wheels only. It is strongly recommended after installation that the alignment be checked to ensure measurements are within factory specifications. Premature tire degradation will not be covered under this Limited Warranty. Contact the Ford Performance Call Center at (800) 367-3788 or [email protected] for front end alignment information.
Warranty Registration: This Limited Warranty requires that parts must be purchased from an authorized Ford Performance Distributor and installed by an authorized Ford or Lincoln Dealer, Shelby American, Inc., or an automotive service technician certified by the Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or endorsed by the Red Seal Program (RSE). Proof of purchase is required for submission of warranty claims. Registration for this warranty must be submitted through the Ford Performance Call Center at (800) 367-3788 or [email protected] with the vehicle identification number (VIN), part installation repair order and date, Ford Performance part number,

A forced induction engine (turbo or supercharger) is not affected by elevation. It has the same power at 20k feet as it does at sea level.
Pay attention to fuel though. Regular fuel is not the same everywhere. At higher elevations, 85 octane is regular. You should avoid the mistake of just selecting regular at the pump without looking.

dover157

I live in NM, just over 6,000 ft elevation at my house. Have taken my 2door 2.3 manual up Sandia crest 10,000 feet twice now and it loves climbing hills. I regularly catch myself hitting 90 getting on the interstate because it just pulls through the gears so well. If rolling in second and get into it can feel the left front try to pick up and the right rear try to pass me with the torque steer. The turbo lag is definitely noticeable but easy enough to adapt to. I was skeptical about the 2.3 having enough torque on the low end for off road use but after spending a few hours tooling around the forest roads today it had no problem climbing up anything I encountered. The only real negative I can give it is the sound. It’s a GDI 4 banger it’s never gonna have a sound that matches the looks of the bronco. You can change out the exhaust and make it sound like an import street racer but neither engine option will have the nice rumble of a small block V8 or inline 6.
Just my $.02

Hoping this will help with the exhaust note! Just arrived this morning!

I have a 2.3 auto badlands I have no problem getting up steeper grades. Haven't had a chance to go higher in the mountains. Of course I use 93 octane in it.

sportcoupe

A forced induction engine (turbo or supercharger) is not affected by elevation. It has the same power at 20k feet as it does at sea level.
Pay attention to fuel though. Regular fuel is not the same everywhere. At higher elevations, 85 octane is regular. You should avoid the mistake of just selecting regular at the pump without looking.

I would say less affected. Air density is still lower, and compressor speeds are limited and intercoolers are less effective.

Lower octane at altitude due to lower cylinder pressures.

Can always add one of these for more airflow and power too.

87BroncoVB

Can always add one of these for more airflow and power too.

Manufacturers can claim anything. I have bought plenty of big benefit claim items over the years that did absolutely nothing.
Buyer be ware…

LaurenMarinelli

Hi! I am finding less expensive Broncos in some states outside of Colorado, but they have a 2.3 L- 4-Cylinder Turbo Engine. Is this engine sufficient for the Colorado Mountains? Thank you in advance!

I can't say for Colorado, but the 2.3 is not lacking power... +275 hp and plenty of tq... remember just 15-20 years ago... those were V8 numbers... but again.. not sure how turbos are affected by elevation. I don't think you would be disappointed.

I'm on 35 Trail Grapplers, 2.3, 7sp... ZERO ISSUES.

We have 2.3 MT Badlands with the 4.70 rear axle. Its a heavy 4 door with heavy aftermarket bumpers, steps, 37 inch tires, winch, 3 inch suspension lift. It has plenty of power. Loaded down with family/gear we had zero power issues driving uphill grade from CA to Flagstaff AZ. I know Flag isn't CO but we use to have a place deep in the CO wildnerness years ago and believe the 2.3 manual transmission would have no problems at 8-10K feet. The only to note is you will burn through gas a bit more bc the engine works harder.

There are three easy things you can do to really help the 2.3 move even more swiftly at high elevation:

1. Upgrade the engine air filter to a whipple high velocity top filter (S&B is the OEM). See pic of ours. It costs $79 and super easy install.

2. Premium fuel. It adds 20-25hp to the 2.3 engine PER FORD. It also burns cleaner. Clean your fuel injectors every 5-10K miles and it will run great forever. Plus Inline engines are stronger and like long high RPMs much more than V engines.

3. We sell sprint booster throttle controller on here in the Accessories section for less than any other authorized dealer in America. I can't stress enough how much it helps and how many of our bronco customers love how it made driving so much more enjoyable. Super easy DIY install. Won't void your factory warranty. It doesn't increase horsepower. And much more.

Hope this helps