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Ford’s EcoBoost engines in the sixth generation of Bronco (2021-2024) deliver performance and provide better fuel economy than larger displacement engines. There are three in the series to choose from.
What Engines Are Available for the Ford Bronco?
If you’re buying a Bronco in 2024, the three main engine options are:
- Ford Bronco 4-cylnder 2.3L EcoBoost Engine
- Ford Bronco 6-cylinder 2.7L EcoBoost Engine
- Ford Bronco 6-cylinder 3.0L EcoBoost Engine
We'll compare engine specs and see which engine is available in each trim and detail why one may be right for you in this simple guide.
Why is the Engine So Important?
There are two technical specifications commonly mentioned with engines: horsepower and torque. Before we get into the EcoBoost options for Bronco, consider this. Why do you have an engine? Simply, to get your wheels moving.
Engines rely on torque to turn the vehicle’s wheels. Horsepower measures how fast that is done.
Things to Know
Horsepower (hp) is a unit of measurement, referring to the amount of power an engine produces. Power, in physics, is how fast work gets done.
Torque is also a measurement, referring to the twisting force the engine produces. Torque measures the engine’s ability to do work.
Horsepower and torque are both important and how you plan to order and use your Bronco can determine which specs are enough for you.
Now, let’s look at the technical specifications of each engine and which engine comes in what trim. There are a few items to note, so be sure to read our section on configurations below.
The Ford Bronco 4-cylinder 2.3L EcoBoost Engine (direct-injection)
Stats:
- 275 hp/315 lb-ft of torque (regular fuel)
- 300 hp/325 lb-ft of torque (premium fuel)
Get it in:
- Big Bend (standard)
- Black Diamond (standard)
- Outer Banks (standard)
- Badlands (standard)
- Everglades
- Heritage Edition (standard)
The Ford Bronco 6-cylinder 2.7L EcoBoost Engine (port-fuel/direct-injection)
Stats:
- 315 hp/410 lb-ft of torque (regular fuel)
- 330 hp/415 lb-ft of torque (premium fuel)
Get it in:
- Big Bend (optional)
- Black Diamond (optional)
- Outer Banks (optional)
- Badlands (optional)
- Wildtrak
- Heritage Edition (optional)
- Heritage Limited Edition
The Ford Bronco 6-cylinder 3.0L EcoBoost Engine (direct-injection)
Stats:
- 418 hp/440 lb-ft of torque (premium fuel)
Get it in:
- Bronco Raptor
Ford Bronco Engine and Configuration Choices
We’ll only cover the 2.3L and 2.7L engines here, because if you’re getting a Bronco Raptor, you’re getting the 3.0L whether you want it or not –– and most people do want it. The rest probably want a 5.0L Coyote.
I’ve said it before (Should I Order | The Bronco 2.3L or 2.7L Engine), and for those on the fence, it bears repeating: Neither engine will keep you from enjoying a Bronco; full stop. While “more” is sometimes better, you may not need the extra $2,145 expense of optioning the 2.7L.
Engine Order Configuration
To help you decide if it’s worth it, let’s look at how you’re configuring your order. If you want any of the following, Ford makes the choice easy:
Transmission
Manual 7-speed transmission – If you want a manual, know that Ford only pairs it with the 2.3L.
Bronco Trim
Big Bend or Everglades – Likewise, Ford only gives these trims the 2.3L.
Trail One-Pedal Drive Feature
Trail One-Pedal Drive feature – If you want to have Trail One-Pedal Driving, you will need to order the 2.7L, because Ford did not include that on the 2.3L.
Door Options
2-door or 4-door – Between similarly specified trims with the difference being door count, you’re looking at roughly 200 pounds less for a 2-door Bronco. Start adding people, roof-top tents, fridges, and aftermarket bumpers, however, and either configuration can get weighty fast. Torque moves a vehicle from a stop, and more weight means more torque is needed. The 2.7L is not a requirement for the 4-door by any means, but the heavier your vehicle is, the more you may want to consider it.
Sasquatch Package
Sasquatch package or non-Sas – If you add the Sasquatch package, you’ll get a rear axle with a 4.7 gear ratio. The shorter gearing requires less torque to move your Bronco from 0 mph, working in your favor as you add weight with the larger tires and heavier wheels. If you plan to go above 37" tires, you'll lose the 4.7 gear ratio benefits, and then you'll definitely want the torque of the 2.7L.
Unsure of if you want Sasquatch? Read: Should I Order | Bronco’s Sasquatch Package
So, Which Ford Bronco Engine Should I Get?
Finally, let’s go over your setup in your preferred use case. We’ll break it down into three main categories:
- My Bronco will be a commuter-only vehicle, and I’m happy with it mostly stock. Short answer: 2.3L is perfect. While a stronger engine can help in more mountainous terrain, owners of the 2.3L say it’s never let them down. If you like to like to get on it at green lights, however, the torque of the 2.7L comes in handy.
- My Bronco will be a commuter vehicle mainly, but I like to go camping/do light off-roading/tow things. Short answer: Look at your budget first and the trim you want, then decide. Everglades owners like Bronco Nation member Jakob1972 have no issue off-roading or pulling a travel trailer with a 2.3L.
- My Bronco is meant for the trails, and I will be modifying it. Short answer: 2.7L may be the way to go, especially if you’re a rock crawler. I’ve never seen a 2.3L Bronco fail on an obstacle due to a lack of torque ––and all the torque in the world still relies on traction to move a vehicle. Too much power in the hands of an unskilled driver can do more harm than good: Throttle control can make the difference between snapping components and cruising a trail with no issues. Still, torque is where it’s at for rock crawling, and the 2.7L produces nearly 100 lb-ft more than the 2.3L. And if you’re more into sand, snow, or mud off-roading, the additional horsepower can benefit you.
Are there other factors to take into consideration? There are, including how you feel about oil pan material, alternator and oil filter placement, turbos, fuel injection, brake boost, and more. However, speaking broadly, most people can use the above factors to help them determine which engine is right for them.
Now that Broncos are readily available on many dealer lots, test drive both and go with your gut. That’s what Kelley Blue Book, which just named the Bronco as having the best 5-year resale value of 2024, is doing: “Our heart tells us the V6 is the way to go, but the turbo-4 is remarkably spirited and doesn’t cost an extra $2,000.”
Where’s the V8?
We can’t talk about engines without bringing up the V8. If you want a V8 in a Bronco from factory, you had to order the Bronco DR with its 8-cylinder Coyote 5.0L (off-road use only … and expensive). Ford didn’t release final power numbers, but you’re looking at 400+ hp and maybe closer to 500, considering the 2024 Mustang Coyote’s 486 hp/418 lb-ft of torque.
Since the DR is out of reach for many, Bronco owners are attempting engine swaps on their own, from the Coyote 5.0 to the 5.2 supercharged GT500 engine, but the processes have been lengthy. At King of the Hammers 2024, word on the street is a new contender can make one fit –– maybe this year it will prove doable.
For the rest of us, will we ever see an affordable turnkey V8 option come out of the Michigan Assembly Plant? Only time will tell.
Engine Comparisons
For more out of your Bronco, get a Ford Performance calibration –– available in the Gear store at a discount:
Read Melissa Clark’s article, Tune Your Bronco: Installing the Ford Performance Calibration.
What do you think? 2.3L or 2.7L –– or are you going straight for a 3.0L? Tell us below or in the Bronco forums.
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