The Ford Bronco roared back onto the scene, capturing the hearts of adventurers and off-road enthusiasts alike. A crucial decision for any prospective owner is selecting the right engine to power their Bronco experience. Ford equipped the sixth-generation Bronco (2021-2024) with a range of EcoBoost engines, designed to deliver a blend of robust performance and respectable fuel economy compared to traditional larger engines. Let’s dive into the available Ford Bronco Engine Options to help you determine the ideal powerplant for your needs.
Exploring the Ford Bronco Engine Lineup
For the 2024 Ford Bronco, buyers are presented with three primary engine choices, all part of Ford’s efficient and powerful EcoBoost family:
- Ford Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost Inline-4 Engine
- Ford Bronco 2.7L EcoBoost V6 Engine
- Ford Bronco 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Engine
In this guide, we will compare the specifications of each engine, outline their availability across different Bronco trims, and provide insights to assist you in making an informed engine decision tailored to your driving style and intended use.
Understanding Engine Performance: Horsepower and Torque
Before we delve into the specifics of each EcoBoost engine, it’s important to grasp the fundamental concepts of horsepower and torque, two key performance indicators. Why is an engine essential for a vehicle? Fundamentally, it’s to generate the force needed to turn the wheels and propel you forward.
Engines produce torque to rotate the wheels, and horsepower measures how quickly that work is accomplished.
Key Engine Terminology:
- Horsepower (hp): This unit quantifies the power output of an engine, essentially measuring the rate at which work is done. Think of it as how quickly the engine can perform.
- Torque (lb-ft): Torque is a measure of the twisting force produced by the engine. It indicates the engine’s capability to perform work, especially in overcoming resistance and getting a vehicle moving, particularly from a standstill.
Both horsepower and torque are critical aspects of engine performance. Your intended Bronco configuration and how you plan to use your vehicle will largely dictate which engine specifications are most relevant to you.
Now, let’s examine the technical specifications of each Ford Bronco engine option and their availability within different trim levels. Pay close attention to the configuration details provided below, as they can significantly influence your engine choice.
Ford Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost Engine: The Efficient Workhorse
The 2.3L EcoBoost engine is a direct-injection inline-4 cylinder powerplant, offering a compelling balance of efficiency and capability for the Ford Bronco.
2.3L EcoBoost Specifications:
- Horsepower: 275 hp (regular fuel) / 300 hp (premium fuel)
- Torque: 315 lb-ft (regular fuel) / 325 lb-ft (premium fuel)
Availability Across Bronco Trims:
- Big Bend (Standard)
- Black Diamond (Standard)
- Outer Banks (Standard)
- Badlands (Standard)
- Everglades
- Heritage Edition (Standard)
The 2.3L EcoBoost serves as the standard engine for a wide range of Bronco trims, providing ample power for daily driving and light off-road adventures. Its fuel efficiency is a notable advantage, making it a practical choice for many owners.
Ford Bronco 2.7L EcoBoost Engine: Stepping Up the Power
The 2.7L EcoBoost engine is a V6 that utilizes both port-fuel and direct-injection, delivering a significant step up in power and torque compared to the 2.3L.
2.7L EcoBoost Specifications:
- Horsepower: 315 hp (regular fuel) / 330 hp (premium fuel)
- Torque: 410 lb-ft (regular fuel) / 415 lb-ft (premium fuel)
Availability Across Bronco Trims:
- Big Bend (Optional)
- Black Diamond (Optional)
- Outer Banks (Optional)
- Badlands (Optional)
- Wildtrak
- Heritage Edition (Optional)
- Heritage Limited Edition
As an optional upgrade for several trims and standard on higher-performance models like the Wildtrak, the 2.7L EcoBoost provides enhanced capabilities, particularly beneficial for towing, more demanding off-road terrain, and drivers seeking more robust acceleration. The increased torque is especially noticeable in off-road situations and when carrying heavier loads.
Ford Bronco 3.0L EcoBoost Engine: Raptor-Exclusive Powerhouse
The 3.0L EcoBoost engine is a direct-injection V6 reserved exclusively for the high-performance Bronco Raptor model. It represents the pinnacle of power within the standard Bronco lineup.
3.0L EcoBoost Specifications:
- Horsepower: 418 hp (premium fuel)
- Torque: 440 lb-ft (premium fuel)
Availability Across Bronco Trims:
- Bronco Raptor (Standard and Only Option)
The 3.0L EcoBoost is engineered for maximum performance, delivering exceptional horsepower and torque figures. It’s perfectly matched to the Bronco Raptor’s extreme off-road capabilities and performance-oriented driving dynamics.
Ford Bronco Engine and Configuration Considerations
For most Bronco buyers, the engine decision will primarily revolve around the 2.3L and 2.7L EcoBoost options. The 3.0L is essentially pre-selected if you opt for the Bronco Raptor. Many purists might even yearn for a classic 5.0L Coyote V8, but for the current EcoBoost lineup, let’s focus on the factors influencing the choice between the 2.3L and 2.7L.
It’s worth reiterating that both the 2.3L and 2.7L engines are more than capable of delivering an enjoyable Bronco experience. While upgrading to the 2.7L offers more power, it also comes with a higher price tag. Whether that extra cost is justified depends heavily on your individual needs and preferences.
Engine and Order Configurations
To help you determine if the 2.7L upgrade is worthwhile, consider how your Bronco order configuration interacts with engine choice. Certain features and trim selections can make the engine decision clearer.
Transmission Choices
Manual 7-Speed Transmission: If a manual transmission is a must-have for your Bronco, your engine choice is straightforward. Ford exclusively pairs the 7-speed manual transmission with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine.
Bronco Trim Level
Big Bend or Everglades Trims: Similarly, for specific trims like the Big Bend and Everglades, Ford initially offered the 2.3L as the sole engine option. While this might evolve in future model years, it simplifies engine selection for these trims in certain production periods.
Trail One-Pedal Drive Feature
Trail One-Pedal Drive: If you desire the advanced control offered by the Trail One-Pedal Drive feature for challenging off-road situations, opting for the 2.7L EcoBoost engine is necessary. This feature was not initially available with the 2.3L engine.
Door Configuration: 2-Door vs. 4-Door
2-Door or 4-Door Models: A 2-door Bronco generally weighs approximately 200 pounds less than a comparably equipped 4-door model. However, adding passengers, rooftop tents, gear, and aftermarket accessories can quickly increase the weight of either configuration. Torque is crucial for moving a vehicle from a standstill, and increased weight demands more torque. While the 2.7L isn’t mandatory for a 4-door Bronco, if you anticipate regularly carrying heavier loads or frequently encountering demanding terrain, the added torque of the 2.7L becomes a more compelling consideration.
Sasquatch Package Considerations
Sasquatch Package: Choosing the Sasquatch Package brings with it a rear axle featuring a 4.7 gear ratio. This shorter gearing effectively multiplies torque at the wheels, making it easier to move the Bronco from a stop, particularly beneficial given the increased weight of the larger tires and wheels included in the Sasquatch package. However, if you plan to upsize tires beyond 37 inches, the benefits of the 4.7 gear ratio diminish, and the higher torque output of the 2.7L engine becomes even more desirable.
Which Ford Bronco Engine Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best Ford Bronco engine for you depends on your intended use and driving style. Let’s break down engine recommendations based on common usage scenarios:
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Primarily a Commuter, Mostly Stock: For a Bronco primarily used for daily commuting and kept in a largely stock configuration, the 2.3L EcoBoost is an excellent choice. While the 2.7L offers more power, the 2.3L provides sufficient performance for everyday driving and even moderate terrain. Owners report satisfaction with the 2.3L’s performance in various conditions. However, if you appreciate brisk acceleration from traffic lights, the 2.7L’s extra torque might be appealing.
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Commuting, Camping, Light Off-Roading, Towing: For a Bronco that serves as a daily driver but also sees weekend adventures involving camping, light off-roading, and occasional towing, consider both engines. Start by evaluating your budget and desired trim level. Owners of 2.3L-equipped Broncos, including Everglades models, have successfully tackled off-roading and towed trailers without issue. The 2.3L can handle these tasks capably, especially if you prioritize fuel economy and manage expectations regarding extreme performance. However, if budget allows and you anticipate frequent towing or more challenging off-road excursions, the 2.7L provides a more comfortable margin of power.
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Dedicated Off-Roader, Frequent Modifications: If your Bronco is destined for serious trail duty and you plan on extensive modifications, the 2.7L EcoBoost is generally the preferred choice, especially for rock crawling. While a skilled driver can navigate obstacles with the 2.3L, the 2.7L’s significantly higher torque output provides a distinct advantage in demanding off-road situations. In sand, snow, or mud, the additional horsepower of the 2.7L can also prove beneficial for maintaining momentum and wheel speed.
Beyond these primary considerations, other factors like oil pan material, alternator and oil filter placement, turbocharger configuration, fuel injection systems, and brake boost characteristics differentiate the engines. However, for the majority of buyers, focusing on the factors outlined above will effectively guide their engine selection.
With Ford Broncos now more readily available at dealerships, the best advice is to test drive both 2.3L and 2.7L equipped models. Experience each engine firsthand to determine which best aligns with your driving preferences and needs. As Kelley Blue Book, which recognized the Bronco for having the best 5-year resale value in 2024, aptly summarized: “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.”
The V8 Question: Where’s the V8 Bronco?
No discussion about Bronco engines is complete without addressing the V8 elephant in the room. For a factory-built V8 Bronco, the limited-production, off-road-only Bronco DR, equipped with a 5.0L Coyote V8, was the answer – albeit an exclusive and expensive one. While official power figures weren’t finalized, it’s expected to deliver well over 400 hp, potentially nearing 500 hp, considering the current Mustang Coyote’s output of 486 hp and 418 lb-ft of torque.
For those seeking a more accessible V8 Bronco, engine swaps are becoming a topic of interest within the Bronco community, ranging from Coyote 5.0L swaps to even more ambitious projects involving supercharged 5.2L GT500 engines. While these swaps are complex and time-consuming, advancements are being made in making them more feasible. Whether Ford will eventually offer a more mainstream, factory V8 option for the Bronco remains to be seen.
Engine Comparison Table
The following table summarizes the key specifications and availability of the Ford Bronco engine options:
Choosing the right Ford Bronco engine is a crucial step in tailoring your vehicle to your specific needs and adventures. By understanding the characteristics of each EcoBoost engine and considering your intended use, you can confidently select the powerplant that will best fuel your Bronco experience. Which engine are you leaning towards – the 2.3L, 2.7L, or perhaps dreaming of the Raptor’s 3.0L? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the discussion in the Bronco forums.
