I’ll be getting a Bronco in a few months. I thought about a Jeep Gladiator, but they seem like junk. I’m stuck choosing between the 2.3 and 2.7 engines. Which one is more reliable, and is there a big difference between them?
TLDR: I test drove the 2.3 and ordered the 2.7 because I wanted the extra power. The 2.3 is solid for most people. Pick based on your budget since both are reliable.
I got my 2022 Black Diamond 4-door with the 2.7, and I’ve put 47k miles on it with long road trips and daily use. The 2.3 I test drove was great for city and highway driving. It was smooth and handled the truck’s weight well, but the turbo kicks in more on highways, slightly affecting fuel efficiency.
The 2.7, on the other hand, is the fun choice. I get around 18 MPG on average, but I’ve hit 23 MPG on long trips. The extra cost was worth it for me because I wanted the vehicle to feel just right. It’s powerful and reliable as long as you keep up with maintenance like oil changes and letting the turbos cool. Off-road, it performs like a champ.
Keep in mind that with the 10-speed auto, you might spin the tires in rain or snow if you’re heavy-footed. Both engines are great, but the 2.7 gives a little more excitement.
@Rex
Exactly. Couldn’t agree more.
This needs to be pinned. People ask this all the time.
The 2.3 is solid, but the 2.7 has smoother performance and better low-end torque. If you’re planning on bigger tires like 37s, go with the V6. Otherwise, the 2.3 is reliable, cheaper to maintain, and gives better mileage. You can also tune it with Ford Pro Calibration to boost the power closer to the 2.7. Honestly, you can’t go wrong. Drive both and see which one feels better for you.
@Hart
I’ve driven all three engine options, and the 2.3 is surprisingly good. It holds up well in the Bronco.
Kit said:
@Hart
I’ve driven all three engine options, and the 2.3 is surprisingly good. It holds up well in the Bronco.
My buddy tuned his Ford Flex with the 3.5 to hit 500hp. Not sure why, but it’s wild.
@Hart
Sounds awesome!
@Hart
I went with the 2.3 because it’s the only option with a manual. Love it.
Kade said:
@Hart
I went with the 2.3 because it’s the only option with a manual. Love it.
I got the automatic, but sometimes I regret it. I also heard the 2.7 has a lower alternator position, making it less ideal for water fording.
The 2.3 has fewer parts that can break and is cheaper to repair. For perspective, it makes more horsepower and torque than the old V8 Broncos. The 2.3 has plenty of power, and the 2.7 just adds a little more. A V8 isn’t really necessary for normal use, but I get why people like the idea.
@West
This is why I picked the 2.3.
The 2.3 lets you get a manual transmission, and I’ve been happy with it. Never felt like I needed the bigger engine.
The 2.7 doesn’t rely on the turbos as much at highway speeds compared to the 2.3, which might improve fuel efficiency a bit.
Zinn said:
The 2.7 doesn’t rely on the turbos as much at highway speeds compared to the 2.3, which might improve fuel efficiency a bit.
The boost display in the gauge cluster helps you keep track and save fuel. Makes it kind of fun to aim for better MPG.
We tried both and went with the V6 because it felt smoother. My wife liked it more, and the power was a bonus.
I went with the 2.7 and love it. Had the same engine in my Ford Edge ST, and it was super reliable. The Bronco’s tuning leans more towards low-end power, which feels great for off-roading.
We tested both and liked the power of the 2.7 better. The 2.3 was fine but didn’t feel as strong. Drive both and see what fits your style.
Our 2.3 has plenty of power. It’s a 2-door Badlands, and it moves! But I do wish we’d gone with the 2.7 for its dual injection system, which reduces carbon buildup. Plus, the 2.3 has an awkward oil filter placement for DIY changes.
We chose the 2.7 because the 2.3 with an automatic felt loud, and the transmission seemed to struggle a bit. Premium gas and tuning might help, though.