2.3L vs. 2.7L EcoBoost

2.3L EcoBoost I4

The standard engine on most trim levels. 275 hp, 315 lb-ft of torque. Paired with either the 7-speed manual or the 10-speed automatic — the 7-speed manual is exclusive to the 2.3L. The 2.7L is automatic-only.

Reliability

The 2.3L EcoBoost is a well-tested Ford engine with a real-world track record. It also powers the Mustang EcoBoost, Focus RS, and Explorer — so it has been stress-tested across different platforms and use cases. The Bronco application has enough real-world miles on it now to have a clear picture of what fails and what doesn't.

Known issues

Oil consumption on some examples — worth checking at purchase. Run the dipstick and ask the seller about consumption between oil changes. Carbon buildup on intake valves is common to all direct-injection engines, including this one. A walnut blast cleaning every 50,000–60,000 miles is recommended — budget for it as a maintenance item, not an emergency repair.

The 7-speed manual

A purpose-built manual transmission for off-road. Has an ultra-low 1st gear specifically for trail crawling — meaningfully lower than a typical manual transmission first gear. Some clutch wear reports on early examples, and a documented tendency toward first-gear grinding in cold temperatures. Ford updated the transmission fluid specification and clutch components during the production run. If you're buying a used manual example, verify smooth engagement across all gears and ask for any service history on the transmission.

The 7-speed gating is unusual by car standards. It takes about a week to feel natural. Once it does, most people who chose it say they wouldn't go back.

Fuel economy

Approximately 20 mpg city / 22 mpg highway with the automatic, non-Sasquatch. Sasquatch Broncos see meaningfully worse numbers due to the larger 35" tires and lower 4.70 gear ratio — expect 17–19 mpg highway in real use.

2.7L EcoBoost V6

330 hp, 415 lb-ft of torque. Automatic-only. Present on Badlands, Outer Banks, Wildtrak, and Everglades. The torque-forward option — 100 lb-ft more than the 2.3L, and it comes in lower in the rev range.

Where it matters

The 2.7L is the right choice for towing, heavy loads, or buyers who want maximum pulling power without thinking about it. The additional low-end torque is most useful when the truck is loaded down — gear, camping equipment, a trailer. In technical low-speed crawling, the difference between 315 and 415 lb-ft is less meaningful because the transmission is doing the work of managing power delivery.

Cooling and thermal management

The 2.7L runs warmer than the 2.3L and has more cooling demand — particularly notable when towing or in extended low-speed off-road use (rock crawling in high temps). Check coolant levels and cooling system condition on used examples. This isn't a flaw so much as a characteristic of a more powerful engine working harder.

Known issues

Oil consumption reports on certain builds. Check the dipstick at purchase. Intercooler condensation — water discharge at startup — is normal on the 2.7L and not a fault. The 10-speed automatic in the 2.7L Bronco is a capable transmission that handles trail mode well.

Which to Choose

For Sasquatch package off-road use, the 2.3L is sufficient. The additional 115 lb-ft from the 2.7L is most useful for towing and high-speed runs, less meaningful for technical crawling where you're moving slowly and the gear ratio is doing the heavy lifting. The 7-speed manual is the reason many buyers choose the 2.3L specifically — not a consolation prize.

The Verdict