The Ford Bronco comes with two engine options for most trims: the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder and the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. Most buyers overthink this decision. Here is what actually separates them.
The numbers side by side
On premium fuel, the 2.3L makes 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The 2.7L makes 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both run fine on regular 87-octane with a small drop in output.
The torque gap is the real difference. 90 more lb-ft from the 2.7L is noticeable on steep climbs, deep mud, and highway passing. The horsepower gap of 30 is less meaningful in real-world driving.
Fuel economy on the 2.3L runs 20 city / 22 highway. The 2.7L comes in at 19 city / 19-20 highway. Real-world numbers from owner reports track within 1-2 mpg of EPA estimates under mixed driving, with bigger gaps when towing or running larger tires.
Transmission options
This is the one most buyers miss. The 7-speed manual transmission is only available with the 2.3L. If you want a manual Bronco, the 2.7L is off the table entirely. The 2.7L is 10-speed automatic only.
The 10-speed automatic is available with both engines. New for 2026, it is also available with the 2.3L on the Heritage Edition trim, which previously required the 2.7L.
Towing capacity
Both engines tow the same. Maximum towing capacity for the Ford Bronco is 3,500 lbs regardless of which engine you choose. If towing capacity is your reason for considering the 2.7L, that reason does not hold up.
Off-road performance
Both engines are capable off road. The 2.3L handles trails, rock crawling, and sand running without issue for the vast majority of owners. The 2.7L's torque advantage becomes noticeable on steep inclines with a loaded truck, oversized tires, or both.
If you are running the Sasquatch Package with 35-inch tires and plan to load the truck with gear and passengers regularly, the 2.7L's broader torque shelf is genuinely useful. On a stock non-Sasquatch Bronco used for moderate trails and daily driving, most owners report the 2.3L is plenty.
The reliability question - and this one matters
The 2.7L has a documented reliability issue that the 2.3L does not. In August 2024, Ford issued recall 24V635000 covering 2021-2022 Broncos equipped with the 2.7L built between May 1 and October 31, 2021. The intake valves in these engines were made from a material called Silchrome Lite that could become brittle and break while driving, causing complete engine failure and loss of drive power.
Ford switched to a different valve material called Silchrome 1 after October 31, 2021. Affected owners received an extended warranty under customer satisfaction campaign 24N12 covering 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Dealers perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine at no cost if it fails.
If you are buying a 2021 or early 2022 Bronco with the 2.7L, check the VIN at nhtsa.gov and confirm the recall has been addressed before you sign. The 2.3L does not have this recall. Its track record across all model years is cleaner. For the full reliability picture by model year, read our guide on Ford Bronco reliability by model year.
Trim availability
The 2.3L is standard on Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, and most Heritage Edition trims. The Everglades comes exclusively with the 2.3L. The Wildtrak comes standard with the 2.7L. The Raptor uses a different engine entirely, the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, and is not part of this comparison.
On most trims you can choose either engine. The Wildtrak and Everglades are exceptions where the engine choice is already made for you.
Which one should you actually buy
Get the 2.3L if you want the manual transmission, prioritize fuel economy, daily drive the truck without oversized tires, or are buying a used 2021-2022 and want to avoid the intake valve recall entirely.
Get the 2.7L if you want the most torque available outside the Raptor, plan to run 35-inch tires as a daily driver, frequently carry heavy loads or passengers, or simply want the extra headroom and will never miss the manual option.
Both engines will get you up a trail and down the highway. The decision comes down to how you use the truck and whether the manual matters to you. Most buyers who are undecided are fine with the 2.3L. The ones who genuinely need the 2.7L usually know it before they start shopping. For more on building your Bronco the right way, read our guide on what to know before modding your Ford Bronco.
FAQ: Ford Bronco 2.3L vs 2.7L
Is the Ford Bronco 2.7L faster than the 2.3L?
In real-world driving the difference is modest. The 2.7L has 30 more horsepower and 90 more lb-ft of torque, which is noticeable on steep grades and highway passing but not dramatic in everyday driving. Most owners who have driven both describe the power difference as real but not dramatic.
Does the Ford Bronco 2.7L get worse gas mileage?
Slightly. The 2.3L rates 20 city / 22 highway versus the 2.7L at 19 city / 19-20 highway. Real-world gap tends to be 1-2 mpg under mixed driving. Tire size has a bigger impact on fuel economy than engine choice on Sasquatch-equipped trucks.
Is the Ford Bronco 2.7L reliable?
Post-October 2021 production 2.7L engines have a cleaner track record. The intake valve recall 24V635000 only affects 2021-2022 Broncos built before October 31, 2021. If you are buying used, check the VIN at nhtsa.gov to confirm the recall status before purchasing.
Can I flat tow a Ford Bronco with either engine?
Yes, both engines are compatible with flat towing when the correct procedure is followed. Engine choice does not affect flat tow capability. Read our guide on flat towing a Ford Bronco for the full procedure and what to watch out for.
Which Ford Bronco engine is better for off-roading?
Both are capable. The 2.7L torque advantage is meaningful on steep technical terrain with heavy loads or large tires. For moderate trails on a stock or lightly modified Bronco, the 2.3L handles it without issue. Most owners running 35-inch tires as a daily driver prefer the 2.7L for the extra low-end torque.
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About This Guide
This was put together by the team at Bronco Forge. We sell aftermarket parts exclusively for the Ford Bronco and spend time in Bronco owner communities tracking what owners actually experience with both engines. Questions about fitment or which parts make sense for your build? Reach out at contact@broncoforge.com or (909) 772-8050.
