Trading Jeep Gladiator for Bronco

[Mutt]

Hello All,
I currently have a Jeep Gladiator Mojave, MT, 3.6L. Long story short, I hate the manual trans that jeep has. Even with an ACT clutch you have a 50/50 chance that it will operate right. And the 3.6 engine is pretty gutless.
Anyhow, I've always liked the Bronco and went and test drove one yesterday. I really liked it. I'm looking at the Outer Banks and Badlands 4-door. I would like a 6cyl, auto, with the Sasquatch package. It will be a daily driver that will see more than fire roads. We'll say 75/25%., and I would like to do an overland rig.

So I wanted to reach out to you all and see if there's any options that i should stay away from, aren't needed, anything that you think is mandatory. And I really wanted to know if the 4cyl should be a hard "no" for what i described. The Jeep's only option to their 6cyl is an engine swap. There's really nothing you can do to wake it up. I know there's a lot of variables here, but from what I described, I'm trying to avoid any mistakes and I'm just looking for a little guidance from you guys. I figured there's no one better to ask...I imagine you've seen it all and some mistakes have been made. I appreciate any help in advance and maybe even a good dealer in Southern California(will drive for a good deal!) Thanks Steve

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[TheShark]

I've had both the 2.3 and the 2.7 and will say I really like the 2.7 but honestly the 2.3 really gives you all the power and torque you need. Don't drive a 2.7 and you will never miss it. I believe the OBX is only 2.3 so you will need to step up to a BL to get the 2.7.

 

[Mutt]

Too late! The only one they had on the lot with the Sasquatch was the 2.7. But I've heard good things about the 2.3. I don't need a fire breather, but my only concern is when I start to load it down with gear. But if there's anything available out there that uncorks the 2.3 (tuners, cold air intake s, etc) in the event that i start to weight it down, I would be open to getting the 2.3.

 

[TheShark]

Too late! The only one they had on the lot with the Sasquatch was the 2.7. But I've heard good things about the 2.3. I don't need a fire breather, but my only concern is when I start to load it down with gear. But if there's anything available out there that uncorks the 2.3 (tuners, cold air intake s, etc) in the event that i start to weight it down, I would be open to getting the 2.3.

You can certainly get a tune for the 2.3 but I doubt you would need it. The MPG between the two engines is negligible so if you feel happier with the 2.7 go for it.

 

[Aknobronco]

I've had both the 2.3 and the 2.7 and will say I really like the 2.7 but honestly the 2.3 really gives you all the power and torque you need. Don't drive a 2.7 and you will never miss it. I believe the OBX is only 2.3 so you will need to step up to a BL to get the 2.7.

That's a can of bulls there. I test drove the 2.7 wiltrack then a 2025 2.3 Sasquatch, no I did not miss the 2.7 v6 power.

V6 ugly plastic valve covers, belt driven oil pump and tensioners issues are immediate rejections!

New 2.3 is not weak by any means.

Feel sorry for op on shitlantis crap ass products. However bronco has it share of problems. Just Google look up forum.

 

[Oldhippie]

The 2.7 has nearly 100ft lbs of torque over the 2.3 and there is lots more power adds available for the 2.7 than the 2.3…the difference is real if ya want to spend the $…sure the 2.3 with the ford tune can match/beat a stock 2.7 on hp but that is about as far ya can take it (tuning is not unlocked), but the 2.7 can get over 400hp pretty easy from what I have heard (I am happy enough with the ford tune on my 2.7)…and since we are in Calif we can’t do much aftermarket power ads anyway (arb)…

 

[23OBX2.7]

Either engine is great the 2.3 with FP Procal tune is excellent value while 2.7 with same is also great hard to beat the butter smooth twin turbo V6 .....not sure if MB still has one ....Alfa and Maserati have them in ther SUVS for $100K plus....

Dont need CAI or much else really. 18" wheels with 275 or 285 70 keep handling reasonably tight with ability to tackle a lot.

 

[cfoster]

I've had both the 2.3 and the 2.7 and will say I really like the 2.7 but honestly the 2.3 really gives you all the power and torque you need. Don't drive a 2.7 and you will never miss it. I believe the OBX is only 2.3 so you will need to step up to a BL to get the 2.7.

The Outer Banks definitely has the 2.7. I don’t believe they are even available with the 2.3.

 

[cameherefromjeep]

I came from a gladiator to a badlands Sasquatch. The interior space and power were much different and I’m glad I made the jump. Enjoy!

 

[DALOLA]

 

[RK Racing]

We also made the jump…… from this (both jeeps gone as of 2 weeks ago) to a Bronco Raptor (On Order) Looking forward to not missing the jeeps……

 

[Oilbrnr]

The 2.3 MPC has plenty of power while loaded, even at altitude (6k+) here in AZ, at least with the 7MT, though I'm sure the auto is not much different.

IMHO a much better powertrain vs. the 2.7 if you plan keep it long term. Very accessible engine with what seems to be a minimal amount of plastic coolant bits, aluminum valve cover and oil pan, port and DI, GEAR driven oil pump, one less turbo.

Just have a look under the two hoods.

 

[DBX2]

I came from a gladiator to a badlands Sasquatch. The interior space and power were much different and I’m glad I made the jump. Enjoy!

Had many Jeeps; on our 2nd Bronco. Never again will own a Jeep. Congratulations and enjoy!

 

[wjtinfwb]

Hello All,
I currently have a Jeep Gladiator Mojave, MT, 3.6L. Long story short, I hate the manual trans that jeep has. Even with an ACT clutch you have a 50/50 chance that it will operate right. And the 3.6 engine is pretty gutless.
Anyhow, I've always liked the Bronco and went and test drove one yesterday. I really liked it. I'm looking at the Outer Banks and Badlands 4-door. I would like a 6cyl, auto, with the Sasquatch package. It will be a daily driver that will see more than fire roads. We'll say 75/25%., and I would like to do an overland rig.

So I wanted to reach out to you all and see if there's any options that i should stay away from, aren't needed, anything that you think is mandatory. And I really wanted to know if the 4cyl should be a hard "no" for what i described. The Jeep's only option to their 6cyl is an engine swap. There's really nothing you can do to wake it up. I know there's a lot of variables here, but from what I described, I'm trying to avoid any mistakes and I'm just looking for a little guidance from you guys. I figured there's no one better to ask...I imagine you've seen it all and some mistakes have been made. I appreciate any help in advance and maybe even a good dealer in Southern California(will drive for a good deal!) Thanks Steve

The 2.3 is adequate, the 2.7 is a gem. Abundant torque right off idle and once warmed up, almost silent and very smooth in operation. The 10-speed is well matched and in my aet '23, shifts perfectly with no gear hunting. If you're craving more "umph" than the Jeep, I'd say springing for the 2.7 is a mandatory choice.

 

[bdubsbronco]

The wife will not let go of her 2025 Jeep Glady Rubicon, and that's ok. But the interior space and ride quality difference is substantial. I have the 2025 Big Bend 2.3 and just got the Procal. I won't lie and say the difference is night and day, but it does feel a little stronger and doesn't struggle as much in between gears. It definitely suits my needs. I don't regret not getting a 2.7. But I'm not gonna load it down with overlanding gear or much of anything actually.

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