- Thread starter
- #1
I had the chance to drive extensively the 2.3 and 2.7 on the Bronco (all 4 doors), thanks to dealer vehicles (for on road driving) as well as Bronco Offrodeo (for off road comparison).
I see a lot of posts and threads about is the 2.3 sufficient and so on so I am reporting my findings.
Introduction:
- First I was able to demo a 2.3 Ranger and a 2.7 F-150. Loved the 2.3 in the ranger
- I initially ordered the 2.3 after the ranger/F150 drive (now switched to a 2.7)
- I daily drive a SUV with 180HP and it's fine to me
- we were 3 people able to drive and compare and the 3 of us agreed so you get 3 piece of advice here in 1
- I only tested the AUTO. This does NOT apply to manual (that has a different gearing anyway). This does not apply to 2D either.
Conclusions:
- First and foremost if you have driven a Ranger or own a ranger, FORGET ABOUT IT. The Bronco is a MUCH heavier vehicle, and in the heavy Badlands I drove, it could NOT compare with the Ranger in any way. The engine was fun and powerful in the Ranger with good pickup. In the Bronco it felt sluggish. Not smooth at all and would produce heavy sounds while not moving the vehicle much. The gearing compensates the larger tires but nothing seems to compensate for the heavier weight.
- The 2.7 felt smooth and powerful. I enjoyed driving it and felt connected with the vehicle. It was never struggling even off-road and felt like it was quiet, smooth and with enough power when I needed.
- I am frustrated, because I was initially happy after the Ranger test drive. Happy to save $2K and slightly better MPG because I am not getting a Bronco to race so I just needed adequate power. But now I would not take the 2.3 if you paid me $5K.
Again this does not apply to manual (different gearing) and it does not apply to base/big bend (light vehicles). I only compared Sasquatched Badlands (5200 pounds). If you are getting a heavy Bronco don't cheap out. Get the 2.7 and thank me later when you test drive your friend's 2.3 and realize you avoided a catastrophe (lol).
By the way, those drives and the offrodeo confirmed my excitement about the Bronco. Incredible vehicle and capability, super comfortable on and off-road.
Also I really recommend the Lux package it made my experience much better with the cameras off road, the base sound system was horrible but the upgraded B&O was really decent, and the adaptive cruise was nice on the highway.
One more point, after driving the Badlands with 33s and 35s I really recommend going Sasquatch. The 35 were actually more comfortable on road, and look is better. Also during Off-rodeo I was following all along a 33 Badlands and I did not touch under body where they did so the added clearance really made a difference.
That's my 2 cents anyway. To each his own!
I see a lot of posts and threads about is the 2.3 sufficient and so on so I am reporting my findings.
Introduction:
- First I was able to demo a 2.3 Ranger and a 2.7 F-150. Loved the 2.3 in the ranger
- I initially ordered the 2.3 after the ranger/F150 drive (now switched to a 2.7)
- I daily drive a SUV with 180HP and it's fine to me
- we were 3 people able to drive and compare and the 3 of us agreed so you get 3 piece of advice here in 1
- I only tested the AUTO. This does NOT apply to manual (that has a different gearing anyway). This does not apply to 2D either.
Conclusions:
- First and foremost if you have driven a Ranger or own a ranger, FORGET ABOUT IT. The Bronco is a MUCH heavier vehicle, and in the heavy Badlands I drove, it could NOT compare with the Ranger in any way. The engine was fun and powerful in the Ranger with good pickup. In the Bronco it felt sluggish. Not smooth at all and would produce heavy sounds while not moving the vehicle much. The gearing compensates the larger tires but nothing seems to compensate for the heavier weight.
- The 2.7 felt smooth and powerful. I enjoyed driving it and felt connected with the vehicle. It was never struggling even off-road and felt like it was quiet, smooth and with enough power when I needed.
- I am frustrated, because I was initially happy after the Ranger test drive. Happy to save $2K and slightly better MPG because I am not getting a Bronco to race so I just needed adequate power. But now I would not take the 2.3 if you paid me $5K.
Again this does not apply to manual (different gearing) and it does not apply to base/big bend (light vehicles). I only compared Sasquatched Badlands (5200 pounds). If you are getting a heavy Bronco don't cheap out. Get the 2.7 and thank me later when you test drive your friend's 2.3 and realize you avoided a catastrophe (lol).
By the way, those drives and the offrodeo confirmed my excitement about the Bronco. Incredible vehicle and capability, super comfortable on and off-road.
Also I really recommend the Lux package it made my experience much better with the cameras off road, the base sound system was horrible but the upgraded B&O was really decent, and the adaptive cruise was nice on the highway.
One more point, after driving the Badlands with 33s and 35s I really recommend going Sasquatch. The 35 were actually more comfortable on road, and look is better. Also during Off-rodeo I was following all along a 33 Badlands and I did not touch under body where they did so the added clearance really made a difference.
That's my 2 cents anyway. To each his own!
Sponsored
Last edited: