Would you let the 2.3 be a dealbreaker ?

[indio22]

Found two Badlands 2door hardtops nearby. One is green and the other is cactus grey.

I really wanted green, but it has the 2.3L. The cactus is the same exact car except it has the 2.7L.

My main use case will be commuting, road trips, and light off roading. Would I be dumb to take the green in this case ?

No issues with the power of my 2.3L manual. Even my wife who drives with a lead foot mentioned she likes the power. If max power is your thing though, got with the 2.7L.

Either way based on your stated usage, Badlands is probably overkill in terms of functionality and spending.

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[helifino16]

I know that 'Sport' mode makes a big difference on my 2.7. If you're in need of a little 'pep'' every now and then, try 'Sport Mode'. Otherwise, I'd bet you'd be completely satisfied with the 2.3. If you test drive, make sure to try this. Save the $$'s.

 

[Wannabe Techie]

I got mine in March of ‘22. I wanted a 2.7 or higher but “settled” on 2.3 because it was ready to go or I’d have to wait. I use it to commute and limited off roading. Completely capable. Don‘t sleep on the 2.3 as there are a ton of videos that show there is not a noticeable difference unless you want to race someone. Don‘t have an ounce of regret or FOMO. Good luck.

Sounds like two good choices to me.

 

[DriveAllNight]

you wont have to worry about cam phasers going out at 30-40k miles so win win

I'm pretty sure you don't have to worry about that with a Bronco with a 2.7 either. Unless I've missed this

 

[KillerPenz]

Definite deal breaker. If I'm going to be spending $50k on a vehicle, I'm going to get what I want. But as stated earlier, all you are getting are personal opinions at this point. The 2.3l is just fine for whatever you or anyone else would want it to do. I just have no desire for a 4 banger. Hell, no desire for a V6 either, but it's my only other option here.

 

[TXBronco1313]

I'm pretty sure you don't have to worry about that with a Bronco with a 2.7 either. Unless I've missed this

The cam phaser issue? It’s been a popular issue with the 2.7

 

[Bmadda]

2.3 has exceeded all my expectations! I got it cause I wanted the MT, but I would have no issue w/one backed by an AT. I think the 2.7 is a whole lot of extra complexity, and not worth the hype. Less reliable, more parts to fail, heavier. 2.3 is the little motor that could!

 

[DriveAllNight]

The cam phaser issue? It’s been a popular issue with the 2.7

I thought that was worked out years ago, pre-dating the Bronco.

 

[beetle]

I don't have any issues with a 4dr 2.3L, I wanted the 2.7L but I got a deal and don't notice a difference. The turbo in the engine does it's work on highway.

 

[Cux211]

You’ll have to drive both to make that decision for yourself if you live in hill country make sure you take both through some hill situation on the highway, as for as my opinion my stand point has always been and will remain to be “there’s no replacement for displacement”

 

[NorthShoreBronco]

It's too bad they don't make them with a V8 anymore.... oh wait....

In stock trim, the 5.8-liter Bronco was rated at 205 horsepower (153 kilowatts) and 328 pound-feet (445 Newton-meters) of torque.

I guess I'll keep my tiny 4 cylinder Engine with 300 horsepower......

 

[Durangatan]

For your use, in the flatlands, 2.3 would probably be just fine.

 

[HighVelocity]

No. The 2.7 is the deal breaker.

 

[userdude]

I thought that was worked out years ago, pre-dating the Bronco.

Ford has chosen to fix the cam phasers when they knock instead of fix the problem, which is likely a quality control concern and difficult or expensive to do at scale. There are numerous threads on 6g about this.

 

[Brave Man]

I think we both got the manual so the choice was made for us already. Now if I had to have a four door and an automatic I'd choose the 2.7 all day to off-set the extra weight.

My first Bronco was a 2.3 AT four door BB, I now drive a 4 door AT HE with 2.7. Honestly the 2.3 had plenty of power and felt lighter than the 2.7 I drive now. I regularly drive the. 2.7 in Sport mode to get a better response.

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