Looking for 2.3 owners input

[KC2LLW]

Hi all,
I am looking for 2.3 owners input that have the Sasquatch package and 10 speed automatic. I am trying to decide on the 2.3 vs 2.7 and would like to hear what owners have to say about the power of the 2.3 using 87 octane. I am looking at a 4dr Badlands and wonder how the 2.3 performs as a daily driver and light off road use. Reliability vs the 2.7.
Thanks for your input.
Steve

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[Lifeliberty]

2.3 is great, plenty of power. Very fun with a manual. But if you are getting an auto I'd opt for the 2.7 just because you can.

I run 89 no issues

 

[Dougpaw57]

You should always run premium on any ecoboost engine, they'll last longer.

 

[HighVelocity]

For perspective, the first gen 289/302 made around 190-200HP.

The modern ones aren't lacking in power, no matter the powertrain.

 

[Brian_B]

There’s nothing wrong with the 2.3 at all, but I agree with @Lifeliberty - if you had the choice and all other things are equal I’d take the 2.7 too. But I wouldn’t feel bad if you sacrifice that to get other options you may want

 

[JAD67428]

I have the 2.3 auto, Sasquatch. I only put 93 octane in her, 91 octane is just to hard to find in my neck of the woods, 93 is more prevalent and easier to find, this coming from a guy who also owns a Mustang G.T. and let me tell ya the 2.3 turbo has plenty of power. Try and find one on a dealers lot and go for a test ride to me would be your best option. Good Luck, Steve

 

[330SMG]

More than adequate, has plenty of power down low. With the Manual it is a lively little engine/truck. This engine design has been around since the early 70s, it is a pretty tough engine. Use premium it seems to make it happy.

 

[Glade Runner]

Hi all,
I am looking for 2.3 owners input that have the Sasquatch package and 10 speed automatic. I am trying to decide on the 2.3 vs 2.7 and would like to hear what owners have to say about the power of the 2.3 using 87 octane. I am looking at a 4dr Badlands and wonder how the 2.3 performs as a daily driver and light off road use. Reliability vs the 2.7.
Thanks for your input.
Steve

Do what I did and go to the dealer and drive both the same day on the same roads.

I have an Everglades which was only available with the 2.3. It is my “daily driver“. I haven’t taken it off road yet (still have a couple of mods to do), but it has more horsepower and torque than my old V8 Grand Cherokee which went off road quite a bit, so I’m not worried about that.

 

[Brian_B]

Oh just thought of something

The 2.3 is more limited in engine tuning — no one has cracked the ECM on it yet, whereas they have the 2.7. It does get really nice gains on the ProCal tune though (nearly equals stock 2.7)

There are still some engine tunes available - it’s just not nearly as customizable or extensive as what’s out there for the 2.7

The 2.7 is a good deal more crowded under the hood though, has issues with hidden winch installs and some other mods that need some engine bay space, and there’s the infamous cam phaser issue.

So if that is important to you - there is that.

 

[Alanp970]

2023 4 door 2.3 SAS Auto. Daily driver. 2.3 is 100ish pounds lighter than the 2.7 so adding a winch brings it close to stock 2.7 weight. Cam phaser issues are too common on 2.7 and it’s not a cheap fix. I run 87 octane so it only lets me have 270 hp (I think) but still over 300 lbs torque. Feels like plenty to me. I towed my 95 Cherokee on a dolly to Colorado and had power to spare. 2.3’s also don’t have those X-brace frame cross members by the transmission that hang low. I’m not a fan of how the 2.3 sounds but performance has yet to be an issue

 

[Granite Gorge]

I had a plain 21 Big Bend with a 2.3. Just bought a 24 Heritage with a 2.7. The 2.7 smokes 2.3

 

[sammysoda]

I have the 2.3 w/ manual transmission in a 2 door and it’s great!

However, I would not opt for the 2.3 w/ automatic transmission or in a 4 door.

 

[Dougpaw57]

I have the 2.3 w/ manual transmission in a 2 door and it’s great!

However, I would not opt for the 2.3 w/ automatic transmission or in a 4 door.

The automatic has better torque multiplication than the manual.

 

[Black_Stallion13]

2.3 has plenty of power, probably the more ‘proven’ engine as far as reliability goes. I also get 21 mpgs combined and pull about 24mpg on the freeway with 33” KO2s (about same weight as the sas 35s). Most annoying thing I’ve found about the 2.3 is the oil filter location for basic maintenance but not really that big of a deal. If Ford would have offered the 3.5 liter or Coyote v8 those would have been tough choices for me, but I’ll take the 2.3 with manual all day over the 2.7. I’ve driven every Bronco trim/powertrain combination at this point…having the stick increases the fun factor of the vehicle much more than which engine you pick IMO.

 

[HighVelocity]

The automatic has better torque multiplication than the manual.

On what planet?

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