Ford Bronco Engine Options: Closer Look at Your 3 Choices

With three Bronco engine choices on tap, it really boils down to your lifestyle and driving habits - yes, that excludes the V8. Here's a closer look.

Originally posted on Jun 2022; Updated Aug 2023.

With currently up to eight trim levels on tap for the three models, Ford is ensuring there’s a Bronco SUV for everyone. Grades including Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wildtrak, Everglades, and Raptor.

These come with one of three engine choices – all turbo, and each with its own benefits depending on your lifestyle and driving habits.

First, the Bronco Configurations

You can have every trim in either two-door or four-door body style, apart from the Everglades and Raptor, which only come in a four-door layout. The two-door models feature four seats, whereas the four-door variants have five. 

Bronco Family Timeline
Bronco Family – full-size 2- & 4-door, and compact Bronco Sport. Photo: Ford

In terms of off-roading capability, every trim is more rugged than the previous, but it doesn’t mean the Base is any less capable off the beaten path. Another good note: all two-door Broncos are hardtops in the standard form, whereas the soft top is optional. On the other hand, four-door models are typically a soft top, while the hardtop is optional.

If you’re on the fence between buying the smaller, Escape-based Bronco Sport and the full-size models, we compare them here – Ford Bronco Vs Bronco Sport: Brothers From Different Mothers?

Three Bronco SUV Powertrains to Choose From

Bronco’s 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission and Sasquatch Package suspension and tires; Bronco chassis and powertrain. Photo: Ford

The three engine choices for the Bronco SUV include a 2.3L Turbo Inline-4 Gas, a 2.7L Turbo V6, and a twin-turbo 3.0L V6.  

The entry-level Bronco comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, while a twin-turbo 2.7L V6 is optional, churning out 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.

Each mill mates to a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. A seven-speed manual transmission is optional for the four-cylinder engine. The standard and optional engine choices are the same in Badlands.

The rugged Bronco WildTrack comes solely with the 2.7L V6 engine and Sasquatch equipment we discuss in detail here. The mill pairs exclusively with the 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. A level above, the Everglades is available exclusively with the 2.3L Ecoboost, 10-speed auto, and four-wheel-drive layout.

2021 Ford Bronco 2-Door Wildtrak amee reehal (10 of 28)
Ford Bronco 2-Door Wildtrak with Sasquatch Package (standard). Photo: Amee Reehal
Ford Bronco Everglades in Desert Sand
Ford Bronco Everglades in Desert Sand. Photo: Ford

The most potent twin-turbo 3.0L V6 is only accessible for the range-topping Bronco Raptor. The most capable off-roader in the lineup pumps out 400 horsepower. The power goes to all the wheels via the 10-speed automatic transmission.  

We got a chance to drive this new beast, here – 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor First Drive Review

Is a V8 Bronco in the works?  

At time of writing, there’s no factory-built Bronco sporting a V8, with the exception of the Baja-ready Ford Bronco DR fitted with distinct body and chassis modifications for high-speed desert racing, powered by a Coyote 5.0L V8 mill making 400 hp; it also gets a Multimatic Positional Selective DSSV Dampers and safety cage. No chance you’re buying this one, unfortunately.

This is the same next-generation Coyote 5.0L V8 powering the new 2024 Mustang GT and Mustang Dark Horse.

5.0L Coyote V8 with new dual throttle bottles
5.0L Coyote V8 with new dual throttle bottles. Photo: Amee Reehal

Even the Bronco Raptor keeps the 3.0L V6, as mentioned. But like its V6-powered F-150 Raptor pickup sibling, the upcoming Raptor R will indeed floss a burly V8, so we can only assume a Bronco Raptor R will follow suite.

Too impatient for a V8-powered Bronco straight from Ford? We don’t blame you. But there’s always Hennessy’s $225,000 VelociRaptor V8 Bronco upgrade, or CFB Vail’s blacked-out 1968 Bronco packing 435 horsepower.

Bronco SUV Fuel Efficiency

Sure, the Bronco’s off-road prowess is nearly matchless, but we can’t say the same about its fuel efficiency. Currently, it’s the least efficient in its class, with 20 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway for the 2.3L four-cylinder mill (both manual and automatic transmissions).

The 2.7L V6 is even more eager than the standard engine, rated at 19/20 mpg city/highway. The Broncos upgraded with bigger wheels and tires, drops the fuel economy as low as 16/17 mpg. At time of writing, Ford hasn’t revealed the Bronco Raptor’s fuel efficiency figures yet.

Ford Bronco Sport horsepower and performance

Ford Bronco Sport Badlands in Banff, front view
Ford Bronco Sport Badlands in Banff, Alberta. Photo: Amee Reehal
2021 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands
Ford Bronco Sport Badlands. Photo: Amee Reehal

The Bronco Sport we reviewed here is accessible in four trim levels – Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands. All the models feature a 1.5L EcoBoost engine except the Badlands, which carries a 2.0L EcoBoost mill.

The standard 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder yields 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder churns out 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. 

Both powerplants mate to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, with the base engine delivering 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, and the more powerful four-cylinder mill dropping the fuel economy to 21/26 mpg city/highway.

2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling Special Edition wheels
2024 Bronco Sport Free Wheeling. Photo: Ford

Takeaway

Choices on choices, and maybe that’s a good thing. With the compact Bronco Sport, think Ford Escape – they’re about the same size. That said, its standard 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder may be just fine, producing 181 horsepower.

If you plan to tow or a compact SUV isn’t your thing, opting for the Bronco’s 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine with 10-speed automatic transmission is a good fit (same engine we originally tested in the 2020 Ford Edge ST).

Add performance and off-road chops to the mix, the range-topping twin-turbo 3.0L V6 is the range-topping choice – well, before the new V8 Bronco arrives. We’ll keep you post.

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Author:
Suhail Ajmal
Suhail Ajmal
As an automotive writer with a finger on the industry's pulse, I explore the latest trends, dissect cutting-edge technologies, and unearth the history that shapes the vehicles we love. From reviews that delve into the driving experience to insightful commentary on industry developments, my goal is to inform, entertain, and spark the passion that drives us all. Check out my new blog Motorsadvice.com.