I test drove the 2.3L 4 cylinder Bronco on Sunday

[Trauma PA]

I’ve been wanting to drive a Bronco since they were released but dealerships around here kept their mannequin on the showroom floor to keep miles down. Ford dealership near my work baited me and told me I could drive their 2.7L Wildtrak only to tell me they only demo the 2.3L Bronco they have. Well I went ahead and did so and all I can say is I couldn’t wait to get back into my Gladiator. The 2.3L 4 cylinder is a freaking “TURD” and that says a lot coming from the brick of a Gladiator I drive currently. And this was with stock tires. I can’t imagine how bad it is with the Sasquatch package. I can’t believe the Ford fanboys say the 2.3
L is powerful enough.
Now this was with a Big Bend package. Is the bearing different on a Badlands or Wildtrak w/ Sasquatch? I know this is just my perception and others may disagree. I still want to drive a 2.7L Bronco.

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[cuellar13]

That's odd. My wife's 2.3L Bronco has a ton more get up and go than my JTR. We love them both. If it's a road trip, I prefer the Bronco. If its the road less traveled, I favor the JTR.

 

[Orange01z28]

I had that same 2.3 in an Explorer and was really impressed with it

Made my JT seem like a slug

 

[j.o.y.ride]

That's odd. My wife's 2.3L Bronco has a ton more get up and go than my JTR. We love them both. If it's a road trip, I prefer the Bronco. If its the road less traveled, I favor the JTR.

The JT is also a turd tbh

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

That’s surprising. I heard the 2.3L was a dog and that the 2.7L would even be overkill for some people. I think Ford has a 93 tune that could improve the 2.3 performance too.

 

[BlueScapegoat]

The Bronco 2.3 is rated at 300hp/325lb-ft and the Jeep Pentastar is rated 285hp/260lb-ft.
The Bronco 2.3 is connected to a 10 speed auto. The Pentastar is an 8 speed auto.
Depending on configuration, they weigh about the same.

That is all.

 

[Free2roam]

They are both turds because y'all are probably driving gassers. Can't believe they still use the 2.3L. I remember my buddies Courier back in the 80s had the same size motor. Of course we had an SVO turbo on it and a header and no cat running into a high flow muffler. Go diesel! Not a turd or a slug.

 

[JET_83]

I dunno how people dig them, the body style is ugly as hell imo

 

[Trailman]

I dunno how people dig them, the body style is ugly as hell imo

I think the Bronco SPORT (which many people think is the Bronco) is ugly as hell.

I think the Bronco 4dr is meh.

I think the Bronco 2dr is gorgeous.

Bronco 2dr with Sasquatch is ; but, impractical for my needs.

 

[cb4017]

Doesn't sound right. My 2.3L 2020 Ranger would spank my Gladiator any day of the week.

I still traded it for my Gladiator though.

 

[JET_83]

Doesn't sound right. My 2.3L 2020 Ranger would spank my Gladiator any day of the week.

I still traded it for my Gladiator though.

I loved the pep in those ranger turbos, they’re fun to drive

 

[cuellar13]

I dunno how people dig them, the body style is ugly as hell imo

To be fair, plenty of people say the same about our JTs. Opinions...

 

[cuellar13]

The JT is also a turd tbh

Couldn't agree more- my JK was the same way.

 

[Orange01z28]

I dunno how people dig them, the body style is ugly as hell imo

I like the way they look

I even like the way the Bronco Sports look (for a wife car)

Would I ever buy one?

No

 

[SkeetzMcGee]

I wheeled the 2dr, 2.3L, sasquatch bronco at their off-roadeo even in austin and I was thoroughly impressed. While I don't use my gladiator for crawling, I can definitely see the appeal in the bronco and it is by no means a slug. Just depends on how you use it. I have a 4dr badlands on order and will still keep the mojave for my more higher speed wheeling.

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