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Ford Bronco Engine Family Likely Starting With 2.3L EcoBoost

According To A Strange Leak, The Base Bronco Engine Will Be Shared With The Ranger

2021 Ford Bronco Teaser
Ford Bronco Teaser

A Canadian member of the automotive media was at his local car parts store seeking spark plugs when he saw a selection for the “2021 Ford Bronco” on the finder screen. According to his Twitter, the new Bronco will have the 2.3L EcoBoost base engine that is shared with the 2020 Ford Mustang, 2020 Ford Ranger, and 2020 Ford Explorer.

While that may fluster some folks fantasizing over a V8, keep in mind that this engine closely rivals what we see in the engine bay of a JL Jeep Wrangler, which is a 2.0L turbo four. The Toyota 4Runner, meanwhile, soldiers on with a 4.0L V6 as its base motor. At the end of the day, the 2021 Ford Bronco will likely feature more than just the starter EcoBoost four-pot.

We’re just speculating at this point, but the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 or even the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 could also find themselves in the engine bay of the new Bronco on higher-end models. Even fitting the 2.7L EcoBoost into the Bronco would give it class leading horsepower and torque numbers, if we’re going off what we see in the 2019 Ford F-150.

Here’s what we could see. In the Ford Ranger, the 2.3L EcoBoost provides a robust 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, with class-leading EPA-rated fuel economy thanks to help from its standalone 10-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the JL Jeep Wrangler 2.0L Turbo provides 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while its V6 yields 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 4.0L V6 in the Toyota 4Runner also provides 270 horsepower, with 278 lb-ft of torque. If the 2.3L EcoBoost output remains the same for the 2021 Ford Bronco, it would have class-leading torque, and par-for-course horsepower. However, the 2.3L EcoBoost makes 300 horsepower in the new 2020 Ford Explorer, which certainly make things a little more lively for the segment.

The JL Wrangler will have to defend its crown soon.

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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