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2.3 vs 2.7 Test Drive - Has anyone seen a 2.7 yet?

stemplar

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Ok, everyone. I finally drove the Ranger 2.7L (first one delivered in AZ) yesterday and here is my honest review.

First, I could definitely tell the difference at slow speeds as I navigated the dealership parking lot. It felt a little heavier and the pedal felt more connected to the motor. I pulled out of the parking lot with confidence and pleasantly surprised to feel the torque. I babied it until I felt more comfortable with the salesperson to really get on it. Then, I caught the next light and waited for green. I punched it and let those twin turbos spool up and it took off with a grunt and some wheel spin. While I expected it to pull a little harder (compared to my Bronco 2.7L), it felt less powered and not as quick for some reason--I can't imagine that Ford under-powered the Ranger's 2.7? FYI, I drove a 2.3 a few hours before so that I had a fair comparison. Based on my 7 mile test drive, I was not as impressed as I expected to be. I came to the conclusion that the 2.3 feels a little more spirited and you notice the less engine weight in the steering. All in all, I am not convinced (from this short test drive) that the Ranger 2.7L has the same grunt as the Bronco. Perhaps its that I've been using premium fuel, or that my Bronco is a 2 door, or that it now has 23k miles? Perhaps it was the FX4 relative to the 2.3 STX trim?

Overall, I still like the feel and sound of the V-6, as well as the advantages of port/direct injection, but I am not convinced that the 2.7L is that much more powerful in the Ranger. I recall they tuned it down for the Ranger (compared to the F150). Again, this is from a 7 mile test drive in mixed city/rural driving. I would advise you all to test drive both to make up your minds. Sorry I can't say more about the 2.7L experience.

Ranger on!
Thanks for sharing your experience. I wonder if the difference that you noticed (or perceived?) can be attributed to the rear differential, rather than the engine being detuned or something. And since I'm here and too lazy to search, does the bronco also have the 10r60?
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jeffers

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Ok, everyone. I finally drove the Ranger 2.7L (first one delivered in AZ) yesterday and here is my honest review.

First, I could definitely tell the difference at slow speeds as I navigated the dealership parking lot. It felt a little heavier and the pedal felt more connected to the motor. I pulled out of the parking lot with confidence and pleasantly surprised to feel the torque. I babied it until I felt more comfortable with the salesperson to really get on it. Then, I caught the next light and waited for green. I punched it and let those twin turbos spool up and it took off with a grunt and some wheel spin. While I expected it to pull a little harder (compared to my Bronco 2.7L), it felt less powered and not as quick for some reason--I can't imagine that Ford under-powered the Ranger's 2.7? FYI, I drove a 2.3 a few hours before so that I had a fair comparison. Based on my 7 mile test drive, I was not as impressed as I expected to be. I came to the conclusion that the 2.3 feels a little more spirited and you notice the less engine weight in the steering. All in all, I am not convinced (from this short test drive) that the Ranger 2.7L has the same grunt as the Bronco. Perhaps its that I've been using premium fuel, or that my Bronco is a 2 door, or that it now has 23k miles? Perhaps it was the FX4 relative to the 2.3 STX trim?

Overall, I still like the feel and sound of the V-6, as well as the advantages of port/direct injection, but I am not convinced that the 2.7L is that much more powerful in the Ranger. I recall they tuned it down for the Ranger (compared to the F150). Again, this is from a 7 mile test drive in mixed city/rural driving. I would advise you all to test drive both to make up your minds. Sorry I can't say more about the 2.7L experience.

Ranger on!
I have no complaints about the power of the 2.3L its pretty peppy. Not sure I'm still going to think that when I put bigger tires and overlanding gear on it, but its good stock. It doesn't sound or feel(vibration) wise like the most refined engine in the world but seems like a good engine.
 

Alaska Steve

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I only have 200mi on my 2.7L Ranger and Iā€™m coming from a 2021 Ranger. I havenā€™t gotten on it yet, but the V6 is much much smoother than the I4 In all states: idle, accelerating, and auto start/stop. I love the truck, but Iā€™m annoyed with CarPlay not always working and the startup screens on the dash. Why canā€™t they keep the driving mode set as last used without the driverā€˜s interaction? I donā€™t want a nanny-state interface.

Ford Ranger 2.3 vs 2.7 Test Drive - Has anyone seen a 2.7 yet? IMG_1138
 

1depd

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I only have 200mi on my 2.7L Ranger and Iā€™m coming from a 2021 Ranger. I havenā€™t gotten on it yet, but the V6 is much much smoother than the I4 In all states: idle, accelerating, and auto start/stop. I love the truck, but Iā€™m annoyed with CarPlay not always working and the startup screens on the dash. Why canā€™t they keep the driving mode set as last used without the driverā€˜s interaction? I donā€™t want a nanny-state interface.

IMG_1138.jpeg
I've driven both the 2.7l in the F-150 and the 2.3 in an Explorer. I know they are tuned differently for those vehicles, but the one thing that drives me nuts is the 2.3l provides a constant thump, thump, thump when driving with the windows down. I just thought it was some aerodynamics, until I had the back lift open and heard/felt the same thump from the exhaust.

I'm going with the 2.7l when I move over to the Ranger. Just knowing it was used in the F-150 and the issues they had with it back then were corrected, gives me more confidence in that engine. I have noticed 2.3l in the Explorer tends to select a higher gear than in needed for slow driving in traffic or lower speed zones. Don't know if that carries over to the Ranger but it is enough to get me to not want the 2.3l.
 

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PhoenixRanger

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Thanks for sharing your experience. I wonder if the difference that you noticed (or perceived?) can be attributed to the rear differential, rather than the engine being detuned or something. And since I'm here and too lazy to search, does the bronco also have the 10r60?
Yes. Same transmission. Bronco has a little more HP and torque though. Itā€™s my understanding it is because of the shorter exhaust system.
 

OHTREMOR

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Wondering if anyone has had the chance to test drive a 2.7 or if they're even available besides placing an order yet. I'm waiting for my 2.3 Lariat but am very curious and haven't seen any reviews online yet comparing the two.
Test drove a 2.7 Lariat the other day. Loved the power and torquey feeling, moved way better than my 2021 Tremor 2.3. Very quick and responsive. I am currently in a Colorado Z71 2.7 4 cyl. Turbo in the high output tune. It moves well but i feel the Ranger in the 2.7 would smoke it. I usually only keep my trucks for 2-3 years due to alot of travel (25k per year) Will definitely consider the 6G Ranger when I start to shop again.
 

hand-filer

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Yes. Same transmission. Bronco has a little more HP and torque though. Itā€™s my understanding it is because of the shorter exhaust system.
The Bronco's numbers are based on premium fuel. The Ranger's are based on regular fuel. I think output would be close to identical if both are on the same fuel.
 

aros_769

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I only have 200mi on my 2.7L Ranger and Iā€™m coming from a 2021 Ranger. I havenā€™t gotten on it yet, but the V6 is much much smoother than the I4 In all states: idle, accelerating, and auto start/stop. I love the truck, but Iā€™m annoyed with CarPlay not always working and the startup screens on the dash. Why canā€™t they keep the driving mode set as last used without the driverā€˜s interaction? I donā€™t want a nanny-state interface.

IMG_1138.jpeg
Did you keep stock tire size?
 

Alaska Steve

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ZRRekz

ZRRekz

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Test drove a 2.7 Lariat the other day. Loved the power and torquey feeling, moved way better than my 2021 Tremor 2.3. Very quick and responsive. I am currently in a Colorado Z71 2.7 4 cyl. Turbo in the high output tune. It moves well but i feel the Ranger in the 2.7 would smoke it. I usually only keep my trucks for 2-3 years due to alot of travel (25k per year) Will definitely consider the 6G Ranger when I start to shop again.
Thanks for the reply! I've got the 2.3 in my 2024 Lariat and it moves well in sport mode and perfectly well in Normal, but I was hoping for the 2.7.. timing of my order and need for it just didn't line up that way.

I also travel a lot and was thinking I'd probably trade in especially if/when they come out with some better trim levels or features in the next 3-4 yrs anyways so I'll just look forward to that. The 2.3 in the 2024 is very nice, rides well, and is enough, just like the option to gun it if I can. Happy travels!
 

Blowndodge

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I too pondered waiting for the 2.7 but after test driving my now owned 2.3 lariat FX4 I'm glad I didn't wait.

I imagine the 2.7 does feel torquer than the 2.3 but the 2.3 is not lacking in tow rating nor carrying capacity. I watched and read many reviews on the new 2.7 and none of the reviewers said "WOW what a difference". Watched the review on the RR with the 3.0 and they were not super amazed with the power. All mentioned heavier engine and heavier steering. Noticeable. The 2.3 is quite a bit lighter up front.

I was looking for the new Taco but they have huge transmission issues and the Ranger 2.3 waxed it in a race. Things I considered were also history for the engine. Also watched a video of mechanics at a huge Ford dealership and when asked if they purchased a 150 what engine would the get? They'd get the 5.0 every time. "Not even close" Never an issue. "Tried and true engine." Listened to some ask about the 2.3 ecoboost and they said it hasn't been the states very long but it should easily outlast the 2.7 and 3.5 considering it's been used in many platforms and in Europe and Australia. Both 2.7 and 3.5 have twice as many gaskets along with more moving parts. That to me is just a probabilities of broken parts issue.

Which one has a little more cheese was never my yardstick. In total, what am I getting? I looked at a much larger picture than total engine output. My 2.3 scoots fine for me. I live in southern Utah and a drive up north on the 15 (80MPH) speed limit my 2.3 never downshifted out of 10th gear. My poor Honda Civic downshifts to 3rd and screams to maintain speed. (It does get 40 mpg's however). I'm pleased with my decision on the 2.3 Not the fasted truck (neither is the 2.7 or 3.5) but for 99% of how I use my FX4 Lariat it's darn near perfect. It certainly isn't slow or underpowered.
 

OHTREMOR

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Thanks for the reply! I've got the 2.3 in my 2024 Lariat and it moves well in sport mode and perfectly well in Normal, but I was hoping for the 2.7.. timing of my order and need for it just didn't line up that way.

I also travel a lot and was thinking I'd probably trade in especially if/when they come out with some better trim levels or features in the next 3-4 yrs anyways so I'll just look forward to that. The 2.3 in the 2024 is very nice, rides well, and is enough, just like the option to gun it if I can. Happy travels!
Would love to see the Tremor come back. Loved the wheels and ride of those fox shocks.
 

MJB4450

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I can't find an answer in any sales specs, but is this latest 2.3 version still direct injection only?
 
 




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