2.3L feels sluggish even after reaching temp

[Stryder]

The 2.3 in my 2024 can sometimes drive like scorched earth - quick and smooth. Other times it feels slow and rough, even after both the engine and transmission reach normal operating temperature. I've been watching the turbo boost, and off the line the guage doesn't move. I have to get into the gas to see it go up. I installed the FPT, and it's awesome when it's noticeable, but sometimes I can't even tell it's there. I'm not assuming any of this is an actual issue, but I thought I'd see what other 2.3 owners have to say.

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[Blowndodge]

I've noticed when driving in a hilly area and the truck is in a higher gear showing 1500 RPMs not much happens until I stick my foot into it.

 

[Stryder]

I've noticed when driving in a hilly area and the truck is in a higher gear showing 1500 RPMs not much happens until I stick my foot into it.

I think that's attributed to the 10 speed favoring higher gears to save fuel. The six speed in my old Tacoma did the same thing.

 

[stuartmunto]

I've noticed when driving in a hilly area and the truck is in a higher gear showing 1500 RPMs not much happens until I stick my foot into it.

That sounds perfectly normal for a turbo 4 banger. Needs revs to build up some boost, also known as turbo lag

 

[Peter949]

Drive it in sport. Normal sucks.

 

[VehicleNanny]

Driving in sport mode or installing a performance throttle controller (Pedal Commander, Roar Pedal, etc) will likely help. I use a Roar Pedal set on the first Sport mode level (nothing too crazy) and it offers much better throttle response than the stock setup.

 

[mrmike7189]

Check to see what mode your Ranger is in. ECO mode feels so sluggish that I vowed to NOT drive it in that mode again....Ever!

 

[Blowndodge]

Yea I didn't say I didn't understand. I was just pointing out why it feels sluggish to the OP. I'm aware my truck has 10 speeds and at low RPMs it doesn't do much.

 

[Bill Hippel]

I found driving in Sport made my Ranger feel quicker.

 

[superj]

i wonder if its that transmission programming, where it skips gears. mine skips 2nd alot and i hate it because when it does, the change in forward momentum can sometimes be so strong it makes your head kind of nod forward. i wish we could get rid if that setting somewhere but without getting tuned by someone like goosetuned, or a place similar, we are stuck with it

 

[skinnyjimmy]

This is one of the reasons I bought a 2.7L instead. I test drove both and the 2.3 definitely felt sluggish. Even more sluggish than my 2013 Ford Focus. Sport mode should make it better.

 

[skinnyjimmy]

Check to see what mode your Ranger is in. ECO mode feels so sluggish that I vowed to NOT drive it in that mode again....Ever!

I like ECO mode on the freeway once I'm up to speed. Get to 75-80mph, turn on ECO, and then set cruise control

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