2025 XLT, which engine?

[emjay24l]

Is the 4 cylinder high revving, does it sound/feel like it struggles compared to the 6. Any comments would be appreciated.

I find that the 10R60 ten speed transmission is a great match for either engine. There is a gear to match about any load condition and shifting between them is smooth and fairly unnoticeable to me with the 2.3L in my truck. The V6 would have less shifting going on overall since it has more torque. Peak torque for the 2.3L engine occurs at 3,000 rpm which helps to limit downshifting in a lot of circumstances. For drivability the V6 is the better engine but not as far ahead as one might think compared to the 2.3L regarding daily driving. If your highway driving doesn't involve a lot of steep grades then the differences between the two engines is relatively small. If you have a lead foot then get one with the V6.

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[stemplar]

It was repairs which can be a lot more expensive with the 2.7L V6 engine compared to the 2.3L engine.

I’m curious which repairs might be “a lot more expensive” on the 2.7? Sure the oil pump belt at around 150,000 miles, but anything else? Access to things, including the oil filter, seems pretty easy and the 2.7 has a good reliability and maintenance record, so I’m genuinely curious what I’m missing.

 

[Jason B]

I wouldn't even consider MPG. I had a 21 RWD with the 2.3 that got 22-24 MPG.
My 24 FX4 2.7 gets 21 - 23 MPG.
And for daily driving, the extra HP doesn't come into play. The 2.3 is very capable of towing, as it has the same tow specs as the 2.7.

 

[Onceaneagle]

I had a 1996 Ranger STX with the 3.0L, underpowered when the A/C was on...and everything else. I had a 2003 Ranger Edge with the 4.0L. Less gas mileage, but more power when I needed it in city or highway. After two F150s, back to a Ranger. I don't tow but the 2.7L was a no brainer to me, city or highway, because to me power when you need it is worth it and there are a lot of interesting drivers around Wichita. At just over 5K miles, I get 23.8 MPG from a very responsive V6 turbo engine.

 

[josephp732]

I have two 2025 Rangers, one with the 2.7L and one with the 2.3L. Honestly, I don't notice much difference between them in normal around-town or highway driving. I've also towed my 21' Boston Whaler, weighing approximately 5,000 lbs, with both. The 2.7L is slightly better when managing the load, particularly when accelerating up to highway speeds and merging.

That said, since you'll be buying a used 2025 model in 2027, it will already have some mileage on it. Given that you're driving 25,000 miles a year, I'd seriously consider the 2.3L. You'll likely run into the approximately ~120K-mile oil-wet timing belt replacement interval, which can cost around $4,000 on the 2.7L. That's an expense you don't have with the 2.3L.

Also, the 2025 2.3L is the newer Ford-designed EcoBoost engine based on the Mustang's Modular Power Cylinder (MPC) architecture, not the older Mazda-derived design used in earlier generations.

Ultimately, I think the 2.3L makes a lot of financial sense for your driving habits, especially considering the relatively small difference in everyday performance.

 

[emjay24l]

I’m curious which repairs might be “a lot more expensive” on the 2.7? Sure the oil pump belt at around 150,000 miles, but anything else? Access to things, including the oil filter, seems pretty easy and the 2.7 has a good reliability and maintenance record, so I’m genuinely curious what I’m missing.

The one I mentioned in post #9 is a perfect example. If the cab needs to be lifted or the engine removed for cam phasers then what other repairs will require this level of work for a V6 in a 6th gen Ranger?

https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/thre...am-phasers-rattle-confirmed.33232/post-501766

 

[Intercontinental_Ranger]

Don’t stress about which engine, there’s pros to both.

If you get the 2.3 MPC, you’ll love it - I have MUCH more HP than the diesel Raptors in the UK. Not worried about gunk build up thanks to dual injection.

The 2.7L is going to be just as satisfying. It’s smooth and has a CGI block which helps with long term durability. Wet belt isn’t a problem, just change your oil on time.

 

[emjay24l]

Don’t stress about which engine, there’s pros to both.

If you get the 2.3 MPC, you’ll love it - I have MUCH more HP than the diesel Raptors in the UK. Not worried about gunk build up thanks to dual injection.

The 2.7L is going to be just as satisfying. It’s smooth and has a CGI block which helps with long term durability. Wet belt isn’t a problem, just change your oil on time.

IMO, the main practical reason to choose the V6 is if there will be a lot of heavy towing being done. Otherwise, IMO, the 2.3L is a better choice for the many reasons given in this thread.

 

[stemplar]

IMO, the main practical reason to choose the V6 is if there will be a lot of heavy towing being done. Otherwise, IMO, the 2.3L is a better choice for the many reasons given in this thread.

We appreciate that you prefer the 2.3, but “many reasons”? lol.

 

[emjay24l]

We appreciate that you prefer the 2.3, but “many reasons”? lol.

It looks like you prefer the V6. Does this deserve an lol too? I don't have a preference regarding the OP. So tell me, other than doing a lot of heavy towing why is the V6 a better choice from a practical aspect in a Ranger?

 

[OxygenMask]

Isn't it good to have great choices available?
Poor Tacoma buyers don't...

 

[superj]

I drove a 2.7 but own a 2.3. I noticed the v6 is smoother but for just olaying around and feeling the v6 out versus my 2.3, acceleration wise, they were very similar.

My son comolained about the gas mileage in his 2.7 lariat after getting rid of his 24 2.3 stx. He loved how smooth the v6 is compared to the 2.3 but was always annoyed by the gas mileage loss. He lives in omaha and drives kind of quick off the line though.

I recently towed my son's 1984 bmw 318 home from omaha with my 2.3 powered ranger. It accelerated from stop lights fine and cruised in the highway at the same speeds as every one else with zero issues.

I actually have a post about the gas mileage and it was impressive for towing if i stayed at 70mph and still impressive doing 80mph compared to my previous full size trucks towing the same types of cars across the usa.


And you want to the 2.3 to be even better, get a ford procal tuner in it. That makes it soooo much better

 

[ShadowDragon24]

Don’t stress about which engine, there’s pros to both.

If you get the 2.3 MPC, you’ll love it - I have MUCH more HP than the diesel Raptors in the UK. Not worried about gunk build up thanks to dual injection.

The 2.7L is going to be just as satisfying. It’s smooth and has a CGI block which helps with long term durability. Wet belt isn’t a problem, just change your oil on time.

the 25 2.3 mpc also has a timing chain, and not a wet belt(for those that dont change their oil ontime, or just toss any old crap oil in there). and a traditional drain bolt, not that plastic plug. I love my 25 2.3 xlt fx4.

 

[Intercontinental_Ranger]

the 25 2.3 mpc also has a timing chain, and not a wet belt(for those that dont change their oil ontime, or just toss any old crap oil in there). and a traditional drain bolt, not that plastic plug. I love my 25 2.3 xlt fx4.

lol, I’m still putting top self full synthetic in my 2.3 - the engine cooks oil like hibachi!

 

[Sharpie223]

I like my 2.7 but either should be good for you.

That said, my observation is that there's more 2.3 drivers who prefer to always be in sport mode for drivability, and more 2.7 drivers who think sport mode is a little much.

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