2026 Ford Bronco Engine 2.3L EcoBoost
2026 Ford Bronco Engine Guide
2026 Ford Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost Engine
The 2.3L EcoBoost is the most versatile engine in the 2026 Ford Bronco lineup, producing up to 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque while offering something neither Bronco V6 can: an available 7-speed manual transmission.
Is the 2.3L EcoBoost a Good Bronco Engine?
For many Bronco buyers, the answer is yes—especially if transmission choice, lower entry cost and configuration flexibility matter as much as maximum torque.
The 2026 Ford Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine used across a large portion of the Bronco lineup. It is standard on several Bronco trims and can be paired with either Ford's 7-speed manual transmission or 10-speed automatic transmission depending on the model.
On regular fuel, Ford rates the engine at 275 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. With premium fuel, output increases to 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.
That gives the 2.3L an unusual position in the Bronco family: it is the smallest engine offered, but it also provides the widest variety of transmission and trim combinations.
300 HPPremium Fuel
325 LB-FTPremium Fuel
7-Speed ManualAvailable
10-Speed AutoAvailable
2026 Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost Horsepower & Torque
| Fuel | Horsepower | Torque | Compression Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Fuel | 275 hp @ 5,700 rpm | 315 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm | 10.0:1 |
| Premium Fuel | 300 hp @ 5,700 rpm | 325 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm | 10.0:1 |
Ford's premium-fuel horsepower and torque ratings are based on premium fuel under SAE J1349 testing. Actual results can vary.
Why Choose the Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost?
Manual Transmission Availability
The biggest reason some Bronco buyers specifically seek out the 2.3L EcoBoost is the availability of the 7-speed manual transmission.
Neither the 2.7L nor 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is offered with the Bronco manual transmission.
Broad Trim Availability
The 2.3L EcoBoost is available across several Bronco series, giving buyers significantly more flexibility when choosing equipment, body style and price point.
Strong Low-End Torque
Up to 325 lb-ft of torque gives the turbocharged four-cylinder plenty of usable low-end response for everyday driving, trails and low-speed off-road situations.
Automatic Still Available
Choosing the 2.3L does not require choosing a manual. A 10-speed automatic is available or standard depending on the Bronco trim.
The Engine for a Manual-Transmission Bronco
If you're specifically searching for a 2026 Ford Bronco with a manual transmission, the 2.3L EcoBoost is the engine that makes it possible.
7-Speed Manual Features
- 7-Speed Manual Transmission
- Granny Gear
- Crank-in-Gear Function
- Hill Descent Control on applicable configurations
Why Enthusiasts Choose It
The manual transmission gives the driver direct control over gear selection while the dedicated low-ratio Granny Gear is designed around very low-speed operation.
For buyers who value driver involvement as much as raw horsepower, this combination gives the 2.3L Bronco a character neither V6 configuration can duplicate.
2.3L EcoBoost with the 10-Speed Automatic
The 2.3L EcoBoost can also be paired with Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission.
Depending on the Bronco configuration, the automatic adds trail-focused technology including Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist. On certain trims, Trail One-Pedal Driving is also included with the automatic powertrain configuration.
The automatic 2.3L is a strong fit for buyers who like the smaller EcoBoost engine but prefer easier daily driving, remote-start compatibility on equipped trims and the automatic transmission's trail-assistance technologies.
Which 2026 Bronco Trims Have the 2.3L EcoBoost?
The 2.3L is available across much of the 2026 Bronco lineup, but transmission availability changes by trim.
| Bronco Trim | 2.3L EcoBoost | 7-Speed Manual | 10-Speed Automatic | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Standard | Standard | Available | Bronco Base |
| Big Bend | Standard | Standard | Available | Bronco Big Bend |
| Outer Banks | Standard | Not Available | Standard | Bronco Outer Banks |
| Badlands | Standard | Standard | Available | Bronco Badlands |
| Heritage Edition | Standard | Standard | Available | Bronco Heritage Edition |
| Stroppe Edition | Not Available | Not Available | Uses 2.7L V6 | Bronco Stroppe |
| Raptor | Not Available | Not Available | Uses 3.0L V6 | Bronco Raptor |
2.3L EcoBoost in the Bronco Base
The 2.3L EcoBoost is standard in the 2026 Ford Bronco Base and can be paired with either the 7-speed manual or 10-speed automatic.
That makes Base one of the simplest ways to get into a manual-transmission Bronco while retaining the option to add equipment such as the Sasquatch Package.
2.3L EcoBoost in the Bronco Big Bend
The 2026 Bronco Big Bend also makes the 2.3L EcoBoost standard and gives buyers the choice between the 7-speed manual and 10-speed automatic.
Big Bend is a strong middle-ground configuration for someone who wants the 2.3L engine but also wants more comfort, technology and available packages than the Base model.
2.3L EcoBoost in the Bronco Outer Banks
The 2026 Bronco Outer Banks comes standard with the 2.3L EcoBoost and 10-speed automatic transmission.
There is no manual Outer Banks configuration for 2026. Buyers can keep the standard 2.3L or move up to the available 2.7L EcoBoost V6.
2.3L EcoBoost in the Bronco Badlands
The 2026 Bronco Badlands makes the 2.3L EcoBoost standard and offers it with either the 7-speed manual or 10-speed automatic.
This is one of the most interesting 2.3L combinations in the lineup because Badlands pairs the smaller engine with serious off-road hardware, including advanced 4x4 capability, HOSS 2.0 suspension, 33-inch rugged-terrain tires and available Sasquatch equipment.
2.3L EcoBoost in the Bronco Heritage Edition
The 2026 Bronco Heritage Edition also uses the 2.3L EcoBoost as its standard engine.
For 2026, Heritage buyers can pair the engine with either the 7-speed manual or the 10-speed automatic, allowing the retro-inspired Heritage model to appeal to both traditional manual-transmission enthusiasts and buyers who prefer an automatic.
2.3L EcoBoost vs. 2.7L EcoBoost V6
For many Bronco shoppers, this is the most important engine comparison.
| Specification | 2.3L EcoBoost | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Turbocharged I-4 | EcoBoost V6 |
| Regular-Fuel Horsepower | 275 hp | 315 hp |
| Premium-Fuel Horsepower | 300 hp | 330 hp |
| Regular-Fuel Torque | 315 lb-ft | 410 lb-ft |
| Premium-Fuel Torque | 325 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft |
| 7-Speed Manual | Available | Not Available |
| 10-Speed Automatic | Available / Standard by Trim | Required |
If maximum torque is your priority, explore the 2026 Ford Bronco 2.7L EcoBoost V6 . If you want the manual transmission or broader configuration flexibility, the 2.3L has a significant advantage.
Who Should Choose the 2.3L Bronco?
Choose the 2.3L If...
- You want a manual-transmission Bronco
- You want up to 300 horsepower
- You don't need the additional torque of the V6
- You want broader trim flexibility
- You want Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands or Heritage
- You still want serious off-road capability
Consider a V6 If...
- Maximum torque matters more than manual availability
- You specifically want the Stroppe Edition
- You specifically want Bronco Raptor
- You prefer a V6 with the 10-speed automatic
Compare all three choices in our 2026 Ford Bronco engine guide .
Explore Every 2026 Ford Bronco Engine
Return to the complete engine comparison or continue directly to another Bronco EcoBoost engine.
2026 Ford Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost FAQs
How much horsepower does the 2026 Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost have?
The 2.3L EcoBoost produces 275 horsepower on regular fuel and up to 300 horsepower on premium fuel.
How much torque does the Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost make?
It produces 315 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel and up to 325 lb-ft on premium fuel.
Can you get a 2026 Ford Bronco 2.3L with a manual transmission?
Yes. The 2.3L EcoBoost is the only engine in the 2026 Bronco lineup available with the 7-speed manual transmission.
Can you get the 2.3L Bronco with an automatic?
Yes. A 10-speed automatic is available with the 2.3L EcoBoost on applicable Bronco trims and is standard with the 2.3L on Outer Banks.
Which 2026 Bronco trims have the 2.3L EcoBoost?
The 2.3L EcoBoost is available on Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands and Heritage Edition.
Does the 2026 Bronco Stroppe have the 2.3L engine?
No. The 2026 Bronco Stroppe Edition comes standard with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6.
Does the 2026 Bronco Raptor use the 2.3L engine?
No. The 2026 Bronco Raptor uses its own 3.0L EcoBoost V6.
Does the 2.3L Bronco require premium gas?
No. Ford publishes output ratings for both regular and premium fuel. Premium fuel provides the engine's maximum published output of 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.
Is the 2.3L or 2.7L Bronco better?
The 2.7L V6 produces substantially more torque, while the 2.3L offers broader trim availability and is the only choice if you want a manual transmission. The better engine depends on how you plan to use your Bronco.
Where can I find a 2.3L Ford Bronco near Kansas City?
Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, Missouri serves Bronco shoppers throughout Kansas City, Liberty, Kearney, Lawson, Richmond, Smithville and surrounding communities.
Find a 2026 Ford Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost Near Kansas City
Whether you're searching specifically for a manual Ford Bronco, comparing the 2.3L EcoBoost with the 2.7L V6 or simply trying to find the best Bronco configuration for your needs, Chuck Anderson Ford can help.
2026 Ford Bronco 2.3L EcoBoost for Sale Near Kansas City, MO
Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, Missouri helps drivers throughout Kansas City, Liberty, Kearney, Lawson, Richmond, Smithville, North Kansas City and surrounding communities compare Ford Bronco engines and configurations.
If you're deciding between the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder and 2.7L EcoBoost V6, our team can help you compare power, transmission availability, trim compatibility and available inventory.
Return to our 2026 Ford Bronco engine comparison , explore the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 or compare all 2026 Ford Bronco trim levels .
Horsepower and torque ratings are based on Ford's 2026 Bronco ordering information. Premium-fuel ratings are based on premium fuel per SAE J1349. Features, engine availability, transmission combinations and equipment may change. Always verify the exact configuration of an individual Bronco using current Ford information and its window sticker.