2027 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost
2027 Explorer Engine Guide
2027 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost Engine
The 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 is the engine at the heart of most of the 2027 Ford Explorer lineup. With 300 horsepower, turbocharging, direct fuel injection, a 10-speed automatic transmission and up to 5,000 pounds of properly equipped towing capability, it gives Explorer buyers strong everyday performance without requiring the higher-output 3.0L EcoBoost V6.
2.3LEcoBoost I-4
300 HPMaximum Horsepower
10-SpeedAutomatic Transmission
5,000 LBS.Max Towing
2.3L EcoBoost Overview
The Engine Most Explorer Buyers Actually Need
It can be easy to assume that a three-row SUV needs six cylinders. The 2027 Explorer's 2.3L EcoBoost is a good example of why engine displacement alone no longer tells the whole story.
Turbocharging and direct fuel injection allow Ford's 2.3-liter four-cylinder to produce 300 horsepower — enough output to handle daily commuting, highway passing, family road trips and towing duties.
More importantly, Ford uses the 2.3L throughout most of the Explorer lineup. It is not simply an entry-level engine reserved for the least expensive model.
- Turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder
- Direct fuel injection
- 300 horsepower
- Auto Start-Stop Technology
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive available
- Intelligent 4WD available
- Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability
EcoBoost Technology
How Does a 2.3-Liter Engine Make 300 Horsepower?
The 2.3L EcoBoost uses several technologies together to produce power that would once have required a significantly larger naturally aspirated engine.
Turbocharging
The turbocharger uses exhaust energy to force additional air into the engine. More air allows the engine to burn more fuel when power is demanded, increasing output without requiring a larger displacement.
Direct Fuel Injection
Fuel is delivered directly into the combustion chamber, allowing the engine management system to control combustion precisely across different loads and driving conditions.
10-Speed Transmission
A broad range of gear ratios helps keep the EcoBoost engine operating in an effective part of its power band during acceleration, highway cruising and towing.
300 HP
Strong Output
Ford rates the 2027 Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost at 300 horsepower.
Auto Start-Stop
Auto Start-Stop Technology can shut the engine off during certain stationary conditions and restart it when the driver is ready to move.
Rear-Drive Architecture
On applicable Explorer trims, the 2.3L works with a rear-wheel-drive-based platform rather than the front-drive layout common among many midsize crossovers.
Engine Availability
Which 2027 Ford Explorer Trims Have the 2.3L EcoBoost?
Four of the five Explorer trims use the 2.3L EcoBoost as their standard engine.
Explorer Active
2.3L EcoBoost StandardActive uses the 300-horsepower EcoBoost as the foundation of the family-focused Explorer.
Research Explorer Active →Explorer ST-Line
2.3L EcoBoost StandardST-Line keeps the four-cylinder while adding sport-inspired design and upgraded technology.
Research Explorer ST-Line →Explorer Tremor
2.3L EcoBoost StandardTremor combines the 300-hp engine with standard 4WD and specialized off-road equipment. A 3.0L EcoBoost is also available.
Research Explorer Tremor →Explorer Platinum
2.3L EcoBoost StandardPlatinum allows buyers to combine 300-hp four-cylinder performance with Explorer's premium luxury-focused equipment.
Research Explorer Platinum →Which Explorer Does Not Use the 2.3L EcoBoost?
The performance-focused Explorer ST comes standard with the twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6 rather than the 2.3L four-cylinder.
2.3L EcoBoost Towing
Can the Four-Cylinder Explorer Tow 5,000 Pounds?
Yes. This is one of the most important facts for shoppers comparing the Explorer engines.
Ford's 2027 Explorer towing guide lists a maximum loaded trailer weight of up to 5,000 pounds for properly configured 2.3L EcoBoost models.
That means you do not have to move to the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 simply because you plan to tow.
- Up to 5,000-lb maximum loaded trailer weight
- Class III hitch receiver
- 7-wire harness and 4-/7-pin connector
- Tow/Haul mode
- Trailer Sway Control
The V6 Isn't Required Just for Towing
If 5,000 pounds covers your trailer needs, choosing the V6 should be primarily about wanting additional acceleration and torque, not assuming that the 2.3L cannot tow.
Explorer Drivetrain
2.3L EcoBoost With Rear-Wheel Drive or Intelligent 4WD
Engine choice and drivetrain choice are separate decisions on much of the Explorer lineup.
Rear-Wheel Drive
Rear-wheel drive is standard on several 2.3L-powered Explorer configurations.
It provides the fundamental Explorer driving experience without adding the weight and complexity of four-wheel drive.
Best fit: Drivers who primarily travel on paved roads.Intelligent 4WD
Intelligent 4WD is available on applicable 2.3L Explorer models, while Tremor includes 4WD as standard equipment.
For Kansas City-area drivers, the added traction can be useful during snow, heavy rain and on gravel or rural roads.
Best fit: Drivers who want additional all-weather traction. Engine Comparison
2.3L EcoBoost vs. 3.0L EcoBoost: Do You Need the V6?
Choose the 2.3L EcoBoost If...
- 300 horsepower already meets your needs
- Your Explorer is primarily a family vehicle
- You want Active or ST-Line
- You want Tremor capability without V6 power
- You want Platinum luxury without paying for more engine
- You still need up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capability
Consider the 3.0L EcoBoost If...
- Strong acceleration is a major priority
- You want up to 400 horsepower
- You want 415 lb-ft of torque
- You specifically want Explorer ST
- You want the available V6 in Tremor
Engine Specifications
2027 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost Specs at a Glance
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct fuel injection |
| Horsepower | 300 hp |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Auto Start-Stop | Yes |
| Rear-Wheel Drive | Available on applicable trims |
| Intelligent 4WD | Available; standard on Tremor |
| Maximum Towing | Up to 5,000 lbs. when properly configured |
| Standard on Active | Yes |
| Standard on ST-Line | Yes |
| Standard on Tremor | Yes |
| Standard on Platinum | Yes |
| Available on ST | No |
Ford Explorer Near Kansas City
Test Drive a 2.3L EcoBoost Explorer at Chuck Anderson Ford
Wondering whether the 2.3L EcoBoost is enough engine for a Ford Explorer? The easiest way to answer that question is to drive one.
Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs can help you compare 2.3L-powered Active, ST-Line, Tremor and Platinum models and determine whether the four-cylinder gives you the acceleration, drivetrain and capability you want.
We serve Ford Explorer shoppers throughout Excelsior Springs, Liberty, Kearney, Smithville, Lawson, Richmond, Kansas City and northwest Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions
2027 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost FAQs
How much horsepower does the 2027 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost have?
The 2027 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 produces 300 horsepower.
Is the Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost a four-cylinder?
Yes. The 2.3L EcoBoost is a turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine.
Is the 2.3L EcoBoost enough engine for a Ford Explorer?
For many Explorer buyers, yes. The 2.3L EcoBoost produces 300 horsepower and is used as the standard engine in Active, ST-Line, Tremor and Platinum models.
Which 2027 Ford Explorer trims have the 2.3L EcoBoost?
The 2.3L EcoBoost is standard on the 2027 Explorer Active, ST-Line, Tremor and Platinum.
Can the 2.3L Ford Explorer tow 5,000 pounds?
Yes. Ford lists a maximum loaded trailer weight of up to 5,000 pounds for properly configured 2027 Explorer models equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost.
Does the 2.3L Explorer come with four-wheel drive?
Intelligent 4WD is available on applicable Explorer models equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost. Explorer Tremor combines the 2.3L engine with standard Intelligent 4WD.
What transmission comes with the 2.3L EcoBoost Explorer?
Ford pairs the 2.3L EcoBoost with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 3.0L EcoBoost better than the 2.3L EcoBoost?
The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 offers substantially more available horsepower and torque, but that does not mean it is the better engine for every buyer. The 2.3L EcoBoost's 300 horsepower is sufficient for many family, commuting and towing needs.
Do I need the Explorer V6 for towing?
Not necessarily. Properly configured 2.3L EcoBoost Explorer models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, so choosing the V6 should depend primarily on your desire for additional performance rather than towing alone.
Where can I test drive a 2.3L EcoBoost Explorer near Kansas City?
Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, Missouri serves Ford Explorer shoppers from Liberty, Kearney, Smithville, Lawson, Richmond, Kansas City and surrounding communities.
Experience the 2.3L EcoBoost
Is 300 Horsepower Enough for Your Explorer?
For most buyers, the answer may be yes. The 2.3L EcoBoost delivers 300 horsepower, available Intelligent 4WD and up to 5,000 pounds of properly equipped towing capacity while powering four different Explorer trims. Browse available Explorer inventory at Chuck Anderson Ford or compare it directly with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6.
2027 Ford Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost specifications, features, horsepower, engine availability, drivetrain availability, towing ratings, equipment, packages, fuel-economy ratings, pricing and inventory availability are based on manufacturer-published information available when this page was prepared and are subject to change. Maximum towing capacity requires proper vehicle, trailer and equipment configuration. Always verify final engine specifications, equipment, payload and towing capability for the individual vehicle with Ford Motor Company and Chuck Anderson Ford before purchase or towing.