2021 Ford Bronco Engine: Options, Sizes & Specs

Braden Carlson
Apr 5, 2021

Ford’s 2021 Bronco and Bronco Sport offer multiple efficient engine options. We review the best aspects of the Blue Oval’s latest offerings.

2021 Ford Bronco - Photo by Ford

Ford’s 2017 announcement of the return of the iconic Ford Bronco brought a sigh of relief with it. Bronco enthusiasts have been asking for the return of the Bronco since its discontinuation in 1996. Over 20 years passed before Ford finally announced the triumphant return of the Bronco namesake.

However, no new Broncos are available with a V8. This has upset a fair bit of Bronco enthusiasts. But Ford’s EcoBoost engine lineup does offer remarkable horsepower and torque figures in much more conveniently sized and weighted packages.

Furthermore, the EcoBoost engine offerings are far more efficient than the V8 engines of the previous Broncos. The modern Bronco has modern technology, like it or not. If you aren’t convinced, though, maybe a closer look at the engine options will bring you on board.

The Ford Bronco namesake comes in two different variants for the 2021 model year. The standard Bronco (known simply as “the Bronco”) and the smaller Bronco Sport.

The Bronco is built more like the traditional models that ran from 1965 to 1996. Like a truck, it is a body-on-frame assembly. They come in both two- and four-door variants.

While Ford initially planned to have 2021 Broncos going to customers early in 2021, supply issues pertinent to the coronavirus have pushed back delivery dates. Currently, Ford is shooting for summer 2021.

The Bronco Sport is a smaller version built on a unibody platform. The sport models are more akin to a crossover like the Ford Escape than a traditional truck or SUV.

Unlike the Bronco, they are only available in four-door variants. Bronco Sports began delivery in late 2020 and are currently out and about on American roads.

Let’s take a look at the awesome arrangement of EcoBoost engine options for both variants.

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Towing Trailer - Photo by Ford

Bronco Sport Engine Options

Don’t let the small stature of the Bronco Sport fool you. While it may not be built like traditional Broncos, it still has all the original’s off-road genes. With Ford’s G.O.A.T (Goes Over Any Terrain) traction modes and available accessories like rooftop tents and kayak racks, the Bronco Sport is ready for adventure wherever you are.

Remarkably, it’ll get you there using a lot less fuel than you think, thanks to Ford’s EcoBoost engine offerings.

Up first is Ford’s 1.5-liter EcoBoost inline three-cylinder engine. While it only has three cylinders, it packs quite a punch. This all-aluminum brute features a blend of direct-injection and port-injection to perfectly optimize fuel usage and power output. It has a compression ratio of 11 to 1. Additionally, like all EcoBoost engines, it has a turbocharger.

This perfect storm combines to create a power output of 181 horsepower and 190 lb.-ft. of torque. While that isn’t an astonishing number by today’s standards, the lowly three-cylinder does put out more power than Broncos of the past with V8s.

For example, the 1978 Ford Bronco with a 6.6-liter V8 had a power output of only 158 horsepower. Though, we must admit stringent fuel economy standards of the 70s severely hindered automakers’ ability to output powerful engines.

The EcoBoost three-cylinder also runs on regular unleaded gas, which will save you some money at the pump when you don’t have to press down on that premium button.

Additionally, you’ll find yourself at the gas pumps a lot less than you might think. Broncos equipped with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine have EPA ratings of 25 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

If the mini brute’s three-cylinder isn’t quite enough for you, though, we have good news.

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Offroad - Photo by Ford

Bronco Sport EcoBoost Four-cylinder Option

The second available engine option for the Bronco Sport is the almighty 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine. This engine has proven itself time and time again throughout its use in the Ford lineup. Especially in the case of the track-ready Ford Focus ST. This engine is no joke.

Like its three-cylinder little brother, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost is of all-aluminum construction. However, it departs from the three-cylinder engine in using only direct-injection.

Additionally, it has a slightly lower compression ratio at 10 to 1. It does, of course, still have a turbocharger. While it may seem like it has a couple of shortcomings compared to the 1.5-liter option, we assure you the extra cylinder makes up for the lower compression ratio.

The almighty 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, as equipped in the Bronco Sport, has a power output of 250 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque.

At the time of writing, the standard Bronco has still yet to reach sales floors and customers. So, the 2021 Bronco Sport 2.0-liter EcoBoost is currently the most powerful Ford Bronco variant ever produced up to this point. Even the most recent old-school Bronco, the 1996 model year, made a maximum of 210 horsepower. Technology has come a long way!

Unlike the three-cylinder, Ford recommends running the 2.0 EcoBoost Bronco Sport on premium unleaded gasoline. That being said, the fuel economy is still nothing short of impressive.

The four-cylinder variants have EPA ratings of 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Those are still some awe-inspiring numbers for an offroad-ready adventurer.

Either engine choice is sure to net you great offroad adventures while maintaining decent fuel economy. What else could you ask for?

2021 Ford Bronco Four Door Removed Doors - Photo by Ford

Bigger Bronco Brings Bigger Power

If you answered more power, remarkable throwback styling, and an available manual transmission, we’ve got a solution for you. The 2021 Bronco, as we mentioned before, is built more like the traditional Broncos. They are body-on-frame construction-like trucks.

Unlike the Bronco Sport, a two-door variant is available. The Bronco also maintains its heritage with removable doors and tops to give you that truly freeing open-air ride.

Like the Bronco Sport, the Bronco has two different engine options. Additionally, the theme of both being EcoBoost options is retained. However, these engines pack a fair bit more heat than the Bronco Sport offerings.

The smaller of the Bronco engine options comes in the form of the Ford 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder. The very same engine you find in the Mustang and the weapon that is the Ford Focus RS. Like the Bronco Sport offerings, the 2.3 is aluminum construction. It has a compression ratio of 10 to 1 and uses direct-injection solely like the 2.0-liter variant.

The power output of the mightly 2.3 is 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. This puts it a pretty good leap above the Bronco Sport variants and well beyond the past Broncos.

It is also worth noting that the 2.3-liter EcoBoost option is the only option available with a seven-speed manual transmission. If you’re a manual purist, the 2.3 is for you.

Ford does not specify that premium unleaded is required. Once again, this will save you a few bucks every fill-up. While the EPA has not yet rated the 2021 Bronco, the Ford Explorer with the same engine has ratings of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. It’s safe to assume the Bronco will be in a similar range.

2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond in Snow - Photo by Ford

Even More Brute in the Bronco

The hardest-hitting option of all 2021 Bronco variants comes in the form of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. This engine is found in F150s, SUVs, and even the sleeper sedan Fusion Sport.

Unlike all the other Bronco engine options, the 2.7-liter V6 has Compacted Graphite Iron engine block construction, offering a middle ground between the lightweight properties of aluminum and the high-temperature range and durability of cast iron. It has aluminum cylinder heads, a 10 to 1 compression ratio, and, most importantly, two turbochargers.

The twin-turbocharged beast puts out a fearsome 310 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft.t of torque, proving once and for all that there really is a replacement for displacement. It eclipses the 1996 Bronco with a 5.8-liter V8 by over 100 horsepower and 70 lb.-ft. of torque. This, undoubtedly, will crown the 2.7-liter Bronco the most powerful Bronco unleashed on the public. That is, once it’s actually unleashed on the public.

Ford also advertises that consumers can run the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 on regular unleaded gas, like its 2.3-liter and 1.5-liter counterparts. Even having the most powerful engine option for the 2021 Bronco lineup will not be a killer at the fuel pumps.

Again, the EPA has not rated the 2021 Bronco as of yet. However, the 2021 F-150 with the same 2.7 gets 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. We anticipate the numbers for the 2.7-liter EcoBoost Bronco will be in a similar range.

Both engine options for the 2021 Ford Bronco offer impressive power and performance. Combined with the Bronco’s nearly one-foot ground clearance and G.O.A.T modes just like the Bronco Sport, there’s nowhere the Bronco won’t take you.

2021 Ford Bronco - Photo by Ford

EcoBoost Options Make Great Adventures

Overall, both the Bronco and Bronco Sport engine options were knocked out of the park by Ford. Their constant move toward perfecting the balance of power and efficiency across their entire lineup is an admirable effort.

Years of engineering and technological breakthroughs leave us with an incredible Bronco reminiscent of its legendary predecessors in terms of appearance and spirit.

However, EcoBoost technology allows the new Broncos to go further than Ford engineers of the past could ever have dreamed of. If you told a Bronco team member from the 1960s there’d be a Bronco making over 300 horsepower capable of over 20 miles per gallon, they’d likely dismiss you as crazy.

Photos: Ford

Frequently Asked Questions

Apr 24, 2022

What size engine will the 2021 Bronco have?

The 2021 Ford Bronco will come with two different engine options depending on the trim and options that you select when ordering yours. The first option is a 2.3L EcoBoost 4 cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque. This engine can come with either a 7-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic.

The upgraded engine is a 2.7L V6 EcoBoost that produces 310 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. This engine will only be able to be purchased with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

Some people were hoping that the new Bronco would come out with a V8 engine in it that was more reminiscent of the previous generations. Ford has had a lot of success with their EcoBoost line of motors and decided that they made the most sense to put in the new Bronco. These will give you as much power as a V8, but they will get much better fuel economy.

How much will a 2021 Ford Bronco cost?

The 2021 Ford Bronco has a starting price of $28,500 for the base 2-door version. If you want to get the 4-door version then there is nearly a $5,000 price increase to $33,200 for a base 4-door. The 2021 Bronco comes in 7 different trim options, and each one of them is available as either a 2-door or 4-door, making a total of 14 different Broncos before options are added.

The most expensive Bronco trims are the First Edition trim. These are fully loaded and have every option that you can get from the factory. The 2-door version has a price of $59,305, and the 4-door is slightly more at $63,500.

The Bronco has a wide range of prices, there is a $35,000 price difference from the cheapest to most expensive model. With that large of a price range, there is certainly one that should be able to fit everyone's budget. When the new Bronco hits dealerships later in 2021 be prepared for "market adjustments" on them though. Dealers may be asking over asking due to the hype and popularity of the new SUV.

How much will the 2021 Ford Bronco tow?

The 2021 Ford Bronco will be able to tow up to 3,500 pounds, regardless of the engine that you choose. If you do plan on towing with it you will need to get the Class II trailer tow package from Ford. This will give you all of the connections that you will need at the back of your Bronco to hook it up to a trailer.

The Ford Bronco is marketed as more of a small off-road-oriented SUV and therefore it does not have the greatest towing capacity. It matches the Wrangler's capacity at 3,500 pounds but falls short of other SUVs like the 4Runner that is capable of pulling 5,000 pounds.

Overall the Bronco is going to be a decent SUV for towing things like boats or off-road toys but I would not expect to use it to tow a large camper or another vehicle. The main limitation to the towing capacity for it is the transmission, they just are not built to pull that much weight.
avatar Braden Carlson
An automotive journalist for over six years, Braden Carlson has contributed to a variety of auto websites, including Team Speed and LS1Tech. When he’s not writing or under one of his project cars, you’ll often find him producing video and photography for his "Cursed Forever" YouTube channel.
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