Need Forums Advice 1.5 vs 2.0

[Bronco III]

I had a ‘22 OB and recently traded in for a ‘25 BL and am very happy with it. The 1.5 was adequate but the 2.0 is just more fun, as is the whole BL package. Much smoother, more power and just more fun to drive! I recently drove through the Sierras to Reno and back and averaged around 29 for the whole trip using Econ mode but also doing 80 in a lot of stretches. I also filled the tank with premium for the first time for a noticeable improvement in power! Someone on this forum pointed out it costs $5-6 more to fill it and I think it’s worth it.

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[Warped9]

While I’m happy with my 1.5 I think Ford should have gone with a 4 rather than 3 cyl. For street use the current 1.5 3 cyl. is perfectly fine with a decent balance of performance, fuel economy and drivability, but I think a 4 cyl. would have given people a bit more piece of mind in terms of long term use and reliability. That said the current 3 cyl. hasn’t been a disaster so they must be doing something right.

I, like a lot of others, remember back in the ‘70s when four cylinders in imports were starting to really catch on and our parents with their big American V8s and 6s just laughed. Now V8s and 6s are relegated to fullsize trucks and high performance sports cars. Everyone crows a V8 Mustang is the only true Mustang, but an Ecoboost Mustang is no slouch whatsoever and generally better as a daily driver.

It would be nice if the 2.0 were an option in the other BS trims. And if the 1.5 was a 4 rather than 3 cyl. I think fewer people would be dissing it. So maybe in the next gen BS they could have a 1.5 4cyl as base with a 2.0 option. Or they could have a 2.0 base with a 2.3 option. Making the engines bigger than that would not only drive up the price, but hurt fuel economy and change the very nature of what the Bronco Sport is supposed to be.

The Bronco Sport exists because not everyone, likely most people, needs or wants a hulking gas-guzzling vehicle with the aerodynamics of a bungalow. And the fullsize Bronco exists for those who want something bigger and rougher than the scaled down version. Most people who buy these kinds of vehicles don’t do serious off-roading. They like the packaging and convenience of these vehicles along with the image. The off-roading crowd are the most vocal and thus the most visible, but they’re not the majority.

 

[kenmitch]

I’d prefer the 2.7 if it could be made to fit, it’s basically a diesel engine made to run on gas. Way better towing capacity. And who doesn’t want a V6?

The I4 2.3 is much better with fuel economy, but that’s about it.

The 2.3L would be the better choice as it would have the Weight to Horsepower advantage. Throw on a mild tune if needed.

The 2.7L would be something they'd throw into a Bronco Sport Raptor if they were willing to make such a thing.

A 2.7L offering could also go the way of the Lobo. I guess there might actually be a larger market?

The Bronco Sport exists because not everyone, likely most people, needs or wants a hulking gas-guzzling vehicle with the aerodynamics of a bungalow.

Or for guys like me who wanted the big Bronco with the Sasquatch package, but have a handicapped daughter that wouldn't be able to get into it without a ladder.....I happily took one for the team.....lol

 

[jkernitzki]

The 2.3L would be the better choice as it would have the Weight to Horsepower advantage. Throw on a mild tune if needed.

The 2.7L would be something they'd throw into a Bronco Sport Raptor if they were willing to make such a thing.

A 2.7L offering could also go the way of the Lobo. I guess there might actually be a larger market?

Also, the 8F35 couldn’t handle the torque of the 2.7, so either a new tranny or derate the motor (which would defeat the purpose altogether). All in all it’d be another $5K or so.

Still fun to “dream build”.

 

[Stircrazy]

if your happy with the power of the 1.5 like I am then there is no reason to look at anything else. yes there is the injector issue, and that will be fixed but that's the only motor related recall I have seen.
the 2.0 has its own sets of issues.

 

[max the dog]

Hi, I currently own a 2022 BSBB with 18 K on it and the 1.5 L. I'm considering a 2024 BSBL, from a Chevy dealer, with only 3800 mikes on it. It was a former lease. I love the MPG with my 1.5 and the power in Sport mode. I just don't trust the 3 banger , especially with all the recalls and apparently another is coming today in the mail. I'd really appreciate any input from the forum. Thank you in advance.

Grab it you;ll be happy. If I'm gentle, most of the time, I get 30mpg with my "21 BL. Your head snaps when throttle is matted. I only wish 8th gear would engage 5 mph lower mileage would really increase.

 

[kenmitch]

I only wish 8th gear would engage 5 mph lower mileage would really increase.

Can't you paddle shift it? I haven't played around with paddle shifting mine yet as I only have 482 miles on it so far....lol

 

[Davenorton]

That's opening a can of worms.
I have a 2021 Badlands, tried the 1.5 models before purchasing, to me it was a night and day difference, yes the 2.0 doesn't get the fuel mileage of the 1.5 but that wasn't the driving factor for me. I wanted the Badlands powertrain and the other goodies the package offered.

My feelings, exactly!

 

[petegee77]

Grab it you;ll be happy. If I'm gentle, most of the time, I get 30mpg with my "21 BL. Your head snaps when throttle is matted. I only wish 8th gear would engage 5 mph lower mileage would really increase.

I REALLY love that sport mode. One of the main drags here cuts down from 2 to 1 lane right at a stop light. I'm always in the left lane knowing this. From time to time I get some pickup pull up to my right looking to punch it and cut me off. I just casually put it in Sport mode and punch it the nano second that the light changes. . Nobody has ever cut me off. I'm there chuckling while they're behind me like WTF ?

 

[Warped9]

I have no illusions of not getting dusted in a drag race, but in real world driving in daily traffic I find my 1.5 BB quick off the line from stoplights and with good throttle response on the highway.

If I had really wanted more pure performance I would have opted for a Jetta GLI with manual transmission, an alternative I was considering last year when I bought my BS, and it would have been pretty much the same money.

 

[max the dog]

Can't you paddle shift it? I haven't played around with paddle shifting mine yet as I only have 482 miles on it so far....lol

Nope even in sport mode or manual

 

[kenmitch]

Nope even in sport mode or manual

Well....At least you gave it the good old college try.....Not that college is worth anything these days.

If I had really wanted more pure performance I would have opted for a Jetta GLI with manual transmission, an alternative I was considering last year when I bought my BS, and it would have been pretty much the same money.

That's a strange cross shop.

 

[jkernitzki]

I REALLY love that sport mode. One of the main drags here cuts down from 2 to 1 lane right at a stop light. I'm always in the left lane knowing this. From time to time I get some pickup pull up to my right looking to punch it and cut me off. I just casually put it in Sport mode and punch it the nano second that the light changes. . Nobody has ever cut me off. I'm there chuckling while they're behind me like WTF ?

Brake hold will give you another advantage in that scenario.

 

[Warped9]

That's a strange cross shop.

When I was looking to buy a new vehicle a year ago I wasn’t decided on exactly what I wanted, so I looked at different options that appealed to me for different reasons. I probably could have been quite happy with the Jetta, but the fact I have no regrets with my Bronco Sport suggests I made the right choice.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

Unless you are looking for better gas milage and a lower initial cost, I would go with the 2.0. Not sure what was meant about the 2.0 having it’s share of problems. There haven’t been any recalls regarding the 2.0 in the 3 plus years I’ve had mine.

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