2.7 XLT Sport or 2.3 XLT FX4 trying to decide

[Danager]

It’s the next day. Which one did you go with?

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[mackieranger]

2.3 XLT FX4 and I am happy.

EQUIPMENT GROUP 300A
XLT SERIES
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT/OTHER
255/70R17 A/T OWL TIRE
4X4 REGIONAL DISCOUNT PKG
CONNECTED NAVIGATION
SPORT APPEARANCE PACKAGE
.17" GRAY PTD ALUM WHL-SPORT
FX4 OFF-ROAD PACKAGE
.OFF-ROAD TUNED SUSPENSION
.3.73 LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL


Do let us know what you went with!

 

[mackieranger]

It’s the next day. Which one did you go with?

The suspense is killing me haha

 

[Danager]

FWIW - I traded a 2021 Ranger Lariat Tremor for my 2024 Lariat FX4. I did get the 2.7. It’s not that I think the 2.3 is underpowered. We are planning to buy a travel trailer. Nothing crazy, 3,500-5,000lb. But towing in the mountains (at altitude) can be demanding.

I will say, the 2.7 is more responsive, smoother, and just a little more fun for me. But, you know your use case and what you need.

 

[EasternKS]

Beyond the engine, one option that I'd highly recommend is the rear step bumper. I wasn't going to get one without it, but as a first time truck owner didn't realize how often I'd use that. With the tailgate down, the rear step is covered, and using the rear wheel as a step can be quite a stretch, assuming it's not muddy and you have long enough legs. Other very useful option for me has been the Securicode keyless entry. Can't tell you how many times the key has been in the house but needed something from inside the locked Ranger, or went for a walk or run and wanted to leave keys, phone etc in the truck and not in my pockets.

Btw, I have the 2.7 and am very happy with it. Wish it got a few more mpg in town, but still very happy and it's responsive and quick. Sounds good too! And as many others have testified, the 2.3 is a gutsy, well proven engine as well.

Happy deciding.

 

[gmarcucio]

2.3 XLT FX4 and I am happy.

EQUIPMENT GROUP 300A
XLT SERIES
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT/OTHER
255/70R17 A/T OWL TIRE
4X4 REGIONAL DISCOUNT PKG
CONNECTED NAVIGATION
SPORT APPEARANCE PACKAGE
.17" GRAY PTD ALUM WHL-SPORT
FX4 OFF-ROAD PACKAGE
.OFF-ROAD TUNED SUSPENSION
.3.73 LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL


Do let us know what you went with!

I went with the

 

[gmarcucio]

I ended up going with 2.3 XLT FX4 offroad package and the 301A equipment group, in Carbonized gray. I was leaning towrds the 2.7 for the extra performance. However, I have a 24 Corvette Z06 and a 2024 Toyota GR Supra and those are my performance fun cars so I had to draw the line somewhere. I appreciate all of the recommendations and advice!

 

[Rangerjimm]

Did they ever fix the cam phaser issue with the 2.7?

Nope. Still happening.

 

[Jason B]

I ended up going with 2.3 XLT FX4 offroad package and the 301A equipment group, in Carbonized gray. I was leaning towrds the 2.7 for the extra performance. However, I have a 24 Corvette Z06 and a 2024 Toyota GR Supra and those are my performance fun cars so I had to draw the line somewhere. I appreciate all of the recommendations and advice!

Nice. Did it come with a level kit? 'cause mine looks a lot lower in the front.

 

[gmarcucio]

Nice. Did it come with a level kit? 'cause mine looks a lot lower in the front.

Not that I know of If it did I was not told so. Now you have me wondering, I'll have to look.

 

[Bob W]

I have had 2 XLT Rangers 4X4, 2020 & 2024, both with the 2.3 and have been very happy with them. Since the 2.3 choice is a 4X4 it is will be great for winter (and snow) driving even if you never plan use it to go off-roading.

 

[maus92]

I will respectfully disagree. The 2.7 is not about performance / hot-rodding - it's a much better engine for everyday driving as there is no torque hole. In suburban / urban traffic with frequent stop and go's, the 2.7 never runs out of torque unlike the 2.3 that requires you to always be on the power to keep traffic moving smoothly. I suppose if the Ranger is not a daily driver or used for mostly highway / rural driving, the 2.3 would be adequate

 

[Satex]

I'm new here, thanks for letting me join. I'm going to pull the trigger on a 24 Ranger today. My options are a 2.3 XLT Fx4 or 2.7 XLT Sport. I won't be towing with it or off roading. Just the usual truck stuff. I'm deciding on one of those two because they are giving me the best deal on my 2023 Lightning Lariet trade in. Do I really want the 2.7 or is the 2.3 good enough? Any recommendations or advice on which truck? Thanks in advance.

Even though you're not offroading, there's real value in the FX4 package. I have a 2.7 liter with the FX4. Not getting stuck a couple of times due to have a locking differential and terrain management means a lot.

As much as I love the 2.7 motor, I'd give it up before I would the FX4.

 

[DesertRanger760]

No complaints here, I went with the 2.3L XLT FX4 with the advanced tow and tech package. First time towing with it this weekend. Overall after 11,000 miles I’m pretty impressed with its capability on/off-road and towing not to mention the comfort even being 6’4 plenty of headroom and legroom for a midsize even on 13 hour road trips didn’t feel cramped or uncomfortable once.

Edit: The fx4 snow/ice mode probably saved my ass a few weeks ago when the cars sliding down the mountain in front of me started to play pinball with each other I was able to safely dodge everyone and make it to the shoulder to send all involved a copy of my dash cam footage.

 

[Satex]

The wet belt for the oil pump is an absolute no from me.

Why? What I mean is, do you have experience or data that informs your choice, or is it a theory about the application? I'm not trying to argue, but simply understand your logic.

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