2025 2.3 Ecoboost new?

[Cincykz]

Hi all, I've seen a few articles stating that the 25 my explorer 2.3 Ecoboost is all new, with a different bore and stroke and port and direct fuel injection as opposed to just direct. Apparently dubbed MPC for modular power cylinder.

Can anyone confirm or deny if the 2.3 is different for 25? I know that the mustang 2.3 changed for 24 to the mpc, but Ford doesn't list anything about a new engine for 25s on their site.

The addition of port injection would be nice, as the di 2.3s seem to dilute the oil with fuel fairly frequently.

https://fordauthority.com/2024/07/2025-ford-explorer-uses-s650-mustangs-all-new-2-3l-ecoboost/

 

[themishmosh]

You got it. Same as the mustang you linked.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Hi all, I've seen a few articles stating that the 25 my explorer 2.3 Ecoboost is all new, with a different bore and stroke and port and direct fuel injection as opposed to just direct. Apparently dubbed MPC for modular power cylinder.

Can anyone confirm or deny if the 2.3 is different for 25? I know that the mustang 2.3 changed for 24 to the mpc, but Ford doesn't list anything about a new engine for 25s on their site.

The addition of port injection would be nice, as the di 2.3s seem to dilute the oil with fuel fairly frequently.

https://fordauthority.com/2024/07/2025-ford-explorer-uses-s650-mustangs-all-new-2-3l-ecoboost/

Yes, the 2025's have the new 2.3L, same as the Mustang.

 

[Cincykz]

That's good to hear, I like the idea of dual injection. Anyone driven one? I think I'm about to trade my 21 XLT on a 25 active with comfort package and sunroof. The specs of the new motor are pretty under square, should be torquey.

 

[Cincykz]

I find it strange Ford doesn't advertise the 25 as "new and improved" in any of their literature, and they haven't released detailed engine specs yet.

I think I have found confirmation of the new engine though - 21 2.3 explorer listed at 140ci and 10.0-1, the 2025 in the owner's manual available from Ford online shows 138ci and 10.634-1. I wonder if the explorer is just a tune away from the 350lb/ft of the new mustang.

 

[Cincykz]

Well, I traded my 21 XLT 202A tow package on a 25 Active with active comfort package, light colored interior, the bright nickel 20s, the pano roof, and the tri-coat white color. I will say, fit and finish and general quality seems better on the 25 all around. I'm not a computer guy, but the new tech system is nice.

Also, the engine is visually totally different.

 

[Cincykz]

 

[JakJak]

Hi all, I've seen a few articles stating that the 25 my explorer 2.3 Ecoboost is all new, with a different bore and stroke and port and direct fuel injection as opposed to just direct. Apparently dubbed MPC for modular power cylinder.

Can anyone confirm or deny if the 2.3 is different for 25? I know that the mustang 2.3 changed for 24 to the mpc, but Ford doesn't list anything about a new engine for 25s on their site.

The addition of port injection would be nice, as the di 2.3s seem to dilute the oil with fuel fairly frequently.

https://fordauthority.com/2024/07/2025-ford-explorer-uses-s650-mustangs-all-new-2-3l-ecoboost/

I also have a 2025 2.3L EcoBoost. I do not know for certain, but I suspect you are correct. Back in August 2024 when I swapped in a K&N air filter, it was the same spec as the mustang. SKU 33-5146.

 

[Cincykz]

Having had the 21, this 2.3 is very different physically than the old one. Aluminum valve cover instead of plastic, different alternator location, front belts different. Only have about 15 miles on it so far, drove fine but I was taking it pretty easy. Seemed maybe like the 25 trans seems less busy and shifts better?

 

[Cincykz]

I have to check but hope the air filter is the same, I have two new motorcrafts left from the 21.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I have to check but hope the air filter is the same, I have two new motorcrafts left from the 21.

To the naked eye they look the same.

 

[peterk9]

Well, I traded my 21 XLT 202A tow package on a 25 Active with active comfort package, light colored interior, the bright nickel 20s, the pano roof, and the tri-coat white color. I will say, fit and finish and general quality seems better on the 25 all around. I'm not a computer guy, but the new tech system is nice.

Also, the engine is visually totally different.

Congratulations on the new Explorer. Now all that's left to do is to update your profile.

Peter

 

[Fix4Dirt]

Congrats on the purchase! Do all Explorers have that strut brace? Just curious. Wish the Ranger had the port/direct 2.3.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Congrats on the purchase! Do all Explorers have that strut brace? Just curious. Wish the Ranger had the port/direct 2.3.

Yes. Although they don’t do anything.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

Yes. Although they don’t do anything.

Got it. I was just curious.

 

[Cincykz]

Only the ST and ST line come with the brace. I added it to my 21. When I traded it, I took the brace and put it in the 25. Easy install, Ford parts, under $100. I imagine that there is some handling or tracking benefit, or they wouldn't pay to stamp out the parts for the ST and PIU.

 

[peterk9]

My 2020, 2023 and current 2025 Aviator also had/have the brace.

Peter

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Only the ST and ST line come with the brace. I added it to my 21. When I traded it, I took the brace and put it in the 25. Easy install, Ford parts, under $100. I imagine that there is some handling or tracking benefit, or they wouldn't pay to stamp out the parts for the ST and PIU.

If you look at all the bracing, it's all towards the bottom. The stock piece is just a stamped piece that flexes extremely easily. If it was actually needed it would be a lot sturdier.

 

[Cincykz]

While I agree that the brace is flimsy torsionally, I think it's a design compromise. It actually has reliefs cut into it to increase torsional flex. It is fairly stiff laterally, in the direction it's intended to be, when bolted down.

Ford could have easily made it 250% stiffer if they wanted to, but I'm sure it was computer designed and trial tested to give a compromise between handling, tracking, and ride quality.