The 2.3L turbo engine in our 2021 XLT Let's dyno that bad boy

[Explorer75]

Here's a quick 87 octane to 93 octane experience during our trip. With 87 it would hesitate at times during part to full throttle acceleration. (Merging onto the highway, passing others). It was like the engine was trying to figure out what to do along with the transmission, if that makes any sense. It would hesitate at times like it didn't know how to react to the 87 octane which the 10 speed transmission was trying to keep up with the hesitation. So it made it surge at times. But I can tell you when I got closer to Atlanta and started feeding it 93 octane fuel. All hesitation went away. So I think the computer was trying to do it's best using the 87 octane fuel, with boost limits using 87 and the 93 degree heat, with a 10 speed transmission trying to make it as smooth as possible but it was kind of jerky at times, actually a lot. So using 87 octane on a trip I don't think is bad, because you're just burning through it, but it's noticeable when you step down on it and need to merge or do some passing.

I think your truck was homesick

 

[Jettech498]

I think your truck was homesick

Probably LOL!!

 

[Jost]

Here's a quick 87 octane to 93 octane experience during our trip. With 87 it would hesitate at times during part to full throttle acceleration. (Merging onto the highway, passing others). It was like the engine was trying to figure out what to do along with the transmission, if that makes any sense. It would hesitate at times like it didn't know how to react to the 87 octane which the 10 speed transmission was trying to keep up with the hesitation. So it made it surge at times. But I can tell you when I got closer to Atlanta and started feeding it 93 octane fuel. All hesitation went away. So I think the computer was trying to do it's best using the 87 octane fuel, with boost limits using 87 and the 93 degree heat, with a 10 speed transmission trying to make it as smooth as possible but it was kind of jerky at times, actually a lot. So using 87 octane on a trip I don't think is bad, because you're just burning through it, but it's noticeable when you step down on it and need to merge or do some passing.

Sounds like you had a great trip. Thanks for your positive posts on your 2.3 Explorer! I know that the point of the forums is for people to address problems but its great to hear someone who loves there car also! I feel the same way about mine and despite some initial concern I am very happy with the 2.3

 

[Jettech498]

Sounds like you had a great trip. Thanks for your positive posts on your 2.3 Explorer! I know that the point of the forums is for people to address problems but its great to hear someone who loves there car also! I feel the same way about mine and despite some initial concern I am very happy with the 2.3

It was an amazing trip and yes we love our XLT with that amazingly powerful 2.3L!!

 

[eurozop]

I have also averaged 27-28 mpg on 1000+ miles trip recently so on the interstate constant speed it will get great mpg. Is roblox down mobdro

 

[peterk9]

I have also averaged 27-28 mpg on 1000+ miles trip recently so on the interstate constant speed it will get great mpg.

Welcome to the Forum.

Peter

 

[Baddesst]

I have an 22 Timberline on order. One of the concerns I had was Ford's choice of the 2.3L ecoboost vs using the 2.7L ecoboost or 3.0 ecoboost in the Timberline. I thought the 2.3L was just too small of a motor for off roading in a Explorer TImberline. After lots of research, and this forum, it seems the 2.3L is a very stout motor with good reputation. I will be trading in my 2017 Explorer XLT 3.5 NA. Look forward to the rear drive platform!

 

[Jost]

I have an 22 Timberline on order. One of the concerns I had was Ford's choice of the 2.3L ecoboost vs using the 2.7L ecoboost or 3.0 ecoboost in the Timberline. I thought the 2.3L was just too small of a motor for off roading in a Explorer TImberline. After lots of research, and this forum, it seems the 2.3L is a very stout motor with good reputation. I will be trading in my 2017 Explorer XLT 3.5 NA. Look forward to the rear drive platform!

I was initially concerned about the 2.3 but I have been more then pleasantly surprised. It has plenty of power and is smooth. Good luck with your Timberline!

 

[peterk9]

I have an 22 Timberline on order. One of the concerns I had was Ford's choice of the 2.3L ecoboost vs using the 2.7L ecoboost or 3.0 ecoboost in the Timberline. I thought the 2.3L was just too small of a motor for off roading in a Explorer TImberline. After lots of research, and this forum, it seems the 2.3L is a very stout motor with good reputation. I will be trading in my 2017 Explorer XLT 3.5 NA. Look forward to the rear drive platform!

Welcome to the Forum.

Peter

 

[12secford]

We only have a little over 700 miles on Big Red as we call it. Going to be many more in the next week and half on a driving trip to Maine from Atlanta. But here's what just blows my mind about the 2.3L engine. And that is how fast it is. We traded in our 2019 Explorer Sport with the twin turbo engine in it for this Explorer with the 2.3L. And I will bet money that this 2.3L will at least keep up with it 0 to 100 then pass it. I absolutely friggen love this engine. How much boost is Ford running on these 2.3L engines? It has to be between 15 and 20psi. Or in that neighborhood. No way a small 4 cyl. engine can provide that much power without a ton of boost. I just might have to put her on a dyno to see just exactly how much is going to the rear wheels. Has anyone else done that? I had a 2016 Charger SRT with the 392 in it that was rated from Dodge at 485hp. On the dyno it put down 435. Not possible. If you dyno people know what I'm talking about. Even the most efficient driveline loss will be around 15 to 20% depending on auto or manual transmission. 15 to 20% loss is a gift from the heavens that doesn't usually exist. So Dodge lied about the 392 output and I'm thinking Ford is lying big time on this 2.3L when it comes to actual rear wheel output. We will see. 300hp.....Yeah right...in your dreams...

Not only does Ford under rate their horsepower, they under rate the names of their engines as well. Ecoboost sounds like an option on a Prius, not a fire breathing Explorer!

 

[247hoopsfan]

Just got my 2021 XLT 2.3 EB last week. Mine is a company car, and I traded in my 2018 XLT with the 2.3 EB. I immediately noticed a huge difference in the power band of the 2021. It is much quicker and responsive than the 2018. Obviously the 10 speed tranny has a lot to do with it, but the whole driving experience is much more refined. Besides that, the new interior is much nicer and refined. The 10 year run of the 5th generation was really showing its age.

 

[RedCarSalesman]

Just got my 2021 XLT 2.3 EB last week. Mine is a company car, and I traded in my 2018 XLT with the 2.3 EB. I immediately noticed a huge difference in the power band of the 2021. It is much quicker and responsive than the 2018.

My Limited will be a month old tomorrow .... Hoops is dead on !
I traded in my '15 XLT 6 cyl - and this Turbo 2.3L is a lot of Fun and very powerful. Really pleased, that I was able to repeat the same Mirror mount power tap for my Radar - Uniden R3.

My wife's last ride with me she said "Your gonna Get it" ---- It seems I like Pushing it !

After my delivery today - towing trailer - I'm going to start feeding
her better. (car) - Bring on the 93 !!!

 

[peterk9]

^^Welcome to the Forum.

Peter