For those unfamiliar with the EcoBoost idea, let me explain it to you.
EcoBoost is a family of turbocharged and direct-injected four- and six-cylinder gasoline engines designed to deliver the power and torque consistent with larger-displacement, naturally aspirated engines. Add to this aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff, twin independent variable valve timing (Ti-VCT) and an efficient 6-speed automatic transmission, and you have the basis for achieving approximately 20% better fuel efficiency.
Basically, a 2.0L EcoBoost powerplant, such as the one now available on the Ford Explorer and Edge models, supplies the performance and feel of a reasonably sized V6 whilst supping considerably less fuel.
Now I know what you’re going to say…Yes, but in a vehicle the size of an Explorer, surely it’s not possible. Well yes it is, and this surprised me a little, but it actually propels this vehicle rather well.
Now I should point out that the EcoBoost engine is only available on the 2WD models, as with the Edge, but at a time when buyers are questioning their need for all-wheel-drive, I don’t necessarily see this as an issue.
The 240 hp @ 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm you get with the EcoBoost Explorer compares favorably to the 290 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 255 lb.-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm currently available from the 3.5L V6. What’s more, the fuel ratings for the new EcoBoost models come in at 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, and that’s a good deal better than the figures for the V6 (19/27 mpg).
In testing, which included road and track with some serious hill-climbing, the new powerplant was impressive to say the least. In fact, and this one might surprise some of you, I actually preferred driving the EcoBoost Explorer over the smaller and significantly lighter Ford Edge equipped by the same unit.
I would go on to say that I actually prefer this to the existing V6 model, as the engine feels a tad zippier, and, in many ways, even sounds better.
In my opinion, in off-the-line acceleration, the 2.0L has a slight jump on the V6, and although you occasionally have to rethink your driving style in order to keep this engine within its sweet spot, work that out and this little 4-cylinder truly delights.
EcoBoost is a family of turbocharged and direct-injected four- and six-cylinder gasoline engines designed to deliver the power and torque consistent with larger-displacement, naturally aspirated engines. Add to this aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff, twin independent variable valve timing (Ti-VCT) and an efficient 6-speed automatic transmission, and you have the basis for achieving approximately 20% better fuel efficiency.
Basically, a 2.0L EcoBoost powerplant, such as the one now available on the Ford Explorer and Edge models, supplies the performance and feel of a reasonably sized V6 whilst supping considerably less fuel.
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| The 240 hp @ 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm you get with the EcoBoost Explorer compares favorably to the 290 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 255 lb.-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm currently available from the 3.5L V6. (Photo: Ford) |
Now I know what you’re going to say…Yes, but in a vehicle the size of an Explorer, surely it’s not possible. Well yes it is, and this surprised me a little, but it actually propels this vehicle rather well.
Now I should point out that the EcoBoost engine is only available on the 2WD models, as with the Edge, but at a time when buyers are questioning their need for all-wheel-drive, I don’t necessarily see this as an issue.
The 240 hp @ 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm you get with the EcoBoost Explorer compares favorably to the 290 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 255 lb.-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm currently available from the 3.5L V6. What’s more, the fuel ratings for the new EcoBoost models come in at 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, and that’s a good deal better than the figures for the V6 (19/27 mpg).
In testing, which included road and track with some serious hill-climbing, the new powerplant was impressive to say the least. In fact, and this one might surprise some of you, I actually preferred driving the EcoBoost Explorer over the smaller and significantly lighter Ford Edge equipped by the same unit.
I would go on to say that I actually prefer this to the existing V6 model, as the engine feels a tad zippier, and, in many ways, even sounds better.
In my opinion, in off-the-line acceleration, the 2.0L has a slight jump on the V6, and although you occasionally have to rethink your driving style in order to keep this engine within its sweet spot, work that out and this little 4-cylinder truly delights.
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| In testing, which included road and track with some serious hill-climbing, the new powerplant was impressive to say the least. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan/Auto123.com) |