All About The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Engine That Powers The 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor

The Ford Bronco has a lengthy pedigree spanning decades back to the first model in 1966. This precursor to the modern SUV is known for off-road capability, and the latest 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor looks to continue the trend. With stiff competition from other renowned and rugged brands like Jeep, does the Raptor have the tools to succeed? What exactly is under the hood, and what makes it exciting for all-terrain fans? Does the 2024 Raptor's engine stand up to the most reliable six-cylinder engines ever made?

Ford's 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 generates 418 horsepower, which you can put to the test in challenging terrain as you tear through the backcountry. The 440 lb-ft of torque indicates that the Raptor won't need to shy away from extreme elements such as thick mud, deep sand, packed snow, and boulders. Specific high-performance tuning, 10-speed automatic transmission, and 4.7 axel ratio allow drivers to get the most out of the SUV engine. 

Even though some auto enthusiasts were hoping for a V8, the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 offers enough muscle to make it compelling with twin-turbo technology. With not one but two turbochargers, more air is forced through the engine using compressors and turbines. The greater the air concentration, the more the engine's combustion is enhanced. Turbo technology is why big block engines are no longer required to produce large amounts of horsepower, as smaller units can use turbo to expand performance while weighing significantly less.

One of the benefits of a twin-turbo system versus a single turbocharger has to do with shared workload. When two units can split the labor, you can achieve less turbo lag and enhanced responsiveness, according to Car Throttle. In any turbo system, there is a delay between applying pressure to the gas pedal and experiencing a sudden increase in acceleration, referred to as turbo lag, explains MotorTrend. The delay can be reduced when using a twin-turbo configuration, which could come in handy during tricky off-road maneuvers. Speaking of all-terrain driving, an off-road-ready Ford Mustang Raptor may be in the cards for 2026, with an increasing number of popular vehicles looking to leave the pavement. 

Ford has been touting its EcoBoost engines since around 2009, and you'll likely see them equipped in many of the automaker's newer vehicles. EcoBoost denotes a specific type of Ford engine that includes turbocharging and direct injection. Direct injection refers to how the fuel is distributed inside the engine cylinders. Typically, in non-direct-injection scenarios, there is a mixture of both air and gasoline that travel into the cylinders. With direct injection, components shoot fuel directly toward the combustion chamber, which produces some advantages.

Vehicles with direct injection give your engine a few perks, such as greater efficiency and more responsive acceleration. When an engine can run smoothly and minimize its workload, you'll notice both improvements in fuel economy and overall smooth performance. The downside to direct injection is that, in some instances, without proper maintenance, the engine can experience build-up that can potentially become a blockage. However, taking good care of your 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor should minimize these potential issues.