Who makes the Ford 2.3 engine?
The Ford 2.3-liter engine is produced by Ford Motor Company. There are two widely recognized variants tied to Ford’s lineup: the turbocharged EcoBoost version and the older naturally aspirated Duratec/MZR version. The EcoBoost is Ford’s in-house design and production, while the Duratec/MZR lineage originated from a collaboration with Mazda and was produced within Ford’s global manufacturing network.
Two main 2.3-liter Ford engines
Below are the two primary interpretations of the “2.3” designation in Ford’s modern powertrain lineup, along with how they’re made and where they’re used.
Ford 2.3 EcoBoost
The 2.3 EcoBoost is a turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine developed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company as part of its EcoBoost family. It is used across several Ford models in different markets, including high-performance and mainstream applications. Production occurs at Ford engine plants around the world, with engineering and assembly aligned to Ford’s global powertrain strategy. The exact horsepower and torque vary by model and market, and Ford frequently updates the tuning to meet efficiency and emissions targets.
Key facts about the 2.3 EcoBoost:
- Designed and built by Ford as part of the EcoBoost family
- Turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder design
- Widely used in models such as the Ford Mustang EcoBoost and the Focus RS (in markets where RS is offered)
- Power output and torque vary by vehicle and model year
- Produced in Ford’s global engine plants; components may come from a network of suppliers but the engine itself is Ford-designed
The 2.3 EcoBoost remains a cornerstone of Ford’s modern powertrain strategy, balancing performance with efficiency across a range of vehicles.
Ford 2.3 Duratec/MZR (non-EcoBoost)
The 2.3 Duratec, commonly referred to within the MZR family, is the older naturally aspirated variant associated with Ford’s collaboration with Mazda. This 2.3-liter engine has powered various Ford and Mazda models in the past and was produced in Ford’s plants as part of the broader Duratec/MZR lineup. It differs from the EcoBoost variant in that it does not rely on turbocharging for output and has served as a workhorse option in several generations of compact and mid-size vehicles. Over time, many markets shifted emphasis to the EcoBoost version for new applications.
Key facts about the 2.3 Duratec/MZR:
- Historically part of Ford’s MZR/Duratec family, developed with Mazda
- Typically naturally aspirated (non-turbo) configuration in its common applications
- Used in various Focus, Mazda, and related models in earlier generations
- Manufactured within Ford’s global engine production network, sharing lineage with other Duratec/MZR designs
In practice, discussions of the “Ford 2.3 engine” often point to the EcoBoost variant in contemporary discussions, while the older Duratec/MZR 2.3 is viewed as the earlier, non-turbo counterpart that has largely receded from new Ford applications.
Summary
In short, Ford Motor Company is responsible for making the Ford 2.3 engines. There are two main interpretations: the current 2.3 EcoBoost, Ford’s turbocharged in-house design used in several modern models, and the older 2.3 Duratec/MZR, a naturally aspirated engine that originated from a Mazda collaboration. Both variants were produced within Ford’s global engine manufacturing network, reflecting the company’s shift toward turbocharged efficiency while preserving legacy Duratec lineage in older applications.
