Mazda B Series trucks include their engine size as part of their name. For example, the Mazda B-2300 regular cab pickup has an engine displacement of 2,267 cubic centimeters which is 2.3 liters. Continued over from previous years, this engine is a double overhead cam (DOHC), inline, four cylinder front engine that has an 87.6 mm bore and a 94 mm stroke. The compression ratio is 9.7 to 1. With four valves per cylinder, the 2.3 liter engine deliveries its 143 maximum horsepower at 5,250 rpm. Its maximum torque is output at 3,750 rpm. The multi point fuel injection helps the truck rate a fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon (mpg) city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg composite. It carries a maximum payload of 1,200 pounds and can tow 2,260 pounds.
The other B series truck, the Mazda B4000 features a 4.4 liter, six cylinder engine that serves up a maximum 207 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 238 foot pounds at 3,000 rpm. It also is equipped with multi point fuel injection. The EPA mileage rating for this engine is 15 mpg city, 19 mpg highway and an average of 16 mpg. The maximum tow weight for this vehicle is 3,140 pounds.
In North America, the B series trucks are the same as the Ford Ranger pickup. Most automotive critics point to the small engine offerings of the B series, saying that the truck is under powered. The B series was discontinued at the end of the 2009 model year, but it's alter ego, the Ford Ranger continues to be available.