History/Overview
Introduced in 2021, the Ford Bronco is the brand’s latest retro-inspired model, a mid-size SUV that combines today’s technology with one of the company’s best-known nameplates.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2022, Ford adds two new trims to the Bronco lineup: the Everglades gains a bunch of kit for off-road adventures; meanwhile the Bronco Raptor brings to the Bronco the same kinds of sand dune-busting power and suspension that make the F-150 Raptor pickup the beast that it is.
Available Trims
The Bronco comes in base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Badlands, Outer Banks, WildTrak, Everglades, and Raptor trim levels. Most trims come standard with a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine; WildTrak is the only one standard with a 2.7L turbo V6, which is optional elsewhere in the range. Bronco’s new Raptor alone uses a 3.0L turbo V6. Depending on trim level, transmission offerings are a seven-speed manual, or a 10-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is standard in all Bronco configurations.
Your other choice is between the Bronco’s two- and four-door body styles.
Standard Features
Exterior features include a swing-out tailgate, flip-up glass, heated/power-adjustable side mirrors, skid plates, 16-inch silver steel wheels, and LED headlights with automatic high beams. Inside, you get manual A/C, push-button engine start, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, and a six-speaker stereo.
All Bronco trims also come with forward collision detection with automatic braking.
Big Bend models gain 17-inch aluminum wheels, terrain management modes, and a leather steering wheel.
Black Diamond trim brings full-vehicle steel bash plates and rock rails, 17-inch black steel wheels, and more terrain management modes.
Outer Banks gets 18-inch wheels, dual-zone A/C, passive keyless entry, lane keep assist, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, an auto-dimming mirror, smartphone integration, and heated seats.
Badlands reverts to 17-inch wheels, manual A/C, and standard keyless entry.
WildTrak builds on Badlands with forged aluminum wheels, dual-zone climate control, and passive keyless entry, and regains smartphone integration, lane keeping, blind spot monitor, and cross traffic alert that are left out of Badlands trim. There’s also an auto-dimming mirror, and heated front seats.
Bronco Everglades adds a snorkel, a winch, and other off-road equipment that’s part of a Sasquatch option package offered elsewhere in the lineup.
Finally, Raptor trim gets the 3.0L engine, a Hoss suspension system, reinforced frame, all-terrain tires, and upgraded axles.
Key Options
Bronco options include an infotainment system with voice recognition; navigation; 10-speaker audio; leather; Co-Pilot 360 driver assists; and power front seats.
Fuel economy
Ford’s fuel consumption estimates start at 12.1/11.2 L/100 km (city/highway) for the 2.3L engine with the manual transmission, and 12.1/11.4 L/100 km with the automatic. With the 2.7L engine, ratings start at 12.8/11.9 L/100 km. Note that among the thirstiest non-Raptor Bronco trims is the four-cylinder/stickshift Badlands, rated at 14.9/13.5 L/100 km.
As of this writing, Ford hadn’t yet published the Raptor’s estimates.
Competition
The Bronco’s only direct competitor is the Jeep Wrangler. If you want more to choose from, look at an off-road-focused pickup like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, or Ford’s Ranger FX4.
Pricewise, the Land Rover Defender picks up where the Bronco’s high-end trims leave off.
