2022 Ford Bronco Review: A Winner On Many Levels
The 2022 Ford Bronco is many things; it's the must-have automotive accessory of the decade as well as a decent, semi-affordable, usable alternative to the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner, which have had an entire segment to themselves for too long. The 2022 Bronco SUV continues its battle with its rivals mostly unchanged from 2021, though a change was hardly necessary. It's one of the most popular SUVs in the USA, with people happily paying hefty markups to get behind the wheel of this car as soon as possible.
The Bronco is available as a two or four-door, and you can remove the roof and doors on all models, which is the most unambiguous indication that Ford went directly for Jeep's jugular. Two engine options are available, and both are turbocharged. The base engine is the well-known 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-pot, and here it produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. A 2.7-liter EcoBoost is available as an option or standard on specific high-end models. With two extra cylinders under the hood, the output figures increase to 300 hp and 325 lb-ft. All models come standard with one of two four-wheel-drive systems. Whichever way you go, the 2022 Bronco is a competent off-roader straight from the factory floor.
2022 Bronco Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 173.7 in | 100.4 in | 71.9 in | 75.9 in | 65.0 in | 65.0 in | 4,286.0 lbs |
2022 Bronco Performance
Ford Bronco Handling and Driving Impressions
The most significant difference between the Bronco and Jeep's Wrangler is Ford's willingness to compromise. Instead of a solid front axle which is better for off-roading, Ford chose to equip the Bronco with an independent front suspension setup. Thanks to this, the Bronco actually lets you feel things. The steering wheel feels connected to the front wheels, and the front end doesn't bounce around as much. That happens when you use modern technology instead of turning to ox carts for inspiration.
Having said that, it's still meant to be a hardcore off-roader, so some compromises are necessary. The retro exterior looks good, and the ability to remove the roof and doors is fantastic, but the downside is excessive wind noise. Road noise intrudes into the cabin if you go for a more aggressive tire option. It also leans through the corners, but that's to be expected. The leaning feels less scary when you have an idea of what the front is doing.
Taking it off-road is virtually foolproof. There are two 4WD systems available, with a part-time system being the default. You can also opt for the Advanced 4x4 with Automatic On-Demand Engagement. The latter is a must-have if you live in cold weather or rainy states. You can use the 4H setting on any grippy surface, including soaked tarmac.
In addition to that, you get Ford's G.O.A.T system. You simply glance out the window and match the terrain with the various driving mode options. The available modes include Baja, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl. Technical off-roading is also more effortless thanks to Trail Turn assist. This simple piece of tech is a game-changer for those who like taking their off-roaders on trails. When it detects full-lock on the steering wheel, it will brake the inside wheel to reduce the turning radius. For such a big SUV, the Bronco feels surprisingly small on a technical trail.
2022 Bronco Interior
2022 Bronco Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is The 2022 Ford Bronco A Good SUV?
Ford must have studied the Jeep Wrangler carefully while designing the Bronco. It knew going into this why the Wrangler is both one of the best and worst cars in existence. The Wrangler is an icon when it comes to off-roading, but it has a terrible reputation for everything else.
First, and most importantly, the new Ford Bronco SUV works as a daily vehicle. Thanks to the independent front suspension, it feels more planted on the road. Considering this is where it will spend 70% of its time, that's a huge selling point. Sure, Ford made some compromises to make the Bronco excellent off-road, but none of these compromises are deal-breakers. The Blue Oval also one-ups the main competitors to the Ford Bronco in almost every other department: Better infotainment, a nicer interior, and better engines. Jeep does a 2.0-liter turbocharged model; Ford beats it with a 2.3 turbo. Jeep's V6 is naturally-aspirated, so Ford adds a turbo.
While there is no official safety review for the Ford Bronco, it gets all the basics to keep all four wheels on the ground. The only truly horrible thing about the Bronco is the waiting list. Even before the semiconductor parts shortage, there was a long waiting list for buyers. The Bronco is a great off-roader/daily car - if you manage to get your hands on one, that is.