2022 Ford Bronco Outer Banks 4-Door: The Brand’s Wrangler Fighter

Highlight: The sports utility vehicle is also available as a 2-door.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $44,545 (Base 4-Door Model: $36,295)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a tire pressure monitoring system; perimeter alarm; trailer sway control; electronic traction control; tether anchors for child passengers; rear view camera; forward collision warning with dynamic brake support; and a spare tire

The Bronco is on the set of the set of The Color Purple Musical, which will be released to film on December 2023.(Photo Credit JeffCars.com)

Standard Equipment (Base): 16-inch wheels; carpet flooring; 6-way manual driver and passenger seats; cloth trimmed seats; manual tilt/telescoping steering column; smart charging USB Ports; 8-inch color digital cluster screen; climate control system; - second row 60/40 split-fold seats with recline; carpeted floor mats; tool kit for removable doors and tops

Standard Equipment (Test Vehicle- Outer Banks): 18-inch wheels; push-button ignition system; leather-wrapped steering wheel; washout capable rubber flooring; carpeted floor mats; heated front seats; power outlet in floor console; remote start system; terrain management system; 8-inch LCD touchscreen with voice recognition; dual-zone temperature control; second row privacy glass; swing gate privacy glass; FordPass Connect 4G; vinyl seats; rear parking sensors; Sirius XM radio; connected navigation; leather gear shift knob;

Test Vehicle’s Options: 17-inch aluminum wheels; hard-top gray molded paint; cargo area protector; navigation system; exterior paint; and leather trimmed/ vinyl seats

Other Trim Levels:

Big Bend

Black Diamond

Badlands

Raptor

Everglades

Standard Audio On Base Vehicle: a 6-speaker system with AM/FM radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.3-liter GDI, 4-cylinder engine/300-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 20-city/21-hwy

Standard Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs

What’s New:  After making its return during the 2021 model year, the Ford Bronco adds new trims for the 2022 model year. Moreover, a manual transmission is now available on the Sasquatch trim.

Pros:

Rugged vehicle with a modernized appearance

Fun-to-drive

Soft top or hard top

Off road adventure vehicle

A variety of trims available

2 doors or 4-doors

4x4 capabilities

A terrain management system

Easy-to-use infotainment system

Great sound system in test model

Choice of two powertrains, depending upon trim

Offering 300-hp to 330-hp, depending on trim

A raspy engine seems fitting for vehicle

A manual or automatic transmission, depending on trim

Comfortably accommodates five occupants

Ability to customize vehicle

In-vehicle wireless charging available

Push button ignition starter to a keyless entry system available

Heated seats available

Leather/vinyl seats available

Available radar activated cruise control system

Offers more horsepower and torque than the Jeep Wrangler

Sunroof available in hardtop

Ability to customize the vehicle

But: 

Higher base MSRP than the Jeep Wrangler

The soft top model is noisy on expressways

The soft top looks worn over time, depending on use

No plug-in or diesel availability like the Wrangler

Verdict:  When Ford decided to revive the Bronco name and to bring it back as a fresh and modern Jeep Wrangler fighter in 2021, it was a spot-on decision. The rough and tough vehicle has garnered a new customer base for the brand that took a big risk, when in most cases it walked away from building traditional cars and sedans. As of today, the Mustang is the only car that is currently being manufactured by the Detroit-based legacy automaker.

The spirited Bronco, with its standard 300-horsepower engine, is available in a two door or a four door configuration. The sporty sports utility vehicle can be outfitted with a manual or an automatic transmission, depending on the trim.

Moreover, the Bronco, which has a slightly higher starting base price than its competitor the Jeep Wrangler, is available in a variety of trims.

Furthermore, the outdoorsy ride, which is also great for road trip too, is available with the latest safety and comfort features, ranging from heated seats to a radar-activated cruise control system. Yes, this is not the vehicle that was synonymous with O.J. Simpson from the nineties. In fact, from speaking with several large volume dealers, the all-new Bronco is so 'hot', it could take over a year for it to arrive in the showroom once you place an order with the dealer. Is it worth wait? We say its worth it, especially if you can find one at MSRP.

Competition: Jeep Wrangler

Premium Competition: Land Rover Defender