No other vehicle drew so much attention as the Bronco SUV and its return in past ten years. When the company said the legendary model is about to come back, it caused a huge interest. In five years, fans were waiting eagerly, trying to figure out any details. Ford kept everything as the top secret. However, the release date was postponed. Initially, it was planned to bring the SUV like the 2020 YM, but we see it now as the 2022 Ford Bronco.
The carmaker disappointed some enthusiasts by being late. Now, the Blue Oval company will try to make it up to its fans. Spy photos of the lighter Bronco Sport leaked even before the main model appeared. Nowadays, rumors about the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor are even louder. With the Raptor R truck being tested, some experts say we could see a similar upgrade for the SUV. But, for now, all we know is that the base version is available for pre-order.
The new Bronco is going to be a 4×4 specialist. Well, there are big shoes to fill, with the legendary SUV being discontinued after the famous chase in LA, although sales were pretty good and the future promising. Still, the company had to do that and the comeback was announced exactly 20 years after the discontinuation. The new Bronco is going to be a rival to Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler. A two-door version is coming out as Bronco Sport, while the 4×4 specialist is going to be Raptor. Spy photos are showing such a model, but experts call it Warthog. Rumors also mention a pickup truck with Bronco’s name and even the electric SUV.
What to Expect?
The base model is out already and first owners are already reporting their likes and dislikes. The styling is definitely a hot topic, since it reminds us to the old Bronco. The new one made everything more appealing and attractive. Also, the bodyline is more aesthetic, while the lighter materials are improving the gas mileage. A two-door layout is offering another option, although these kinds of vehicles are lacking safety. A soft top is another cool upgrade for some buyers.
At this moment, we know about two turbocharged engines. A four and six-cylinder mills are there. If the Raptor model comes out, it might introduce another option. Bronco Sport is going to use a less capable plant since the SUV is making 270 hp. Even a diesel is possible. Manual transmission is also part of the offer, but most buyers will pick an automatic gearbox. Hybrid and PHEV versions are very likely. The 2022 Ford Bronco might share the drivetrain with Explorer PHEV or even Lincoln Aviator Sport Touring.
2022 Ford Bronco Engines and Specifications
Under the hood of the 2022 Ford Bronco is a 2.3-liter turbo-four with 270 horsepower. Engineers are opting for smaller, but turbocharged engines, to maximize the gas mileage. A four-pot unit is good for various challenges, even the off-road drive. A rear-wheel drive is getting power through a 10-speed automatic transmission. This is the latest system by the US carmaker. Still, you can also pick a manual gearbox. The gas mileage is above 21 mpg combined.
A 2.7-liter is currently the most powerful drivetrain. The 2022 Ford Bronco will get 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The gas mileage is not suffering too much. This engine is consuming 17/24 mpg and sprints to 60 mph faster than turbo-four. Additional options are a hybrid system and a diesel unit. For now, the 3.0-liter Powerstroke is on hold, but it could debut pretty soon.
2022 Ford Bronco Raptor vs Warthog
Besides additional engines, the company is working on the off-road ready package. Reportedly, it won’t be the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor. Spy photos are showing the 4×4 model with all-terrain tires and a few other upgrades. Nevertheless, camouflage is hiding details. We believe the total power output is going to be between 350 and 400 hp. A 3.0-liter V6 seems to be a perfect choice.
Raptor is going to be quite of a challenge for Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. These two SUVs are the most popular 4×4 vehicles at this moment, but the Bronco is something else. We’ll see what’s going to happen when the production starts. For now, prototypes are being spied near the best place for such tests – the Moab desert in Utah.
2022 Ford Bronco Release Dates
New versions of the legendary SUV will be available soon. The Raptor or Warthog is a priority, while the Bronco Sport is almost here. Of course, there are other potential versions, such as hybrid and pickup truck. But, these models won’t be here before 2023. The base price is just under $29,000 and the heavily-loaded 2022 Ford Bronco is exceeding $50,000. We’ll see what will be the price of the Raptor model. The F-150 pickup truck offers this version at this price.
