2021 Ford Bronco vs. 2022 Ford Bronco: Which is Better?
The 2021 and 2022 Ford Bronco have the same performance specs, but the Everglades and Raptor trims might give the 2022 an advantage.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Brittni Brinn
The 2021 Ford Bronco was the resurrection of the iconic old-school SUV of the 60s—it’s boxy, retro, and features impressive off-road capabilities. Although the performance specs are the same between the 2021 and 2022 model years, adding two new trim levels—the Everglade and Raptor—might give the 2022 model the upper hand.
The legendary 1960s off-road vehicle made a comeback for the first time in decades for the 2021 model year—and the Ford Bronco is everything it used to be and more. With retro styling, modern features, and impressive off-road capabilities, the Bronco is pure nostalgia wrapped in an updated package. And thanks to its convertible two- and four-door body styles, a durable body, and an ultra-capable chassis and drivetrain, this rugged SUV stands up against the biggest name in off-roading, the
Jeep Wrangler
.While the Bronco may be “new” for 2021, the 2022 model saw some additional upgrades to an already impressive car—so, what’s the better pick? We’ll review all the comparison specs on the 2021 and 2022 Ford Bronco plus pricing, fuel efficiency, safety features, and available upgrades for the Bronco!
2021 Ford Bronco vs. 2022 Ford Bronco: What’s the difference?
There aren’t many vehicles that can compete with the Wrangler in the off-road division, but the newly-relaunched Ford Bronco does it—and it does it well. It returns with its legendary retro styling, serious trail-eating cred, and a long list of tech features ranging from an available 12.0-inch touchscreen to an off-road performance app. And when you remove the doors and roof (yes, it’s an open-air SUV), the durable, waterproof surfaces protect it against the elements—whatever way you slice it, the Bronco is built for adventure.
While the new Bronco may only have a couple of years under its belt, the 2022 Bronco already has some cool updates that might take it to the top of your list. Six trim levels remain relatively unchanged, especially from a performance perspective, but the 2022 model year brings in two new additions: the Everglades, building on the Sasquatch, and the Raptor. You’ll also find new package upgrades to make your Bronco your own.
Looking for a more detailed comparison? Let’s dig into the goods!
Pricing
Pricing for the 2022 Ford Bronco has increased from the previous year’s model by more than $2,000. You’ll also see the edition of two new (and more expensive) trims that max out your Bronco’s capabilities. Check out the table below to compare prices between each model year.
Model | 2021 MSRP | 2022 MSRP |
|---|---|---|
Ford Bronco | $29,995 | $32,895 |
Ford Bronco Big Bend | $34,880 | $37,380 |
Ford Bronco Black Diamond | $37,545 | $39,545 |
Ford Bronco Outer Banks | $40,450 | $42,950 |
Ford Bronco Badlands | $43,590 | $46,090 |
Ford Bronco Wildtrak | $48,475 | $51,375 |
Ford Bronco First Edition | $58,410 | N/A |
Ford Bronco Everglades | N/A | $54,595 |
Ford Bronco Raptor | N/A | $70,095 |
Find out if you can reduce your monthly car payments in minutes
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Check your rate
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
General specs
If you’re considering a 2022 Bronco, you better be willing to shell out a few extra thousand dollars from the previous model year. With a price jump of that much, you’d hope for a few upgrades in features and performance, but that’s not the case. You’re getting the same engine, transmission, and standard features in both model years, albeit at an extra cost for the newer model.
But here’s the thing: if you want to take your Bronco off-road, you don’t need the most expensive edition or package. The Bronco is designed with stellar off-road capability, and while optional packages and limited edition models like the Everglades are an absolute beast on the trails, the powerful engine and standard off-road hardware make the Bronco decently capable all around.
2023 Hyundai Palisade | 2022 Hyundai Palisade | |
|---|---|---|
Base engine (all trims) | 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder | 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder |
Upgraded engine | 330-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 (only in automatic) | 330-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 (only in automatic) |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic or 7-speed manual | 10-speed automatic or 7-speed manual |
Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (AWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD) | All-wheel drive (AWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD) |
Maximum towing capacity | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
Fuel economy
Off-road vehicles aren’t known for their great fuel economy—the four-cylinder Bronco with the 10-speed automatic transmission is the least fuel-thirsty, but upgrading to the twin-turbo V-6 will drop your fuel economy. Models without the advanced 4x4 system achieve a slightly lower fuel economy. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from the Ford Bronco:
- 2.3-liter four-cylinder: 17–20 mpg combined
- 2.7-liter V-6: 17–19 mpg combined
Safety ratings
The 2021 and 2022 Ford Bronco hasn’t been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but they both received Good ratings in most categories from the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Ford Bronco Sport was awarded an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2021 and 2022.
But what makes the Bronco safe? Both the 2021 and 2022 model years are equipped with a suite of driver assist and safety features, including a perimeter alarm, trailer sway control, AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, a rear-view camera, and auto high-beam LED headlamps for increased visibility. Upgrading to a premium trim unlocks a 360-degree camera and a Personal Safety System™ with frontal crash protection, and driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints. Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology is also standard in the Bronco.
While Ford is known for their safety ratings, there is one place the 2021 Bronco struggles: headlights. According to road tests by the IIHS, visibility was fair on straightaways but inadequate on curves, giving the overall headlight rating of Marginal.
MORE: Safety over power: Here are the 3 safest Ford models
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Styling and interior changes
When it comes to styling between the 2021 and 2022 Ford Bronco, there isn’t an immediate difference—except when you get to the new trims. With a fresh style, the Bronco still maintains the iconic rugged looks of its predecessor with a host of modern-day features. It’s an off-road-oriented, body-on-frame beast that comes in two forms: a two-door or four-door version, both of which offer removable doors, windows, and roofs for a complete open-air experience.
While the Bronco is far from luxurious, it’s more comfortable than the Wrangler, has a large interior with plenty of space for cargo and passengers, and includes the latest Ford infotainment and connectivity software, including Android and Apple smartphone connectivity.
Here’s what the base model of the 2021 and 2022 Ford Bronco starts you off with:
2021 Ford Bronco | 2022 Ford Bronco |
|---|---|
|
|
Want more? The Mid, High, and Lux packages are also available to upgrade your Bronco with features like ambient interior lighting, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, 360-degree camera system, additional sound dampening, integrated navigation, and wireless smartphone charging.
2022 Ford Bronco Everglades Special Edition
For off-roaders that aren’t afraid to get a little mud on their tires, the 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades is the perfect match. It’s an SUV built to handle some of the toughest, muddiest, and swampiest conditions. It builds on the Sasquatch package, which already includes 35-inch tires, a lifted suspension, front and rear locking differentials, and a shorter final drive ratio, but adds mud-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch wheels and raised rear axles, transfer case, and transmission cooling vents to allow you to trudge through up to 36.4 inches of water.
You’ll also find a unique swatch of exterior colors to customize your Bronco: Eruption Green, Cactus Gray, Area 51, and Shadow Black. On the inside, you’ll find an upgraded 12.0-inch touchscreen display, vinyl seats, washout floor mats, and green stitching. But with a starting MSRP of $54,495, the fun doesn’t come cheap with this model.
If you’re looking to kick things up another notch, the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor might be up your alley. For hardcore off-road enthusiasts looking for maximum thrill from their SUV, the Raptor will provide it.
The Raptor offers the most impressive off-road performance specs thanks to an upgraded engine, 37-inch tires, and a host of additional off-road goodies, all built on the same blueprint as the huge and capable
Ford F-150 Raptor
pickup. But the $70,795 MSRP starting price isn’t for the casual off-roader.2021 Ford Bronco vs. 2022 Ford Bronco: Which should you buy?
If you’re thinking about trekking off-road in a Bronco but can’t decide if the 2021 or 2022 model is better suited, here’s something to consider: most of the specs of the six core models haven’t changed from 2021 to 2022, so save yourself the extra cash and opt for the 2021 Ford Bronco.
If you’re a die-hard off-roader and plan on taking your Bronco through some treacherous, wet, and wild conditions, you might want to consider the Everglades or Raptor—but you’ll have to be okay shelling out the extra cash.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
Reduce your monthly car payments in minutes?
Find out if Jerry can reduce your payments by an average of $150/month
4.7
