2021 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Ford Bronco

In 2021, Ford reintroduced the Bronco to much fanfare, leveraging the powerful nostalgia of the original model while embedding it with modern aesthetics and functionality. The 2021 Ford Bronco sported a single-piece grille adorned with bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, flanked by round headlights. The retrofuturistic design borrowed elements from its predecessor, making the SUV both a nod to the past and a leap into the future. With side fenders equipped with removable off-road sights, 32-inch standard tires, and the Sasquatch package's 35-inch tires, the Bronco's rugged exterior was designed for adventure.

The 2021 Bronco could be customized with various trim levels and paint options, such as Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Antimatter Blue, and a distinctive greenish-gray called "Area 51." Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the 2021 model's form factor was versatile, offering different lengths, heights, and widths depending on the setup and experience. The modular removable hardtop or black soft-top provided more customization, while the rear end flaunted a full-size spare tire on a swing rack – resonating with fans of the classic model.

Inside, the 2021 Bronco continued the retro theme with a modern twist. The dash featured a color touchscreen (8-inch standard, 12-inch optional) and a digitized cluster while maintaining elements of the 1966 original. Plastic was heavily used but cleverly integrated with metal and grippy rubber in high-use areas, ensuring durability. Spacious interiors, particularly in the four-door variant, combined comfort with accessibility, and the second row of seats accommodated even adult passengers comfortably.

The 2022 Ford Bronco maintained the beloved retro aesthetic but with significant upgrades aimed at enhancing off-road capabilities. The addition of two new range-topping models, the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, broadened the lineup's appeal. The Everglades model epitomized the Bronco's go-anywhere attitude with features aimed at swamp trekking and deep water fording, such as an intake snorkel, Warn winch, and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires.

The overall design of the 2022 model continued the Bronco's utilitarian theme, featuring large recovery hooks, removable fender flares, and modular construction for easy customization. Unlike the 2021 Bronco, which excelled at blending nostalgic visuals with modern functionality, the 2022 Bronco showcased form through practical enhancements. The tall ride height and squared-off styling not only added a rugged appeal but also significantly increased interior and cargo space.

Inside, the 2022 Bronco maintained the utilitarian ethos with features like sealed switches and drain plugs, complemented by marine-grade vinyl upholstery. These allowed occupants to hose down the interiors after a muddy off-road day. The clever storage solutions and accessory options, including accessory rails and stowable doors, added to the practicality of the design.

Under the hood, the 2021 Ford Bronco featured two robust engines: a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter engine came with a unique seven-speed manual transmission (including a crawler gear) and a 10-speed automatic transmission was optional. Meanwhile, the 2.7-liter engine included a 10-speed automatic transmission. All models offered standard four-wheel drive (4WD), enhancing the Bronco's off-road prowess.

Driving the 2021 Bronco on paved roads presented a truck-like experience, especially with the Sasquatch package's 35-inch tires delivering a noisy and somewhat wiggly ride. On the off-road course, the Bronco excelled, maneuvering through mud, slick rocks, and treacherous trails with impressive traction and balance. Testers found the Bronco's off-road capabilities stellar, thanks to advanced technology and flexible setups that made the vehicle a joy to drive in demanding environments.

For 2022, Ford boosted the performance of the Bronco with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. An optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine offered an even more potent 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Just like the 2021 model, the seven-speed manual transmission was exclusive to the four-cylinder engine, while the V6 came with a mandatory 10-speed automatic transmission.

During off-road tests on Drummond Island, the 2022 Bronco Everglades model showcased its mettle, tackling deep-rutted muddy trails, water crossings, and steep rock climbs with ease. With a water fording capacity of 36.4 inches, the model handled challenging conditions impeccably without losing a beat. Equally impressive on paved roads, the 2022 version offered a much smoother and less noisy ride than the 2021 model, making it ideal for longer journeys. The only notable drawback was some wind noise on the highway, but it was not enough to mar an otherwise exceptional driving experience.

The modular design of the 2021 Ford Bronco was one of its strongest points. Ford engineers designed removable doors with integrated handles for easy transport and provided protective storage bags that fit right into the cargo hold. This modularity extended to the underbody protection, fenders, bumpers, and even the one-piece grille, all of which could be easily removed and replaced. Additional trail features like tie-down points on the hood’s trail sights added utility for roof-mounted cargo.

The cargo capacity varied by model. The two-door hard-top offered up to 22.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, while the four-door hard-top increased capacity to 35.6 cubic feet behind and 77.6 cubic feet with seats folded. Although the 2021 rear seats didn't fold flat, complicating the storage of larger objects, the clever storage solutions and accessible switches and toggles for critical off-road functions demonstrated that the designers had listened to consumer needs and feedback.

The 2022 Ford Bronco continued to capitalize on its boxy, squared-off design, providing ample headroom. The interior offered enhanced legroom and lateral space, making the ride comfortable even for tall occupants. The entry into the higher-riding trims was facilitated by grab handles and available side steps.

Cargo capacity in the 2022 models was substantial. Entry-level two-door hard-top models had 22.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet when those seats were folded, identical to the 2021 model. Four-door models offered even more space, with 35.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 77.6 cubic feet with them folded. The soft-top models also had slightly increased capacity. Practical touches, like removable fender flares that didn't require tools, made customization easier.

The 2021 Bronco's G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Terrain) system anchored its off-road tech. Depending on the trim level, drivers had access to up to seven different terrain control settings, helping navigate challenging terrains. The SYNC 4 with enhanced voice recognition was standard, managed through an 8-inch touchscreen that could be upgraded to a 12-inch screen. Additional tech included an upgraded 10-speaker B&O sound system and a wireless device charging pad in the Lux Package. The Sasquatch Package added Bilstein shock absorbers which increased off-road travel and capability.

The 2022 Bronco took tech a step further, integrating advanced off-road assistance features. The G.O.A.T. modes were complemented by a forward-looking trail camera that helped drivers see obstacles directly in front of the vehicle, thus mitigating the Bronco's tall ride height disadvantage. The Trail Turn Assist feature enabled sharper turns by braking an inside wheel, perfect for navigating tight trails. The SYNC 4 infotainment system paired with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensured seamless connectivity, while a wireless charging pad kept devices powered.

Safety in the 2021 Ford Bronco was tiered according to trim levels. The Base model included standard airbags, but higher trims like Big Bend and Black Diamond offered the Mid Package with features such as the reverse sensing system, Ford Co-Pilot 360, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot information system, and lane-keeping system. The High Package added a 360-degree camera and forward-sensing system. Removable doors posed a unique safety challenge but inclusion of side curtain airbags provided added security.

The 2022 Bronco improved on safety features, including standard hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Option packages like the Mid package added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alerts. Higher trims benefitted from adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist available in the Luxe package. The NHTSA gave the four-door model four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and both the two-door and four-door models three out of five stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded high scores for frontal, side, and roof strength tests, underscoring the Bronco’s robust protective measures.