2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Ford Bronco

When shoppers considered the 2022 Jeep Wrangler, they first decided between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model. The next choice involved the powertrain, with options including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The turbo-four and V6 engines came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, allowing an upgrade to an eight-speed automatic. All Wranglers boasted standard four-wheel drive (4WD) with multiple systems to choose from, depending on trim levels.

Potential buyers had to select from four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon. Various special editions built from these trim levels offered fabric soft tops, black hardtops, body-color hardtops, or an available Sky One-Touch Power-Top. Customization options ranged widely, making it easy for buyers to exceed the base price range of $30,000 to $80,000, not including the destination charge.

The High Tide special edition model, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featured LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, a Gorilla Glass windshield, and High Tide or Beach hood decals. The highlight of the High Tide model was the standard Xtreme Recon package, which included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, a 4.56 rear axle ratio, wheel flare extensions, and rock rails.

Our test vehicle was equipped with a gasoline V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid electrification, Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, Hydro Blue paint, and multiple option groups. These additions brought the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) to $58,845, including a destination charge of $1,595.

Besides the High Tide addition, Jeep made minor equipment modifications to the 2022 Wrangler, such as a new air filtration system. Rubicons with a V6 engine received a 4.88 axle ratio for a 100:1 crawl ratio. New paint colors included Silver Zenith and High Velocity Yellow, while Gobi paint had a limited production run.

Aesthetic-wise, the High Tide model looked fantastic, especially in Hydro Blue paint, which sparkled brilliantly in sunlight. The Sunrider Fliptop offered convenience but looked a bit odd when open or closed. Interior-wise, even near the $60,000 mark, the High Tide variant maintained a basic design reflecting its roots in the Sport S trim. The Wrangler’s design emphasized ruggedness over luxury, featuring durable materials and hose-cleanable interiors.

In essence, the Wrangler’s charm lay in its utilitarian design, which enabled top-off, doors-off, windshield-down driving, making it an exhilarating, yet unrefined choice for off-road enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco stood out with its retro styling, bold attitude, and a diverse lineup, making it a highly sought-after vehicle. The Bronco welcomed two new top-tier models in 2022: the Everglades and the Bronco Raptor. The Everglades model, designed for swamp trekking and deep water, featured an intake snorkel, Warn winch, and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires.

The Everglades expanded the Bronco lineup to seven trims, each offering increasing off-road capabilities tied to price. Despite high demand, the 2022 models sold out quickly. The Bronco offered buyers choices between two-door or four-door models, and either a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine, with the option of a removable roof in soft or hard-top forms. The Bronco also provided an exciting array of paint colors.

Designed for off-roading, the Bronco featured short overhangs and low-profile bumpers for optimal approach and departure angles. Its tall ride height minimized underbody scraping. Utilitarian elements like large recovery hooks, removable fender flares, a full-size spare, and modular construction catered to customization enthusiasts.

Inside, the Bronco balanced rugged materials with clever technology. Features included sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and floor drain plugs for easy cleaning. The G.O.A.T. mode dial simplified terrain-specific settings, enhancing the off-road experience for both novices and seasoned adventurers.

Technologically advanced, the Bronco offered digital instrument panels, large infotainment touchscreens, and comprehensive camera systems, proving itself as a competent vehicle both on and off-road. Despite selling out quickly, the Bronco's combination of style, capability, and technology made it a popular choice.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The High Tide’s eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option. The vehicle also featured the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, beneficial in areas with frequent slippery conditions.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the eTorque V6-equipped Wrangler Unlimited was estimated to achieve 21 miles per gallon (mpg) in combined driving. However, with the Xtreme Recon Package modifications, our test results revealed an average of 17.6 mpg. Over a week-long test covering 435 miles, the Wrangler High Tide managed an average of 16.8 mpg.

Aspiring first-time Wrangler owners needed to be prepared for frequent fuel stops, a noisy cabin, vague steering, a rough ride, touchy brakes, and a general lack of cornering prowess. Enthusiasts, however, cherished these unique and immersive traits, which heightened their driving experience. Removing the top and doors enhanced the sensation of being close to nature, an essential part of the Wrangler’s appeal.

Driving a Wrangler was anything but calming, but it could be immensely rewarding, especially off the beaten path. The Jeep encouraged adventure and exploration, appealing to those seeking freedom from their daily responsibilities. However, the Wrangler's rugged persona came with emotional swings, from joy to frustration and occasional anger.

For those who wanted the Wrangler's iconic image without enduring its compromises in comfort and convenience, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a smoother alternative.

The 2022 Ford Bronco, on the other hand, offered a base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 produced an impressive 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The four-cylinder engine was available with a seven-speed manual transmission, featuring a seventh crawl gear for low-speed, high-torque scenarios. A 10-speed automatic transmission was mandatory for the V6 and optional for the four-cylinder.

Both engines offered ample power for various scenarios. The Bronco’s diverse lineup catered to different levels of off-road prowess, with even the base model and the stylish Outer Banks trim able to tackle significant obstacles. The Wildtrak and Everglades trims offered such exceptional off-road capabilities that finding adequate challenges became difficult.

Testing the Everglades model on Michigan's Drummond Island showcased its abilities on muddy trails, water crossings, and rock climbs, reaffirming its status as the most capable Bronco model, apart from the Bronco Raptor. The Everglades excelled in its mud/ruts drive mode and could ford water up to 36.4 inches deep. When forced into oppressive mud, its winching capabilities demonstrated its outstanding capability.

The Bronco also impressed on paved roads. Unlike many off-road vehicles, including the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco offered precise steering and a smoother ride, making it a comfortable road-trip companion. The only notable issue was wind noise on highways, but it wasn’t significant enough to detract from the overall positive experience. The Bronco’s minimal tire howl on pavement further enhanced its appeal as a versatile vehicle.

Accessing a 2022 Jeep Wrangler, particularly the High Tide variant with its raised suspension, could be challenging. Shorter and less-limber individuals struggled, especially when the Jeep's exterior was dirty. A manual height adjuster on the driver's seat, inconveniently located on the left side of the bottom cushion, often necessitated frequent readjustments.

While the Wrangler’s seats were comfortable, the cloth upholstery felt robust and durable. The interior predominantly utilized plastic and rubber, with some padded spots for added comfort. The driving position was unique, requiring time to acclimate to its proximity to the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield. This contributed to the distinctive driving experience that’s characteristic of a Wrangler.

Visibility varied based on the angle. Overhead traffic lights at small intersections required drivers to lean forward and look up, except when the roof was open. The High Tide’s 35-inch spare tire partially obstructed the rear view, but this issue was mitigated by the reversing camera. The Safety Group added rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors. Jeep also offered a forward-view camera on some models.

Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit challenges, compounded by rear wheel wells and narrower door openings. Once inside, two adults found reasonable accommodations, complete with air conditioning vents, cupholders, and grab handles. However, the speakers embedded in the roll bar were close to passengers’ faces.

Storage options weren’t particularly extensive. Netting on lower door panels, a small dashboard tray, a deep center console, and a narrow glove compartment provided limited storage solutions. Accessibility to the cargo area required swinging the tailgate from left to right. The weight of the 35-inch spare tire made this harder. The rear window flipped up to reveal 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco, with its squared-off design, offered spacious interiors. Ample headroom and legroom were available in both front and rear seats, aided by the Bronco's tall stance. Accessing the higher trims required effort, but grab handles and side steps facilitated entry. Getting into the two-door Bronco’s rear seats necessitated an awkward squeeze.

The Bronco’s boxy shape also enhanced its cargo capacity. The two-door hard-top model offered 22.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 52.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The four-door hard-top version increased this to 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively, with the soft top adding a bit more space. Unlike the Jeep, the rear seats in the Bronco didn’t fold flat, complicating the loading of larger objects and making it uncomfortable for sleeping.

Additionally, the Bronco featured thoughtful storage solutions, including large armrest bins, netted door pockets, and a rubberized phone tray. Optional accessory rails atop the dash secured items like action cameras. Innovative storage for stowable doors meant Bronco owners didn’t need to leave them behind. The fender flares could be removed in seconds without tools.

The Bronco was further equipped with strong mounting points for heavy load-bearing racks or light bars. Cleats above the headlights served both aesthetic and functional purposes, aiding cargo strap anchoring and limb-lifter cable attachment, and also helping drivers gauge the vehicle’s corners during off-roading.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide variant, based on the Sport S trim, featured basic infotainment technology. It came with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which sufficed for essential needs. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system, available with a larger touchscreen, satellite radio, WiFi hotspot, navigation, and an Alpine premium sound system, provided enhancements. However, streaming Pandora and using Apple CarPlay for navigation efficiently met most requirements. Wind noise occasionally affected Siri’s effectiveness, though.

Our test Wrangler High Tide included tech options such as remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group further extended open-air driving enjoyment by including heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Conversely, the 2022 Ford Bronco strategically integrated technology to enhance its capabilities without compromising field serviceability. Its G.O.A.T. modes offered off-road confidence for novice drivers by auto-selecting drivetrain and chassis settings optimized for specific terrains. Experienced off-roaders could manually select their preferred setups.

One standout feature was the forward-looking trail camera, which overlaid tire tracks on the display to show precise tire placement. This was crucial given the Bronco’s tall ride height and upright grille obscured the immediate front view. Trail Turn Assist, another feature, individually braked wheels to allow sharper turns in tight spaces.

The Bronco’s Sync 4 infotainment system was another advantage, known for its quick responses and sharp graphics. It was loaded with helpful off-road apps and featured standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complementing the available wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide tested included both the Safety Group and the Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group delivered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Given the Wrangler’s small side mirrors and tall center of gravity, the Safety Group was a valuable addition, aiding significantly in reversing, especially with the large 35-inch spare on the tailgate. The Advanced Safety Group provided additional convenience features suitable for long-distance travel but was more of a nice-to-have.

In terms of crash-test ratings, the Wrangler fell short of modern SUV standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provided only a partial evaluation, granting it a mediocre three-star rating for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it “Marginal” for left front small overlap crash-test protection and a new side-impact test, while headlight performance ranged from Poor to Marginal depending on the type.

In contrast, the Ford Bronco came equipped with standard safety features such as hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional safety features, part of the Mid package on all but the base trim, included frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The High package added front parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. The Luxe package offered adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. All these systems functioned effectively without false alarms or glitches.

The NHTSA had evaluated the Bronco’s four-door model, granting it four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. Both the two- and four-door models achieved similar ratings. The IIHS awarded the Bronco its best score of “Good” in frontal, side, and roof strength tests and an “Acceptable” rating for head restraints and seats.