Auto review by Veeno Dewan
Reintroduced in 2021 after a 24-year hiatus is the venerable Ford Bronco, a revamped and redesigned heritage SUV! Chunkily styled, with cool retro cues, the new Bronco arrives in either two or 4 door formats with full 4X4 capability. In term of looks, Ford have done a wonderful job when it comes to styling. There is the cool front ad rear heritage fascia, and the raised roof line at the rear that can be used as a base for the installation of a tent on the roof. The roof rack meanwhile can accommodate tents, skis, kayaks and camping equipment. For the 2022 model year, the Bronco gains two new colors, a new powder-coated steel bumper with LED fog lights and an optional slide-out tailgate accessory.
The Bronco range includes the Sport version, powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine with 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. The other three models – Base, Badlands, Big Bend and Outer Banks – have the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine that produces 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. There is also an optional $2,000 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 with 330 horsepower. All engines are mated to an Select Shift automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
We tested the Bronco Badlands Edition 4-door equipped with an independent suspension and five adaptive drive modes. The Badlands trim includes specific front struts and heavier monotube rear shocks to help increase vehicle responsiveness and provide more off-road comfort. Options include Extra skid plates, tow hooks, and the oversized 33 -inch aggressive tread tires. the Bronco Badlands is not a cheap proposition – the basic version sells for $56,494 – $61,200. Options on our tester included such items as:2.7L Ecoboost V6 engine, 10-speed auto transmission 17 m/t tires (35”), remote start system, sasquatch package ($4,500.00), .17”black aluminum beadlock alloy tires, .4.7/rear axle-locking diff, .front axle-locking differential, and a hard top with moulded-in-colour. Total options came to a heady $16,145 for a final tally of $74,549 including destination and delivery.
The four-wheel drive system is very customizable with Low gears, 4-High, and a button to engage low-range, and the front and rear differential locks that can mechanically bind the axles together for even more traction. The disconnecting front sway bar can make the front suspension softer while increasing its travel.
Meanwhile, the Trail Turn Assist system used for slippery or loose surface and works by locking a single rear wheel and drives the remaining three for superb turning ability.
The off-road features can all be activated and controlled via a dash-mounted buttons and a console-mounted dial. “GOAT” modes (‘Goes over any terrain’) features different settings in a pre-calibrated program that adjusts such parameters as, throttle response, four-wheel drive mode, axle lock, traction control, and steering for optimum performance on difficult terrain.
Interior wise there is a modern well integrated cabin, with comfortable seats and good ergonomics. Creature comforts abound with such features as heated seats and steering climate controls directly under the eight-inch touchscreen. There is Sirius satellite radio, and navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard. The Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assist technologies are standard on all models, which helps in highway driving and has collision avoidance. Other neat touches include Auto stop and start and a feature where the touchscreen lights up with a warning to Check Rear Seats for Occupants along with a warning chime. Moving to the rear, the Bronco Sport offers storage space within the rear seats. Those rear seats also fold down to increase the amount of cargo space.
On the road, the Bronco does not disappoint in terms of off-road ability. The Trail Control system allows you to take advantage of cruise control for off-road driving, while a front camera system allows you to see, literally, the obstacles ahead. And two other drive modes are available with this version, bringing the total to seven modes on the Badlands Edition. On road performance is good with a smooth ride, although you do feel potholes and bumps. Fuel economy is rated at L/100LM: 13.9 14.0 13.9 Combined, city, highway.
Stylish, desirable and in demand from both Bronco aficionados and new buyers looking for a cool practical SUV; the Bronco does not disappoint and is a lot of fun. You can remove the roof and doors for more extreme capers as well. Not a lot of complaints, there is bit of noisy cabin, and lot of hard plastic, but the n four-door format is more practical and versatile, although the two door looks extra cool. The price can be alarmingly steep for the upmarket models, and options packages, but you do gain world class off-roading ability that’s equal to Jeeps and Land Rovers. Highly recommended.
20221 Ford Bronco Badlands Edition 4-Door: priced from $56,494 – $61, 794 plus options and $1,900 destination and delivery. Price as tested: $74,549
WEBSITE: www.ford.ca
