Each year, Car and Driver helps car shoppers through its Editors’ Choice list, rounding up the top models in multiple segments. The 2022 list is now out, and it’s interesting to see which vehicles made the cut. One that scored a spot is the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The Blue Oval’s exciting new crossover impressed Car and Driver’s editors despite a few drawbacks. Let’s take a look.

A look at Car and Driver’s 2022 Editors’ Choice list

Models on Car and Driver’s annual Editors’ Choice list have gone through an extensive evaluation process. That includes comprehensive test data and road tests. Based on those evaluations, the site selects its top choices for cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans, and electric vehicles. 

The models that made the 2022 list are all over the map in price and style. Everything from the Honda Accord and Volkswagen Golf GTI to the Ford Bronco and even the Porsche 718 received glowing reviews that put them in the top 10 overall. 

However, one vehicle category that didn’t crack the top 10 was the compact SUV. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great rides in that class. In the compact SUV category, Car and Driver singled out six vehicles for special mention: the Ford Bronco Sport, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and Volkswagen Tiguan. 

The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport boasts impressive reviews

It hasn’t been long since Ford released its updated version of the Bronco, which the automaker had discontinued many years ago. As a result, the vehicle is getting plenty of attention as consumers see how the new model will fare. The compact crossover version of the Bronco SUV is the Bronco Sport, which Car and Driver includes on its list of compact SUVs worthy of mention. 

C/D gave the Ford Bronco Sport an impressive score of 9/10 in its 2022 review. That’s up from 8.5/10 for the 2021 model. The magazine particularly praised the Bronco Sport for its fuel efficiency and thoughtful features, including hidden storage compartments and a slide-out workbench. 

Where C/D sees room for improvement in this crossover SUV is the rear seat area, which is too close for comfort. In addition, Car and Driver’s editors call attention to the lower quality of some of the materials used in the Bronco Sport’s cabin, along with the sluggishness of its engine relative to its body-on-frame-SUV counterpart. 

Nevertheless, C/D found the Ford Bronco Sport worthy of a spot on its Editors’ Choice list. 

How does the 2022 Bronco Sport compare to the 2021 model?

The 2022 model doesn’t differ significantly from the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, so it matters little which model year you purchase. There are really only two main differences between the 2022 and 2021 Bronco Sport: paint color options and price.

The 2022 Bronco Sport offers a few more paint color options than the 2021 model, so if you’re bent on getting a specific color, you’ll have more options with the newer model. Other than that, though, the main difference between the 2022 and 2021 Bronco Sport is the price, and even that difference is minimal. 

The base price on most Bronco Sport trims went up less than $400 from 2021 to 2022, making the newest models a relative bargain. But the base price of the range-topping Bronco Sport, the Badlands, increased a bit more: $735, bringing its MSRP to $35,585. 

If you’re considering a compact crossover, the 2022 Bronco Sport is certainly one to consider. It’s a solid vehicle with a good reputation that’s unlikely to disappoint.