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The original Bronco saw many years of popularity, but Ford removed it from the lineup when sales began declining in the ‘90s. Decades later, the automaker brought it back, giving it a modern-day makeover. MotorTrend is one of the many critics that’s a fan of this new Bronco model. Here are three things the publication feels you should keep in mind should you decide you want to buy a 2022 Ford Bronco. 

A 2022 ford bronco sport badlands doing some off-roading outdoors.
2022 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands | Ford

What does the 2022 Ford Bronco offer?

According to MotorTrend, there are several trim levels of the 2022 Ford Bronco. Each is designed for different driving dynamics, but one common theme seems to be varying levels of off-roading performance. Powering these SUVs are a few different engines. 

First, the base comes with a 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder producing 275 hp. With this engine, you can go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds with a manual or 7.0 with the automatic transmission. As for fuel economy, you can expect around 20 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway for both manual and automatic gearboxes. 

Some trim levels offer a 2.7-liter V6 generating 315 hp and an acceleration time of 6.5-7.0 seconds for a 0 to 60 mph run. With this engine, you get 19 on city roads and 20 while traveling on the highway. 

The Bronco Raptor offers a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which produces a whopping 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, this powerhouse engine offers only 15 mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the highway.

1. The 2022 Ford Bronco impresses with its performance

MotorTrend was pleased with its performance for a few different reasons. The most impressive part of the Bronco was that you could opt for a manual transmission with the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine from the base model. 

This isn’t just any old stick shift, though. It excels at lower speeds, making it a joy to climb hills in. However, the V6 models only come with the 10-speed automatic, which performs great, but is not quite as fun.

Overall, driving dynamics are also excellent with this SUV. Editors of the publication experienced a lot of thrills when testing it out. One of them, Alex Leanse (Associate Editor), even went so far as to call it a “theme Park you can drive.” That may be due to the GOAT modes the Bronco offers

2. Styling gets mega points from MotorTrend

MotorTrend felt the modern design of the Bronco hit the nail on the head. The publication’s favorite version, as far as styling goes, is the Sasquatch, which is more than likely why it’s sold out for the next couple of years. 

Ford managed to take elements from its earlier models and blended them with modern-day design. The trail sights on the corners of the hood are perfect touches for looking out through the windshield from the driver’s seat. Its push-button ignition is trimmed with a light reminiscent of a Ford headlight. 

Both exterior and interior are works of automotive art, except in one area. The quality of some of its materials leaves a little to be desired. You’ll find some cheap plastic parts sprinkled throughout almost all trims, which detracts from its impressive looks according to MotorTrend. 

3. Perfect rival for the Jeep Wrangler

What better off-roading vehicle is there than the Ford Bronco? It’s no surprise that it competes with the Jeep Wrangler. First, Ford gave us a convertible model with removable doors, which you can also do on the Wrangler. 

On most trims, you get many GOAT driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Sand. With the Badlands version, you will also get Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl modes as well, according to Ford Authority.

The 2022 Ford Bronco may not have earned SUV of the year from MotorTrend, but it still earned a spot as a finalist. With its driving dynamics, exceptional styling, and the fact that it can compete with the likes of the Jeep Wrangler, we’re not all that surprised the publication likes it so much.

RELATED: The New 2022 Ford Bronco vs. The Original 1966 Ford Bronco: A Classic Car Comparison

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