The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor is built to accelerate quicker, climb easier over rocks, and fly higher than the regular Bronco. It’s basically the same blueprint Ford followed with the hugely entertaining and highly capable F-150 Raptor pickup. The ultimate Bronco boasts a 418-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, a special long-travel suspension, huge 37-inch tires, and lots of other off-road goodies.
Thanks to distinctive styling cues, such as exaggerated fender flares and an exclusive grille design with amber lighting elements, the 2022 Bronco Raptor won’t be confused for anything else. Of course, its extensive catalog of custom accessories ensures owners can further tailor their rig their way. While the Raptor is considerably more expensive than the standard-issue Bronco, hardcore enthusiasts will crave its incredible performance.
Now that the all-new 2022 Bronco Raptor has been officially revealed, we can’t wait to test it side-by-side with the 470-hp Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. Ford says deliveries will begin this summer, and anyone who already has an existing order for the regular Bronco is able to change it to the Raptor.
Design
The standard Bronco has probably my favorite production design of the past couple years. The Raptor’s exterior changes, then, had a lot to live up to. The comically huge fenders and ostentatious Raptor graphics are both polarizing, but the updated hood, trim-specific running lights, and traditional FORD-branded grille look great. And have amber clearance lights ever been uncool?
The cabin’s changes matter if your only reference is the standard Bronco. The more substantial steering wheel and new paddle shifters look purposeful, and the digital instrument cluster is a dramatic improvement over the hybrid cluster in the base SUV. The Code Orange accents are all a bit much, though. And while the black leather upholstery on my tester looks and feels durable, I kinda wished my tester had the standard blue finish. It’s far more characterful.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Ford didn’t put a V-8 in the Bronco, but the Raptor features a 418-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 440 pound-feet of torque.
The engine pairs exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission and an advanced four-wheel-drive system that works in concert with selectable G.O.A.T (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes.
The Bronco Raptor also has an even beefier suspension setup than the standard version to best handle powering over sand dunes or being jumped through the air, and it has a much wider track that’s set up for better high-speed stability.
The Raptorized Bronco is equipped with Fox adaptive dampers from the F-150 Raptor as well as standard 37-inch BFGoodrich K02 all-terrain tires.
The SUV is rated to tow up to 4500 pounds, too. During our initial test drive, we were impressed with the Bronco Raptor’s off-road prowess both when bounding over bumpy terrain at speed and while crawling through rocky passes with the low-range gearing engaged. While the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 doesn’t have the same shove as the F-150 Raptor’s boosted 3.5-liter, it had enough punch to hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds at our test track.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Ford Bronco Raptor earns an EPA-estimated 15 mpg in the city and achieves just 16 mpg on the highway.
That matches the estimated city mpg of the F-150 Raptor with 35-inch tires but is 2 mpg short of the pickup’s highway rating. Compared to the 470-hp 6.4-liter V-8 Jeep Wrangler 392, the Bronco Raptor shows a marginal 2 mpg improvement in the city with a 1 mpg loss on the highway.
On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the Bronco Raptor surprised us by returning 17 mpg—1 mpg more than expected, but still pretty bad. For more information about the Bronco Raptor’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Despite its enhanced off-road abilities, the Bronco Raptor shares its interior design and dimensions with the regular Bronco. That means it comes standard with rubberized flooring, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and an overhead set of auxiliary toggles.
Those who want a more luxurious cabin can opt for leather-trimmed seats, too. As with the regular Bronco, the Raptor also features removable body panels, specifically frameless doors that Ford claims are easy to remove. While it’s only available in a four-door configuration, the Raptor still enjoys all the innovative features found on other models, including exterior mirrors mounted on the base of the windshield that are still usable when the doors are taken off.
Likewise, there’s a rack built into the top of its dashboard that allows smartphones and GoPros, which can be plugged into nearby 12-volt outlets, to be mounted there.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Bronco Raptor features Ford’s latest Sync 4 interface, with a large 12.0-inch touchscreen that’s mounted in the middle of the dashboard.
The infotainment system comes with contemporary features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The most desirable options also include a powerful Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Bronco Raptor comes standard with Ford’s CoPilot 360 suite of driver-assistance technology, which includes basics such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control is optional. For more information about the Bronco Raptor’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features will likely include:
– Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
– Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
– Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ford provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that aligns with most of its rivals. However, the company lacks the complimentary scheduled maintenance that Jeep offers.
– Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
– Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
– No complimentary scheduled maintenance
