The 2022 Ford Bronco received its full road test and review from Consumer Reports, and it is primarily positive. However, the experts called the new Ford SUV “predictable” at one point. What else does the review say, and was the Bronco able to impress at any point?
How does Consumer Reports feel about the 2022 Ford Bronco?
The 2022 Ford Bronco arrives on stage as a 2022 Utility Vehicle of the Year Finalist at the LA Auto Show | FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
Looking at the entire review from Consumer Reports, the 2022 Ford Bronco has a lot of favorable characteristics. The experts received the Outer Banks trim to test, which gets 315 hp from the 2.7L turbo V6 engine. That wasn’t part of the problem, with CR noting that it “provides plenty of giddyup.” The SUV has a zero to 60 mph time of 7.0 seconds, pretty quick for such a heavy SUV.
The Bronco doesn’t get great fuel economy, but Ford never pretended it would. Looking at the highs and lows, Consumer Reports offered three of each.
| 2022 Ford Bronco – Highs | 2022 Ford Bronco – Lows |
| Off-road ability | Braking |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy |
| Character | Wind noise |
The Bronco has room for five, and either comes with two doors or four doors. Ford got a lot right with the Ford Bronco, but this review is pretty basic. Does that mean the Bronco is also pretty basic?
What about the Ford Bronco was predictable, according to Consumer Reports?
The 2022 Ford Bronco shines when it comes to off-roading, but it was only average on regular roads. Consumer Reports says that even with the body-on-frame construction and off-road-tuned suspension, the Bronco rides “reasonable well.” It felt stiff and bumpy on the back roads, with agility, not a “strong suit.” But later on, Consumer Reports said that off-roading ability “was a strong suit.” While the Outer Banks trim is less off-road friendly and more geared toward on-roading, it still did OK.
“It was predictable and forgiving—albeit with low limits—when pushed hard around our test track.”
Consumer Reports
The Bronco needed 149 feet to stop from 60 mph on dry pavement when it came to stopping distances. On wet pavement, the SUV needed 168 feet. Consumer Reports said some full-size pickup trucks performed better than that. Each positive is met with a negative, leaving the Bronco review pretty underwhelming. If you are looking for an off-roading weekend SUV, the 2022 Ford Bronco fits the bill. But don’t expect too much from the SUV.
Where does the Bronco fall when compared to the Jeep Wrangler and similar SUVs?
2022 @Ford Bronco Everglades packs a factory snorkel and winch: https://t.co/m88jErSTor pic.twitter.com/tFIYVSczvI
— Autoblog (@therealautoblog) February 10, 2022
Consumer Reports puts the 2022 Ford Bronco in the midsized sport-utility vehicle category. At the top of the list is the ever-reliable 2022 Subaru Outback and the 2022 Toyota Venza. These have above-average scores across the board for reliability, road tests, predicted owner satisfaction, and overall score.
Then at the end of the list, there is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe with an overall score of 58. The 2022 Ford Bronco managed to get an overall score of 47, with mixed scores on the rest of the categories. The only SUV below the Bronco is the 2022 Jeep Wrangler, which came last with an overall score of 28. The people at CR don’t love any of the Jeeps, and these vehicles usually end up at the back of the pack. But ranking the Ford Bronco at the back with the Jeep Wrangler? That’s not a good sign of things to come.
Overall, the long stopping distances, underwhelming fuel economy, and loud cabin made the road test score fairly low, especially similar midsize SUVs. Compared to vehicles made for off-roading like the Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover Defender, and Wrangler, the 2022 Ford Bronco is more competitive.
Keyword: Consumer Reports Calls the 2022 Ford Bronco “Predictable,” Ranks It Almost Last