11/22/22 UPDATE: This review has been updated with instrumented test results.
Facing a stretch of muddy water about the length of a football field, we felt fearless behind the wheel of the 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades. Not only because it comes factory equipped with an air-intake snorkel and a heavy-duty Warn winch—in addition to the formidable Sasquatch off-road package—but also because Ford brought us in to test the limits of the new special-edition Bronco, and we took that as a challenge to get it stuck or sunk or both.
We were unable to sink the Bronco Everglades during our drive on Drummond Island, located off the easternmost tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (maybe if we had driven it directly into Lake Huron . . .). Our handsome Eruption Green example forded the aforementioned waterway with nary a snag or a leak, only the harmless sound of water splashing beneath its washout vinyl flooring. To make the Everglades the most seaworthy Bronco, Ford raised the vent tubes for both axles, the transmission, and the transfer case. Combined with the custom-designed snorkel, this allows the vehicle to drive through up to 36.4 inches of water. That’s 2.9 inches more than the Bronco Sasquatch (0.6-inch less than the towering Bronco Raptor) and 2.8 inches more than a Jeep Wrangler.
Although an island in the UP sounds like a strange place to launch a new Bronco named after the Everglades National Park in Florida, the area has some advantages over the Southern wetlands. We didn’t have to worry about losing a leg to a crocodile or being suffocated by a Burmese python, and we got to enjoy the island’s robust trail system and rugged terrain. In this Northwoods version of a water park, the Bronco Everglades wrestled with a lot of mud and ruts. Coincidentally, Mud and Ruts—one of seven selectable G.O.A.T. drive modes—automatically activates the rear locker and puts the four-wheel-drive system into 4Hi. Paired with 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud-terrain tires (aired down to about 35 psi for optimal traction here), this setting helped the Bronco easily churn through rutted sludge.
Our speed on the muddiest, wettest trails stayed mostly in the single digits. Perhaps that type of slow and steady pace influenced Ford’s decision to fit the Bronco Everglades exclusively with the 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder—the 330-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter four-pot is not available here. Likewise, we’re surprised that the 10-speed automatic transmission is also mandatory since Ford recently made ’22 Sasquatch models with the 2.3-liter engine available with the seven-speed manual in response to popular demand.
Weighing 579 pounds more than the four-door 2.3-liter Outer Banks model we tested, our 5296-pound Everglades’ extra mass is a byproduct of its myriad add-ons, including the hefty Warn winch mounted on its snout. The added weight contributed to acceleration times that are the slowest of any Bronco we’ve tested to date. It hit 60 mph in 7.1 seconds and finished the quarter-mile in 15.7 ticks and 85 mph. For comparison, the Outer Banks sped to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and the four-door 330-hp Bronco Wildtrak managed 6.2 seconds. The Everglades also took 5.5 seconds to go from 50 to 70 mph, which is almost a full second or more than the other two models. It also required a long 196 feet to stop from 70 mph, and we noted a soft brake pedal that went to the floor during stops, too.
Not only is the 2022 Bronco Everglades saddled with the smaller engine, but its EPA ratings are barely better than more powerful variants. It’s estimated to earn 18 mpg city and 17 mpg highway, with a combined rating of 18 mpg. At least it lived up to expectations on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, matching its government highway figure. Still, the 300-hp Outer Banks is much more efficient, with a combined EPA rating of 21 mpg. It also matched its EPA-rated 22 mpg highway on our real-world route. Of course, the Outer Banks won’t make it nearly as far into the wilderness as the Everglades or other Sasquatch-equipped Broncos that are penalized at the gas pump.
Regardless of its acceleration times, the Everglades’ powertrain deployed its 325 pound-feet of torque well, especially when we were clawing up and down a particularly rocky section with front and rear lockers and 4Lo engaged. We did have the benefit of a spotter to guide us—good thing, given that the Everglades is missing the front-mounted camera available on other Broncos. Unfortunately, due to the location of its winch, the Everglades doesn’t get that useful view.
The lack of front-facing camera stinks, and we hope Ford can find a way to add one, but the standard winch is arguably more important. It could mean the difference between getting unstuck and calling search and rescue when you’re off-roading alone. Granted, there are countless aftermarket options, and Ford Performance sells a Warn winch kit for $3500. This factory-fitted unit has a 100-foot synthetic line and can pull up to 10,000 pounds. We originally wanted to get stuck and try out the winch, but when we arrived at the gnarliest obstacle of the day, we became more interested in conquering this hilly, muddy, rutted section. A well-chosen line and a lot of throttle got us through on the first attempt, but not without dislodging a piece of the rear overfender on the driver’s side. We did get to see the winch save other drivers who weren’t so lucky.
When it’s not scaling rock walls, winching out of the mud, or swimming, the Bronco Everglades is an enjoyable daily driver like the rest of its kin. Despite a body-on-frame construction and a solid rear axle, the Everglades has a surprisingly civilized ride on pavement. Too bad its bluff shape causes considerable wind noise at highway speeds. It handles better than a Wrangler, though, thanks to a more sophisticated steering system and front-suspension setup. The Bronco we drove felt plenty quick charging down backcountry roads, and its high-rise air intake emitted a satisfying intake sound with the passenger’s-side window down and the throttle uncorked. The snorkel’s other neat trick is the reversible plates that can be easily switched between the front and back, but ours always faced backward.
The snorkel and winch are prominently displayed on the Everglades, but other specific elements define its design. All models have four doors and a hard top, but look closely to see squared wheel arches that don’t appear on any other Bronco. It also has 17-inch aluminum rims reminiscent of steel wheels. We think they look cool but wonder why Ford doesn’t offer a beadlock-capable version as on other Sasquatch models. At least the Everglades won’t be confused with any other Bronco—it’s the only one with a distinct topography graphic stamped on its front fenders, though we can’t decide whether it’s cheugy. The Everglades is also the only model available with the new Desert Sand paint color.
Inside, there aren’t many details that distinguish the wetlands-themed Bronco from its brethren. Every Everglades has comfy seats covered in material that’s marine grade but still manages to look nice. If only we could say the same for whatever wraps the steering wheel (if that’s real leather, something was wrong with the cow). At least the crisply rendered display in the gauge cluster and the massive 12.0-inch touchscreen are pleasant distractions. The Sync 4 infotainment system is as intuitive as it is attractive, with wireless Apple CarPlay working consistently and seamlessly during our drive. The Bronco’s physical switchgear and useful cubbies further contribute to a functional cabin.
The 2022 Bronco Everglades starts at $54,595, slotting between the $52,820 Wildtrak four-door and the $70,095 Raptor. Deliveries began last summer. However, there’s a catch: Ford made the Everglades available only to people with an existing Bronco reservation for the 2022 model year. However, the company will offer the model again for 2023, making it more widely available. Those who can get their hands on one will be empowered to explore deeper water and drive through more difficult obstacles than owners of other Broncos—the Everglades encourages fearless off-roading.
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Ford Bronco Everglades
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $54,595/$56,835
Options: navigation, $695; slide-out tailgate, $600; towing capability, $595; front row top panels and door storage bags, $350
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 138 in3, 2264 cm3
Power: 300 hp @ 5700
Torque: 325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Brakes, F/R: 12.2-in vented disc/12.1-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT
LT315/70R-17 113/110S M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.1 in
Length: 198.9 in
Width: 79.4 in
Height: 78.7 in
Passenger Volume: 104 ft3
Cargo Volume: 36 ft3
Curb Weight: 5296 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.7 sec @ 85 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.0 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.5 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 99 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 196 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.70 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 17 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 350 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 18/18/17 mpg
This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Keyword: Tested: 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades Is Ready to Get Wet