The Jeep Wrangler is an American classic, full stop. However, the reemergence of the Ford Bronco nameplate has had the 4×4 SUV world in a tizzy for years now. The Bronco debuted in 2020, and since then, love for the Bronco has yet to wane at all. Now that Consumer Reports has tested and scored the 2022 Ford Bronco, the battle between it and the 2022 Jeep Wrangler sees another crushing defeat at the hands of Ford.
2022 Ford Bronco | Ford
Is the 2022 Ford Bronco worth it?
Most critics love the 2022 Ford Bronco. It is stylish, powerful, solid off-road, and full of exciting extras and features. But is it worth it? That is a question only answered subjectively. That being said, the 2022 Ford Bronco is an engaging, creative, and capable off-roader with a manual transmission.
Like the rest of us, Consumer Reports was excited to put the new Bronco through its paces. However, being a body-on-frame 4×4 that isn’t super efficient and is likely not the quietest or most comfortable SUV, the 2022 Ford Bronco landed a discouraging 47/100. School was a long time ago for some of us, so in case you forgot, a 47/100 is an F.
Despite this disappointment, this score did come as a surprise. Consumer Reports values reliability, safety, and comfort above all else. So, a heavy, inefficient, loud, and lifted 4×4 will rarely do well on CR’s testing. However poorly the Bronco did, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler still did worse, much worse.
Is the 2022 Jeep Wrangler a good SUV?
Jeep Wrangler JL | Stellantis
Consumer Reports gave the 2022 Jeep Wrangler the same abysmal score they’ve given it for the last little while; a 28/100. Again, with all due respect to CR, this doesn’t mean all that much coming from them. What matters is that the Bronco and Wrangler are mortal enemies. The aspects of each SUV that make them competitive are what CR does not like.
The 2022 Jeep Wrangler hasn’t done so well critically, but it is an impossible model to deny. It has been the gold standard for 4×4 SUVs since the CJ. Despite poor reliability, a stiff and uncomfortable ride, and one of the least sound-insulated cars on the road, the Wrangler is believed by millions and continues to be many people’s dream car.
However, now that there is the spiritual successor to the Wrangler (Bronco), we might see some Wrangler love wane.
2022 Ford Bronco specs
2022 Ford Bronco | Ford
In only two weird years, the Bronco now comes in a wide variety of configurations and literally hundreds of optional equipment extras. The Bronco comes with four different engine options; turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder (275 hp), turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder (300 hp), 2.7-liter V6 turbo (330 hp), 2.7-liter V6 turbo (315 hp). The base 2.3-liter can be paired with a seven-speed manual transmission. The 2.7-liter V6 engine only comes with the 10-speed automatic transmission.
Most recently, Ford debuted the Bronco Everglades, which is a fully loaded off-roader. There are also milder packages like the sasquatch, which comes with upgraded suspension, wheels and tires, and a skid plate. The Bronco, much like the Wrangler, is a loud and rough 4×4. However, the Ford’s 4×4 has enough refinement and class to earn nearly double the Wrangler’s score.
Is the 2022 Ford Bronco better than the 2022 Jeep Wrangler?
Consumer Reports feels as though the Bronco is a better all-around vehicle than the Jeep Wrangler. The way they landed on this came down to CR thinking the Bronco felt more refined and subtle compared to the Wrangler’s upfront brutishness.
Something tells me that the longer these two are in production together again, the more this rivalry will deepen. The divide between the two models is already significant. All we need is time and more Bronco drivers to make it proper beef.
Regardless of where we all may fall on the 4×4 spectrum, the fact that we have these two to choose from is nothing but a net positive for any off-road lover.
Keyword: The 2022 Ford Bronco Humiliated the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Again on Consumer Reports