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Is the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor a Good SUV? 5 Things We Like, 4 We Don’t

Is the 2022 Ford BroncoThe Pros and Cons of Buying a Rental Car Raptor a good SUV? 5 things we like, 4 we don’t like

With the launch of the 2021 model year, Ford has revived more than just old styling cues from the original 1966 model. Like the All Bronco, the new incarnation offers serious off-road buyers an alternative to the iconic, arguably more urbanized, high-tech Jeep Wrangler. Now, in 2022, Ford has upped its ante with the Bronco Raptor.Like it, the Bronco Raptor is meant to be an off-road performance machine, with additions like more horsepower, improved suspension and a wider track. The result is a more capable Bronco, and one better equipped to do battle with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392.

Changes from the standard Bronco are so extensive that the two look completely different, and the Raptor performs noticeably better in both off- and off-road driving. The combination of added power, reworked suspension and the electronic magic of performance-enhancing turns the Raptor into a more capable, yet tolerable, machine for everyday driving.

We recently spent some time with the Amped-up Bronco and came away impressed. However, there is always room for improvement. For a closer look at the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor, click on the link above to read Brian Normel’s full review. For a quick look, read on — here are five things we love about the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor, and four things we don’t:

The things we love

1. More oats

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The Bronco Raptor has a lot more power than the understated trim thanks to its 418-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 twin-turbocharged. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Raptor is quick if not very fast, with plenty of torque for rock crawling, towing and more. Towing capacity jumps to 4,500 pounds compared to the regular Bronco—a bump of about 1,000 pounds.

2. The ability added below

Some of the biggest Raptor upgrades require some crawling around under them. There’s a significantly upgraded suspension system that includes bulkier F-150 Raptor components, along with more aggressive steering components, massive 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires, and more than 8 inches of front and rear track increase.

3. Polite etiquette on the road

Suspension upgrades make the Raptor more off-road, sure, but they also result in better off-road behaviors. Street handling and steering feel are improved over the standard Bronco, and the larger brakes do a commendable job of stopping this 5,700-pound beast.

4. Looks Part

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The styling is subjective, but there’s no doubt that the Bronco Raptor looks the part. Oversized fender flares help accommodate its wider track and larger tires, while fender vents, a functional hood-mounted heat extractor, and a more robust grille add to the look. If all that wasn’t enough, the bold graphics available should do the trick.

5. A star off the highway

With an updated powertrain and suspension, increased ground clearance, and aggressive approach and departure angles, the Bronco Raptor excels off-road. It feels surprisingly nimble during low-speed maneuvers, and the extra suspension travel, combined with the adaptive suspension, helps make it feel remarkably in control while blasting through the desert at speed.

Things we don’t like

1. Good judgment

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As powerful as the new powertrain is, the audio experience is somewhat disappointing. The twin-turbo V-6 is powerful enough and Sport mode adds powerful cues from the throttle during gearing, but the soundtrack isn’t as satisfying as the V-8. There’s also a fair amount of wind and road noise, some of which we’ll let slip because it can be turned into a feature we love – the removable doors and roof.

2. View from the rudder

Thick windshield pillars restrict visibility to the sides when cornering, especially in tight off-road or off-road maneuvers. The massive, full-size, tailgate-mounted spare tire and third brake create an obstruction large enough to block much of the view behind the Raptor, concealing entire cars on the highway.

3. Thirst for adventure

It’s possible that a few off-road drivers base their vehicle choices on EPA fuel-economy estimates, but in the era of standard gas prices, it’s worth noting that the Bronco Raptor will cost you a lot at the pump. The EPA’s 15/16/15 mpg city/highway/combined mpg rating is made even more painful by Ford’s premium fuel recommendation. However, buyers can be encouraged to know that these numbers beat the Wrangler Rubicon 392, which also favors a premium.

4. Wide load

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The Bronco Raptor is about 7 inches wider than the Wrangler, which can make a huge difference not only while crawling on rocks, but also while maneuvering in and out of the parking lot at your local grocery store. It’s worth noting that these additional selector lights aren’t just there to look cool: As with the F-150 Raptor, they’re a federal requirement because of the Bronco Raptor’s additional offering.

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