That’s exactly what Ford has done with the 2022 Bronco Raptor. The 2022 Ford Bronco is among the best contenders in the midsize segment. The Raptor, on the other hand, is in a league of its own. What we can confidently say is that Ford has done a cracker of a job with this ridiculous off-road SUV.
Ford Equipped the Bronco Raptor with several bespoke touches and plenty of off-road gear. Needless to say, the Raptor can traverse any terrain known to mankind. And the best part is, it wouldn’t sweat one bit. With learnings from the F-150 Raptor, Ford Performance has taken a no holds barred approach with this off-road beast. Frankly, the 2022 Bronco Raptor is perhaps the most ridiculous factory 4×4 you can buy today. Here’s a closer look.
2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Gets A Rowdy V6 With Two Turbochargers
The race-Bronco is equipped with competition-level off-road technology and hardware. Because the market favors spicy engines, Ford has added a bit more flavor to the otherwise boring credentials of the Bronco. The 2022 Raptor gets the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that’s offered in a variety of Ford and Lincoln models. However, Ford Performance has tuned the powerplant to put out 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque in the Bronco Raptor.
In terms of transmission, the SUV gets a 10-speed auto, with front and rear locking differentials and a disconnecting front anti-roll bar. Also available is a four-wheel-drive system featuring Ford’s GOAT (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) mode selector. Seven driver-selectable modes are available, including a uniquely tuned Baja Mode that maximizes performance over high-speed desert runs. The other modes are fairly straightforward. These help make the Bronco Raptor more versatile across demanding scenarios. In addition to its high-speed desert capabilities and crawling over rocks, this Bronco is also capable of towing 4,500 pounds, a 1,000-pound improvement over the base model.
Bespoke Exterior Details Make The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor A Purposeful SUV
Ford has given the Bronco Raptor quite a few bespoke design elements. You get a unique grille design with layered protrusions that give the front fascia a dominating appeal. A similar design can be seen on Ford’s larger F-150 Raptor, making the design ethos cohesive across the range. Together with fender flares, the Bronco Raptor sits 9.8 inches wider than a standard Bronco. Also, the new Raptor stands 13.1 inches high off the ground and has a wider track—73.6 inches versus 65.0 inches of the base Bronco. The contoured front bumper design enhances the overall presence, exposing a portion of the massive front tires. These measure 37-inches. Yes, that’s right, the Bronco Raptor gets BFGoodrich KO2 37×12.5 off-road tires wrapped around upgraded 17-inch Beadlock wheels.
In addition to this, Ford Performance collaborated with FOX to develop a competition-level off-road suspension for the Bronco Raptor. The arsenal consists of 3.1-inch semi-active dampers and FOX’s live valve integrated controllers on all four shocks. Suspension height sensors and other sensors at each corner monitor terrain conditions independently hundreds of times every second and adjust suspension tuning accordingly.
Utilitarian Interior Enhances The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor’s Tough Appeal
Apart from the obvious lettering business that includes a few badges splashed across the cabin, we also find suede upholstery and heavily bolstered front seats on offer. The Bronco Raptor features a familiar heritage-inspired horizontal dash, integrating an all-digital 12-inch cluster. The cluster allows drivers to select from various views, including a model-exclusive Performance View that emphasizes tachometer and gear readings for a more involving drive experience. As standard, the 2022 Bronco Raptor gets a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
On the inside, there are quite a few Ford Performance and Raptor insignias, with the most interesting piece found in the center stack. It’s worth pointing out that the Bronco Raptor comes with marine-grade vinyl seats and rubberized washout flooring, something fanatics would appreciate.
To sum up, the 2022 Bronco Raptor has enough oomph to get you through the gnarliest of terrains without much drama. However, with a starting price of $68,500, it might be a bit too expensive for many off-road enthusiasts. Although we fully acknowledge the effort gone into developing the Bronco Raptor, we don’t think it’s worth the steep premium over a Sasquatch. But as far as factory 4x4s go, the 2022 Bronco Raptor is one hell of a machine.
Sources: Ford