Two classic off-road SUV names collide when we put the 2022 Ford Bronco up against the 2022 Toyota 4Runner. One is old, the other new, which one is best?
The 4Runner dates back to 2009, giving us an SUV that uses the benefits of a body-on-frame construction that’s as old-school as you get. The Bronco is a little different, with a new model that hit the market in 2021 and gives us a build that offers a new twist on the classic name. Which of these two off-road SUVs is the right one for you to take out on the trails for some fun?
What Does the Ford Bronco Bring to the Conversation?
For a while, the Bronco was not available in the 2022 model because Ford stopped taking orders. Those who did buy one of these Ford SUVs found several trim levels and a wide price range. The trims of the Bronco include base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wildtrak, Everglades, and Raptor. The price range takes you from $30,800 to $68,500.
There are two body styles for this version of the 2022 Ford Bronco. You can have a two-door version or a four-door model, both offering seating for five. All versions of the Bronco deliver 4WD and plenty of power. There are two powertrains, a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or a turbocharged V6, to give you lots of power. This Ford off-road SUV has plenty of connected services, giving you the control and connection desired.
What Will You Find in the Toyota 4Runner?
Toyota never stopped taking orders for the 2022 4Runner, but this midsize off-road SUV is built on a platform that dates back 14 years. The trim levels for the 4Runner include SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro. The price range for this off-road SUV runs from $38,105 to $52,920.
You’ll only find one body style for the 2022 Toyota 4Runner. This body style is a four-door model that seats five passengers. The wheelbase of the 4Runner is six inches shorter than that of the Bronco. This results ins a smaller passenger area but more cargo room. Toyota does offer an optional third-row seat in the 4Runner to give you seven seats, but that rearmost row isn’t comfortable for most passengers. You can have the 4Runner in either 2WD or 4WD to offer the desired drive.
Which SUV Offers more Reliability and Quality for Your Drive?
Using the J. D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study and Initial Quality Study, we find that the Ford Bronco doesn’t rank in the top three of either. To be fair, the Bronco is too new for the Vehicle Dependability Study.
On the other hand, the Toyota 4Runner came in second in the midsize SUV class of the Vehicle Dependability Study and is among the top models in the Initial Quality Study. This gives the 2022 Toyota 4Runner an advantage over the 2022 Ford Bronco.
Both SUVs offer standard warranties that last for three years/36,000 miles and powertrain warranties that cover five years/60,000 miles. The Bronco has limited roadside assistance coverage of five years/60,000 miles while the 4Runner offers two years and an unlimited number of miles of roadside assistance protection.
Is One of These Two Off-Road SUVs a More Hardcore Performer?
The 2022 Ford Bronco is a much better performer on the trails than the 2022 Toyota 4Runner. The Bronco comes with either a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 275 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque or a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that makes 315 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The transmission options for the Ford Bronco include either a 7-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Going up to the Bronco Raptor means power comes from a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 400 horsepower. There’s also an available Sasquatch package that increases the off-road quotient. This package gives you a taller suspension, 35-inch all-terrain tires, along with front and rear locking differentials. The Ford Bronco is the only nameplate to have the G. O. A. T. mode, which allows it to tackle every terrain you’re faced with.
Turning to the 2022 Toyota 4Runner, you won’t have to make a powertrain choice. This SUV only comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. The engine mates to a 5-speed automatic transmission, which is the only one offered as well.
Only the Limited trim of the 4unner offers a full-time 4WD system to offer the front and rear torque split in response to wheel slippage. The TRD Pro is the most hardcore off-road trim, which has some pretty cool features. This model has standard all-terrain tires, a raised suspension, and specialized off-road shocks.
Which of These SUVs Offers a Better Safety Package?
Both the 2022 Ford Bronco and 2022 Toyota 4Runner come with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
The Bronco adds the benefits of the Ford Co-Pilot 360 package at the Big Bend trim and higher. This package includes blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Outer Banks model adds adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assistance.
The standard safety package of the Toyota 4Runner also includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and rear-seat reminder. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a blind-spot warning system at any trim level.
The greater number of features available for the 2022 Ford Bronco gives it an advantage over the 2022 Toyota 4Runner.
Which SUV has Better Technology and Infotainment?
It shouldn’t surprise you that the 2022 Ford Bronco has a higher level of technology and infotainment. The new Sync 4 system offers returns instant results to your inputs and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. This system can be updated with over-the-air updates. The Sync 4 system is displayed on either an 8-inch or 12-inch touchscreen.
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner only offers an 8-inch touchscreen, and it includes wired versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This puts the 4Runner behind in yet another category.
What’s the Verdict?
Both of these off-road SUVs are pretty impressive. That said, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner is getting a little long in the tooth and could use an updated generation to truly compete with the 2022 Ford Bronco. The Bronco hits all the high notes, ensuring you have the off-road capabilities desired when you want to hit the trails.
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