2022 Bronco Outer Banks 2.7 Liter Eco-boost
Posted/updated on: September 13, 2021 at 12:24 pm
2022 Bronco Outer Banks 2.7 Liter Eco-boost
Not since the release of the re-vamped Mustang and the re-vamped Camaro, in the early 2000’s has there been anything close to the anticipation of the 2022 full size Bronco release.
Finally, the day arrived to receive the all-new Bronco. I’ve recently embraced the off-roading world and currently drive a Jeep for my daily driver. It’s not a Wrangler, it’s a Grand Cherokee. From my short seat time in the Bronco nothing became clearer to me than Ford’s efforts to put out its version of the Jeep Wrangler. Think the classic TV series The Six Million Dollar Man. In the opening it describes the main character as stronger and faster, better than before.
In some ways I think FOMOCO did just that. I think there are a few rattles to shake out and in truth I am reviewing a pre-production model. Given that, I was impressed. I knew the 2022 Bronco would be capable off-road, no surprise there. What I really wanted to find out was how it acted as a daily driver.
Around town it actually has decent manners. With a size that is neither too large to park or too small to be comfortable the Bronco offers the perfect balance.
One of the best features to me is the ability to remove basically the entire body, doors, and front and rear quarter panels can be removed. Yes, it takes a few minutes, but how cool is it that you can ride trails in a brand-new Bronco without worries of scratching your paint? The other thing about the body that impressed me was the rigidity. The Bronco has two bars, one on each side running from the rear of the truck to the A-Pillar. This gives the Bronco much needed frame rigidity, in the absence of a true top.
About that top, the wind noise at highway speeds is deafening. The roof is split into four parts with two parts placed directly above the driver and front passenger. The wind travels through the connection points and honestly, makes it very hard to have a conversation, at highway speeds. I would opt for either the convertible top or hard top. The driver who delivered the Bronco said the hard top is very quiet. Let’s give Ford credit for bringing off the launch of the Bronco in the middle of a world-wide pandemic.
The power-plant is my favorite in the eco-boost line-up of motors. It’s the 2.7-liter Eco-boost and in my opinion, it feels stronger than the 3.5-liter.
I saw a video last year of three F-150’s, outfitted with different engine options pulling trailers, the 2.7 out preformed the others. It was also the choice in the Fusion Sport AWD that is one of my favorites. Push the accelerator lightly and you won’t hear a thing. Stomp on the go pedal and the Bronco jumps to life and growls like an animal, in the woods.
The test vehicle was blessed with the OUTER BANKS package that offers 18†wheels, a 4.27 rear axle with locking differential, a hard top molded in color, and storage bags to keep your top from being ruined while it’s off the Bronco. Comically, it also offers sound deadening in the headliner. Roof rails with cross members make carrying a load easy and tie-downs at the front of the hood offer extended confidence that cargo won’t blow away.
The interior is two-toned leather in chocolate and tan. Heated seats are included and may I suggest cooling for the seats, in future models. The infotainment center has a 12-inch touch screen which is easy to use and dominates the dash. There is more than enough room in the rear seats to accommodate any size human or canine.
The mileage was not listed, as the Bronco was a pre-production model, but I averaged around 17MPG in town and on a trip to Lufkin to see Tyler Legacy win their football game.
WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW:
Great off-road performance, good looks, great power and an amazing turning radius. Ready for larger tires and wheels without needing a lift. Retro appearance and comfortable ride.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
First year model released during the world-wide pandemic. Priced around $53,000.00 USD. Hard top has more road noise than a car with know roof. Order the 2.7 Eco-boost.
