2022 Bronco
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2022 1:16 pm
While I do love me a good Jeep, those of you that really know me are well aware that my true allegiance has always been with the Bronco. I was raised in the back seat of a 1977 that was bought brand new and is still in the family, and I've owned a few of my own over the years as well. Good/bad/otherwise, when my kids entered the picture the overall automotive landscape had changed drastically from when I was in diapers, and the bottom line is the romantic memories of my younger days in the back of a Bronco are easily eclipsed with something as simple as a second set of doors, ala the Jeep Cherokee XJ and the Jeep JKU/JLU platforms. Not to mention things like fuel injection, power windows, and an HVAC system that functions so well you actually know when it's running Don't get me wrong at any level, I absolutely LOVE the original Broncos, but there are simply better options for families with small kids these days, and I said goodbye to my last Bronco back in the spring of 2011
Fast forward a decade and some change, and the minions can not only fend for themselves, one of them is actually driving his own junk around so I don't even need to worry about a seat for him anymore, and the other one is a scant few months away from the same in her own right. The days of hauling kids and sports gear and their friends all over the place are fading quickly, and mamma got an itch to ditch the soccer-mom Explorer that had served her well over the last several years, in favor of something a little more sporty. We both enjoy our (OK, it's hers) JLU-R and as good of a driver as it is, it's still a Jeep and any conversation regarding it's driving characteristics is immediately qualified with "...it drives great, for a Jeep...". Enter the 2022 Bronco
We spec'd out a Badlands edition for it's locking differentials and disconnectable swaybar (strikingly similar to a Rubicon), but shied away from the Sasquatch package due to the horrible looking fender flares and paper-thin Goodyear tires that come with it. Since this is mamma's daily, we opted for all manner of electronic gizmo and gadgetry, but paid close attention to those options that delay factory orders, like the towing package, and left those czek boxes blank. We also stayed away from the larger 2.7L engine based upon the rumored issues with dropping valves, and instead opted for the plucky 2.3L with a measly 300hp/325tq. What we ended up with is a completely civilized off-roader; the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing. This thing drives like her Explorer, perhaps even better, has room for people and cargo should the need for either/both ever arise, and has magical buttons and switches to allow for prodigious use at elevation. Now if I could just get the keys
Fast forward a decade and some change, and the minions can not only fend for themselves, one of them is actually driving his own junk around so I don't even need to worry about a seat for him anymore, and the other one is a scant few months away from the same in her own right. The days of hauling kids and sports gear and their friends all over the place are fading quickly, and mamma got an itch to ditch the soccer-mom Explorer that had served her well over the last several years, in favor of something a little more sporty. We both enjoy our (OK, it's hers) JLU-R and as good of a driver as it is, it's still a Jeep and any conversation regarding it's driving characteristics is immediately qualified with "...it drives great, for a Jeep...". Enter the 2022 Bronco
We spec'd out a Badlands edition for it's locking differentials and disconnectable swaybar (strikingly similar to a Rubicon), but shied away from the Sasquatch package due to the horrible looking fender flares and paper-thin Goodyear tires that come with it. Since this is mamma's daily, we opted for all manner of electronic gizmo and gadgetry, but paid close attention to those options that delay factory orders, like the towing package, and left those czek boxes blank. We also stayed away from the larger 2.7L engine based upon the rumored issues with dropping valves, and instead opted for the plucky 2.3L with a measly 300hp/325tq. What we ended up with is a completely civilized off-roader; the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing. This thing drives like her Explorer, perhaps even better, has room for people and cargo should the need for either/both ever arise, and has magical buttons and switches to allow for prodigious use at elevation. Now if I could just get the keys