2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a similar traditional SUV styling. It featured a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile reminiscent of the smaller 2021 Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly with laser-etched knurling in the slots, and the wheel center caps had an acrylic glass covering to protect the “Wagoneer” logo. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture allowed for independent front and rear suspension, with an aluminum hood and doors, and a composite tailgate to save weight. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer offered a luxurious experience with 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and higher-grade Palermo leather options, along with aluminum and American Walnut wood trim.

The 2023 Ford Bronco was offered in nine distinct trim levels, each showcasing a blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering. Its blocky upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim displayed a wide stance and huge fender flares. The Heritage trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's styling was not just aesthetic; functional features like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" helped secure cargo and provided better visibility of the vehicle's corners. The interior continued the rugged theme with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof marine-grade vinyl upholstery. The Bronco's interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with sturdy handholds and a grid-like mesh on the seat backs for attaching accessories.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It featured cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Wagoneer could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, despite its hefty 6,400-pound weight. It came standard with a Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, including a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system was also standard, offering height adjustability for various driving conditions. With a maximum ground clearance of 10 inches, the Grand Wagoneer could handle a 25-degree approach angle and ford up to 24 inches of water. However, its size and weight made it less agile on the road, with a bouncy ride at higher speeds and imprecise steering.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower, a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 with 330 hp, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 in the Raptor with 418 hp. All engines came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The base four-cylinder engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the 2.7-liter V6 was better suited for the heavier four-door model. The Raptor's EcoBoost engine provided exhilarating power, though not necessary for most drivers. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. It tracked well on highways and offered a quieter interior. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Bronco handled curving roads with confidence, aided by several cameras for maneuvering.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer could seat seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. However, front-row space was more limited compared to these rivals. The Grand Wagoneer provided 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place and 70.9 cubic feet with the third row stowed. Its maximum towing capacity was 9,850 pounds, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape maximized interior space, with ample room in both the front and back. The four-door model offered easier access to the rear seats compared to the two-door. Up front, there were numerous storage options, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. The two-door Bronco had 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded, while the four-door offered 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. The rear seats did not fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road versatility.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer also offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and Fire TV for Auto. It used the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates. However, the screen response was slow, and the instrument cluster graphics were plain.

The 2023 Ford Bronco utilized technology to enhance its off-road capabilities with G.O.A.T. drive modes that optimized engine and suspension settings for various terrains. Numerous camera views provided visibility in tight spots, and the Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Ford’s SYNC 4 system. Most models came with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12-inch display available for easier use.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. Active Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received partial crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control. The Mid package added blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist, while the High package included front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system. The Luxe package offered adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.