2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its distinctive design, reminiscent of its original version with a boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flat hood. This modern iteration, however, featured rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that added a unique personality. The Defender was larger than its predecessor, offering more interior space and better ergonomics. Inside, the Defender balanced ruggedness with sophistication, incorporating bare metal and exposed screws alongside leather and suede upholstery, making it both stylish and practical for off-road adventures.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco boasted attractive retro styling and a go-anywhere attitude, making it highly sought after. The Bronco lineup expanded with the Everglades and Bronco Raptor models, each offering unique off-road capabilities. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, with features like large recovery hooks, removable fender flares, and a full-size spare mounted to the tailgate. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery, sealed switches, and drain plugs, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road escapades. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco incorporated modern technology, including G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel, enhancing its appeal to a broad audience.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The mid-level option was a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain rated at 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. For those seeking more power, the new V8 engine delivered 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The Defender excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Terrain Response 2 and All-Terrain Progress Control, while maintaining impressive on-road comfort and handling.

The 2022 Ford Bronco came with a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.7-litre V6 engine offered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's seven-speed manual transmission, available with the four-cylinder engine, featured a crawl gear for low-speed driving. All Broncos had four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco's off-road prowess was evident across its lineup, with models like the Everglades excelling in challenging terrains. On-road, the Bronco impressed with its smooth ride and precise steering, making it a versatile choice for both off-road adventures and highway cruising.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatile interior configurations, with the two-door Defender 90 featuring 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. While accessing the rear seats was challenging, they provided decent comfort. The four-door Defender 110 offered more space, with two-row and three-row configurations. Cargo capacity varied, with up to 1,875 litres available in two-row models. The Defender's interior design emphasized functionality, with a large centre-console storage bin and optional refrigeration. Exterior options included a basket-style roof rack and cargo boxes for additional storage.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, providing ample headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 1,481 litres with seats folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 2,197 litres. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails. Its utility was enhanced by external hard mounting points and removable fender flares, making it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen available. The system's graphics and menu layouts were user-friendly, though the touchscreen required a firm touch. A surround-view camera system was standard, with optional features like a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and head-up display.

The 2022 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. modes providing confidence for novice drivers. A forward-looking trail camera and Trail Turn Assist feature improved off-road navigation. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The system's off-road apps and wireless charging pad added to its appeal.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional. While the Defender lacked safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, this was common for luxury brands.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received favourable ratings from IIHS, with "Good" scores in frontal, side, and roof strength tests. NHTSA awarded the four-door Bronco four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection.