2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its distinctive exterior styling, reminiscent of its original version with a boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flat hood. This modern iteration, however, incorporated rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and featured 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, leaving some bare metal and exposed screws for a unique look, while high-end models combined leather and suede upholstery, making it more practical for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Ford Bronco was available in nine distinct trims, each showcasing a blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering. Its blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive charm, while the Raptor trim boasted a wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid upholstery. The Bronco's design was not just for aesthetics; functional features like cleats above the headlights and raised fins aided in cargo securing and vehicle positioning. The interior was rugged, with sealed switches and drain plugs for easy cleaning, and offered practical features like a grid-like mesh for attaching accessories.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered three powertrains: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower, a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid with 395 hp, and a new 5.0-litre V8 engine producing 518 hp. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The V8 engine delivered exhilarating performance, propelling the Defender 90 from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Defender was comfortable on pavement, with a suspension that absorbed bumps well and minimized noise. It also boasted a 3,500-kilogram towing capacity and advanced off-road features like Terrain Response 2.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 300 hp, a 2.7-litre V6 with 330 hp, and a 3.0-litre V6 in the Raptor with 418 hp. All models had a four-wheel drive system and a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the Raptor's engine provided thrilling power. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. It handled highways well and was quieter than its competitors. The Bronco's high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads, but it remained confident and maneuverable, especially with its camera systems.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatile seating configurations, with the two-door Defender 90 featuring 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. Accessing these seats was challenging, but they provided decent comfort. The four-door Defender 110 offered more space, with two-row and three-row configurations. Cargo space varied, with up to 1,875 litres available in two-row models. The interior emphasized functionality, with a large storage space below the dashboard and a spacious centre-console storage bin. Optional roof racks and cargo boxes enhanced its cargo-carrying capabilities.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape maximized interior space, with ample room in both two-door and four-door models. The two-door offered 634 litres of cargo space, while the four-door provided up to 2,197 litres. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, limiting cargo versatility. The Bronco featured practical storage solutions, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. The removable fenders and doors added to its off-road appeal, while the roof's mounting points accommodated overlanding platforms and tents.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen. The interface was user-friendly, though the screen 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 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. drive modes optimized settings for various terrains, while numerous camera views aided in navigating tight spaces. The Trail Turn Assist feature improved maneuverability. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display for easier use.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the Defender, which was common for luxury vehicles.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received partial NHTSA ratings, with four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and trailer-sway assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.