2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Subaru Forester was available in several trims, including the base, Convenience, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier. Prices started at $29,495, with the Premier trim reaching $40,595, plus a $1,800 destination charge. The Forester Wilderness, new for 2022, featured a white exterior, dark grey interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $38,995, including destination. The Forester's design was practical but not particularly stylish, with the Wilderness trim adding rugged elements like a suspension lift, higher ride height, and protective cladding. Inside, the Forester focused on functionality, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces, copper-coloured stitching, and an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system. While the Wilderness trim's exterior design was polarizing, the Forester's overall build quality and practicality were commendable.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered nine distinct trim levels, each with a unique blend of retro styling and modern engineering. The Bronco's blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a simple, bare-bones look, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's design was not just for aesthetics; functional features like cleats above the headlights and sealed switches for easy cleaning were included. The interior was rugged, with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and customizable handholds. While the materials prioritized durability over luxury, the Bronco's design was both practical and stylish, appealing to off-road enthusiasts and those seeking a unique look.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This allowed the Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test averaging 9.1 L/100 km. The Forester excelled in various environments, from city streets to off-road courses, thanks to its re-tuned suspension and dual-function X-Mode system. However, the lack of a turbocharger limited its power, especially at higher altitudes.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine options: a 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, a twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 in the Raptor with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft. All Broncos featured a four-wheel drive (4WD) drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the V6 options provided more power for heavier models. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco maintained good on-road manners, with a quieter interior and confident handling.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and standard all-weather floor mats. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, suitable for a roof tent. The Forester offered comfortable seating with excellent visibility, rear air conditioning vents, and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. The squared-off cargo area and new ceiling cargo hooks added practicality.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to the rear seats. Up front, the Bronco featured netted door pockets, a rubberized tray, and accessory rails for additional equipment. Cargo space in the two-door model was 634 litres, expanding to 1,481 litres with the seats folded, while the four-door offered 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The rear seats didn't fold flat, but the roof's mounting points supported an overlanding platform and tent. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim added a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was inconsistent.

The 2023 Ford Bronco featured G.O.A.T. drive modes, optimizing engine and suspension settings for various terrains. Camera views provided visibility in tight spots, and the Trail Turn Assist feature improved maneuverability. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford’s SYNC 4, and FordPass Connect. A wireless charging pad and a 12-inch display were available options, enhancing the Bronco's tech offerings.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and features like Automatic Emergency Steering. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” rating.

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 a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and Trail Turn Assist. The Mid, High, and Luxe packages added additional driver assistance features, though the Bronco's safety scores and features were less comprehensive than conventional SUVs.