2022 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s SUV roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that transitioned to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its pickup truck lineage, sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. This decision wasn't due to stubbornness but rather a strategic choice by Toyota, which already had the Highlander for family duties, allowing the 4Runner to cater to off-road enthusiasts. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper were all designed for tackling obstacles, while the interior, though functional, showed its age with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco was celebrated for its retro styling and go-anywhere attitude, making it a highly sought-after vehicle. With a lineup that included two new range-topping models, the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, the Bronco offered a wide array of choices for off-road enthusiasts. Its design was unapologetically utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height to enhance off-road capabilities. Inside, the Bronco continued its utilitarian theme with features like marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. Despite its rugged appearance, the Bronco incorporated modern technology, including G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel, making it a versatile choice for both off-road and on-road driving.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While this engine was reliable, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations, except for its decent initial acceleration. The power was routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to a standard 4WD system with a low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rocks and bumps effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), which was more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional EcoBoost 2.7-litre V6 engine producing 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the two-door Bronco with the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was mandatory for the V6 and all four-door models. The Bronco's off-road prowess was impressive across its lineup, with models like the Everglades and Raptor excelling in challenging terrains. The Everglades, in particular, demonstrated its capabilities on difficult terrain, including deep water crossings and steep rock climbs. On pavement, the Bronco offered a smoother ride and better handling than its direct rival, the Jeep Wrangler, making it a versatile choice for both off-road and on-road adventures.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, providing slightly more space than the three-row model. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space. The three-row 4Runner had a maximum cargo space of 2,514 litres, with 1,311 litres behind the second row and just 254 litres behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access to the cargo area. While the 4Runner's cabin wasn't the most spacious, it offered plenty of storage spaces for gear.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, providing ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard-top accommodating up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with the seats folded. The four-door hard-top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including large armrest bins, netted door pockets, and accessory rails atop the dash. It also offered stowable doors that fit in the cargo area, enhancing its utility. External hard mounting points and hidden anchors further added to the Bronco's versatility.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. The 4Runner's infotainment system covered the basics but didn't offer the latest technology found in more modern vehicles.

The 2022 Ford Bronco embraced technology to enhance its off-road capabilities while keeping the driver engaged. The G.O.A.T. modes provided off-road confidence for novice drivers, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select their preferred setups. The Bronco featured a forward-looking trail camera, trail turn assist, and the Sync 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered quick responses, sharp graphics, and helpful off-road apps, making it a well-rounded choice for tech-savvy adventurers.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Additional features, such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear parking sensors, were available in optional packages. The Bronco received four out of five stars for frontal crash protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a three-star rating for rollover protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Bronco its best score of "Good" in frontal, side, and roof strength tests.