Can’t tell what’s right for you, the 2022 Ford Bronco or Ford Explorer? Our buying guide gives you everything you need to choose the SUV that best fits your lifestyle!
Price
One of the main differences between the Bronco and Explorer is price. The Bronco starts at $31,300, and the price goes up according to which trim level and packages you select.
Ford’s three-row crossover, the Explorer, has an MSRP of $35,510. Just like the Bronco, the Explorer is available in several trim levels, which add various comfort, tech, and performance features, causing the price to rise.
Power and Performance
The Bronco offers two sporty engine options, both of which send power to all four wheels. The base turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available with a seven-speed manual transmission for those who crave complete control over performance.
- Turbo 2.3L four-cylinder-engine (300 hp, 325 lb-ft) + seven-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission
- Optional turbo 2.6L V6 (330 hp, 415 lb-ft) + 10-speed automatic
- Four-wheel drive
The Explorer offers three engine options, and it really allows you to choose between sporty power and maximum fuel economy. The available turbocharged V6 engine puts a little fire in your ride, with 400 horsepower. The Explorer’s hybrid powertrain offers fuel savings, with EPA ratings of up to 27 mpg combined (27 city/28 highway).
- Turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque)
- Optional turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- Optional 3.3L V6 hybrid (318 hp, 322 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
Off-Road Chops
As you may have already guessed, the Bronco is the SUV that will take you the furthest into untrod territory. Every model comes standard with four-wheel drive, must-have performance technology for tearing through the mud, sleet, and sand. And moving up the Bronco trim levels (or adding the Sasquatch package) will make this SUV even more capable, thanks to available features like Fox shock absorbers, 37-inch all-terrain tires, lifted suspension, and a disconnecting front stabilizer bar.
But that doesn’t mean that the Ford Explorer can’t follow the Bronco down a few off-road trails. The Explorer is available with all-wheel drive, performance technology that improves traction in the sand and other soft surfaces. And the Timberline trim model even comes with a few upgrades — including extra ride height and all-terrain tires — to help you clear the underbrush.
Interior Comfort & Tech Features
Although the Bronco and Explorer share many of the same tech, safety, and comfort features, availability differs a bit.
Inside the Bronco, you’ll find five comfy seats. Upholstery varies according to trim level, but cloth, leather and easy-to-clean vinyl are all available. The Bronco includes Ford’s latest infotainment system, SYNC 4, which includes an 8-inch (or optional 12-inch) touchscreen and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Standard safety aids include automatic emergency braking and hill descent control. The Bronco also has the roomier cargo hold, with 32.5 cubic feet for your belongings.
The 2022 Explorer comes standard with more safety aids, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and frontal collision mitigation. This Explorer still includes the older SYNC 3 infotainment system, with its 8-inch touchscreen and the wired versions of the aforementioned smartphone integration technology. With an extra row of seating, the Explorer seats six or seven passengers (depending on whether you choose second-row captain’s chairs). Behind the rear seats, there are 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
Choose Your Ford SUV
In the end, the 2022 Ford Bronco was designed for drivers who want nothing better than to explore the off-road and travel deep into the wilderness. Although the 2022 Ford Explorer can’t go as far into the wild, it does offer some sporty, trail-friendly capabilities. And the Explorer is also the right choice for anyone who wants an extra row of seating.