2022 FORD BRONCO WILDTRACK - Sorry, But Yes, It's Better

Bronco or Wrangler?
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This is the Ford Bronco..Ford’s answer to Jeep’s segment-defining Wrangler
But what you might not have seen is how it does, not only offroad, but in the snow offroad
You can get your bronco in a couple different flavors
You can get a base 2.3L 4 cylinder turbo or you can get a 2.7L TT v6
And if you’re patient, soon you’ll be able to get a big power raptor version
The 330hp and 415 lbft fit this over 4700lb body better than the 4 cylinder
Hardcore rock crawlers will appreciate the solid front axle on the Wrangler, but that’s a small percentage of buyers and on the roads that solid front axle makes the Wrangler a chore to keep in its lane.
The bronco swaps out that solid front axle for independent front suspension. It also adds rack-and-pinion steering…yanno like every other car has aside from the jeep
What this results in is something that feels MUCH more at home on the road.
There’s so much less deadness on center, which means you don’t have to make constant little corrections to keep the truck from wandering around in it’s lane
Even with the 35 inch tires on this, I feel like I have a much better sense of what my tires are doing
And at the end of the day, with the IFS and normal steering the Bronco is disciplined enough to get fitted with 360 co-pilot assist…something that can’t be said about the Jeep
This is the Wildtrack which comes with the sasquatch package
Sasquatch gets you 35 inch tires with 17in beadlock capable wheels, high clearance suspension, position-sensitive Bilstein shocks, high clearance fender flares for the dunes out in Cali.
Additionally, you can get 2 grille options for the Bronco, this is the only acceptable one
Same thing with the running lights
Hood clips for wire limb spreaders
Around the side the truck looks short and funky IMO
BUT IT’S STILL HUGE
The back is the same as a Jeep, but the taillights are shaped like a “B”
I just feels a little “nicer” without sacrificing the rugged feel
The center screen is huge and the SYNC system is perfectly fine
Got your diff locks right above, and then above that you’ve got the influencer package
I just like the way they laid out the buttons - the cam is next to the volume for trail stuff
Spin dial for 4x4 and GOAT modes vs Jeep shiftable transfer case
Design is great - blue stitching, camo in-lay, ergonomic handles
We are in the Wildtrak which comes Standard with the Sasquatch package, and for those of you who want to know the difference between this and the Badlands, lets do a quick comparison. High-level, the Badlands is tailored more so for your rock crawlers, the people that want to hit MOAB, whereas the Wildtrask is for high-speed off-roading, bajing in the dunes of california.
Both have:
Locking rear and front diffs
HOSS suspension system with Bilstein Position Sensitive Dampers
Which provide three zones of varying damping rates with nitrogen-charged remote reservoirs
Where they differ:
WildTrack comes standard with Sasquatch package
But it is optional with the Badlands package
Badlands comes standard with 33, but you can get mud terrain 35s if you’d like
Wildtrak comes standard with 35s
Badlands has a more sophisticated suspension setup than the wildtrack in that the Badlands has automatic sway bar disconnects. Not an option on the Wildtrak
The Standard Sasquatch package on this Wildtrack make it sit about 1.5in taller.
They both of GOAT modes, but Badlands has rock crawl mode, and Wildtrack replaces it with sport mode
Badlands comes standard with rock rails, and underbody protection, where as the underbody protection is an option for wildtrack
Obviously its nicer to have this 2 door which provides a shorter wheelbase than the 4 door but you option both configurations with the trail turn assist, which basically reduces the turning radius at low-speeds by locking or breaking the inside rear wheel, so let's test it out.
Obviously out here we also want to be very careful to maintain the course and have as much grip as possible. Important to air down, also in 4 low with dif locks on to provide the ultimate control.
Another feature this has that allows me to focus on the trail is one pedal driving will break the bronco when you take your foot off the gas, lets test those out.
This mound will be a good test of our grip, power, and also our angles
Approach: 43.2 degrees (45 is halfway to straight up)
Breakover: 29
Departure: 37.2
Clearance: 11.6 inches

[@bradmacklin7265]

I got the Wildtrak for the sport mode - I don’t do the crawling stuff - bought mine so I can drive it with doors and top off on beach trips with the family

[@OverlandAspirations]

Me too!!!! But the cool thing is, it can still crawl like crazy

[@joalblo9581]

Own a 2.3. very quick and peppy. Not sure why people criticize that engine choice.

[@mpeugeot]

There is finally a reason for the WildTrak (HOSS 3.0) and while the Badlands is the top trim for off-roading, don't dismiss the non-sasquatch package as less capable, because you would be wrong. A non-sasquatch Badlands suspension has greater articulation than any of other HOSS 2.0 suspensions. Also, the great thing about the Bronco is that you can, to some extent take advantage of the modular nature of the platform. For example, my Outer Banks Edition Bronco has the Badlands suspension installed currently.

[@theshiftlist]

nice!

[@a36538]

would be interesting to see hoss 3.0 on a non sasquatch bronco...

[@Sonicblue1922]

All 23 Wildtrak's come standard with HOSS 3.0-FOX 2.5 internal bypass shocks, steel bumper with tow hooks and lights,, beefier tie rods, same steering rack as the Bronco Raptor and rear sway bar. For those of us wanting a two door bronco it is a pretty cool package now. My guess is COVID supply chain issues preventing this model from launching properly and HOSS 3.0 was a mid year option in 2022 and was not available on the 21.

[@JH-ex6mb]

I just picked up my 2023 2 door Wildtrak from Jerry's Ford in Leesburg VA. I have to drive on gravel roads to get to my farm and I can tell you that the FOX shocks make a big difference. It is my new Smile Machine.

[@thebusinessend1]

yea thats what we have on order. the 22 wildtrack was lesser than t he badlands in most cases but with the 3.0 shocks, added steel bumper, bash plate (front not full), raptor beefy bits it makes sense for the trim to exist as in 22 it was kinda why did you get this over the badlands? I do like the rubber inteioir of the badlands and the seats. but the wildtrack was avabile with the stuff i wanted vs a badswatch with the 2.3 and leather. Also the wildtrack hold value better as its not being made anymore this year.

[@problu9586]

For my 4x4 tastes and preferences, my 2020 2-door Wrangler Rubicon (w/tow; LED lights; steel bumpers; etc.) equals my ordered 2023 2-door Bronco Badlands (w/sas; lux; tow; etc.) Both have pros & cons I like or dislike, respectively. Mainly like exploring desert trails with some forest mountain trails now and then, but not a snow person. Have owned a variety of 2-door 4x4 rigs, because I prefer a shorter wheelbase for maneuverability.

[@sharrit8510]

I’ll give you ONE GOOD REASON to get the Wildtrak: HOSS 3.0-FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass Shocks. That suspension system is WAY better than what’s on the Badlands. That’s worth it by itself.

[@justinf2889]

The hoss 3.0 wasn't standard on this model year but I agree.

[@Pb_Slinger]

I got the Wildtrak because it does exactly what I need it to do and it was on the lot and ready to go. I could have waited for a Badlands but that was not guaranteed. I also don’t feel like I settled. My WildTrak Sasquatch is bad ass! I love it. Also, the Badlands grille doesn’t look as good as WildTrak.

[@toddgregory897]

Ordered WT / 4 door / Lux / Leather / Tow / Black on day one, hour 2. Finally came March of 22. Wanted the all black accents - no need for disco. Get into old log roads / trails and it’s a blast. Went from a 17 Raptor (my 3rd Raptor) and the only this I miss is the towing capacity. Just love it.

[@winslowaaronmercer]

I'll take the 2.3 and the manual transmission.

[@theshiftlist]

Special thanks to our Patrons for their support of the channel! Bronco or Wrangler?

[@mrt3206]

I think if you’re doing things like this tho the badlands is a better option tho just because of the STA bar Disconnect, if you’re daily driving it and it’s only going to see off-road a few times in it’s ownership then you might as well get the more luxury model and get the Outer Banks🤷‍♂️ The power difference between engines also isn’t noticeable enough at highway speeds to care what engine you get either…even the report isn’t that much quicker then the regular V6…the raptor should’ve got a v8 or even a diesel version would be nice

[@LudiCrust.]

The smaller engine is the way to go bc the V6 is having major failure issues.

[@Alexander450R]

It's unfortunate that you reviewed a "high speed" trim of the Bronco and didn't test the high speed capability/comfortability. I think it's an appealing trim to those that want something that's more capable than a Jeep at high speed, they want a 2 door, and they want similar capability while crawling even if it's not better. Those in the California high desert would like it where there's lots of flat desert to traverse between crawling trails.

[@theshiftlist]

Recently tested the bronco raptor at speed and it was phenomenal

[@akendon7260]

Bronco Wildtrack in Iconic silver metallic is damn gorgeous.

[@theshiftlist]

Agreee

[@troybakison]

i got one, (2door) because i don't care about being a rock crawler. Its suppose to be a bucking bronco not a crawling automobile. However, if you are a die hard-well rounded "off roader" then yeah go ahead and get everything. I plan on getting new intake, exhaust and tune. I think if power is your thing then your good

[@garysimmons3023]

Wildtrak is closest to Raptor without paying 40k over sticker. Plus it has the better shocks and looks compared to other trims like badlands. In fact - sway disconnect is the only thing you get better on badlands but most people will never have a need for it.

[@murrayjthompson1893]

I selected Wildtrak over Badlands. I have driven Jeeps for over 60 years. I have a 15-year-old Rubicon (3.25" lift and 35 x 12.50 x 17 tires) and have never seen the need to use the disconnect. If I lived in rocky country where articulation was a must, then Badlands would have been my choice. I live where mud, snow, ice, sand, etc., are typical hence the Wildtrak. You make a good point but it needs to be qualified based on needs. The new Wildtrak has beefier front rods and HOSS/Fox shocks that are not on the new Badlands.

[@murrayjthompson1893]

Hoss 3.0 with Fox. Badlands does have 2.0/Bilstein.

[@DavidS94938]

Yes, it is!

[@pathofancient]

I need Ford to make a V6 twin turbo w/ manual transmission.

[@mikeb769]

Sorry but it only makes 30 more hp and being that the 2.3 is also turbo you could easily tune it to make more tq and hp than a 2.7. I’d love the 2.7 is it came in a manual but the fact that it doesn’t and it hardly makes more power makes it not worth it. For about 2500 you can get 450hp out of the 2.3 with 500ftp and still heave a stick.

[@jerede7731]

I’m sure you are right but the last thing I want to do with a brand new vehicle is load it up with accessories that will immediately ruin your warranty.

[@nihontoman]

2.7 is also a turbo engine and also can be tuned. don't know which one has more potential to be tuned, but stil...

[@warrenmiconi8141]

@@nihontoman ❤

[@A_Generic_Channel]

Amazing vid!

[@BrianHealy]

2.3 with a 7spd manual badlands all day

[@mikekellum6238]

Bad Lands…..all that needs to be said.

[@TreesOnTheBeach]

No Hoss 3.0 on the Badlands.

[@JimmyLeeTennessee]

Drove the 2.3, was very disappointed. Ordered the 2.7.

[@theshiftlist]

Yeah I agree. The 2.3 feels a little gutless

[@JimmyLeeTennessee]

@@theshiftlist maybe if you had never driven the 2.7, you wouldn't know the difference?🤷‍♂️

[@ridered7394]

2.7 aka the valve dropper 6000

[@JimmyLeeTennessee]

@@ridered7394 mines got 130k, no problems yet👍

[@gregm7991]

@@JimmyLeeTennessee 130K on new Bronco already? Or you mean on another truck (F150) which does not have the bad valve parts that were used to make some Bronco engines last summer.

[@jeverett1636]

FROM A 'MAN' WHO BOUGHT A JEEP NOT UNDERSTANDING SOMETHING HMMM

[@freedomseeker1966]

Wildtrak all the way & manual sway bar disconnects is the way every capable off roader prefers it. Rock crawling mode …pfff … put it in 4 low ya yuppie! 😂

[@mikeriv60]

2dr ftw.

[@santiagovaldes9971]

First comment🤘

[@mikethebest6]

ICE vehicles just keep getting worse and worse, they are so primitive and this bronco can do 225 miles on a full tank, imagine an 8 cylinder 10 mpg haha 😆

[@joesteele7514]

Ford stands for...fix or repair daily..