2022 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner harkened back to the SUV heyday of the 1980s, when rugged construction and pickup truck underpinnings were standard. Unlike most modern SUVs that evolved into car-based platforms, the 4Runner maintained its structural kinship with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Toyota didn't persist with this design out of stubbornness; rather, it positioned the 4Runner as a niche vehicle capable of venturing off-road, with the Toyota Highlander handling family-hauling duties.

Few vehicles exemplified adventure like the 4Runner. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper underscored its off-road capabilities. Inside, function dominated form, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s—a clear indicator that the vehicle had not been fully redesigned since 2009.

The 2022 4Runner was available in trims: SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited. The SR5 came equipped with features like push-button start, remote keyless entry, a power-sliding rear window, satellite radio, multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota Safety Sense P was standard across all trims. Adding a third-row in select trims cost an additional $805.

Driving the Trail Special Edition revealed dark gray 17-inch alloy wheels, a unique paint scheme, a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, and all-weather floor mats. The "Lunar Rock" paint particularly stood out.

The TRD Sport and Limited trims featured road-oriented enhancements like 20-inch alloy wheels and X-REAS performance suspension. Conversely, the TRD Off-Road offered 4WD, a locking rear differential, crawl control, and terrain management systems, making it a formidable off-road contender. The TRD Pro enhanced these features with better shocks, a 15-speaker JBL stereo, and a moonroof.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco captivated buyers with retro styling and a go-anywhere spirit. Following its successful debut, the Bronco lineup expanded to seven trims, including the new Everglades model designed for swamp trekking with features like an intake snorkel and a Warn winch.

The Bronco’s off-road prowess dictated much of its design. Short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height improved approach and departure angles. The vehicle’s utilitarian appearance featured large recovery hooks, removable fender flares, and modular construction, allowing for extensive customization.

Inside, the Bronco continued its functional theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery, sealed switches, and floor drain plugs for easy cleaning. The G.O.A.T. mode dial on the center console simplified terrain-specific driving settings. Despite its rugged look, the Bronco integrated advanced technology, including a digital instrument panel and a full range of cameras for off-road navigation and parking ease.

Ultimately, the 2022 Ford Bronco struck a balance between rugged off-road capabilities and everyday comfort, making it a compelling option for a wide range of buyers.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a solitary engine option: a 4.0-liter V6 delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Despite being dated, this V6 engine was reliable and offered a decent jump off the line. It was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, channeling power to the rear wheels or an optional 4WD with low range.

On the road, the 4Runner’s ride could feel harsh and unwieldy, characterized by significant body roll and a jostling ride over bumps. Yet, off-road, these criticisms faded. The suspension, which felt rigid on pavement, effortlessly absorbed rocks, bumps, and roots on the trail. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included Crawl Control and a locking differential. Additionally, an optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System improved both on- and off-trail handling. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, surpassing most car-based crossovers.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered more diverse powertrains. The base engine was a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. An optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 increased those figures to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder engine could be paired with a seven-speed manual transmission, which featured a special crawl gear for low-speed, high-torque climbing. The V6 came with a 10-speed automatic, which was also available for the four-cylinder.

Both powertrains delivered strong performance across different terrains, with ample power from their turbochargers. The Bronco’s lineup varied in off-road capability, but even the base model or the more luxurious Outer Banks trim could handle obstacles that stymie many vehicles. Models like the Wildtrak and Everglades excelled in arduous conditions, including deep water crossings and steep rock climbs.

Testing the Everglades on Michigan's Drummond Island revealed its robustness on muddy trails, deep water, and rock climbs. On pavement, the Bronco exhibited less of the vague steering and rough ride typical of off-road vehicles, tracking well on highways and offering a smoother ride than its rival, the Jeep Wrangler. Wind noise at high speeds was a minor gripe, but the absence of tire howl on pavement was a plus, making the Bronco an excellent all-around vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided up to 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space in its two-row configuration. With the second-row seats in use, this capacity dropped to 47.2 cubic feet. Opting for the three-row version reduced max cargo space to 88.8 cubic feet, with 46.3 behind the second row and 9 behind the rear seats. The third row was optional on SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited trims, increasing seating from five to seven.

Although it lacked a power rear liftgate, the 4Runner featured a power-operated rear window, facilitating easy access to the cargo area. Despite its age, the cabin was not cramped, though advancements in SUV design meant other vehicles offered more efficient use of space.

The 2022 Ford Bronco’s boxy design maximized interior space, easily accommodating tall passengers in both front and rear seats. The higher trims necessitated a bit more effort to climb into, aided by grab handles and side steps. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door variant required maneuvering between the door frame and front seat.

Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type. The two-door hardtop could hold up to 22.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The hardtop four-door increased these numbers to 35.6 and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively, with the soft-top models offering slightly more. However, the rear seats didn’t fold flat, complicating the loading of larger items.

The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets, a large armrest bin, and a rubberized phone tray. Options for stowable doors and quick-release fender flares enhanced its utility, complemented by external mounting points for racks and lights.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner’s 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was straightforward, surrounded by hard buttons and dials, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Standard equipment included Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. While not cutting-edge, the system’s tactile controls were a boon for drivers handling the vehicle with gloves on.

The 2022 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance off-road driving without overwhelming traditionalists. G.O.A.T. modes simplified terrain-specific settings for novice drivers, and the trail camera with overlay lines provided visibility over difficult terrain. Trail Turn Assist enabled sharper turns by braking an inside wheel.

The Bronco’s Sync 4 infotainment system responded quickly, featured sharp graphics, and included off-road apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all models, pairing well with the available wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety options included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact NHTSA tests and three stars for rollover testing. It had a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Ford Bronco came with standard hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams were available with the Mid package. Front parking sensors and a surround-view camera system were included in the High package, while the Luxe package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The four-door Bronco received four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from NHTSA. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most categories, with an "Acceptable" score for head restraints and seats.