Ford Bronco: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?

Most significant changes: Powder-coated front bumper with integrated tow hooks and foglights, slide-out table for tailgating and tube doors, which replace the panels with structural tubes, are new options; Sasquatch Package now available with manual transmission; two new colors; First Edition discontinued

Pricing: $30,795 to start for base Bronco two-door, $50,970 to start for four-door Wildtrak (prices include destination); prices up $250 to $800, trim depending

On sale: Now 

Which should you buy, 2021 or 2022? Minimal changes aside from a price increase could make the 2021 model a better buy, but limited availability and high demand might make it hard to find.

Reintroduced to Ford’s lineup for 2021 after last being sold in 1996, the Bronco returns for 2022 with more off-road options and the Sasquatch Package on SUVs equipped with a manual transmission. Ford officials also promised the introduction of a Raptor variant in 2022, though no further details have emerged since. (Note that this article details the larger of the two Bronco models; we cover the smaller Bronco Sport separately.)

Related: 2021 Ford Bronco Review: Worth the Bucks

Features and Safety Tech

Base models have a dashboard touchscreen and digital gauges that measure 8 inches apiece; you also get wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cloth seats, removable doors and a removable roof, and part-time four-wheel drive with selectable drive modes. Options include a larger 12-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, heating for the front seats and steering wheel, wireless phone charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, vinyl or leather seats, an upgraded stereo, keyless entry with push-button start, a 360-degree camera system, automatic four-wheel-drive, more off-road hardware and a host of customization accessories. 

Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. Options include a blind spot warning system, lane departure warning with steering assist, a driver drowsiness monitor and adaptive cruise control.

Engine

The Bronco’s standard powertrain consists of a 275-horsepower, 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched with either a seven-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. A 315-hp, 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 is optional, paired exclusively with the automatic. 

Interior

The Bronco offers a roomy, all-business interior with seating for up to five. Materials quality is good, if somewhat utilitarian, and wind and road noise are noticeable at highway speeds — especially with oversize tires.

Prices

Starting prices for 2022 Bronco trim levels are as follows:

• Base two-door: $30,795 ($800 increase) 
• Base four-door: $34,945 ($250 increase) 
• Big Bend two-door: $35,280 ($400 increase)
• Big Bend four-door: $37,625 ($250 increase) 
• Black Diamond two-door: $37,945 ($400 increase)
• Black Diamond four-door: $40,290 ($250 increase) 
• Outer Banks two-door: $40,850 ($400 increase) 
• Outer Banks four-door: $43,195 ($250 increase) 
• Badlands two-door: $43,990 ($400 increase)
• Badlands four-door: $46,335 ($250 increase) 
• Wildtrack two-door: $49,275 ($800 increase) 
• Wildtrack four-door: TBA

More From Cars.com:

• Ford Bronco Vs. Jeep Wrangler: A Wrangler Owner Drives the 2021 Ford Bronco
• Redesigned 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor Bulks Up, Techs Up
• Is the 2021 Ford Bronco a Good Car? 6 Pros and 3 Cons
• Ford Bronco Beset by Roof Issues
• Which New Cars Have Manual Transmissions?

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