REVIEW: 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades Edition

This week I’m excited to bring you the 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades Edition, a true off-roader and one of the most insane, over-the-top SUVs I’ve ever driven.  The Everglades is not quite as capable or crazy as the Bronco Raptor we reviewed, but it’s a lot less money, too.

Exterior

This beauty features massive 35” tires, 17” wheels, side graphics which show a map of the Everglades, and huge fender flares.   

Performance

The Everglades comes with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost, mated to a 10-speed shiftable automatic.  Together they put out 300-horses and 325-pound feet of torque. 

Interior

I wasn’t sure what to expect inside and was surprised to find all-vinyl seats, but it makes sense, since this is a true off-road machine.  The entire interior is intended to be hosed out after a day of driving in the mud.   

An all-digital gauge cluster looks terrific and helps you configure all the settings to your liking.

In the middle of the center stack, up high, is a 12” touch screen that houses the Sync system, which works very well, is quick, and simple.  This runs all the audio, navigation system, apps, the setups, and the extra features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Above the screen on top of the dash, are your differential setting buttons, which you’ll need if you do any serious off-roading.  There is also a holder for a Go Pro camera if you want to film your adventures.

The center console area is quite busy.  There are cup holders, automatic temperature controls, and the rotary shifter.

This is also where you change the GOAT modes.  GOAT stands for: goes over any terrain.  Turn the rotary dial to choose from Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand/Snow, and Mud/Ruts.

Up high by the headliner, there are pre-wired upfitter switches for all your added equipment such as additional exterior lighting.

Just below the armrest are the power window buttons.  Although it seems like a funny spot for them, the doors come off, so with the buttons in the console, there are no wires to disconnect.

Back seat head and leg room are both good and the occupants get a fold down armrest, rear window buttons, and 110-volt power outlets.

Utility

Moving to the cargo area, you open the tailgate-that has a matching spare tire and wheel on the outside-then raise the back glass.  The cargo area has 35.6 cubic feet of cargo area, but if you lower the second-row seats, it increases to 77.6 cubic feet.

Configurations

Let’s talk about configuring the Bronco.  You can take all four doors off and the entire hardtop comes off, albeit it will take two people and takes some time. 

Most people will just remove two panels over the front seats to soak in the sun, there is one larger panel over the second-row seats. Although more complicated, you can remove the rest of the top.  It would be a task, but can be done.    The Bronco comes with all the tools needed to go completely topless.

Equipment, Safety and Options

The Bronco Everglades comes well equipped with many great features, especially on the safety front.  You get adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, emergency braking, 360-degree cameras, blind spot monitoring, and a lot more.

Options include the navigation system, bags to store the removable roof sections and doors, and a really nifty slide-out section for when the rear door is open, great for tailgating.

A couple of unique features of this package are the front Warn winch, which will drag in 10,000 pounds and operates off a plug-in that comes with the vehicle.  The winch is easy to operate from outside the Bronco.

Also, on the outside passenger side, by the A-pillar, is a snorkel which has a quick-swap, reversible air vent that helps optimize performance in extreme conditions such as dust, snow and water by raising the engine air intake.  This model can travel safely in over 3-feet of water.

Ride and Drive

Fuel economy is rated at 18 city and 17 highway. MSRP as equipped is $56,240 and in my estimation, a great value for a true off-roader.

The big surprise is how enjoyable the Bronco is as a daily driver.  Acceleration is terrific and the ride is acceptable on the pavement.    It is a little loud inside for me, but that is due to the off-road tires.

1. What I liked most:  The off-road capability and overall looks. 
2. What I would change:  I hate it when I don't have HD Radio and remote start.
3. MSRP:  Base price: $53,000; Total with options: $56,240.
4. Fuel Economy:  Rated at 18 city/17 highway.
   
5. Odometer reading when tested:  8,500 miles.
6. Weight: 5,212 pounds/6,040 pound GVWR.
7. Spare Tire: Full-sized with matching wheel.
8. Length-Width-Height:  198.9” long/79.4” wide/78.7” high.
9. Fuel Tank Capacity:  20.8 gallons with filler on the driver’s side.
10. Official Color: Eruption Green.
11. Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds.

12. 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades in a few words: A fantastic and capable SUV for the serious off-road enthusiast. 

13. Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, and 5-year/60,000 mile power train warranty. 
14. Final Assembly Location:  Wayne, MI.
15. Manufacturer's website: Ford