WHAT IT IS: An even more off-road-capable Ford Bronco. Although there was some thought Ford might call this version the Warthog, the latest intel says the well-known Raptor badge will be applied. That name and treatment would dovetail nicely with Ford’s other maximal off-road models, such as the F-150 Raptor offered here and the smaller Ranger Raptor sold only in foreign markets. Like those Raptors, expect the Bronco version to deliver the suspension, tire, and driveline modifications to allow for high-speed desert running. This makeover is particularly fitting for the Bronco, which has a rich history at the Baja off-road race. Look for this model to leverage Ford’s racing heritage, too.
WHY IT MATTERS: Billy-goating up some rocks at low speed is thrilling in its own way, and the regular Bronco is more than able to scramble any place a Jeep Wrangler can. But bombing down sand washes and over desert whoops at speed in a new 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor will fire the synapses in a whole different way. Who hasn’t dreamed of cosplaying as Parnelli Jones, conquering the Baja California Peninsula in a rugged Ford 4×4 as fans cheer you on from dangerously close proximity? The closest Jeep gets to this sort of off-roader is the Gladiator Mojave, though the Mojave desert-runner package will likely migrate to the Wrangler eventually. For the full story, check out this article from Motor Trend.
