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As I was walking into the grocery store parking lot, a woman in a dark green Ford Bronco drove up to me. As I drove up to him, I saw that his eyes were as big as Bronco headlights; He had a big smile as he happily waved at me as if I had been a friend for a long time.
I smiled, gave him a thumbs up, and waved back to show my support for our commonality. But little did he know, I was driving a 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor. The high-performance version of his car that exhibits the same on-road civility but with an added touch of raw performance.
What is the difference between the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor and the other trims?
The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor is purpose-built for taking on the roughest and toughest roads. Whether you’re cruising the sandy terrain of Baja or driving the snowy roads to your local grocery store, the Bronco Raptor will get you there. It does this thanks to an 8.6-inch wider track than other Bronco trims, as well as 4.6 inches more ground clearance (13.1 inches total).
Let’s not forget the big, tall 37-inch wheels tucked under the protruding body-mounted fenders. Under the sheet metal, the Bronco Raptor’s frame is stiffer than most, and it can tackle more roads with its seven different GOAT (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes.
The main difference is under the hood. The 2022 Bronco Raptor is powered by a 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque, which is about 90 hp more than the standard 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine. That engine is paired only with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and power is routed to all four wheels when four-wheel drive is selected.
Finally, the Bronco Raptor is equipped with a HOSS 4.0 suspension with Fox live valve 3.1 internal bypass semi-active dampers, heavy-duty bash plates, and a revised front grille for better cooling.
What’s it like to drive the Ford Bronco Raptor?
On the road, the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor feels surprisingly civilized and comfortable. When I first drove the car, I was expecting Jeep Wrangler-like qualities down to the rattling plastics and overly stiff ride. However, I was amazed that the Bronco Raptor was comfortable under normal driving conditions and on the freeway. It’s also fairly well-insulated, considering it’s a hardtop convertible, and the roof panels can be removed.
The Bronco’s steering also feels nicely weighted, but its effort can be changed with the push of a button on the steering wheel. Near that button is one for the exhaust note – which can be turned up if you want to impose your off-road toughness on other drivers on the road.
I mainly left it in “Baja” mode, which is the loudest setting, because the Raptor made me feel rebellious and patriotic when driving it. I liked getting an American flag tattooed on my face and driving into a pile of junk cars for no reason. It is wonderful.
Even more impressive is the fire-breathing V6 engine under the hood. Anyone familiar with Ford F-150 Raptors from the past will understand the power this thing delivers. The brute force comes on slowly but quickly builds up to the redline, which is nicely complemented by a rough exhaust note.
The Fox suspension absorbs road imperfections as well as any Lexus I’ve driven. But the stiff chassis doesn’t make it an entirely luxurious experience.
Parking in tight situations is easier than you might expect, thanks to a tight turning radius, front and rear sensors, and a bunch of cameras around the car. And when it’s time to get out, you can do it gracefully with side steps.
Admittedly, the whole package is a bit overkill for regular city driving. It’s a big tank of an SUV, but it’s well built and doesn’t look too much like a trophy truck for the streets.
Is the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor worth $80,000?
No, not really. Especially if you plan to buy one to drive around town and only see dirt, snow, or rough terrain once a year. In that case, lower trim levels like the Bronco Badlands easily fit your needs and your wallet – considering they cost about $40,000 less.
But if you live in the remote snowy mountains or spend your summer days playing in the dunes, then the Bronco Raptor might be for you. Just don’t be surprised when other Bronco drivers are eager to wave at you. Little do they know, you drive the worst of them all.
RELATED: Buying a Ford Bronco Raptor? Gas Mileage Numbers May Change…
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