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2022 Ford Bronco Everglades First Drive: New Player, Same Challenge for Ford

2022 Ford Bronco Everglades
Photo: D.Rufiange
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Daniel Rufiange
With its snorkel and winch, the Everglades model makes sure It’s not like any other Bronco
Ford Bronco Everglades, rear
Ford Bronco Everglades, rear
Photo: D.Rufiange

The engine
The Everglades and Raptor versions take their seat atop the Bronco model range. Consequently, we expected to find the more powerful of the two regular engines offered, the 2.7L turbo V6. Not so, however: the base 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is fitted under the hood here. There's a reason for this, and it's because of the winch. Since the winch adds considerable weight to the front end, transplanting the heavier V6 engine would have made the front end too heavy (and the rear too light). What's more, with a heavier overall weight, the model's load capacity would have been affected. That's why Ford opted for the 4-cylinder.

That said, output is plentiful (275 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque (regular gasoline)), especially since in off-road conditions, other, more important elements come into play.

Ford Bronco Everglades, no road in sight
Ford Bronco Everglades, no road in sight
Photo: D.Rufiange

Behind the wheel
For this drive program, we had the opportunity to drive the Everglades on the road, but mostly off it. On pavement, the experience reminded us that soundproofing is not the Bronco's strength. Neither is agility, although handling is acceptable considering what you have in your hands.

Off the beaten path, no surprise, the model is far more in its element. Anything else would be surprising, considering all the tools at its disposal. In order to get through the difficult terrain that awaited us, we sometimes used the low range, sometimes the regular 4x4 system, and sometimes the differential lock. In short, depending on the situation we encountered, we played with the button inside to adapt the vehicle's parameters as needed.

It's a lot of fun, and for those who like to play in the mud and cross waterways with their vehicle, hours of fun await you with an Everglades model. Of course, on this occasion the routes were chosen in advance and our time behind the wheel was limited. For a complete picture, many hours of testing would be necessary. But the bottom line is, this Everglades delivers on its promise.

Ford Bronco Everglades, at play
Ford Bronco Everglades, at play
Photo: D.Rufiange

The last word
It's hard to choose which Bronco variant appeals to us the most, because each one offers a little je-ne-sais-quoi. This new Everglades model, for its intended clientele, is very seductive.

Unfortunately, this brings us back to that vexing questions of build quality and durability. The Bronco has not yet proven to be reliable. And its build quality still leaves something to be desired. On this occasion, our tester emitted some disconcerting cracking noises at times.

Caution is advised.

The 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades model starts at $70,599 CAD.

Specifications sheet of 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades

Ford Bronco Everglades, wheel and mud
Ford Bronco Everglades, wheel and mud
Photo: D.Rufiange
Photos:D.Rufiange
2022 Ford Bronco Everglades pictures
Daniel Rufiange
Daniel Rufiange
Automotive expert
  • Over 17 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 75 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 250 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists