2022 Ford Bronco Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The first generation of Ford Bronco came rolling off of assembly lines in 1966. The Bronco is one of the original go-anywhere, do-anything SUVs. After three decades, the Bronco ended its long run with the 1996 model year. Thankfully, the Bronco came roaring back in style for 2021. The 2022 Ford Bronco is a full-sized SUV with room for four or five people.

In addition to all of that passenger space, the new Bronco offers 82.97 cubic-feet of cargo space. One thing that the Bronco has always known for is its off-road performance. Thankfully, Ford made this a priority for the Bronco relaunch. The off-road capabilities are still here, as well as some of the Bronco's classic design elements.

As much as the new Bronco resembles the old ones, this isn't a complete throwback vehicle. The new Bronco is packed with modern amenities and impressive technology. There are a total of eight different trim levels for 2022. There's something here for just about anyone. With all of those choices, it may be difficult to decide which one is the best option.

Here is a good look at each of the eight trim levels for the 2022 Ford Bronco. Each model will be compared with the trim level before and after it, according to their starting price points. By comparing their differences, this should give potential buyers a good idea of which trim to choose.

Compare the 2022 Ford Bronco Base vs Big Bend Trims. What is the difference?

The Base trim comes in 2-door and 4-door variations. Choosing a 2-door model means getting a 7-speed manual transmission, though a 10-speed automatic is optional. The 4-door models come stock with the automatic transmission. All trim levels of the Bronco come equipped with a turbocharged, 2.3-liter EcoBoost Engine. A 2.7-liter engine with dual turbochargers is optional.

The Bronco's 2.3-liter engine produces 300 horsepower. The 2.7-liter model is a V6 that makes 330 horses with 415 pound-feet of torque. Both of these trim levels have Ford's HOSS 1.0 suspension system. This is a High-Speed Off-Road Suspension System for exceptional performance over any terrain.

The Base and Big Bend also get a 4X4 drive-train with Part-Time Selectable Engagement. There are three driving modes for situations like sand, steep grades and towing. The Base model comes with 16-inch polished steel wheels in silver. The Big Bend trim sports 17-inch aluminum wheels in carbonized gray. The Base has all-season tires while the Big Bend gets all-terrain tires.

On the outside, both trim levels have the option of either a soft or hard top. Ford provides two tow hooks up front and one in the rear. There are heated exterior mirrors, LED headlights and daytime-running lamps. The Big Bend also gets a set of LED fog lamps and privacy glass for all of the windows.

On the inside, both trims have 6-way manual seats up front. There's a split-folding setup in the back. The rear seats can be folded down flat to increase the cargo space. All of the seats here get cloth upholstery. The Base trim has manual, single-zone heating and air-conditioning. The Big Bend gets an optional Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control System.

Both of these trims have Ford's SYNC 4 Infotainment System. This comes with an 8-inch LCD touchscreen. It also offers an AM/FM radio and six speakers. There's wireless connectivity for Apple's CarPlay and Android Auto. Ford also includes 911 Assist for emergencies.

The SYNC 4 System has FordPass Connect. This allows owners to remotely operate certain vehicle functions, such as the door locks. All models of the 2022 Bronco have Ford's Personal Safety System™. This includes dual-stage front airbags and side-seat airbags up front. There are also side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor to protect all passengers in both rows.

Every trim level comes with Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology. These two trims get Hill-Descent Control and Hill-Start Assist. There's a Pre-Collision System with Automatic Braking. There's a rear-view camera as well as a Roll-Stability System. The Base trim and Big Bend also offer a tire-pressure monitor and a perimeter alarm.

Compare the 2022 Ford Bronco Big Bend vs Black Diamond Trims. What is the difference?

The Black Diamond trim level has the same stock engine, transmission and most of the same mechanical features as the Big Bend. It does, however, add on some features to enhance the off-road performance. There's again a 2-door and a 4-door model. The upgraded V6 engine is once again available as an option. All of the safety and driver-assist features found on the Big Bend get carried over to the Black Diamond.

One of the major additions here is the inclusion of a heavy-duty, modular front bumper. This adds a level of protection when driving over rough terrain. It also acts as a platform for installing aftermarket lights or a winch system. This trim level also gets rubberized floors and drain plugs for easy cleanup.

The underbody and rockers get some extra protection here from the available bash plates. On the inside, the Black Diamond gets the same seats as the previous trims, but this time they're covered with marine-grade vinyl. Just like the rubber flooring, this is intended for easier cleanups, as well as durability. These are excellent features for an off-road vehicle to have.

The Black Diamond gets the same infotainment system and audio setup as before. It now comes with Push-Button Start and Remote Keyless Access. Ford's Terrain-Management System further increases this SUV's off-road capabilities. This trim also gets some extra options such as a Blind-Spot Info System and a Lane-Keeping System.

Compare the 2022 Ford Bronco Black Diamond vs Outer Banks Trim Level. What Is the Difference?

Moving up to the Outer Banks trim comes with body-colored doors handles, fender flares and exterior mirrors. There's now a set of 18-inch machined-aluminum wheels with a High Glossy Black finish. These get all-terrain tires, though special mud-terrain tires are also available. This model also gets signature LED lighting and a set of black roof rails with cross bars.

Moving to the inside, the Outer Banks now offers leather-trimmed seating. The 6-way manual front seats are still the default feature, but buyers can now opt for a 10-way power seat for the driver and an 8-way power seat for the front passenger. The Outer Banks also gets the option for Ford's SYNC 4 Infotainment System with a bigger 12-inch touchscreen.

The SYNC 4 System also has built-in voice-activated features and a handy navigation system. When selecting this upgrade, buyers will also receive a fantastic B&O audio system by Bang and Olufsen. This includes 10 strategically-placed speakers and a subwoofer for thumping bass sounds.

Compare the 2022 Ford Bronco Outer Banks vs Badlands Trims. What is the difference?

Moving up to the Badlands trim comes with the previously optional SYNC 4 Infotainment System. This includes the upgraded B&O sound system as well. Ford's Blind-Spot Information System is now optional for the Badlands. This feature monitors potential blind-spots as well as rear cross-traffic. The Badlands gets 17-inch machined-aluminum wheels in Carbonized Gray.

The Badlands has an optional feature called Trail One-Pedal Drive. This system operates similarly to driving an electric vehicle. Pressing the gas pedal makes the SUV go, and simply taking one's foot off of the gas will apply the brakes slowly to bring the vehicle to a stop. This is perfect for certain off-road situations, especially rock crawling.

The front-stabilizer bar now has a disconnect feature. This gives the SUV increased articulation to help it get over or around large objects. The front and rear axles now have an electronic-locking feature. This can be used to improve traction and off-road performance. Last of all, there's an advanced 4X4 system with an electronically-controlled, on-demand, 2-speed transfer case.

Compare the 2022 Ford Bronco Badlands vs Wildtrak. What Is the Difference?

The Wildtrak model automatically comes equipped with the 2.7-liter V6 engine. This trim level once again comes in 2-door or 4-door variations. The 10-speed automatic transmission is now the only option here. The Wildtrak also comes with Ford's HOSS 2.0 System. This builds on the 1.0 system and adds features such as position-sensitive dampeners by Billstein.

The HOSS 2.0 system also gives this Bronco greater ground clearance. The electronic-locking front and rear differentials carry over from the Badlands trim. Most of the advanced 4X4 features carry over as well. The Wildtrak has access to the Bronco Sasquatch Package. This includes massive 35-inch tires and larger fender flares.

This trim has a 360-degree camera for a better view of what's around the vehicle. This is especially handy while slowly taking on off-road terrain. This model gets the SYNC 4 system and has the option to upgrade the sound system. While this model still comes stock with the manual seats up front, it does automatically add heating for those seats. As usual, the safety features remain basically the same here.

Compare the 2022 Ford Bronco Wildtrak vs Everglades Trims. What is the difference?

At this point, a reoccurring theme for the trim levels should start to become obvious. Some of these trim levels are geared toward very specific types of off-road performance. Such examples include the Badlands and Outer Banks models. The Everglades, as the name suggests, is designed with wetlands and swampy terrain in mind.

The Everglades model comes with a Ford Performance Winch Kit by WARN®. This can help one to get out of trouble when stuck in the mud while out on the trail. It can also be used to assist others. The Everglades trim gets the Bronco Sasquatch Package with its 17-inch alloy wheels, mud-terrain tires and locking front and rear axles.

The Everglades offers a unique Snorkel System to maximize performance in extreme conditions. These conditions include heavy dust, snow or water. It's another perfect feature for a swamp-trail vehicle. There are now vents for the front and rear axles, the transmission and the transfer case. This helps to shield them from water and thick mud during difficult treks.

Compare the 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades vs Raptor. What Is the Difference?

The Raptor is the ultimate off-road machine, and the highest-priced trim level for the 2022 Ford Bronco. It's the only model of the Bronco to come equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost engine. This powertrain cranks out over 400 horsepower and more than 400 pound-feet of torque. This model of the Bronco gets an automatic 10-speed transmission.

The Ford Performance Team and FOX Racing combined forces to design this version of the Bronco. The Raptor gets the HOSS 4.0 System, the most robust suspension system of any Ford Bronco. Advanced sensors monitor the terrain to provide just the right adjustments to the suspension system. Special control arms at the front and rear provide the perfect amount of wheel travel.

The Raptor has FOX 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampeners. It also gets a set of massive 37-inch all-terrain tires. These are paired with a set of 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. This combination is designed to handle the widest variety of terrains and driving situations.

The Raptor once again has the Ford SYNC 4 Infotainment System. There's an extra speaker for the Raptor's sound system, bringing the total up to seven. The Raptor automatically gets the Pre-Collision Assist and Lane-Keeping Systems. The seating options are the same as those found in the previous trim levels. The Raptor also has some unique, branded interior flourishes like specialized floor mats.

Final Thoughts

For those who will use the Bronco as a daily driver that can tackle some occasional fun, the Big Bend is your best choice. It's reasonably priced and offers a good balance of comfort, convenience and capabilities. There's plenty of room for passengers and cargo in the Big Bend. This model makes for a good family hauler that can also be used for sporadic outdoor adventures.

For those who are eyeing a Bronco primarily as an off-road machine, the Raptor is impossible to beat. This is one over-the-top, beast of a vehicle that's a blast to drive over any surface. There's only one problem. The high cost of the Raptor may be prohibitive for some buyers. If that's the case, the Badlands is a solid alternative with a much lower price.