Does one year make all that much of a difference? For most cars, absolutely. A new year means another year for the maker to show off upgraded features, improved engines, and all the newest technological advancements the market has to offer. However, between the 2022 Ford Bronco and the 2023 Ford Bronco, there are a few changes to be had. Regardless of how few changes are made, we still feel that what changed between last year’s Bronco and this year’s Bronco is just enough to side with the latest edition – we’ll show you why.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The same engine that was used in the 2022 Bronco was taken right out of that model and placed in the 2023 Bronco.
- The same engine means the same fuel mileage between the old and the new.
- The 2023 Bronco comes with upgraded benefits that originally were only offered in the 2022
- Ford Bronco Raptor’s packages.
- The 2023 Bronco offers more trims than before, with a few new added features.
2022 VS. 2023 POWERTRAINS: SAME STORY, DIFFERENT YEAR
When you pop the hood for either one of these cars, you’re pretty much going to find the same thing. Both the standard engines for the 2022 Ford Bronco and the 2023 Ford Bronco are going to give drivers 300 horsepower from their turbocharged 2.3-liter V4 with the option of a 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.
The 2023 Bronco does offer one more option than before and pulls ahead in this matchup. With the newest Bronco, if you need a little bit more power you can upgrade to a turbocharged 3.0-liter with 418 horsepower and 440 pounds-feet of torque. With that last engine, you’re going to get the most out of your off-roading and towing experience. Last year’s 2022 only has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds while in 2023 you can tow up to 4,500 pounds.
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR FEATURES
You will have the option of choosing between a two-door or four-door option with soft or hard tops and removable body panels for either the 2022 or 2023 Ford Bronco. Naturally, the four-door is going to offer more space for passengers. Not too much has been added to the standard trim for safety features; both cars have brake assist, rollover protection, and traction control. They both house the latest version of Ford’s Sync 4 system on either an 8 or 12-inch infotainment system. Wireless phone functions and onboard hands-free communication are all included in Sync 4.
THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE: TRIM
With the introduction of the 2023 Ford Bronco came the Bronco Heritage. This special edition is a huge step up from previous trims and now serves as the newest top-of-the-line in the Bronco lineup. It comes with white-painted steel wheels, an option for a white top, and colors that can’t be picked on either of the standard trims. The Heritage comes with an exclusive package with more features than the Badlands exclusive trim offers. Featuring the best interior comfort upgrade. With the HOSS 3.0 package, you can steal all the best features of the Bronco Raptor for off-roading without having to shell out the money to upgrade off the lot. This includes a heavy-duty steering rack, Ford Performance tie rods, Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass dampers, an upgraded rear stabilizer bar, and a powder-coated steel bumper with integrated fog lights for both the two-door and four-door models.
JUST ENOUGH CHANGE TO CONVINCE US
Whether you find solace in siding with the cheaper model of last year or decide it's right to upgrade – ultimately the choice is yours between these two great cars. One thing we noticed that makes the 2023 Bronco more valuable than its nearly identical predecessor is the added features of the Raptor that made the 2022 Raptor so special. The new model simply offers more options – and for 2023 that’s well-needed. Abundance is what the 2023 Bronco offers, by choosing from comfort, off-roading, or just plain reliability, you’ll have your pick when you line up the 2023 Broncos.