Bronco Nation’s David Liebmann had the opportunity to talk through the 2022 Bronco Raptor’s highlights and details with Ford Performance’s Tom Newhart and Jack Cooper. In the below two videos, watch as they go over the look, design, and functionality of this newly revealed and highly intriguing addition to the Bronco and Raptor families.
Tom covers the vehicle holistically, addressing what you see visually as well as the performance under the hood, and Jack breaks down the work that went into taking the Bronco’s suspension to the next level. Watch both videos to hear directly from Ford Performance what makes this off-roading vehicle an immediate legend for Bronco.
Tom Newhart starts by explaining the Ford Performance DNA baked into every portion of the SUV. Built for highway speeds over desert dunes and grueling rock crawling sessions, the Bronco Raptor is an adventure all by itself.
He points out the FORD grille, the iconic Raptor amber lights and center markers, and the upgraded bash plates (which you’ll hear more on from Jack Cooper). It’s a powerful front end that will have other drivers triple-checking their rearview mirrors on the trail and off.
Just like the standard series of Broncos, the Bronco Raptor is made for modularity. You’ll recognize the familiar Bronco bolts and Accessory Ready mounting points –– and we’re already anticipating seeing what owners will do with these.
Added to the Bronco Raptor are the four RIGID lights placed in the bumper, as well as the heat extraction vents on the hood and fenders that assist in cooling the 3.0L EcoBoost engine. Moving down the side of the body, you’ll see the fender flares (love them or hate them) and the rock rails with removable steps. The 37” tires can be paired with one of three factory wheel choices –– cast non-beadlock, cast beadlock, or forged aluminum beadlock.
On the rear of the Bronco, an Accessory Ready exoskeleton helps handle the weight of the spare. Inside the cargo area, you get a glimpse of the B-pillar crossbar brace and the C-pillar reinforcement that increases torsional rigidity. To be noted is the tow package on Bronco Raptor, which can haul 1,000 lbs. more than the standard series of Bronco and has its own Tow/Haul mode.
Continue watching the entire video to hear these details and more about the specific Bronco Raptor G.O.A.T. Modes, magnesium paddle shifters, all-digital instrument panel –– plus some!
Next up, Jack Cooper dives into the chassis of the Bronco Raptor. The suspension drives many of the upgrades including the steering rack, which takes on the higher loads and angles of the tie-rods and the larger tie-rod boots from the F-150 Raptor –– just two of the dozens of higher-performance parts put on this vehicle.
The FOX Live Valve 3.1 shock system here is the same as on the Gen 3 Raptor, and travel on the suspension is 13” in the front, just like F-150 Raptor –– all part of Ford’s goal to add Raptor capability to the Bronco without compromise. Another highlight of Bronco Raptor is the standard disconnecting front stabilizer bar, only an option on some trims of the standard series of Bronco.
For rock crawling, axle attachments, bushings, and splines have all been upgraded, as well as increased capacity of the inner CV joints and size of the outer joints. The thick aluminum front bash plate carries over from the F-150 Raptor in concept, and the under-engine bash plate comes with an additional layer of material for added protection. Additional skid plate coverage has been created between the sta-bar disconnect mechanism and the transmission crossmember. The Bronco Raptor keeps the transfer case plate from the standard series.
Continuing back on the chassis, the dual exhaust system is a concept from the Gen 3 F-150 Raptor. Nearly equal-length pipes run from the engine into the muffler, and from the muffler run three outlets. Two are valved, and the third is the quiet pipe, all which go into the X-pipe. Select your noise level on the dash display: Normal, Sport, Quiet, and Baja.
The rear suspension is set up to provide 14” of travel. Bronco Raptor comes with a new trailing arm bracket, F-150 Raptor-esque lower trailing arms, and the upper arms have been lengthened to manage the taller height of the vehicle as well as handle rocks. The reconfigured shock tower was driven by the new layout of the shock, with its inverted coilover and piggybacked reservoir. In addition to the jounce bumper in the shock, a second has been added to the frame, distributing loads created when landing a high-speed desert running jump. The rear axle, a semi-float Dana 50, is unique to the Bronco Raptor, and an aluminum diff cover has been used for thermal management. Braces attach to a unique trailer hitch receiver, allowing the 4,500 lbs of towing capacity.
Watch the full video to hear more on the components of the Bronco Raptor chassis, how Ford Performance worked with assembly partners to get the vehicle down the line, wheel bolt patterns, and a bunch of additional insights you won’t want to miss!
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