Ford Bronco Everglades is Your New Water Fording King

SUVs and pickups are always the stars of the Chicago Auto Show, and on the eve of the 2022 event Ford is introducing the all-new Bronco Everglades, a special edition designed for off-road driving enthusiasts who want to push the limits even farther.

Named after the world-famous, alligator-infested wetlands in South Florida, this latest Bronco  model loves to get dirty and wet.

Available exclusively in four-door configuration with the Sasquatch package, the Bronco Everglades comes with a number of factory-installed performance accessories and features.

At the top of the list is a class-exclusive snorkel which runs up the passenger-side A-pillar, similar to the one that used to be available on the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. It optimizes vehicle performance in dust, snow and water by raising the engine air intake above nasty trail conditions. Some of the pictures released by Ford in fact show a Bronco Everglades in a winter setting, so it’s not just a toy for hot and damp playgrounds.

“What really sets the Everglades snorkel apart is the head and reversible intake. It completely changes the way a snorkel can look and function,” says Ryan Olsson, design manager.

Front and rear axles, transfer case and transmission also offer raised vents for improved water fording. Combined, these design changes lead to water fording capability of 92.5 centimetres—better than the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler.

Should the Bronco Everglades (or another SUV you come across) get stuck or need extra traction beyond what the tires and engine can provide, the heavy-duty modular front bumper by Ford Performance integrates a ZEON 10-S WARN winch rated at 10,000 pounds complete with a 30-metre synthetic line.

Right next to the squared-up wheel arches with matching Sasquatch-width fender flares are unique graphics with Everglades topography, which is pretty cool. Inside, standard marine-grade vinyl seats and rubberized washout flooring make the cabin easy to clean after a weekend on the trails. Urban Green accents provide a subtle colour touch on grab handles, air vents and seat stitching.

As for the engine, Ford has chosen the 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder delivering 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Sadly, the 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 can’t be specified here. A 10-speed automatic transmission and advanced 4x4 system with a maximum 67.8:1 crawl ratio are also part of the mix.

The 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades will launch this summer, joining the recently announced Bronco Raptor and others. Ordering begins in March, exclusively for existing Bronco reservation holders.