SUVS

Ford Bronco Owners Have Some Confusing Complaints About Their SUVs

Sometimes owners have complaints about their vehicles that don’t make much sense. Some vehicle characteristics are inherent to the segment and complaining is as effective as whistling in the wind. In JD Power’s review, owners noted a few things they didn’t like that question why they bought a Bronco in the first place.

2023 Ford Bronco Raptor | Ford

How JD Power gets consumer feedback for vehicle reviews

Automotive publications strive to offer readers the car owners’ perspectives on the vehicles they review. gathers these perspectives in part through an annual survey, the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study, in which they ask owners to classify vehicles into 10 different categories.

published this study over the past 24 years to get a good sense of drivers’ enthusiasm and emotional attachment to their vehicles.

The latest APEAL data has included some interesting trends, including the fact that overall owner satisfaction with new gas-powered vehicles has declined for the first time in 14 years. JD Power attributes this to concerns about declining fuel economy and range in this category, which is entirely understandable given the higher gas prices Americans have faced in recent years.

Another interesting fact is that owners of gas-powered vehicles are still slightly more satisfied with fuel economy and range than owners of electric vehicles. But that gap has narrowed significantly. In fact, it’s almost indistinguishable at this point, no doubt driven by the improved range and recharge times new EVs now enjoy.

But when it comes to specific vehicle reviews, JD Power uses feedback from APEAL respondents on each vehicle’s exterior styling, ride feel, starting, safety, powertrain, interior, infotainment, comfort, access, and fuel economy.

Examining how respondents view these 10 aspects gives JD Power insight into the quality, reliability and owner satisfaction of each vehicle.

What 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Owners Said

When it comes to , I’ve had a lot of good things to say about the compact SUV. The publication noted its horsepower, size and off-road capability as its main selling points.

The Raptor is powered by a 410hp 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that generates 440Nm of torque. Those figures represent 88 hp and 25 lb-ft more than the previous year’s model.

It is also equipped with numerous off-road features, including internal bypass shock absorbers, fluid reservoirs integrated with the front and rear shock absorbers, huge pneumatic tires and front and rear electronic locking differentials. And even though it’s built for off-roading, the Raptor still offers drivers upscale options like suede and leather interior trim, keyless entry, and generous tech amenities.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, APEAL respondents were most appreciative of the Raptor’s outward appearance, ride feel, and driveability. With the Bronco Raptor, Ford is really focusing on providing an off-road experience in a modern SUV. And on that score, it delivers quite well.

What the owners of the Bronco Raptor did not like

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Oddly enough, Bronco Raptor owners found fault with the . While that’s an abysmal 15 mpg combined, it’s also no surprise that this SUV has such poor fuel economy. If you’re looking for fuel economy in general, SUVs aren’t the vehicle to get. And if you’re looking for a fuel-efficient SUV, hybrids or electric vehicles are always better than gas-powered models.

Additionally, the owners took issue with the ease of getting in and out of the Bronco Raptor. While the Bronco is big for its segment, that’s the point. It was an SUV designed to be driven off-road. Plus, its high ground clearance is clearly visible as soon as you see it. This problem is evident from a simple test drive. And if a prospective buyer overlooked it, it seems a little silly to dispute it after the fact.

JD Power wasn’t particularly enamored with the SUV, ranking it last of the 17 compact SUVs they reviewed. Citing visibility issues, cabin noise, fuel economy and supply chain issues, JD Power’s review suggests the Bronco is an SUV to avoid.

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