Exciting NEW Off-Road Products for 2022

While soaring gas prices and supply chain issues are the current dark clouds hanging over the automotive market, we do have a few things to look forward to in 2022. We’re recovering from the chip shortage that plagued the second half of 2021, and we’re seeing an absolutely stellar lineup of new and sophomore-year vehicles to hit dealer lots this year. The Bronco Raptor, Hummer EV, F-150 Lightning, and Wagoneer all launch this year. Combine that with the success of the JL/JT, Bronco/Bronco Sport, Defender, and Ram TRX and the off-road space is going through a much-welcomed renaissance.

More than any other segment, off-roaders are just as much about the accessories you add as the vehicle itself. The SEMA Show at the end of each year always acts as a harbinger—for vehicles, trends, and accessories—of what’s to come the following year. The 2021 edition was no different and left us drooling over the aftermarket off-road goodies we saw.

So, let’s jump into a few things that caught our eye that will surely make a splash this year… and are just about due to enter the product pipeline.

Oracle Flush Mount JL Taillights

Perhaps no lighting brand had a better showing at the 2021 SEMA show than Oracle. The company really brought its A-game when it came to unique new products and booth presentation. We really liked the new Bronco LED Letter Badges, and the GOBO T-Rex Puddle Lights for the RAM TRX takes a playful tongue-in-cheek jab at Raptor owners.

But the thing that caught our attention the most was the Flush LED Taillights for the JL Wrangler. We’ve seen flat taillights before, but they usually take a more basic, utilitarian shape. These light from Oracle are modern, clean, and high-powered. Featuring a tightly wrapped fit, 12 premium LEDs, and a simple plug-and-play design, these flush mounts will work with any North-American JL—whether it’s fitted with the base or LED factory package. They look stunning, and the flat design barely protrudes from the vehicle, giving it a less of a chance to get damaged on the trail.

Westin Pro-Mod Bronco Bumper

We love a good high and tight bumper here at The Engine Block. Not only do they cut a great-looking silhouette, but cutting back on the bulk decreases weight and increases approach angles. But in cutting back on material, some bumpers are forced to cut back on features as well.

The Bronco Pro-Mod Front Bumper from Westin makes no such sacrifices. It packs a front and center 20” cutout for most popular LED bars, space for optional round/square Outlaw LED kits, and mesh panels for optimal air flow to the intercooler and radiator.

Rugged Ridge JT Sports Rack

Mostly thanks to the JT Gladiator, truck sport bars and bed-mounted tires are BACK. The model helped rejuvenate the trophy truck/Baja-inspired look that was so prevalent in the 80s and 90s. It’s a platform that just lends itself so well to the overall aesthetic. Whether you’re aiming to tackle the overland, Rio Grande, or desert sand, the Rugged Ridge JT Sport Rack offers a great looking solution for the lighting, tire mounting, and cargo management of your Jeep.

The 2” OD dual-tube design features a bevy of anchor points for convenient and secure mounting of tires, boards, and any other gear you bring along. Plus, the 37 slotted holes give you a nearly-infinite choice and precise control over any lighting configuration you can envision. It’s built tough, looks great, and gives off that oh-so desirable King of the Hammers is my Super Bowl look.

N-FAB Arc Sports Bar

The tubular Kings, N-FAB also get in on the modern truck bed sports bar with its ARC lineup. This stunning interpretation of a throwback features solid 1.75” steel construction with N-FAB’s legendary 3-stage powder coat finish. And whether you’re looking to add a 30” LED bar, an array of individual pods, or anything in between, the ARC’s multi-mount system can accommodate.

Best of all, the ARC can be optioned to mount to into your truck’s stake pocket OR into OEM/aftermarket t-slot systems. This means you’ll still be able to mount your favorite tonneau as well.

Borla 21/22 JL Wrangler 392 Exhaust System

Hybrid 4xe aside, the 392 is the most powerful Wrangler Jeep has ever produced. With its 6.4L HEMI, it’s got a pretty great sounding quad-tipped exhaust straight from the factory.

But the folks at Borla can do one better. Whether you’re simply looking for more rumble and a deeper sound upgrade over stock, or if you seek a head-turning, drop-your-fountain-soda-from-3-blocks-away snarl, Borla’s two 392 exhaust options satisfy.

The S-Type adds a notable tone improvement over the OEM 392 exhaust with plenty of low-end growl. The ATAK is the one that will bring people out of their homes to see what’s causing the ruckus. Whether you opt for the tasteful or the terrifying, both kits feature top notch T-304 stainless steel construction, 4” black or stainless tips, and Borla’s million-mile warranty.

Eaton ELocker for JL/JT Wrangler

For those of us who don’t have a dedicated second rig, there are certainly some sacrifices and compromises that need to be made when our daily driver and off-roader are the same vehicle. One such product that helps toggle between the two driving styles is an ELocker Locking Differential. With a push of a button, you’ll be able to engage/disengage 4-wheel-drive and control your traction by distributing torque to tackle any terrain in front of you.

Eaton has long been a top player in the drivetrain game, and at SEMA 2021 the company unveiled its ELockers for the current generation Wrangler/Gladiator. With ELocker and install kits for Dana 30/35/44 axles, Eaton makes the transition from highway to trail a seamless one.

WARN 6-Lug Epic Wheels

When it comes to the aftermarket, sometimes it seems like Jeeps have all the fun. As a Toyota owner, us 6-Lug folk are often left outside peering through fogged-up glass as all the 5-on-5 Jeep owners are fed grapes from the vine with all their wheel options. Warn has answered the call, offering three styles of its EPIC Wheel line in a 6-Lug pattern for Ford, Toyota, Nissan and early GM/Jeep applications.

These Warn EPIC wheels all have a modern, yet timeless look that won’t have you yearning for something else a few months down the road. Offered in a gray or black finish, the EPIC line come in a popular 17×8.5, zero-offset configuration with a lifetime structural warranty.

Superlift Bronco 6” Lift System

When 3” just isn’t enough, Superlift gives you even more clearance for those fat ol’ wheels and tires with its all-new 6” Bronco kit. And since you probably haven’t seen too many in the wild with that kinda clearance, you may have reservations, as some vehicles with 6”+ just look obnoxious and contrived. Well, take a look at this Bronc’ from Superlift’s booth at SEMA 2021.

These 40’s” look as natural and proportionate as belly-button height tires can on a vehicle.

This full-knuckle kit includes everything you need, including adjustable rear control arms and a heavy-duty track bar that can be adjusted while on the vehicle. We’re waiting with bated breath for its official release as right now it’s not listed on the Superlift site. But we’re sure it’ll be ready to ship by Spring of 2022.

DeeZee Bronco Accessories

The expert metalworkers at DeeZee brought one hell of a build to SEMA. Outfitted with a slew of accessories, DeeZee’s yellow Bronco certainly let consumers and competitors know that they’re all in on the Ford off-roader.

Accessories included a cargo tray, rear window molle panel, platform roof rack, lighting brackets, cargo slides, fender delete kits, and more. An official release is on the horizon, so until then, we’ll just have to drool over the teaser video.

Body Armor Subaru Forester/Crosstrek Winch Bumpers

We’ve featured the off-road Subaru segment many times before on The Engine Block, and it shows no signs of slowing in 2022. It used to be a niche market with only a select few manufacturers—mostly smaller—offering off-road Subaru parts. Now some of the bigger names in the aftermarket game are seeing the benefit of engineering racking, recovery, and wheel/tire packages for Subie wagons.

Body Armor has winch-ready HiLine bumper options for both the late model Forester and Crosstrek. Made of 3/16” steel, the HiLine bumpers have a great fit and are some of the most natural-looking aftermarket bumpers in the entire off-road category. They can accommodate up to 5500 lb. winches, meaning there is a long list of powersports winches you’ll be able to pair it with. While it’s not available yet, we’re hearing that an Outback bumper, as well as non-winch bumpers will be soon available as well.