Jeep Wrangler established the standard for off-road capability. Ford Bronco is somewhat larger, features a more contemporary suspension. Both feature detachable doors and roofs.
The Jeep Wrangler has been the American standard for off-road performance in the more than 80 years since its creation for World War II military service. It dominated the market for a significant period, but Ford aimed at it for the 2021 model year with a revitalized Bronco and succeeded.
Similar to the Wrangler, the Ford Bronco showcases nostalgic design, detachable doors, elevated ground clearance, and a configuration optimized for off-road use. However, the Bronco is a more contemporary vehicle in several respects, featuring an independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and enhanced safety attributes. It also follows the Wrangler’s lead by offering a vast variety of models, allowing customers to customize their selections to their specific off-roading needs.
Both models face competition from the Land Rover Defender, as well as off-road variants of midsize pickup trucks, including models from Jeep and Ford. Nonetheless, the Bronco and Wrangler continue to be the go-to options for anyone desiring a highly competent off-roader straight from the factory. Which option is best suited for you? Let’s delve deeper to discover.
What is the price of a Ford Bronco?
The Bronco is available in nine models: Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Heritage Edition, Badlands, Everglades, Wildtrak, Heritage Limited Edition, and Raptor. The $41,000 Big Bend comes equipped with marine-grade vinyl seating, manually adjustable front chairs, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power features, an 8.0-inch digital gauge display, a 12.0-inch infotainment touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power accessories, a six-mode terrain response mechanism, detachable doors and roof (hard top for the two-door, soft top for the four-door), LED fog lamps, two front tow hooks and one rear hook, and 32-inch all-terrain tires on 17-inch alloy rims. The four-door version adds just $740, and the warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles.
A solid entry point for those eager to venture off-road is the approximately $45,000 Black Diamond. This model introduces rock rails, powder-coated steel bumpers, an extra drive mode, rubberized flooring with drain plugs, and comprehensive underbody skid plates. It also features Molle storage panels on the front seat backs and satellite radio. We would recommend adding the Sasquatch package for nearly $9,000, which introduces an enhanced on-demand four-wheel-drive system, high-clearance suspension with Bilstein dampers, higher fenders, front and rear locking differentials, and 35-inch all-terrain tires on beadlock-capable 17-inch wheels.
The Badlands is priced at about $52,000 and includes a full-time 4WD system, a disconnecting front sway bar, auxiliary switches, a trailer tow preparation package, and 33-inch all-terrain tires.
At the pinnacle of the lineup, the Bronco Raptor exceeds $90,000 and features Fox internal bypass-valve dampers, 37-inch tires, robust skid plates, heavy-duty bumpers, Rigid fog lights, a surround-view camera system, removable running boards, heated front seats, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, remote start, Trail Turn Assist, Trail One-Pedal Driving, and Trail Control off-road cruise control.
What is the price of a Jeep Wrangler?
Jeep offers the Wrangler in Sport, Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, Rubicon, and Rubicon 392 versions, alongside several sub-models derived from these options. The base Wrangler Sport starts at approximately $34,000, significantly more affordable than the Bronco, yet it carries fewer features. It includes cloth seating, manually adjustable front seats, a urethane steering wheel, manual windows and locks, a soft top, a 12.3-inch touch screen, fuel tank and transfer case skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, detachable doors, a fold-down windshield, and 17-inch steel wheels. The four-door variant adds $4,000, with the Sahara and Rubicon 392 offered exclusively as four-door models.
The Wrangler is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, which includes three years of scheduled maintenance.
The Wrangler’s diverse lineup encompasses at least three versions that we would endorse based on customer preferences. For a street-oriented Wrangler with improved fuel efficiency, consider the plug-in hybrid 4xe Sport S model at about $52,000. Compared to the Sport, it features power doors and locks, keyless entry, a vinyl-wrapped steering wheel, automatic headlights, an additional front tow hook, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a sturdier, lighter Gorilla glass windshield.
For around $41,000, the Willys acts as a Rubicon-lite. It enhances the ground clearance from 9.7 to 10.8 inches, and includes a locking rear differential, rock rails, and 33-inch all-terrain tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. It also benefits from a trailer tow package, LED headlights and fog lights, and all-weather floor mats.
The Rubicon itself is the ultimate off-road vehicle. It begins at approximately $49,000 and incorporates heavy-duty axles, front and rear locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar, and Jeep’s Rock-Trac transfer case with a 4:1 low-gear ratio for slower off-road pursuits.
Jeep expands the lineup up to about $94,000 for a Wrangler Rubicon 392 and even surpasses $100,000 with a Rubicon 392 Final Edition.
How does the Jeep Wrangler perform?
The Wrangler’s base 3.6-liter V-6 generates 285 hp and pairs with a 6-speed manual transmission. While the engine delivers adequate power and we generally favor manuals, the gear change suffers from extended throws and a somewhat uninspiring feel, although it operates effectively off-road. If an automatic is your preference, be prepared to invest an additional $2,000-$4,500 for the responsive 8-speed automatic.
Purchasers have the option to select the 2.0-liter turbo-4 at no extra cost. It produces 270 hp and boasts 295 lb-ft of torque, compared to 260 lb-ft for the V-6. It exhibits slightly greater strength and offers improved fuel economy at 20/23/21 mpg compared to the V-6’s 18/24/20 mpg.
Jeep’s plug-in hybrid augments both power and fuel efficiency. It adds a 134-hp electric motor to the turbo-4, raising total output to 370 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. It provides 22 miles of electric driving and is rated by the EPA at 20 mpg combined when operating on gasoline only.
The Rubicon 392 possesses muscle car strength, featuring a 470-hp 6.4-liter V-8 that allows for a 4.5-second 0-60 mph performance. However, it consumes fuel at a rate of 13/16/14 mpg. The Rubicon has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, in contrast, other versions can tow either 2,000 or 3,500 pounds.
The suspension system that Jeep employs to provide the Wrangler exceptional off-road capabilities adversely affects its on-road behavior. Sturdy front and rear axles transmit the effects of bumps from side to side, and a short wheelbase, particularly for the two-door variant, leads to a choppy ride. Recirculating-ball steering lacks quick responsiveness off-road and feels imprecise and sluggish on-road. Additionally, a higher ride height results in significant body roll.
How does the Ford Bronco perform?
The Bronco’s base 2.3-liter turbo-4 generates 300 hp and 325 lb-ft on premium fuel, or 275 hp and 315 lb-ft on regular fuel. It delivers satisfactory acceleration through either the standard 7-speed manual or the 10-speed automatic, which costs an additional $1,500. Its fuel efficiency can reach up to 20/21/20 mpg but drops to 18/17/18 mpg when equipped with the Sasquatch Package.
The upgraded 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6, priced at $2,145, produces 330 hp and 415 lb-ft on premium fuel, enabling a sprint to 60 mph in under seven seconds. Its fuel efficiency rates as high as 19/21/20 mpg.
Ford provides as many as seven driving modes, which adjust steering weight, throttle calibration, and transmission behavior.
Bronco Raptors feature a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 with a rating of 418 hp and 440 lb-ft. They accelerate noticeably faster, though they lack the intense rush of power experienced in a Jeep Wrangler 392. Their fuel economy is rated at 15/16/15 mpg.
Broncos deliver a comfortable ride largely due to their large tires and, in most variants, advanced shocks and dampers. The independent front suspension and electric power steering provide excellent handling and highway stability, while the coil-sprung rear suspension ensures remarkable off-road articulation.
The Bronco can tow up to 4,500 pounds in Raptor form, while the majority of the lineup is rated to tow 3,500 pounds.
Advantage: Ford Bronco for superior steering and a more cushioned ride.
The Wrangler is equipped with a part-time four-wheel-drive system named Command-Trac. Standard features include rock rails, fuel tank and transfer case skid plates, and Dana front and rear axles. Upgrading to Selec-Trac provides a full-time system with a 2-speed transfer case for low-range gearing.
The advanced Rock-Trac system adds a lower 4:1 gearing reduction to the Selec-Trac features. It also incorporates a disconnecting front sway bar and 17-inch aluminum wheels fitted with 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires.
The Wrangler Rubicon takes it even further, boasting a Dana full-float rear axle that distributes the vehicle weight along the solid axle rather than the shaft. This enhancement allows the powertrain to more effectively transfer power to the rear wheel hubs.
The standard ground clearance of the Wrangler is 9.7 inches, which can rise up to 12.9 inches for the Rubicon.
The two-door Rubicon with the Extreme 35 package showcases the best combination of off-roading angles, featuring a 47.2-degree approach angle, a 32.4-degree breakover angle, and a 40.4-degree departure angle.
The Bronco has two four-wheel-drive systems. The standard system operates part-time, whereas the Sasquatch Package, Badlands, Heritage Limited Edition, and Raptor models come equipped with a full-time system featuring a 2-speed transfer case. The Bronco includes a G.O.A.T. terrain management system with up to seven modes.
The Bronco will have an electronic locking rear axle starting with the Black Diamond model, while a locking front axle is standard on Heritage Edition, Badlands, Wildtrak, Heritage Limited Edition, and Raptor models. The Badlands and Raptor also benefit from a front sway bar disconnect. Features such as Trail Control off-road cruise control, a Trail One-Pedal driving mode, and Trail Turn Assist— which brakes the inside rear wheel to facilitate tighter turns—are also available.
The Wildtrak and Raptor are equipped with Fox internal bypass-valve dampers, and the Raptor includes 37-inch BFGoodrich K02 all-terrain tires, heavy-duty skid plates, robust bumpers, Rigid fog lights, a surround-view camera setup, and removable running boards.
Sporting 13.1 inches of ground clearance, the Raptor provides the finest off-roading angles, featuring a 40.5-degree approach angle, a 30.9-degree breakover angle, and a 47.2-degree departure angle.
Advantage: Ford Bronco for additional off-road features.
How spacious is the Jeep Wrangler?
The Jeep Wrangler is the more compact vehicle, although its four-door variant provides increased legroom. Both the top and doors are detachable, and the windshield can fold down. The two-door accommodates four passengers, while the four-door can seat five. Each model features a practical 41.2 inches of front legroom. Below are the remaining specifications:
- Two-door wheelbase: 96.8 inches
- Two-door length: 166.8 inches
- Two-door rear legroom: 35.7 inches
- Four-door wheelbase: 118.4 inches
- Four-door length: 188.4 inches
- Four-door rear legroom: 38.3 inches
- Cargo capacity behind second row: 31.7 cubic feet for both configurations
- Cargo capacity behind first row: 72.4 cubic feet for both configurations
How spacious is the Ford Bronco?
The Bronco is marginally larger. It boasts 43.1 inches of front legroom, and similar to the Wrangler, the two-door seats four while the four-door accommodates five. Both models feature removable tops and doors. Here are its specifications:
- Two-door wheelbase: 100.2 inches
- Two-door length: 173.7 inches
- Two-door rear legroom: 35.7 inches
- Four-door wheelbase: 116.1 inches
- Four-door length: 189.4 inches
- Four-door rear legroom: 36.3 inches
- Two-door cargo capacity behind second row: 22.4 cubic feet
- Two-door cargo capacity behind first row: 52.3 cubic feet
- Four-door cargo capacity behind second row: 38.3 cubic feet
- Four-door cargo capacity behind first row: 83.0 cubic feet
- Advantage:Bronco for overall space.
- Bronco vs. Wrangler infotainment, technology, and safety
- Wrangler does not include standard automatic emergency braking
- Both vehicles feature commendable infotainment systems
- Bronco showcases superior crash-test ratings
- The Wrangler is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen in every variant. It includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with navigation available on certain trims. This is part of the Uconnect infotainment framework, which is recognized for being among the most user-friendly available.
- The Bronco outperforms in nearly every aspect. Its standard 12.0-inch touchscreen operates an infotainment system that is equally uncomplicated as Jeep’s, coming standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- How secure is the Jeep Wrangler?
- The Wrangler is among a handful of vehicles lacking automatic emergency braking as a standard feature. Nonetheless, upgrading from the Sport to the Sport S or higher includes this feature. Additionally, rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitors with rear-cross traffic alerts are available. This absence of safety elements is quite concerning.
- Crash test results are equally unsatisfactory. The Wrangler receives three stars out of five from the NHTSA for rollover prevention and has garnered four stars in the frontal crash assessment. The IIHS rates it as “Poor” for front crash prevention due to the lack of automatic emergency braking, along with varied ratings in other evaluations.
- How secure is the Ford Bronco?
- Safety is a notable advantage for the Bronco. It includes standard automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams. A mid-tier package introduces active lane assistance and blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alerts. Additional options encompass adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.
- Crash test results also favor the Bronco. While it achieved identical scores from the NHTSA, it received “Good” ratings from the IIHS in small front overlap, original moderate front overlap, and side impact assessments.
- Advantage: Bronco for enhanced features, crash test performance.
2024 Ford Bronco Raptor with Black Appearance Package
- Which is superior: Bronco or Wrangler?
- The Bronco takes the lead in this comparison, owing to better ratings in interior comfort and space, features, performance, and safety assessments. The Wrangler remains an outstanding off-roader and is priced lower, but we favor the Bronco’s driving experience and commend its superior safety provisions. Its TCC Rating of 6.5 out of 10 significantly surpasses the Wrangler’s 5.0 out of 10. (Learn more about our car rating procedure.)
- Champion: Ford Bronco.
Image Source: Darren Brode / Shutterstock
