Jeep Wrangler vs Ford Bronco is a topic that has been debated by off-road enthusiasts since Ford announced the revival of the Bronco. Both vehicles have a long history of being capable off-roaders, with the Jeep Wrangler having been in production since 1986 and the Ford Bronco having been produced from 1965 to 1996. The new models of both vehicles have been highly anticipated, with many wondering which one is better suited for their needs.
Off-road capabilities are a major consideration when comparing the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. Both vehicles are designed to handle tough terrain, with features such as four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and skid plates. However, the Jeep Wrangler has a reputation for being the ultimate off-roader, with its solid front and rear axles providing superior articulation. On the other hand, the Ford Bronco has independent front suspension, which provides a smoother ride on paved roads but may not be as capable off-road.
Key Takeaways
- The Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco are both highly capable off-road vehicles with features such as four-wheel drive and high ground clearance.
- The Jeep Wrangler is known for its superior off-road capabilities, while the Ford Bronco has independent front suspension for a smoother ride on paved roads.
- When deciding between the two vehicles, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences, as well as economic factors such as price and fuel efficiency.
Off-Road Capabilities
When it comes to off-road capabilities, the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco are two of the most capable vehicles on the market today. Both vehicles are designed to tackle rough terrain and provide drivers with a thrilling off-road experience.
Suspension Details
The suspension system is one of the most important components of an off-road vehicle. Both the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco feature suspension systems that are specifically designed for off-road use.
The Jeep Wrangler features a five-link suspension system with coil springs, while the Ford Bronco features a independent front suspension with coil-over shocks and a solid rear axle with coil springs. Both suspension systems provide excellent articulation and off-road performance.
Four-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive is essential for off-road vehicles, and both the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco offer advanced four-wheel drive systems.
The Jeep Wrangler features the Command-Trac® 4×4 system, which provides excellent traction and control on rough terrain. The Ford Bronco features the Terrain Management System™ with G.O.A.T. Modes™, which allows drivers to select the best mode for the terrain they are driving on.
Articulation
Articulation is an important aspect of off-road performance, and both the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco offer excellent articulation.
The Jeep Wrangler features a front and rear anti-roll bar disconnect system, which allows for increased articulation on rough terrain. The Ford Bronco features a disconnecting stabilizer bar, which allows for greater axle articulation.
Braking
Off-road vehicles need to be able to stop quickly and safely, and both the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco offer advanced braking systems.
The Jeep Wrangler features four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), while the Ford Bronco features four-wheel disc brakes with available Trail Control™, which provides automatic braking and throttle control on steep descents.
Overall, both the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco are highly capable off-road vehicles with advanced suspension systems, four-wheel drive, and excellent articulation and braking.
Engine and Transmission
Powertrains
Both the 2023 Ford Bronco and the 2023 Jeep Wrangler come with a variety of engine options. The Bronco offers a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It also offers an optional twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the Wrangler comes with a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It also offers an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Drivetrain
The 2023 Ford Bronco comes standard with four-wheel drive, while the 2023 Jeep Wrangler comes standard with rear-wheel drive. However, four-wheel drive is available on all Wrangler models. The Bronco also offers a unique feature called the “G.O.A.T. Modes” which stands for Goes Over Any Terrain. This system allows the driver to select from up to seven different driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Baja, and Mud/Ruts. The Wrangler, on the other hand, offers a Selec-Trac full-time four-wheel-drive system that allows the driver to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
Acceleration
The 2023 Ford Bronco comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission or a seven-speed manual transmission, depending on the engine selected. The 2.0-liter engine comes standard with the 10-speed automatic, while the 2.7-liter engine comes standard with the seven-speed manual. The 2023 Jeep Wrangler comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission, depending on the engine selected. The 3.6-liter engine comes standard with the six-speed manual, while the 2.0-liter engine comes standard with the eight-speed automatic.
In terms of acceleration, the Bronco’s twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine provides better acceleration than the Wrangler’s standard 3.6-liter V6 engine. However, the Wrangler’s optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides similar acceleration to the Bronco’s standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Model Comparisons
2021 Ford Bronco
The 2021 Ford Bronco has a starting price of $28,500 and comes in six different trims: base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Wildtrak, and Badlands. The base model comes with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 7-speed manual transmission and 4×4 drivetrain. The Outer Banks model, on the other hand, starts at $38,955 and comes with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4×4 drivetrain.
2022 Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler lineup includes the Sport, Sport S, Sahara, Rubicon, and 4xe. The Sport model starts at $28,900 and comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and 4×4 drivetrain. The Rubicon model, on the other hand, starts at $41,930 and comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and 4×4 drivetrain.
2022 Ford Bronco
The 2022 Ford Bronco has a starting price of $28,500 and comes in seven different trims: Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wildtrak, and First Edition. The Base model comes with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 7-speed manual transmission and 4×4 drivetrain. The Outer Banks model, on the other hand, starts at $38,955 and comes with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4×4 drivetrain.
Outer Banks Model
The Outer Banks model is available for both the 2021 Ford Bronco and the 2022 Ford Bronco. It comes with leather-trimmed seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 12-inch touchscreen display. The Outer Banks model for the 2021 Ford Bronco is priced at $38,955, while the Outer Banks model for the 2022 Ford Bronco is priced at $42,095.
In summary, both the 2021 Ford Bronco and the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offer a range of trims with different engine options and transmission choices. The 2022 Ford Bronco also offers a wider range of trims than the 2021 Ford Bronco, with the addition of the Badlands, Wildtrak, and First Edition trims. The Outer Banks model is a high-end trim that offers premium features for both the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.
Comfort and Interior
When it comes to comfort and interior, the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler have some similarities and differences. Let’s take a closer look at cargo space, front leg, and interior quality.
Cargo Space
Both the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler offer ample cargo space, but the Bronco edges out the Wrangler in terms of overall cargo capacity. The Bronco offers 35.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 77.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Wrangler, on the other hand, offers 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Front Leg
When it comes to front legroom, the Ford Bronco offers slightly more space than the Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco has 43.1 inches of front legroom, while the Wrangler has 41.2 inches. While this may not seem like a significant difference, it can make a noticeable impact on overall comfort during long drives.
Interior Quality
The Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler both offer high-quality interiors, but the Bronco has a more modern and refined look and feel. The Bronco features a user-friendly infotainment system, comfortable seats, and high-quality materials throughout the cabin. The Wrangler, on the other hand, has a more rugged and utilitarian interior, with hard plastic surfaces and a less intuitive infotainment system.
Overall, the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler are both comfortable SUVs with ample cargo space and front legroom. However, the Bronco offers slightly more cargo space and front legroom, as well as a more modern and refined interior.
Economic Factors
Price
The price is one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing between Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. According to US News, the base price of the Ford Bronco is lower than that of the Jeep Wrangler. However, the price difference between the two models varies depending on the trim level and the features you choose.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is another crucial factor to consider when choosing between the two SUVs. According to US News, the fuel economy of the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler varies depending on the trim level and the type of engine. The city MPG of the Ford Bronco ranges from 14 to 20, while the city MPG of the Jeep Wrangler ranges from 17 to 22. On the highway, the Ford Bronco gets between 18 and 25 MPG, while the Jeep Wrangler gets between 22 and 29 MPG.
Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is another important factor to consider when choosing between the two SUVs. Both the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler are popular models that have been around for many years. The Ford Bronco was first introduced in 1965, while the Jeep Wrangler was first introduced in 1986. Both models have undergone significant changes over the years to keep up with changing consumer demands and technological advancements.
In conclusion, when choosing between the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, it is essential to consider factors such as price, fuel economy, and the automotive industry. While the two models have their differences, they are both great options for those looking for a reliable and capable SUV.
Additional Considerations
Wheels and Tires
Both the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco come with a variety of wheel and tire options. The Wrangler is known for its iconic round headlights and seven-slot grille, which are complemented by its off-road capabilities. The Bronco, on the other hand, has a more modern design and offers larger wheels and tires as standard.
Independent Front Suspension
The Ford Bronco comes with an independent front suspension, which provides a smoother ride on paved roads. The Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, has a solid front axle, which is better suited for off-road driving.
Solid Front Axle
The Jeep Wrangler’s solid front axle provides better articulation and ground clearance, making it more capable off-road. The downside is that it can be less comfortable on paved roads.
Locking Front and Rear Differentials
Both the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco offer locking front and rear differentials, which provide better traction in challenging off-road conditions.
Noisy Cabin
One common complaint about the Jeep Wrangler is its noisy cabin. The soft top and removable doors can make for a loud driving experience, especially at highway speeds. The Ford Bronco, on the other hand, has a quieter cabin thanks to its more modern design.
Cruise Control
The Jeep Wrangler comes with adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance. The Ford Bronco offers a similar system called Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control.
IIHS
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not yet tested the 2023 Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. However, both vehicles have a range of safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and more.
In summary, the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco are both capable off-road vehicles with unique strengths and weaknesses. When choosing between the two, it’s important to consider factors such as wheels and tires, suspension, differentials, cabin noise, cruise control, and safety features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco are exceptional off-road vehicles that offer unique features and capabilities. The Jeep Wrangler has been a long-standing king of off-road vehicles, but the Ford Bronco has made a strong comeback with its 2021 introduction.
When it comes to powertrain options, the Ford Bronco offers more variety, including a hybrid option, while the Jeep Wrangler offers a diesel engine option. The Bronco also has a seven-speed manual transmission available, which is not available on the Wrangler’s higher trims.
In terms of off-road capability, both vehicles offer impressive features such as locking differentials, sway bar disconnect, and skid plates. The Wrangler has the advantage of having a shorter wheelbase, making it more manoeuvrable on tight trails. However, the Bronco offers a more advanced suspension system, which provides a smoother ride on rough terrain.
When it comes to interior features, the Ford Bronco offers a more modern and tech-savvy cabin with features such as a larger infotainment screen and a digital gauge cluster. The Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, offers a more rugged and utilitarian interior that is perfect for off-road adventures.
Overall, choosing between the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco comes down to personal preference and intended use. The Wrangler has a proven track record and a loyal fan base, while the Bronco offers more modern features and a wider range of powertrain options. Both vehicles are exceptional off-road machines that are sure to satisfy any adventure seeker.
