The great debate about the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco being the better all-terrain vehicle is on!
While folks looking to explore off-road have long gravitated to Jeeps, the new and improved Ford Bronco gives the brand a run for its money.
Today, we compare the two to see who’s the Off-Road King.
Let’s ride!
How Are the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco Similar?
The iconic Jeep Wrangler is the poster child for overlander vehicles. Its rugged body and capable handling made it the gold standard for decades. After all, nobody’s forgotten its origins as a wartime vehicle.
The last Bronco models, before their discontinuation in 1996, were clunky. But we can’t say the same for the new model. In fact, it’s strikingly similar to the classic Wrangler. Re-released in 2021, it features a boxy, utilitarian body.
Both brands come with standard part-time four-wheel drive, so you’re always ready for adventure. You can choose from two- or four-door models and a range of removable door packages.
While you might think a sunroof is the only thing you’ll find overhead in an SUV, that’s not the case for these two. Each offers soft- and solid-top roof options. The four-door models often have three-piece hard shells that are quick and easy to remove. You can remove the front panel for fresh air or the whole thing for a convertible experience.
You might have trouble telling these two apart when they’re all stripped down.
Finally, both have a whole suite of trim packages. Each manufacturer offers at least eight takes on their off-road ride. Generally, the higher you go, the more capably they handle harsh conditions.
Jeep vs. Bronco: Road Manners
Although these vehicles have a lot in common, you’ll find they handle quite differently on your daily jaunts around town. Unfortunately, both models have some drawbacks on the road.
If you’re familiar with Jeeps, you may already know about the infamous “death wobble.” This phenomenon usually occurs when you hit a bump at highway speeds. The result is a terrifying vibration that shakes the vehicle violently. Despite its name, it isn’t typically deadly. However, it can result in an accident if you don’t know how to respond.
An outdated steering system and solid front axle mean it isn’t as agile as the Bronco on the open road. The latter’s smooth steering and larger body make it easier to control overall.
That said, the Ford can be pretty loud inside, too, with lots of road noise, squeaks, and jingles. Despite this factor, most folks find it more comfortable than its competitor.
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Which Has the Best Interior?
While many feel the Bronco beats the Jeep regarding ride quality, we must mention that their back seats don’t have air conditioning vents. If you live somewhere hot, it might not be the best choice, especially if you have kids.
However, it beats its rival by a mile when it comes to storage space. When you fold down the back seat in the four-door version, you’ll get 83 cubic feet of cargo room. Its competitor only measures around 72 cubic feet.
In keeping with tradition, Jeep’s interior is designed for functionality. You’ll find intuitive controls on the center dash and a seven to eight-inch touchscreen.
The Bronc’s aesthetic toes the line between modern and vintage. While it’s not as futuristic as many other vehicles on the road, it does feature more bells and whistles than the Wrangler, including a larger touchscreen display. You can also choose retro plaid seats for more of a throwback feel.
Both have their make’s signature infotainment system, Ford Sync and Jeep Uconnect, and SiriusXM radio, so you won’t be stuck with outdated technology.
Jeep vs. Bronco: Off-Road Driving
Before we get to the good stuff, we should point out that the all-terrain proficiency of these rides largely depends on the trim package you choose. Broncos and Jeeps have varying levels of capability, enhanced by add-on features.
Remember that solid front axle that makes the Wrangler a bit iffy at high speeds? Well, there’s a good reason to keep it around. In fact, it’s one reason they do so well off-road. The axle and superior wheel articulation allow it to tackle terrain no other vehicle can handle. If you need more clearance, it’s also easier to lift.
Furthermore, you’ll find endless ways to retrofit your vehicle. There’s a massive market for parts. It’s one of the most customizable cars on the planet, and owners make the most of it.
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Jeep vs. Bronco: Under the Hood
Between the two, Jeep also takes the cake for engine specs. Its most robust option comes under the hood of the Rubicon 392. It’s a 6.4-liter V-8 Hemi that pumps out a whopping 470 horsepower and 470 pounds of torque. In comparison, the Bronco Raptor has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that offers 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.
Overall, the Wrangler is more robust when taking on all-terrain conditions. However, the other does better at high speeds. It might meet your needs if you dream of going full throttle through the desert.
The Ford’s steering racks and CV joints are prone to fail when pushed to the limit. Furthermore, its longer wheelbase makes navigating obstacles and particularly steep terrain challenging. Although its competition includes standard features like stabilizers and off-road tires, it can’t withstand the same heavy-duty wear.
A Jeep is a safer bet if you plan to push your vehicle to the limit and test its rock-crawling abilities often. But folks looking for a daily driver that can handle an occasional jaunt through the mud might consider the Bronco.
Before you hit the lot, ask yourself if you’re looking for wild or mild.
Is the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco a Better Value?
Upfront prices for these two vehicles vary widely and depend on your chosen trim package.
The basic Jeep Sport starts at $31,000 for the two-door and $35,500 for the four-door. The plush, comfortable Sahara will run you at least $46,000. However, the mack-daddy off-road Rubicon 392 starts at $82,000.
On Ford’s side, you’ll pay about $32,000 for the Base model. The Black Diamond starts at about $39,000 with a beefed-up terrain management system. But the most capable of the bunch, the Raptor, runs from $74,000 on up.
Both have similar warranties. Three years and 36,000 miles is standard. Powertrain and roadside assistance warranties are six years and 60,000 miles. However, Jeep offers three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, which the competitor can’t match.
However, it’s important to note that Wranglers have a reputation for holding their value over time. Depending on how you care for it and how much work you put into after-market mods, you could sell it to a collector for a pretty penny.
Only time will tell how the new Bronco holds up. So far, it hasn’t developed a cult following like its rival. But you never know what the community might look like in the future.
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So, Should You Buy a Jeep Wrangler or a Ford Bronco?
Choosing an off-road vehicle isn’t easy. Jeep Wranglers and Ford Broncos cater to different customer needs. At the end of the day, it comes down to how you plan to drive it.
Folks who want to test the limits of off-road capability will probably get more bang for their buck with a Wrangler. On the flipside, the Bronco can be more comfortable for people who plan to use their all-terrain features sparingly.
We suggest taking them both for a test drive!
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