Ever since the revived Ford Bronco emerged a few years ago, the Jeep Wrangler has faced competition in the category of off-road-ready SUVs that offer an open-air driving experience. It’s an oddly specific segment that the Wrangler has ruled for years. Let’s take a closer look at how they match up.
Off-Road Beasts Go Head-to-Head
You’d have a hard time finding any other vehicles that can match the Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler as off-road-ready models. Both SUVs deliver go-anywhere capability right off the dealer lot. Should you head to your Ford dealer or your Jeep dealer for this off-road prowess? Let’s find out.
Both the Wrangler and Bronco have storied reputations, though the Wrangler is arguably more iconic. However, this is the present, and these SUVs match up very well. The latest Wrangler features a host of updates, including standard power locks and windows, and active cabin ventilation. The Ford Bronco also gets new updates, including a new base trim, a few packages, and special editions.
Interior Comfort Comparison
Although most buyers likely don’t prioritize interior comfort when considering off-road SUVs like the Wrangler and Bronco, it remains a consideration. The Wrangler seats five and comes standard with cloth upholstery and manually adjustable seats. You can increase comfort with available options like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and power-adjustable seats.
The Ford Bronco isn’t much different with its cloth seats and manual adjustments. Like the Wrangler, you can get optional power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, and upgraded upholstery. Both models focus more on practical interiors rather than luxurious ones.
Which SUV Has More Cargo Space?
The four-door version of the Jeep Wrangler has reasonable cargo space for the class, at 31.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row. It offers 72.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. A two-door Wrangler only has 31.7 cubic feet maximum. The Ford Bronco is a little bit roomier with 35.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. It has 77.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. Two-door Broncos also outdo the Wrangler with 52.3 cubic feet of space.
Power and Performance Standards
Now, we get to the real features that set these SUVs apart. The Ford Bronco comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 275 horsepower with regular gas. If you use premium, you can get up to 300 horsepower. Optional engines include the twin-turbo V6 that makes 315 horsepower and an upgraded version that makes 418 horsepower.
Meanwhile, the Wrangler quietly outdoes the Bronco with its standard 3.6-liter V6 that makes 285 horsepower and an optional 6.4-liter V8 that makes 470 horsepower. The Wrangler goes with a more traditional setup and has more power across the board.
Which SUV Rides Better?
Since these are off-road, body-on-frame SUVs, you can’t expect a plush ride, but this is another area where these SUVs are different. The Jeep Wrangler is notoriously rough on the road. The smaller two-door is especially jarring and bumpy to ride in. When it comes to braking, the Jeep Wrangler doesn’t consistently stop in the same distance at the same speed.
The Ford Bronco won’t win awards for ride and handling either, but it’s easier to live with than the Wrangler. It’s more stable and consistent to drive on the road, and you’ll feel a bit more in control in the Bronco versus the Wrangler. Even if you buy them for off-roading, you’ll likely spend more time on-road and the Bronco will make this less uncomfortable.
Off-Road Ability
The final comparison is off-road ability. To start, both are fantastic off-roaders, but the Wrangler has been at this a long time, and it’s the better-equipped model in base trims. For the Bronco, you’ll want to get into the higher trims like the Bronco Raptor. The extra equipment and 418 horsepower will serve you better off-road than the other models.
When it comes to choosing between these two SUVs, it’s a close call and might simply come down to preference. The Jeep Wrangler is still the ultimate off-roader, but the Ford Bronco is better at balancing off-road and on-road experiences.
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