Jeep Wrangler vs The New Ford Bronco: Which Is Better?
Jeep Wrangler vs Ford Bronco: which comes out on top?
This article is more than 2 years old
After nearly 25 years of inactivity, the Ford Bronco came back with a vengeance with designs on taking some steam out of the Jeep Wrangler market. But the COVID pandemic and the effects of the world shutting down for a long period of time has turned what should have been an important reintroduction to the public by the Ford Bronco into something much less.
Yes, the want for the new Ford Bronco is still there, but delays have caused frustration, something that doesn’t bode well for the big car manufacturer. In fact, the delays of Ford’s new Bronco may have helped Jeep Wrangler sales.
We are going to take a look at both the new Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco models and them a once over. We’ll see if either model holds an advantage over the other in price and base models. We’ll also take a quick peek at how they perform in the city as well as what they were both designed for – off-road fun.
So, climb in and buckle up, it could be a bumpy ride for some.
JEEP WRANGLER VS THE NEW FORD BRONCO – SOME HISTORY
The Ford Bronco has gone through six generations and styles. The first was its first model that was introduced in 1966. Then Ford made changes to its popular SUV in 1978, 1980, 1987, and 1992 before the model was discontinued in 1996. Ford then introduced the Expedition to take place of the Bronco.
While the Jeep itself has been around much longer than its counterpart, the Jeep Wrangler has not. Jeep introduced its Wrangler in 1986 with a compact 2-door model as well as a more spacious 4-door ride. The Jeep CJ-7 was the first Wrangler model. Since that time, Jeep Wrangler’s has been a popular model, both in the city and off-road.
JEEP WRANGLER VS THE NEW FORD BRONCO – THE EXTERIOR AND ENGINE
Ford Bronco – As far as looks go, the new Ford Bronco stays true to its classic designs from 1966-1977. It comes in six trim levels and numerous colors. The Bronco is offered in both a 2-door and 4-door model as well as a modular hardtop and soft top, though the soft top comes only on the 4-door models.
The Bronco’s 4WD-only models are available with two engines. The 2.3-liter standard engine is a turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder design. The optional 2.7-liter engine is an EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 design. Ford also offers its new Bronco with a manual transmission (7-speed) but it only comes with the 2.3 standard engine.
Jeep Wrangler – The newest Wrangler is at year 3 with its latest generation which they call the JL. It is offered in both 2-door and 4-door models with the roomier Wrangler Unlimited (4-door) the more popular. All Wrangler comes with a removable soft top, but an optional hardtop can be ordered.
As all Wrangler are 4WD, a variety of engines are offered by Jeep. The V6 engine is standard for Wrangler but they also are offered in a turbocharged 4-cylinder, a V6 with mild-hybrid assistance, and their new diesel V6.
BOTH the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler have removable doors. Both, though, went about their design in different ways. The Bronco designed their doors without side mirrors, those are instead attached to the vehicle, making it much easier to remove the doors and store them.
The Jeep Wrangler designed their removable doors with the side mirrors attached. This makes it a bit more difficult to remove and store and it also means buyers would have to figure out aftermarket solutions to make their Wranglers street legal.
JEEP WRANGLER VS THE NEW FORD BRONCO – THE INTERIOR
As the Ford Bronco is the newer design, its interior should be heads and shoulders above what Jeep Wrangler has to offer. While it may not be completely heads and shoulders above its competition, it’s definitely at least heads above it.
Ford Bronco – The first thing drivers will notice is the large, 12.0-inch display in the center of the dash. It’s a great feature for those of us who may be a little sight challenged. Drivers will also note that the Bronco has opted for a center console that is free of manual 4WD controls and instead uses electronic sensors. This allows for much more room for storage and added features that include a wireless charging pad.
Jeep Wrangler – Though it may not be quite as noticeable, the Jeep Wrangler also has a display located at the center of its dash. This one measures out at 8.4 inches but still offers a nice high-resolution view. Switching over to 4WD is done with the power shifter and it also employs a handbrake, making certain 4WD techniques possible that the new Bronco couldn’t pull off.
BOTH the Bronco and the Wrangler have grab handles (they better!) but like their removable doors, they are designed differently. Bronco has its grab handles located at the edge of the dashboard and one down by the knees. Wrangler, on the other hand, has A-pillar-mounted handles that go along with a dash-mounted passenger grab bar that feels safer.
BOTH have virtually the same amount of rear cargo area though the Wrangler does offer six tie-downs to Broncos four.
JEEP WRANGLER VS THE NEW FORD BRONCO – CITY AND OFF-ROAD
This could be an important factor when deciding which way to go. The new Ford Bronco holds the fuel economy advantage, though not by much. In total, the Bronco will get you 21 mpg, 20 in the city, and 22 on the highway.
By comparison, the Jeep Wrangler gets 20 mpg with 17 in the city and 25 on the highway.
As far as off-road experience, both models do not disappoint. Both the Bronco and Wrangler offer high ground clearance, but the Bronco was voted best-in-class in that area.
JEEP WRANGLER VS THE NEW FORD BRONCO – SALES
Make no mistake about it, the new Ford Bronco is a popular buy. The problem, though, is that actually grabbing one is a little more difficult than Ford wanted it to be. Pandemically speaking, the demand was high, the production was not.
Ford revealed its sixth-generation Bronco in June 2020, a revelation that was supposed to take place months earlier. But the shutdown caused mass delays, ones that Ford is barely climbing out of. Broncos are finally starting to hit the sales floors, but potential customers are dealing with a two-year wait-list.
This wait has seen Wrangler’s number climb. Whether it be frustrated Ford Bronco customers or just the Jeep name alone, Jeep saw record sales numbers for the Q2 in 2021.
JEEP WRANGLER VS THE NEW FORD BRONCO – DECISIONS, DECISIONS
Many are flocking to the new Ford Bronco for nostalgia purposes. The good thing is that they are well put together and offer numerous packages and features. The huge problem for Ford is that they are hard to come by.
Jeep, on the other hand, has shown they are ready, willing, and able to get you the Jeep Wrangler of your choice. Sales have proven it and although inventory across the country has been limited due to the ongoing chip shortage and workforce issues, Jeep looks to have plenty in stock.
