When you think of an off-road vehicle, the first image that pops into your head is probably a Jeep. For decades, the Jeep Wrangler has been the most popular off-road SUV, cementing its iconic position in car culture as an incomparable off-road vehicle. However, returning to the scene is the Ford Bronco, a model meant to compete with the Jeep Wrangler in both style and performance. But is it successful? Today, we'll take a closer look at the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco and compare their many similarities and differences to determine who comes out on top.
Jeep Wrangler vs. Ford Bronco: Off-Road Capability
As vehicles designed to target drivers who enjoy careening over rougher terrain, the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco each focus on their off-road capabilities as their defining features. But which SUV is actually better off-road?
2023 Ford Bronco
For starters, the Ford Bronco features a four-wheel drive (4WD) powertrain and the built-in Terrain Management System to maximize traction. There's also the option to add a steel bash plate underneath the carriage to protect the Bronco's vitals, such as the engine and fuel tank. An interior switch allows you to turn on or off the front- and rear-locking differentials, and you can also disconnect the front stabilizer bar with the touch of a button. Despite all these features, however, the Jeep Wrangler includes every one of them and more.
2023 Jeep Wrangler
Just like the Bronco, the Jeep Wrangler features a 4WD powertrain — in fact, there's the option to choose between three systems: the Command-Trac, the Selec-Trac, and the Rock-Trac. Your powertrain choice will depend on how far you plan to push your Wrangler's off-road capabilities around Oneonta. As further similarities to the Bronco go, the Wrangler also features electronic locking differentials, the ability to disconnect the front stabilizer bar, and heavy-duty underbody skid plates.
However, the Wrangler also offers sealed electronics and moisture resistance to allow water fording in up to 33.5 inches of water and a best-in-class crawl ratio of 100:1. Additionally, an Off-Road+ button on the dash allows you to switch into peak performance mode for the trails. There's even the option to upgrade to 35-inch tires for best-in-class ground clearance.
Engine Performance
Let's compare the two vehicles' engines and their performance capabilities. The 2023 Ford Bronco's standard trim level has a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection and turbocharging, which delivers up to 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque if you use premium fuel. You can choose between a seven-speed manual transmission with a super-low crawler gear and a 10-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel efficiency, you can get up to 20 combined mpg depending on your vehicle's build and your choice of fuel.
On the other hand, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler offers a broader range of powertrains. Its standard engine is a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, but if you upgrade to the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine, you can get up to an impressive rate of 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Plus, the Wrangler beats out the Bronco in terms of fuel economy, with some trim levels offering up to 25 combined mpg, a number significantly over the Bronco's max. What the Wrangler really has going for it that the Bronco doesn't is its electric model, which gets an incredible 45 MPGe.
Exterior and Interior Design
Aside from power and performance capabilities, design is an essential aspect of the driving experience. Both vehicles allow you to remove the top and doors for a fully customizable experience. Aside from the ability to choose between two- and four-door configurations, there isn't much to say about their exterior designs that you wouldn't already know. However, moving to the inside, the differences become more apparent.
Where the Ford Bronco chooses to go retro with its design, the Jeep Wrangler focuses entirely on practicality, putting its performance and driving experience at the forefront. Each knob and switch across the dashboard is easy to reach and easy to use, and you can choose between several tops depending on your preference, including a folding soft top, a hardtop, and a power top.
Safety Features
Neither the 2023 Ford Bronco nor the 2023 Jeep Wrangler has officially received ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) yet. Even so, the Ford Bronco includes an advanced driver-assistance system called Ford Co-Pilot 360, which includes automatic high-beam headlights, hill-start assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-descent control, with the option to add a blind-spot warning, a lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance.
Across the aisle, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler boasts the ability to select the Jeep Active or Advanced Safety group package, which includes rear park assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. Hill-start assist is standard, while you have the option to add hill-descent control with the eight-speed automatic transmission. There's also an SOS call button included in the Wrangler's interior for emergency assistance.
Price and Value
While the Ford Bronco offers an overwhelming range of 10 trim level options, the Jeep Wrangler narrows its choices down to just three on the two-door model and five on the four-door model. Regarding cost, the Wrangler is a bit more affordable, with a starting MSRP of $31,195, while the Bronco has a starting MSRP that's a few thousand dollars higher — $34,595, to be exact.
Regardless of your financial situation, our All American Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) team is eager to help make your vehicle purchase as accessible and straightforward as possible. In addition to leasing and financing, we also provide a trade-in program, where you can put the value of your current vehicle towards a new one. Feel free to use our free trade-in value calculator to get a sense of how much your current vehicle may be worth.
Shop the Jeep Wrangler at All American CDJR
While the Bronco has a lot going for it, it's clear why the Jeep Wrangler has remained a classic off-road SUV for decades with its top performance capabilities and features. If you're located in Oneonta, Alabama, or the surrounding area, we invite you to give the 2023 Jeep Wrangler — or any vehicle in our expansive new inventory — a test drive and experience what it feels like to be behind the wheel.