Ford Bronco Vs Jeep Wrangler

‍When Did the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler Come To Be?

The Ford Bronco has a rich history that dates back to the mid-sixties when Ford decided to capture Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout owners to the brand. The primary complaint of high-speed off-roading vehicles at the time was their lack of comfort, poor ride, and lack of power when needed. Ford began working on a G.O.A.T. (Goes Over All Terrain) vehicle, which the company labeled the world’s first “Sport Utility Vehicle.”

The Bronco was discontinued in 1996. It would be 25 years before Ford resurrected the nameplate in 2021. (While the 2024 Bronco isn’t due until later in the year, most reviewers expect it to be similar to the current year model).

Jeep debuted the Wrangler in 1986 and modeled it after the CJ-7, which Jeep had been building since the mid-seventies as the seventh generation of Jeep. (At the time, it was a radical departure from the old jeeps that bounced around the countryside).

Over the years since, the Wrangler has gone through four generations (the last from 2017). While the Jeep has received updates over the years, the look and feel of this off-road giant have kept its adventurous soul.

The Differences Between the 2023 Ford Bronco and the 2023 Jeep Wrangler

While the vehicles share some similarities, the two have significant differences.

Trim Levels

The 2023 Ford Bronco comes in nine different models. Every trim in the lineup comes in 2 and 4-door models (except the Raptor, which is only offered as a four-door). The trims add basic amenities as you move up the line, like the Black Diamond model has 32-inch LT265/70R17 all-terrain tires, rock rails, and heavy-duty bash plates, while the Raptor model features 37-inch tires that stick out from the chassis like a beast ready to pounce. Ford is offering Heritage and Heritage Limited models that harken back to the early days of the ‘70s Bronco, with a retro styling that would make any baby-boomer smile.

The Jeep Wrangler comes in 6 different trim levels for the 2-door model and 12 different trim levels for the 4-door model. (They also offer a 4xe model that is a plug-in hybrid). The Base has 245/75R17 all-season tires, with a standard 3.6 V6 and a six-speed manual transmission (although other engine choices and an eight-speed automatic are available). The highest priced Wrangler is the Rubicon 392, with specially designed off-road tires and a 6.4 L V8 Hemi as its powerplant, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 3.73 rear differential. Advantage: Ford Bronco

Suspension

The Jeep Wrangler has a solid front axle (the rear is also solid). In contrast, the Bronco has a standard Dana 44 AdvanTek solid rear axle with an independent non-locking differential system on the front. The Bronco has a twin-clutch rear differential with traction control that sends power to the tire, which needs traction on soft surfaces. The Wrangler also has traction control but has a locking differential. The ride quality is superior on the Bronco, hands down. Advantage: 2023 Ford Bronco

The Size

The Base Bronco is about 7 inches longer than Base Wrangler Sport, with a wheelbase of 100.4 (2-dr) and 116.1 (4-dr). The length is 173.7 (2 dr) and 189.4 (4 dr). The Wrangler is only 166.8 inches (2 dr) and 188.4 (4 dr) with a wheelbase of 96.8 (2 dr) and 118..4 (4 dr). Both vehicles share similar widths (73.9 for the Wrangler and 75.9 without the mirrors). The Bronco is a little taller by a couple of inches (75.9 vs. 73.6 - 4 dr). Ground clearance is decidedly on the side of the Wrangler at 9.7 inches vs. 8.3 on the base Bronco. (The upper trim levels of the Wrangler increase the ground clearance to a best-in-class 12.9 inches).

While the interior passenger volume is almost identical (104.0 cubic feet), the Wrangler has more headroom in the front seats, while the Bronco is the winner in legroom and hip room for front-seat passengers. In addition, the Bronco smashes the Jeep in cargo space with the rear seats folded with over seven additional cubic feet.

Advantage: Tie (Jeep Wrangler for ground clearance and the Bronco for cargo).

Engines

Both models offer various engine choices with increasing degrees of horsepower and torque. The Ford Bronco base has a standard 2.3L Eco-boost engine (300 hp) with a 2.7 Eco-boost available (330 hp). The Raptor model has a 3.0L Eco-boost V6 (418 hp - 440 lb/ft of torque).

The Jeep offers a 3.6 V6 (285 hp) on the base model and four other engine choices depending on the trim level selected. Engine choices include the 2.0L Turbo I-4 (270 Hp), 6.4 Hemi V8 (470 hp and 470 lb/ft torque) for the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 302, 3.0 Ecodiesel V6 (260 hp), and the 2.0L plug-in hybrid on the 4xe model. Fuel economy is 20 mpg combined for the Bronco base, while the 19 on the Wrangler Sport. The 4xe offers 49 mpge, which puts anything Ford has to shame. (Ford is working on an electric Bronco due before the decade's end). Advantage: Tie (Better upper-end hp for the Jeep, but better gas mileage for the Bronco, not comparing the hybrid).

Driver Assistance Features

Both models offer a variety of driver assist and safety features, like Forward Collision Warning. The Bronco is the clear favorite here based on ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). The 2023 Ford Bronco is rated at five stars, while the Wrangler only managed a 4-star rating (since the Bronco is equipped with Ford Co-Pilot 360). The system includes FCW, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Lane Departure, Crash Imminent Braking, and Brake Support, while the Wrangler doesn’t have Lane Departure, and a crash safety suite is an option). While Consumer Reports likes the 2023 Ford Bronco lineup better than the Wrangler, the vehicle only managed a 52 overall rating (The Wrangler scored a pitiful 25). Advantage: 2023 Ford Bronco

Convenience Features

The Wrangler and Bronco offer basic interior packages with significant upgrades as you move up the trim line. The base Bronco interior is cloth (although vinyl seats are offered on the Black Diamond and above trims. Leather is optional). The Wrangler sticks with cloth seating surfaces for most of the lineup unless you order the Rubicon 392, which is standard with leather. The base Bronco has an 8-inch SYNC 4 system, while the Raptor increases the screen size to 12. The base Wrangler offers an 8.4-inch screen with Jeep’s U-connect system. Both vehicles are compatible with many smartphone apps like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Sirius Satellite Radio. The fact that Ford offers remote keyless access with a push-button start on the Base model gives them the edge over the manual locks on the Wrangler base.

Advantage: Ford Bronco

Price

There is a definite price difference between the Bronco and the Wrangler. The base Bronco has a starting MSRP of $34,890, while the Wrangler is much cheaper at $31,195. The highest model of the Wrangler is a whopping $82,495, while the Ford Bronco Raptor is $86,060.