Difference Between Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco

After nearly two decades and a half, Ford made a big comeback with its hardcore SUV to take on the Jeep’s iconic off-roader and luxury Wrangler. Does the Wrangler have what it takes to remain in the game against the all-new Ford Bronco? For years, Wrangler ruled the off-roader segment with four-wheel drive and a detachable roof. But now, it has got its competition. Let’s look at the numbers and see which one wins, because it’s game on.

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is a special vehicle that deserves a book of its own. The name Wrangler didn’t appear until the year 1987 when it made its debut replacing the infamous Jeep CJ. Over time, the Wrangler has grown to be one of the most recognizable SUVs in production and definitely the most iconic off-roader from the house of Jeep. Throughout its history, the Wrangler remained true to its name. The Wrangler is currently in its fifth generation, with the new 2022 Wrangler lineup already stealing the limelight.

Ford Bronco

Ford Bronco made its grand debut in 1966 and the same great minds behind the legendary Ford Mustang, designed the Bronco. The original Bronco set the standard for modern SUVs that are synonymous with brilliant off-roading capabilities. The Bronco has gone through several changes and updates over the years, from the first generation Ford Bronco to the sixth generation of the model line. The 2022 Bronco comes in two spectacular models, the Raptor and the Everglades. The last Bronco was produced in 1996. After almost 25 years, the Bronco made a grand comeback with two models – the Bronco and the Bronco Sport.

Difference between Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco

Engine/Performance between Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco

– First, let’s talk about the thing that gives power to these machines – the engine. Jeep Wrangler comes with a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with ESS that delivers an output of 285 hp and 260 lb torque; an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 270 hp @ 5,250 rpm and 295 lb-ft; and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel that delivers 260 hp and 442 lb-ft. There’s also a 4e hybrid turbocharged engine that delivers an impressive 375 hp and 470 pound-feet of torque for breathtaking performance. The Wrangler only has a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. 

Ford Bronco base model comes standard with a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine that delivers 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful Bronco has the upgraded 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that cranks out 310 hp and 410 pound-feet of torque. Both the powertrain options are come standard with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.3-liter engine is combined with a 7-speed manual transmission.

Off-Road Geometry of Jeep Wrangler vs Ford Bronco

– Both the SUVs have a lot in common when it comes to off-roading capabilities. When you take a vehicle off-road, there are a couple of factors that come into play, such as approach angle, departure angle, breakover, and so on. Wrangler beats the Bronco head on when it comes to approach angle. The Wrangler features a minimum of 41.4 degrees of clearance and the 2-door Rubicon offers 44 degrees flat with 33-inch tires. The Wrangler’s departure angles fall in the range of 35.9 for the Sport models and 37 for the Rubicon models.

With 35-inch tires, Ford claims to have a 43.2-degree of approach angle with both 2-door and 4-door configurations. Bronco comes close enough, though. The departure angle is where the Bronco really shines. Thanks to the shorter wheelbase, the Bronco offers a minimum of 29.7 degrees of departure angle and a maximum of 37.2 degrees which is best in its class. The Bronco also has an aggressive 43.2 approach angle. The Bronco squares off with the Wrangler with a projected ground clearance of 11.6 inches against the Rubicon’s 9.7 inches of ground clearance.

Exterior of Jeep Wrangler vs Ford Bronco

– Looking at the dimensions, the Bronco is slightly bigger than the Wrangler. The Bronco’s wheelbase measures 100.4 inches on the 2-door configuration, while the 4-door Bronco is 116.1 inches. Another noticeable difference between the two is the doors. The Bronco has no frame which means the glass slides inside the doors making it incredibly compact and easier to manage. The mirrors are mounted on the vehicle instead of the doors, which is cool. Also, the hinges are well hidden within the fender well.

The Wrangler’s wheelbase measures 96.8 inches, while the 4-door Wrangler squares off the measurement to 118.4 inches. The door on the Wrangler has a frame and the mirrors are mounted on the door, which means you lose the mirrors when the doors come off. The hinges on the door are exposed, unlike the Bronco.

Jeep Wrangler vs. Ford Bronco: Comparison Chart

Summary of Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco

The Bronco emerged as the wildest ride in Ford’s 2021 lineup and deserves much credit for the comeback of an old Ford off-roader. The Wrangler has same dimensions regardless of trim, while each Bronco varies slightly. Fundamentally, both the off-roaders are similar. Both come in 2-door and 4-door configurations with removable doors and a wide range of soft and hard top options. Both use tough body-on-frame platforms for greater ground clearance. The Wrangler boasts solid axles at the front and rear, while the Bronco has an independent front suspension. 

What’s better the Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler?

When it comes to off-roading, both the SUVs come with all-terrain tires, locking differentials, two-speed transfer cases, low-speed crawling, and more. Fundamentally, both the SUVs are similar. Both the SUVs have its fair share of pros and cons.

Which is bigger Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler?

The Bronco is slightly larger than the Wrangler, considering the 2-door Bronco has a wheelbase measuring 100.4 inches against the Wrangler which measures at 96.8 inches.

Are Ford Broncos Jeeps?

Ford Bronco is an excellent, rugged off-road machine that is a perfect blend of contemporary and classic design. It offers a wide selection of aftermarket accessories to tailor the needs of every Bronco’s owner. The Bronco is a sports utility vehicle, not a Jeep.

Which came to first Bronco or Jeep?

The name Wrangler was first used in 1987 while the Bronco was the first SUV model developed by the company which came into production in 1966. So, Bronco came first.

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