2023 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

From open air fun to off-roading capability, the Bronco is certainly a challenge to the Wrangler. In this comparison, we’ll start with common questions and try to offer a concrete answer based on known facts.

1. Does the Bronco or the Wrangler Offer the Most Choices?

   The Bronco has both soft top and hardtop choices, ensuring that shoppers can enjoy an open air ride from either the Ford or the Jeep. The Bronco’s frameless doors can be removed for the full experience.

   Wranglers come in Sport, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon and additional trim levels. Bronco trim levels start with the Big Bend and go all the way up to Raptor with about ten overall.

   Adding to your shopping fun, these trims can be multiplied by two. That’s because there are 2-door, 4-seat models of the Bronco as well as the larger 4-door, 5-seat models. The same can be said of the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. However, Jeep has dropped Unlimited from the Wrangler nameplate.

   A wide array of fun exterior colors help the Bronco stand up to the Jeep color palette. With all of this in mind, you could say that these two are tied. Shoppers have plenty of choices with either one. The easiest way to get a handle on Bronco prices is to ask for a quick quote of your favorite trim level.

2. Which One is the Coolest: the Bronco or Wrangler?

   With many SUVs, you settle for a rather traditional exterior. From the get-go, Broncos have been designed to stand out. The critics at MotorBiscuit summed it up with the words “red hot”. Ford utilizes some throwback elements blended with contemporary design to achieve a very unique curb appeal.

   Of course, the Wrangler is recognizable from the shape and look that it has had for quite some time. Jeep’s 7-slot grille is designed specifically for these models.

   Either of these SUVs would get noticed with the top off and the doors off. That open air capability is definitely part of the cool factor.

   Standing very tall, the Bronco is clearly intent on providing ground clearance that can compete with the Wrangler. Ford designed the body to have few snag points. Thus it has short, tight overhangs for better trail rides.

   Wrangler watchers are probably aware of the many ways that Jeep allows for personalization. Ford has taken up this mantle and gone even further with the distinctive elements on its many trims as well as additional accessories to maintain a unique look.

3. Does the Wrangler or the Bronco Have the Best Engine?

   A major part of off-roading is having enough slow-speed torque. Of course, on the road you are concerned with having a dynamic engine that can really move these big vehicles. Plus, you want to have fun behind the wheel.

   The Wrangler offers three engines including its well-known V6, a turbo four, and a 4xe plug in hybrid. Essentially they are offering two engines with V6 power and then offering the hybrid as an alternative.

   Broncos offer an Ecoboost I-4 turbo, an Ecoboost V6 and a high-performance Ecoboost V6. This trio offers significantly more power and torque at each level.

   

   The standard Wrangler engine has ten more horses but it lags behind in torque by 55 lb-ft. The same Bronco engine with premium unleaded produces 30 more horsepower, making it 15 horses ahead of the Wrangler.

   The Jeep Turbo 4 is more in line with the Ford Turbo and the Jeep V6 than it is with Ford’s Ecoboost V6. Last, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe surpasses the high output Ecoboost in terms of torque, but it lags in terms of horsepower. This gives the Bronco Raptor the best engine of the bunch.

   Adding to the Bronco’s edge, its 10-speed automatic transmission gives you two extra gears. Plus it has one extra gear on the manual. More gears allow for a better use of slow-speed torque every time. The model’s independent front suspension helps it take punishment better, and tough rear axles give it more strength.

4. Is the Wrangler Cabin Bigger than the Bronco?

   Comparing the two cabins, you’ll find similar space for passengers. If you want the absolute maximum spaciousness, the 4-door Bronco with a soft top is truly the biggest, offering an additional four cubes of wiggle room.

   However, the two cabins are remarkably similar whether it’s the 5-seater or the 4-seater. The Wrangler claims more second row legroom in 4-door models while the two brands are tied when it comes to second-row legroom on the 2-door model.

5. Does the Bronco Have a Bigger Cargo Hold than the Wrangler?

   If you want a real tie breaker when it comes to size, look at the cargo holds. The two-door Wrangler can offer only 12.9 cubic feet behind its second row. Bronco two-door models have ten more cubic feet. That’s 22 cubes for a truly spacious hold.

   As you can see in this chart, Broncos always have a bigger hold than the Wrangler, regardless of style or roof type. Broncos claim from four to seven cubic feet more than the standard Wrangler 4-door. If you favor the Wrangler 4xe, just know that it has an even smaller cargo hold. The difference is as much as 10 cubes between the 4xe and the Bronco.

   

   When adventure calls tents, bikes or other gear, you’ll need the second row seats folded. The difference remains significantly in the Bronco’s favor. If you are choosing between these two rides, make sure to look closely at this issue, especially since it varies within the brand.

6. Are all Broncos and Wranglers Ready to Go Off Road?

   As mentioned, the 2023 Wrangler and 2023 Bronco offer good ground clearance and a trail-ready build. Plus they have four-wheel drive, skid plates, and good approach/departure angles.

   If you want more than that, you generally climb the Wrangler ladder to upper trims like the Sahara and Rubicon. That’s where you get 35-inch tires and other goodies.

   The Bronco lineup, however, is different. The Big Bend is a starting point, but even it can become a major off-roader with the affordable Sasquatch package. This adds many features that are standard on higher trims, such as beefy tires, active dampers, and other essentials.

   

   With the ability to Go Over Any Terrain (GOAT), Broncos can handle sand, mud and other common terrain challenges. GOAT settings are added to higher trims, making them capable of harder tasks such as rock crawling.

   Wildtrak has a special suspension and other features to allow the owner to enjoy high-speed off-road adventures. The Everglades trim has special equipment to handle challenges in wet climates with swampy conditions.

   To really understand the differences in Ford and Jeep off-roading features, you can get first-hand information from one of our Bronco specialists. We can help you compare any Wrangler trim and find the Bronco that matches or exceeds its capability.

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, much in this comparison is subjective. However, we’d argue that the Ford Bronco has hit all the benchmarks and deserves the first look. After all, it is more contemporary than the Wrangler, and then there’s the really good cargo capacity.

You can find out how it drives at Rodeo Ford dealer Phoenix. Plus, we’re sure you’ve got more questions, and our staff is ready with more answers.