Jeep Wrangler vs. Ford Bronco

If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, choosing between a 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco is no easy task. Both vehicles boast a powerful engine lineup, strong transmissions with low gear settings for rough terrain, and special features for dealing with rocks, mud, and anything else the wilderness can throw at you. So how do you make your choice? Let’s take a look at how these two off-roaders compare across some key specs.

Engine and Performance

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The Wrangler‘s base engine is a 3.6-liter V-6 capable of generating 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. You can upgrade to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Although its 270 horsepower output is slightly lower than the base engine, it provides 295 pound-feet of torque, which gives it an edge when you’re accelerating from low speeds. There’s also a more powerful 3.0-liter diesel V-6 with 260 horsepower and an impressive 440 pound-feet of torque. This engine isn’t just great for tackling rough terrain, but also it boosts the Wrangler’s fuel economy to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The Bronco’s base offering is a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four that generates 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. You can also step up to a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 for some more power. It churns out 310 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco’s base engine is available with a seven-speed manual transmission that includes a low gear for rock crawling, compared to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.

Off-roading

The Bronco and Wrangler are equipped with two and three transfer cases respectively to help with low gear shifts when the going gets tough. Both vehicles also feature electronic locking differentials as an optional add-on and front-facing off-road cameras.

Other off-roading options include premium suspension systems and a front anti-roll bar. The Bronco features an independent front suspension, while the Wrangler goes with a set of solid axles, which makes it much easier to fit with bigger tires. The Jeep uses an electronically controlled bar, while the Bronco’s is hydraulically powered.

If you’re planning on tackling serious obstacles like large rocks, the Wrangler has a slight edge when it comes to its approach angle, which tells you how much clearance your vehicle has before the bash plates get called into action. The two-door Wrangler’s approach angle is 41.4 degrees, while the Bronco manages a maximum of 35.5 degrees.

The Bronco’s GOAT system stands for go over any terrain. This system includes various driving settings for different surfaces, such as rock, mud, slippery, and sand. The Trail Turn Assist can help you reduce your turning radius in a tight off-roading situation.

Many of these off-roading features are available in the Bronco’s Sasquatch package, which can be included with all trim options.

There are some other off-roading features that will swing your decision in favor of the Wrangler or Bronco, depending on your priorities. The Wrangler boasts its signature fold-down windshield, which allows you to enjoy the full freedom of an open-top ride over rough terrain. Meanwhile, Ford believes that the Bronco’s mirrors, which are fitted onto the body rather than the vehicle’s doors, will prove handy for drivers who don’t want to buy an extra set of mirrors to make their car street-legal when the doors aren’t on.

Towing

The Bronco’s towing capacity tops out at 3,500 pounds when it’s fully equipped.

The Wrangler’s towing capacity varies depending on whether you opt for the two-door model or the four-door Wrangler Unlimited. With two doors, the Wrangler’s maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds. That jumps to 3,500 pounds in the Wrangler Unlimited, provided it’s properly equipped with all towing upgrades. That will require you to opt for the towing package, which costs an additional $795.

Interior and Technology

Both the Bronco and Wrangler are available in two-door and four-door versions. The choice you make will have a big impact on the space you have inside. For example, the four-door Wrangler has twice as much cargo storage space as its two-door partner. The Wrangler and Bronco four-door models are about equal when it comes to cargo storage, with 31.7 cubic feet and 35.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats respectively. With the second row folded down, the Bronco has a slightly larger 77.6 cubic feet of space, compared to the Wrangler’s 72.4 cubic feet.

If you regularly ride with adult passengers in the back seat, you’ll probably want to choose a four-door model. In the Wrangler, there’s significantly more legroom in the rear row than in the two-door cabin. Four-door Wranglers can also sit five passengers instead of four in its two-door version.

Both the Bronco and Wrangler feature a soft-top roof, but you can upgrade to a hard-top roof instead.

The Wrangler’s base infotainment system features a five-inch screen, eight speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity. You can upgrade to two larger screens, a nine-speaker premium audio system, HD radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Trims

When it comes to tackling any surface, the Wrangler trim to go for is the Rubicon. It features an upgraded four-wheel-drive setup, rock rails, and a suede bar. Drivers who like hybrid SUVs may want to check out the Wrangler 4Z, which is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and two electric motors capable of putting out a combined 375 horsepower.

The Bronco also features a wide range of trims and accessories. Buyers have the option of choosing from 200 factory-approved accessories. If off-roading is your primary concern, the best trims to consider are the Wildtrak and Badlands models. They feature Ford’s equipment designed for managing rough terrain, including an advanced four-wheel-drive system and extra-wide all-terrain tires.

We hope this comparison of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler with the Ford Bronco has helped you make a decision about your next compact SUV with great off-roading chops. If you still have questions or want to know anything more about the Wrangler, why not contact us today? Our team of expert auto technicians at Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is here to help you find your perfect vehicle and get the hassle-free buying process started.