Two of the more popular SUVs on the market today are the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler. These two vehicles have a lot in common, which can make it difficult to decide between the two. However, there are some significant differences that may sway you towards one model over the other. Below, we’ll outline some key differences to help you decide.
Performance
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One of the most important areas to compare in any two vehicles is in their performance. Let’s start by looking at the Ford Bronco. In this year’s model, you’ll find a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine that can produce 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Compare that to the 3.6-liter V6 engine of the Jeep Wrangler, which produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
However, there are other engine options available. For example, you can upgrade the Bronco’s engine to a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 that can produce 310 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, while you can upgrade the Wrangler’s engine to a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel that can produce 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Therefore, you’ll really need to decide if you want to upgrade to a better engine and whether you need more horsepower or more torque.
The other performance metric to look at is fuel economy. The Ford Bronco delivers a combined 21 mpg, or 20 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. The Wrangler produces slightly less in terms of combined mpg, coming in at 20 mpg. However, it mostly depends on where you’ll be driving it, as the Wrangler does boast 25 mpg on the highway.
Towing Capacity
An important factor for many people looking to buy an SUV is its towing capacity. Luckily, you won’t have to worry about too much towing capacity for either the Jeep Wrangler or the Ford Bronco. Both vehicles are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. This is often more than enough for the average user, but you’ll have to think about your own towing needs. Regardless, since both vehicles can tow the exact amounts, it shouldn’t impact your choice between the two.
Comfort and Entertainment
No matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving, you want to have a comfortable and enjoyable drive. Both the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco come with some excellent features that make this possible. They have similar suspension systems, but there are a few key differences to note. Both vehicles have live axles in the rear with trailing arms and a Panhard rod. However, the Bronco uses coil-over dampers, while the Jeep uses a separate coil spring and damper system. Most drivers likely won’t notice a difference between the two setups once they get going.
As for entertainment, both vehicles offer some key features in the interior. The Ford Bronco comes with the SYNC 4 system, which is currently found in some of Ford’s other cars. This system comes inside a 12-inch touch screen, which makes it easy to control your favorite media sources and get directions. Perhaps the only drawback to the SYNC 4 system is that it relies heavily on the cloud, which can lead to service interruptions in dead zones.
The standard infotainment center on the Jeep Wrangler is smaller, coming in at 5 inches, but you can upgrade this to a 7-inch display or an 8.4-inch display. With the Wrangler’s infotainment system, you can easily connect to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also have the option of adding a front-facing camera to this system, allowing you to navigate a little more carefully while offroading.
Safety
If you’re looking to get an SUV, you might be thinking about driving on some more challenging terrain. Therefore, safety is an important consideration. You can get safety features such as automatic high beams and helpful parking sensors with the Ford Bronco. There are also sensors for when you’re departing out of your lane and to alert you to any rear cross-traffic.
Several safety features are available in the Jeep Wrangler, as well. For instance, you can get automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Another optional feature is adaptive cruise control, which makes driving on the highway much more enjoyable.
Trim Levels and Prices
Finally, there are the different trim levels available for each vehicle. Which trim you pick could significantly impact the features you get and the price you pay, making it important to understand what comes with each trim. For the Ford Bronco, the following trim options are available:
- Ford Bronco Base Trim
- Ford Bronco Big Bend
- Ford Bronco Black Diamond
- Ford Bronco Outer Banks
- Ford Bronco Badlands
- Ford Bronco Wildtrak
- Ford Bronco First Edition
The trim level options for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler include the following:
- Jeep Wrangler Sport
- Jeep Wrangler Willys Sport
- Jeep Wrangler Sport S
- Jeep Wrangler Altitude
- Jeep Wrangler Sahara
- Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
- Jeep Wrangler Sahara Altitude
- Jeep Wrangler High Altitude
As you can see, there’s a little bit more to choose from with the Jeep Wrangler. However, both options have plenty of trim levels. The other thing to consider is the price, which varies based on the trim level. For the Ford Bronco, MSRPs range from $29,995 to $58,410. With the Jeep Wrangler, the MSRPs range from $29,070 to $56,600. Therefore, on average, the Jeep Wrangler is a little more affordable than the Ford Bronco. However, it will ultimately depend on the features you want to get, as the different trim levels can differ in the type of features they offer.
Does the Jeep Wrangler sound like the vehicle for you? If so, you’re not alone, as this is a very popular option. To learn more about the 2021 Jeep Wrangler or take one out for a test drive, contact Huffines CJDR in Plano, TX. We can answer all your questions and help you decide if the Jeep Wrangler is right for your needs. Get started today by browsing our inventory online or scheduling a time to visit our dealership.