Ford Bronco Vs. Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler vs. Ford Bronco: Who Rules the Roads Less Traveled?

Our Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler comparison pits two trail-focused, body-on-frame powerhouses against each other. Both are popular names in the off-roading community and some of the most dynamic models on the market, boasting removable exterior paneling for open-air exploration. So, how do you decide which one is worthy of your rock crawling, water fording, and backroad excursions?

With higher maximum ground clearance, deeper water-fording capability, more interior space, and easier access to advanced technology, we think the Ford Bronco is the clear winner. Don't just take our word for it, though. Join the team here at Homer Skelton Ford as we dive into the details of how Ford Bronco specs compare to Jeep Wrangler MPG ratings, dimensions, power, and other key categories.

Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler Side-by-Side Comparison

	Ford Bronco	Jeep Wrangler
Configurations	2-door 4-door	2-door 4-door
Seating Capacity	4 - 5	4 - 5
Engines	2.3L turbo I-4 2.7L twin-turbo V-6 3.0L V-6	2.0L turbo I-4 3.6L V-6 6.4L V-8
Max. Horsepower	300 - 418	270 - 470
Max. Torque	325 - 440 lb-ft	260 - 470 lb-ft
Drivetrain	4x4	4WD
Transmission	7-speed manual 10-speed auto	6-speed manual 8-speed auto
Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb)	19 / 21 / 201	20 / 23 / 212
Max. Towing Capacity	3,500 - 4,500 lbs3	2,000 - 5,000 lbs3
Length	173.2 - 191 in	166.8 in
Body Width	75.9 - 85.7 in	73.9 in
Standard Height	71.9 - 78.6 in	73.6 in
Max. Ground Clearance (W/O Optional Equipment)	13.1 in	11.1 in
Max. Water Fording Depth	37 in	34 in
Max. Passenger Volume	108.2 cu ft	104 cu ft
Max. Cargo Volume (2-Door / 4-Door)	36.4 / 83 cu ft	31.7 / 72.4 cu ft

Jeep Wrangler vs. Ford Bronco: Engine Options, Configurations & Customization

Let's start with the lineups. Both the Wrangler and Bronco have extensive trim lists. To start, here are the Bronco variants:

• Base
• Big Bend
• Outer Banks
• Badlands
• Heritage Edition
• Stroppe Edition
• Raptor

The trim level you select, whether through Ford financing or leasing, will impact the Ford Bronco engine you have access to. The same goes for whether you can choose a two- or four-door configuration. For instance, you can select the standard 2.3-liter turbo I-4 engine with any model but the Stroppe Edition and Raptor. On the other hand, the available 3.0-liter V-6 only comes with the Raptor.

Additionally, the Ford Bronco transmission can be either a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic; only the 2.3-liter engine can pair with either, while both available engines use the automatic.

Meanwhile, the Wrangler comes in the following nine models:

• Sport
• Sport S
• Willys
• Rubicon
• 85th Anniversary Edition
• Sahara
• Willys '41
• Rubicon X
• MOAB 392

As with the Bronco, your trim determines which Jeep Wrangler engine and transmission you have access to. However, the Jeep Wrangler transmission options are either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.

Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler Specs: Performance & Towing

As you can see in the chart above, Ford Bronco MPG is extremely competitive with the Wrangler, though we know that's not the main focus of these rock-crawling machines. What is important is power.

The Bronco starts out with a turbo engine that can make up to 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. By comparison, the Wrangler's standard V-6 and available turbo I-4 can't compete. The former produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the latter generates 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler's only competitive when comparing both SUVs' top-spec engines.

Take a look at trailering abilities next. The Wrangler has a slight edge in overall maximum towing, but that's reserved for a specific configuration: the four-door Rubicon. Putting that aside for a moment, the Ford Bronco towing capacity is 3,500 pounds³ across its trim, body, and engine configuration, except for the Raptor, which ups the ante to 4,500 pounds.³

On the other hand, you lose customization flexibility if you need a specific Jeep Wrangler towing capacity. For example, two-door Wranglers can only tow up to 2,000 pounds³, while four-door models other than the Rubicon match the Bronco at 3,500 pounds.³

Jeep Wrangler vs. Ford Bronco: Seating Capacity, Dimensions & Cargo Space

The Jeep Wrangler seating capacity matches that of the Bronco, with both SUVs having four seats in their two-door builds and five seats in the four-door variants. That's about where the similarities end for dimension, though.

For instance, the Ford Bronco ground clearance reaches up to an incredible 13.1 inches in the Raptor trim without any add-ons. In comparison, Jeep Wrangler ground clearance tops out at 11.1 inches with additional equipment – rugged, but not as impressive as the Ford.

In terms of legroom, the Wrangler gives you a bit more in the back row of either door setup, but the Bronco counters with nearly two additional inches up front. Plus, the Ford Bronco cargo space reaches a maximum of 52 cubic feet in two-door versions or 83 cubic feet in four-door setups, depending on the model. Alternatively, you'll only get up to 31.7 or 72.4 cubic feet of two- or four-door Jeep Wrangler cargo space, respectively.

Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler Technology & Safety

Technology starts out strong in both the new Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, but the Ford SUV does have some distinct advantages, like a standard 12-inch digital instrument cluster; the Wrangler starts off with a 3.5-inch display.

Another major consideration as you scan our all-new Ford inventory is driver-assistance technology. As early as the third-tier Bronco Outer Banks, you'll have access to the following systems, some of which come standard with the entry-level version:

• Lane-Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
• Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking

While many of these are available for the Wrangler, you'll have to climb much higher in the Jeep SUV's trim list to get some of them, such as Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection and an Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror.

Embrace Your Wild Side With a New Ford Bronco From Homer Skelton Ford

We hope our Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler review revealed just how compelling a trail beast the Ford Bronco can be. If you happen to be in the Olive Branch, MS, area, we invite you to tour the Bronco options at Homer Skelton Ford – you might be surprised at how affordable your next adventure can be with our new Ford specials.

Don't hesitate to contact us with any lingering questions. We look forward to assisting you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's better: the Bronco or Wrangler?

While both SUVs have their advantages, we think the Bronco is ultimately the better model thanks to key wins, like a higher maximum ground clearance, increased maximum water fording depth, additional cargo space, and a stronger standard engine.

Does the Bronco ride smoother than a Jeep?

While both the Bronco and Wrangler have suspensions designed to seamlessly transition between on- and off-road driving, the Bronco HOSS systems offer unique components that many consider to provide a smoother ride.

What is safer: a Ford Bronco or a Jeep Wrangler?

The Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler each have advanced safety systems, but you'll find that many similar appointments are more accessible in the Ford model's lineup, such as a Blind-Spot System and an Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror.

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¹EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.

³EPA-estimated 20 city/23 hwy MPG with 2.0-liter turbo I-4 and eight-speed automatic transmission. Actual mileage may vary.

³When properly equipped. See dealer for details.