Bronco vs. Jeep: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New Model

The Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler are two vehicles built for adventure. While the Jeep Wrangler has long reigned supreme in terms of off-roading capability. However, with Ford recently reviving the storied Bronco, Jeep is finally facing some stiff competition. While both the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco have a lot to offer consumers, each vehicle comes with its own set of pros and cons. Read on to discover how these two vehicles match up and to get the full scope on both the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler before buying a new model. 

Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler 

Before buying the newest or even a used model of the Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler, it’s best to go through a thorough comparison of the two. Check out the pros and cons of these two vehicles outlined below. 

Base Prices 

When looking at the price in the Jeep vs. Bronco matchup, the two vehicles seem to match up quite comparatively. The MSRP for the 2022 Ford Bronco is $29,300. In comparison, the MSRP for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler is $29,725. This means, in most cases, consumers can expect to pay just under $30,000 for a two-door base model of either the 2022 Jeep Wrangler or the 2022 Ford Bronco. 

Fuel Economy   

When looking at the fuel economy of these two vehicles, the Jeep Wrangler appears to pull ahead slightly above the Ford Bronco. The combined city and highway fuel economy of the Ford Bronco averages around 21 miles per gallon. In comparison, the combined city and highway fuel economy of the Jeep Wrangler averages around 23 miles per gallon. 

Engine and Drivetrain Capabilities

Examining the general specs of both the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler highlights that the two vehicles are quite similar. In terms of drivetrain, both the Bronco and the Jeep are equipped with four wheel drive. In terms of engines, the Ford Bronco sports an intercooled turbo regular unleaded I-4, 2.3 L engine. In comparison, the Jeep Wrangler sports an intercooled turbo premium unleaded I-4, 3.6 L engine. 

Important Features and Practicality 

Of course, both the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler have their own set of pros and cons when it comes to their features and how they relate to everyday life. First up, let’s look at the panels that come off on these two vehicles and the practicality associated with each. Overall, the doors and mirrors on these two vehicles are quite different. 

On the Jeep Wrangler, the door has a complete frame with the mirror attached to the door. This means that the door is quite large and bulky when it is taken off for off-roading purposes. With the mirrors being located on the doors, this also leaves the driver with no mirrors while out on the road when the doors are taken off. In comparison, with the Bronco, there is no frame with the door and the glass slides down into the door, which makes the door more compact and easy to handle once it is taken off of the vehicle. With the Broncos, the mirrors are also located on the frame of the vehicle, not on the doors. This means that drivers still have access to their mirrors even when the doors are removed for off-roading. 

While the Bronco proves to be easier in regard to taking the doors and panels off, putting them back on is another story entirely. As the hinges are hidden within the fender well on the Broncos, getting the doors back onto the frame can prove to be quite challenging. In comparison, the hinges are fully exposed on the Jeep Wranglers, which ultimately makes the process of putting the doors back on quite easy. 

While the doors are quite different in compactness and storability, keep in mind that the Jeep doors are less weight than Bronco doors. The Jeep front doors weigh in around 47 pounds, whereas the Bronco front doors weigh in around 55 pounds. This is certainly an element to consider if you plan to do a lot of off-roading with your vehicle. 

The Winner of the Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler Matchup? 

Based on the matchup today, it seems quite difficult to choose a definitive winner when it comes to the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. Ultimately, it will depend on each individual’s preference, expectations and lifestyle as to which vehicle will prove to be the most beneficial. So what will be your next adventure vehicle, the storied Ford Bronco or the classic Jeep Wrangler?