20 REASONS WHY THE FORD BRONCO IS BETTER THAN THE JEEP WRANGLER

For many years, if you wanted an old-school SUV that could tackle the country's most challenging trails, your only option was the Jeep Wrangler. Sure, there are other capable 4x4s on the market, but nothing seems to offer the exceptional off-road abilities the Jeep does. It is a grown-up toy made specifically for rugged off-road trails. Models such as the Chevy Blazer, the Dodge Ram Charger, the Nissan Pathfinder, the Toyota 4 Runner, and the Ford Bronco all took a crack at dethroning the top dog of the off-road world. Some had fleeting success throughout the years, but Jeep always seemed to regain its spot in the limelight.

That is, until now. Ford has come out of hiding and revived one of the best off-road SUVs of all time, the mighty Ford Bronco. But they did not bring it back to just be the basic Bronco that you are all used to from the past. This one is loaded with all the new innovative technology of today, the aggressive futuristic looks of tomorrow, and the reliability of the Ford name now.

Let's take a little closer look at why the Ford Bronco looks better than the Jeep Wrangler, on paper, anyway. To find out for sure, you will have to go out for a drive in one, off the beaten path, of course, so you can really test your new Bronco out.

The Bronco Is More Spacious

It's Shaped Like A Conventional SUV

It is no secret that the cabin of the Wrangler isn't the most spacious nor the most comfortable. It is a vehicle built with off-roading in mind; therefore, the cab sits inside the wheels to protect it when off-roading. This leads to a more cramped interior.

Cargo Volume Comparison

If you take a look at the Bronco, you will realize that it is shaped more like a conventional SUV. The body is wider, and it follows the width of the wheels. This means more interior space, which for some people may be a big selling point ­­– especially if they have a large family.

The two-door Wrangler, on the other hand, is vastly inferior to the equivalent Bronco in terms of cargo volume. The Bronco offers a lot more space for carrying cargo behind both rows than the Wrangler. If your travels involve carrying plenty of tools and equipment, the Bronco is the better option.

The Ford Bronco Is Easier To Use Off Road

A Rock-Climbing Maestro

If you want an SUV that can take you off-road without making many decisions on driving modes, then the Bronco may be the better choice. A good off-roader combines toughness and off-trail equipment with ease of use.

The Bronco Uses An Electronic Transfer Box

First and foremost, the transfer box on the Ford Bronco is electronic; therefore, instead of fighting with a lever, you just turn a dial. Also, it has an automatic setting that lets the vehicle make all the decisions for you. The only thing you need to do is drive. For beginners, this is perfect. However, it must be said that the electronic transfer box dial may not be as reliable and durable as the standard shifter in the Wrangler.

The Ford Bronco Does High-Speed Off-Roading Extremely Well

A Speedster Through Off-Road Trails

Both the Jeep and Ford are great off-road in their own kind of way. The different suspension systems mean the Wrangler is better at rock crawling while the Bronco is better at high-speed desert bashing.

The Bronco's Suspension Holds Steady At High Speed

When driving fast over dirt, the Bronco remains composed, aided by its suspension system. Also, the ride is certainly smoother, both when going slow or fast. Best of all, you can improve it even further with an aftermarket suspension system. So, the Bronco is the way to go if your off-road adventures are primarily on dirt roads and challenging, but not extreme trails.

The Bronco Has A Great Infotainment Screen

A High Tech Cabin

Ford has been pumping out great infotainment screens lately, which have made their way into the Bronco, which now rocks a 12-inch display. The automaker made the 12.0-inch screen standard on all trims starting with the 2024 model year.

The Bronco's Front-Facing Camera Facilitates Off-Roading

Aside from a usable menu with great graphics and response, the Bronco also has an excellent front-facing camera that makes off-roading much easier. Especially when driving up steep hills, which lead to a huge blind spot in front of your wheels. The Jeep Wrangler also has a front-facing camera that displays images on a 12.3-inch screen positioned on the center console.

Before the Wrangler's 2024 model year refresh, the Jeep SUV featured a 7.0-inch screen or an 8.4-inch display. For 2024, it received a standard 12.3-inch screen as part of Jeep's attempt to update the aging Bronco. Despite being marginally smaller than the Wrangler's display, the Bronco's screen runs on Ford's tried and tested SYNC 4 system.

The Ford Is A Better Drive On Road

Steady On Tarmac And Off Road

It is no secret that the Wrangler isn't the best vehicle for on-road manners. The design of the solid front axle means that the vehicle gets death wobble easily.

The Bronco's Independent Front Suspension Guarantee's Stability

Death wobble means that a loose bolt or bushing leads to a violent wobble of the whole front axle, ultimately shaking the entire cabin. It is not a pleasant feeling, and it certainly is a common problem with Jeeps. Since the Bronco has an independent front suspension, it won't have issues with death wobble; also, it will ride and handle better. So, if you value on-road manners, the Bronco is the way to go.

The Ford Bronco Has A Better Road Rating From Consumer Reports

Consumers Are Happier With The Bronco Than They Are With The Wrangler

The people at Consumer Reports put the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler to the test and found that the Wrangler was far behind the Bronco. That is not to say that the Bronco did great, because the 51 out of 100 that the Bronco received on the driving scores shows that it still has some issues to work out.

The Wrangler Ranks Behind The Bronco In The Handling And Braking Metrics

However, on the other side of the coin, you have the Jeep Wrangler, which could only achieve a score of 24 out of 100, losing massive points because of handling and braking. Emergency braking is one of the most significant issues found on the Jeep Wrangler, so to say that the Jeep is not as safe as the Ford is not a far stretch from proven facts.

The Bronco Has Mirrors Even When The Doors Are Off

You Can Still See Behind You Without Doors

You must have a vehicle with removable doors to make a proper Wrangler competitor. The Bronco has removable doors; in some ways, their design is better than the Wranglers.

No Need To Purchase Aftermarket Mirrors With The Bronco

When you remove the doors on the Bronco, the mirror stays in place. This means that you don't have to go out and buy aftermarket mirrors. That being said, if you plan to remove the doors to protect them while off-roading, you will be destroying the mirrors since those are still in place. However, the Bronco system is better if you want to remove the doors just to cruise around town.

The Seats In The Bronco Offer Superior Comfort

Stylish And Comfortable

If you have experience with Jeeps, you probably know the seats aren't all that comfortable. They are rigid and narrow, which can get tiring over long drives.

Wide And Soft Seats Make Long Drives Tolerable

The seats in the Bronco, however, are the exact opposite. They are wide and soft, providing a far more comfortable ride. Judging by the points so far, you may have realized that the Bronco is a more refined and comfortable vehicle in general. Everything about it reminds us of a modern SUV rather than an old-school hard-core off-roader. This may be good or bad, depending on your planned usage.

The Bronco Comes With Factory Equipped 35-Inch Tires

Bigger Tires, Bigger Character

When off-roading, the bigger the tire, the better the abilities. Ford has taken it a step further with the Bronco and has equipped the off-road trim levels with 35-inch tires.

The Bronco Wins The Tire Battle

This means you do not have to go out and fit them yourself after purchasing the vehicle. Before the Wrangler's minor update for 2024, the Rubicon Wrangler came with 33-inch tires, with 35-inch rubber offered as an option. The update made 35-inch tires standard, partly contributing to the substantial increase in the Wrangler's MSRP. Even with the increase in tire size, the Bronco Raptor still outperforms the Wrangler with its massive 37-inch tires. Therefore, when it comes to tire wars, the Bronco wins.

The Bronco Is Safer

Tough, Safe, And Secure

If you value safety, the Bronco is the better choice. Its newer design means it was conceived with current safety standards in mind, and that shows in crash tests.

Testing Shows The Bronco Is Safer Than The Wrangler

This leads to increased safety during crash tests as the cabin stays intact. The Wrangler isn't unsafe, but IIHS testing proved it isn't quite as safe as the Bronco. Also, if we put structural integrity aside, in the Bronco, you are less likely to get in a crash in the first place as it handles better. Avoiding an accident with violent steering and brake inputs is less likely to upset the vehicle's handling when compared to the Wrangler.

Six Recalls For The Bronco And Nine For The Wrangler

Fewer Recalls Than Its Competitors

Six recalls in a year is a bit concerning; nine recalls, on the other hand, is downright worrying. Looking through the reasons behind the callbacks, it appears the Wrangler suffers more serious problems.

Several Of The Ford Bronco's Recalls Relate To Minor Issues

The Bronco has had recalls for minor issues and four problems that could lead to accidents. The Jeep Wrangler has had five recalls that could potentially cause you and your family to be in an accident while driving, and one that could even cause a fire while driving down the road.

2023 Ford Bronco Recalls

2023 Jeep Wrangler Recalls

The Ford Bronco Has A Better Reliability Rating

Reliable And Dependable

Reliability is one of the most important aspects of any vehicle, but when you go off the beaten path, you want to be assured that the rig you are taking will get you back to civilization without breaking down. Nobody likes to walk out over miles of rough terrain just to call a tow truck and then have to wait for hours on end for them to find you.

The Bronco Has A Higher Reliability Rating On Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sites for giving truthful reviews and ratings because they base their findings on honest feedback from owners. For 2023, the Jeep Wrangler only has a 2 out of 5 rating, while the Bronco has a 3 out of 5. A three is not the best, but one whole point above the Wrangler shows that the Bronco is truly the better vehicle to take off-road when you are relying on it to get you back home. Ford has also proven that it knows how to build reliable vehicles and indestructible, hardy engines.

The Bronco Has A Newer Design

Contemporary Yet Retro

The current generation of the Wrangler has been around for longer than the Ford Bronco. This means that the Bronco appears more modern but, at the same time, stays true to its roots.

The Bronco Combines Old School Looks With Modern Tech

If you want a vehicle with more up-to-date tech, rides better on the road, can tackle some rugged trails, and is comfortable, the Bronco does the job great. It may not be the hard-core off-roader that the Wrangler is, but it does a perfect job of infusing comfort into the lifestyle aspect of owning an SUV like the Wrangler. The Jeep received a refresh for 2024 that reduced the gap between itself and the newer Bronco. However, to completely close up to or perhaps surpass the Bronco, the Wrangler needs a huge update or a next-gen model.

The Bronco Says Goodbye To Wind Noise

A Silent Ride

If you have ever owned or been inside a Jeep, you know all too well about the wind noise present when driving down the road. It is something Jeep lovers have grown to ignore because it is present every year in every new trim level. It is an issue that has always been a part of owning a Wrangler, and one that Jeep does not seem to be in a hurry to fix.

The Bronco Is Designed To Keep Wind Noise Out

Ford, with the Bronco, has designed the same type of removable top SUV without the annoying wind noise every time you get onto the highway, so it is possible to produce such a vehicle. Ford Bronco has paved the way for Jeep to follow, but maybe the wind noise is something unique to the Wrangler that they simply want to always remain the same.

The Ford Bronco Has More Technology In The Cockpit

With all the current technology on the market, it is hard to find a new vehicle not loaded with innovative tech designed to improve safety. One of the premium safety pieces of software on the market that people are all buzzing about is the Ford CoPilot, which can be found on the Ford Bronco.

Ford CoPilot Features

• Rear-cross traffic warning
• Blind-spot warning
• Lane-departure warning
• Lane-keeping assistance
• Pedestrian detection
• Hill descent and start assist
• Automatic emergency braking

Some of the high technology found in the Bronco may not be totally helpful when off the beaten path, but once in the urban jungles, they all come in extremely handy.

Some Ford Bronco Trim Levels Come With Marine-Grade Interiors

Hardy And Easy To Clean

The Bronco and Wrangler take the main stage to compete for the top dog position in areas where mud and dirt rule and pavement is far from sight. Many old-school off-roaders swear that the mud and the muck hold their classic trucks and SUVs together, but that is just an excuse to keep their rigs dirty all the time.

The Marine-Grade Upholstery Looks Good And Is Easy To Clean

During the week, a flashy ride such as your 2024 Bronco or Wrangler deserves to be clean and eye-catching, but that can be a chore after a weekend of hardcore fun. Some trim models designed by Ford make that easy because you can upgrade to a Bronco with marine-grade interior upholstery that can be hosed off for easier cleaning.

The Ford Bronco Is Better Equipped For Towing

Easy And Safe Towing With The Bronco

Generally, when it comes to towing a camper or trailer filled with toys such as boats and motorcycles, an SUV is not the first thing that comes to mind. However, if it is your only off-road rig, it is important to know that the Ford Bronco is designed with towing in mind, more so than the Jeep Wrangler.

It's Easier To Tow With The Bronco Than With The Wrangler

Before the 2024 model, the Wrangler was rated to tow between 2,000 and 3,500 pounds, depending on the trim level and engine size. On the other hand, the Ford Bronco is rated to tow anywhere from 3,240 to 4,500 pounds, meaning you could pull a little bigger camper or that large speed boat you just bought from your friend who owns a Wrangler too small to tow it.

Jeep's revision of the Wrangler's suspension for 2024 allowed it to increase the towing capacity of some models to 5,000 pounds, 500 pounds more than the Bronco's max lugging capacity. For that, the automaker deserves plaudits. However, as Car And Driver discovered, hitching a trailer to the Bronco is easier, since on the Jeep, the hitch ball sits just 2.5 inches below the Wrangler's massive spare wheel. Therefore, though the Wrangler now tows more than the Bronco, it's way easier to haul stuff with the Ford.

Ford Bronco Has More Ground Clearance

Some Bronco Trims Ride Higher

Jeep owners love to point out that the Wrangler has better ground clearance than the Bronco. That may very well be the case unless you consider that each trim level is a little different, and each one is designed to specialize in specific types of terrain.

The Bronco Raptor Rides Higher Than The Rubicon

The Bronco has a ground clearance of 13.1 inches as it comes off the assembly lines, and the Rubicon measures in with a ground clearance of 12.9 inches tops. Two inches may not be a lot, but it is enough to get over that last little dried chunk of dirt.

Speaking of the two top-ranked rivals, the Rubicon Raptor may not have a Jeep equivalent to spar with in the near future: reports indicate that the Rubicon 396's days are numbered. As automakers continue purging the V-8 powertrain from their lineups, iconic vehicles like the Rubicon 396 disappear from production lines. Jeep hasn't commented on the rumored discontinuation. However, reports claim that Jeep will deliver a Final Edition model before closing the chapter on the V-8 Wrangler in 2024.

Ford Bronco Has Better Water-Fording Abilities

The Bronco Can Swim

The final aspect of any off-roading vehicle that needs to be considered is how much water it can go through without bogging out. Once that happens, irreparable damage can occur to the engine and drivetrain, which can mean needing a complete engine swap once the SUV is hauled out of the backwoods.

The Bronco Can Wade Through Up To 37 Inches Of Water

Jeep has long been the go-to vehicle when you want to cross some water, but the Ford Bronco comes out on top when putting the Jepp Wrangler Rubicon up against the Ford Bronco Raptor. The Ford can handle up to 37 inches of water. In comparison, the Jeep can deal with 30 to 34 inches of water, which is a substantial difference when you are out playing around in an off-the-beaten-path location.

Bottom Line Is The Ford Bronco Has Better Owner Satisfaction

Customers Are Very Satisfied With The Bronco

Everything you have read here and elsewhere leads up to one major thing. The bottom line, so to say. What it all boils down to is which model is the most popular among the people. You can listen to personal opinions all you want, but the truth is in the numbers. When it comes to owner satisfaction, the Ford Bronco is the clear winner with a 4 out of 5 predicted rating. On the other hand, the Jeep Wrangler receives a 3 out of 5 rating for owner satisfaction.

The Bronco Could Be Contributing To The Wrangler's Drop In Popularity

Ford reintroduced the Bronco to rival the Wrangler - and what a job it has done. Jeep sold over 156,500 Wrangler units in 2023, making it the 22nd best-selling car in the United States. However, that figure represented a 14% drop in sales compared to 2022. Part of the reason behind this drop could be increased competition from the Bronco. For instance, in States where Jeep has stopped selling gas-powered Wranglers and replaced them with hybrids, customers who want a pure ICE off-roading SUV will likely opt for the Bronco.

According to data from Edmunds analyzed by Business Insider, 2.6% of Wrangler buyers who traded in their vehicle in the first half of 2023 purchased a Bronco. The findings suggest that even Jeep enthusiasts are beginning to realize that the Bronco is offering more value.

FAQ

Q: Is the Bronco better than the Wrangler?

The answer here isn't a simple yes or no. The Bronco is a better every day vehicle, but the Wrangler is certainly better on tough off-road trails

Q: Is the Bronco bigger than the Jeep Wrangler?

Yes, the Ford Bronco is more spacious than the Jeep Wrangler

Q: Which is better off road Wrangler or Bronco?

The Wrangler is certainly the better off-roader thanks to more robust suspension and more wheel articulation

Q: Are Broncos safer than Jeeps?

Yes, the Ford Bronco is safer than the Wrangler thanks to its more modern design

2023-05-27T23:05:43Z dg43tfdfdgfd