Everybody who has ever had a passion for off-road driving was quite excited about the return of the Ford Bronco, and for very valid reasons. For many years, the Jeep Wrangler has enjoyed the top spot as the off-road champion. But that spot is now in jeopardy, thanks to the matched features of the Ford Bronco. It would seem as though the engineers at Ford Motor Company looked at the reasons why the Jeep Wrangler was such a beast in off-road conditions and introduced those very same features in the 2022 Ford Bronco. To attempt to beat out the competition, sometimes it is wise to borrow a few of the features that make it such a success. And there is no shame in that—auto manufacturers have been doing this for over a century. So let’s see how similar these two top-tier off-road SUVs are as we compare the 2022 Ford Bronco vs the 2022 Jeep Wrangler.
Long-Lived Icons of the Industry
Both the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler are historic brands that have been around for a very long time. The Bronco was first introduced in 1965 as the 2966 model and quickly became the choice for drivers who desired a vehicle with off-road capabilities that could satisfy their adventurous lifestyle. The Bronco included several features not typically found on models at the time. For example, the Bronco had an auxiliary gas tank, CB radio, and a winch, to name a few. The Bronco would remain in production through several generations and was ultimately discontinued after 30 years on the road only to be recently revived.
Even though the Wrangler name didn’t officially appear until 1987, the Jeep Wrangler’s roots go way back to World War II when the Willy’s Overland was granted a contract with the United States military. The model was called the MB but would soon garner the Jeep nameplate. The Jeep was a wild success in the war, and a civilian version would be manufactured in 1945. Over the years, it has solidified its reputation as a monster in off-road conditions.
How They Are Similar
Park a Jeep Wrangler next to a Ford Bronco, and you will see a few very obvious similarities in looks and design. For example, both models are boxy looking, and you can choose between a hardtop or soft top. Both models allow you to take the doors off for better visibility while crawling up that super steep mountain. It’s easy to see why these are popular choices as they are both very handsome yet rugged-looking models that anyone would find attractive in their garage.
Engine choices are another common denominator when making a comparison between the Bronco and Wrangler. Both models offer a four-cylinder engine option as well as a V6 option. The Bronco 2.3-liter EcoBoost Turbo I-4 boasts 300 horsepower compared to the 270 horsepower your get in the Wrangler’s 2.0-liter I-4. The Wrangler offers up three V6 choices, including a diesel option. The gas-powered V6 choices both peak at 285 horsepower. The Bronco only offers one V6 option, but it boasts 325 horsepower.
As far as the interior of these models, there are several similarities as well. Both interiors are stylish, sleek, and come with several standard high-tech features. It should also be noted that both models offer plenty of standard safety features as well.
There Are Notable Differences
One difference worth noting is the base price for both models and what is included in that model. The base price for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler is less than the Ford Bronco, not by much, but still worth noting. That said, one would hope that you would get more bang for your buck in choosing the Wrangler, but sadly, this isn’t the case. Ford did a great job loading the base model, and they included all of the goodies you could imagine, like power windows, LED headlights, and a large touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model Bronco even includes five drive modes, giving it a clear edge.
Both the Bronco and Wrangler perform very well in off-road conditions, which is no surprise for enthusiasts who follow such trends. But before you hop on that mountain trail, you must take the paved roads to your destination. If you are cruising a Jeep Wrangler to your fun spot, you might find the ride a little on the rough side, mainly thanks to the solid front and rear axels. The Bronco, however, employs an independent front suspension, which gives you a smoother ride and better steering quality. And you all know that no matter how much time you spend going four-wheeling, you will still be doing a lot of driving on the road.
When you slide behind the wheel of the Wrangler, you will be impressed by the layout and design, to be sure. You will notice that Jeep has kept a lot of the design elements they have used for several years. This isn’t necessarily a knock on the Wrangler—many drivers will dig the retro style and look of the interior. The biggest setback is probably the lack of cubby spaces to store your goodies. The Bronco sports an interior that isn’t too flashy or fancy, but it does look and feel a whole lot more modern than the Wrangler. Again, this is not a knock on the Wrangler, and it is a personal choice that people will make when they are making comparisons. Those who enjoy nostalgia will probably enjoy the look and feel of the Wrangler interior.
As we mentioned earlier, both the Bronco and Wrangler are handsome SUVs with a rugged look to them. But should you drive down the road and spot both a Wrangler and a Bronco, you will most likely be drawn to the Bronco. This could be for any number of reasons, mind you. For example, it could be because the Bronco is new, and people want to take it all in when they see one on the road. It could also be because it is really strange staring at a vehicle that can have its doors removed that isn’t a Jeep. Regardless of the reasons why people are drawn to the Ford Bronco, it is undoubtedly the new flavor on the block. And for this reason, it has a cool factor that gives it an advantage.
Which Is Right for You?
The Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler are excellent choices for those who desire an off-road beast that looks great and offers powerful engine choices. There is little doubt that drivers who are really into climbing boulders and driving through rivers will lean towards the Jeep Wrangler, and we can’t disagree with them. For hardcore off-roaders, the Wrangler is definitely a solid choice; you just have to live with a bit of a rough ride while on the road. However, if you will be spending most of your driving time on the paved roads, the Bronco is clearly the better option. The Ford Bronco is a good choice for anyone who craves adventure, but also enjoys a smooth and comfortable ride while they are trying to reach their off-road destination. And let’s not forget one of the most important reasons—you’re going to turn heads driving to your destination in the stylish Ford Bronco!
