The Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco are two SUVs that are often compared to each other, and for good reason. They share a segment in the SUV market and are both known for their off-road capabilities.
However, the Wrangler and Bronco also have several differences, and there are areas where each SUV performs better than the other. Here are four advantages the Jeep Wrangler has over the Ford Bronco.
The Jeep Wrangler has mastered simplicity, right down to its analog feel.
Rueda.ca claims that the simplicity of the Jeep Wrangler is one of its main advantages over the Ford Bronco. The Wrangler’s design is iconic and has remained largely unchanged over the decades, and this vintage design exemplifies the simplicity that the vehicle presents.
Wrangler fans are particularly fond of the SUV’s analog display. The Ford Bronco may be the most technologically advanced vehicle, but not all drivers want their SUV to be packed with technology. For some, an analog speedometer is the preferred option, and this is what the Wrangler offers.
This simplicity extends to the number of trims Jeep offers for the Wrangler. There are four main versions of the Wrangler: Sport, Willys, Sahara, and Rubicon. Choosing between these trims is probably easier than selecting between the Bronco varieties. Ford offers many add-ons for the Bronco that make it more complicated.
Lower cost of entry
In terms of cost, the Wrangler beats the Bronco, but just barely. According to Kelley’s Blue Book, a base 2023 Wrangler two-door is around $30,295. In the meantime, Kelley’s Blue Book also claims the base Bronco has an MSRP of around $32,295.
When it comes to the cost of a new SUV, this $2,000 difference isn’t incredibly significant, but the Wrangler is still the most affordable option.
plug-in hybrid version
While the price difference between the two SUVs is arguably significant, a definite plus point in the Wrangler’s favor is that Jeep offers a plug-in hybrid model known as the Wrangler 4xe.
Buyers can choose the 4xe for three Wrangler trims, and Wheels.ca notes that this system is useful for standard driving and off-road driving. Even more exciting is the belief that there will soon be an all-electric Jeep Wrangler.
Meanwhile, there’s no hybrid Bronco available and Ford hasn’t announced anything hinting at one in the near future. Given that the Bronco is considered an innovative SUV, the idea that there are no plans for an all-electric or plug-in hybrid model may come as a surprise.
Jeep also sells a Wrangler pickup
There may need to be an asterisk in this lead because the Wrangler truck isn’t technically a Wrangler. Jeep sells the Gladiator, which is a pickup truck with the body of a Wrangler.
Even without the Wrangler name, the Gladiator looks unmistakably like a Wrangler, and would be a great choice for truck-interested Wrangler fans.
To be fair, the Ford Bronco has advantages too
While the Jeep Wrangler won on all four of the above criteria, Wheels.ca also listed some advantages of the Ford Bronco.
The Bronco won the interior styling and technology categories. Whether these will affect a buyer’s decision will be a matter of preference. As we said earlier, some drivers prefer the Wrangler for its more basic technology.
Ford’s SUV also won for on-road performance. While the Jeep Wrangler has always been known for its off-road capabilities, it’s not the smoothest SUV to drive around town. The Bronco is a comfortable enough vehicle for daily driving and can also be driven off-road when necessary.
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