The Ford Bronco is back, and the well-known SUV is now one of the best options for SUVs that can go off-road well. With that being said, the Bronco has some stiff competition in the Jeep Wrangler. The two SUVs are evenly matched in many areas. However, there are two reasons why the Ford Bronco is a better daily driver than the Jeep Wrangler.
The specifications of the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler
According to edmunds, the two off-road SUVs are relatively similar overall, but there are some significant differences under the hood. Ford has three engine options for the Bronco, while Jeep has five for the Wrangler. The Bronco starts with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and makes 300 hp. The Wrangler starts with a 3.6-liter V6 and makes 285 hp.
The starters in both SUVs have the same fuel economy of around 21 mpg combined, and four-wheel drive is standard on both vehicles. Overall, Jeep gave the Wrangler the best engine options in almost every category. The Bronco’s most powerful option is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 400 hp. The Wrangler has a 6.4-liter V8 that makes 470 hp.
Jeep also has a turbodiesel option and a plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, powertrain option. Ford doesn’t have anything similar for the Bronco. The Wrangler’s PHEV option gets 375 hp, allowing the Jeep SUV to get 49 MPGe.
Here’s why the Ford Bronco is the better daily driver than the Jeep Wrangler
While the Wrangler has more engine options than the Bronco, the Ford is ultimately the best car for everyday driving. There are two big reasons for this, according to Edmunds. The first reason is the ride quality. The Bronco is by no means a luxury SUV, but there is a noticeable difference between what Ford offers and what Jeep offers.
The Bronco’s ride quality feels more refined, while the Wrangler’s ride quality is more rugged. That being said, both SUVs will be loud inside. The second big reason the Bronco is a better everyday driver is its steering. Drivers will easily handle the Bronco because its steering is consistent, while the Wrangler’s steering is less agile. Also, since the Ford SUV is longer and wider than the Jeep, it will handle better on the highway.
However, the Jeep Wrangler is better than the Ford Bronco in one important area.
Many owners of either SUV will spend a lot of time driving their car on the highway, but both cars were designed for off-roading. Unfortunately for Ford, while the Bronco is a capable off-roader, the Wrangler is simply the better off-road option. Both SUVs are actually somewhat similar in terms of their standard off-road features, but the difference is when their capabilities are pushed to the limit.
For example, while the Ford’s length and width give it some advantages in everyday driving, it hurts the SUV in some off-road activities, such as climbing steep hills. As such, the Wrangler handles steep hills better than the Bronco. Another off-road problem is in terms of wheel articulation.
The Bronco has an all-new independent front suspension, while the Wrangler has a more traditional solid front axle. While the Bronco’s new suspension is good in most cases, it does have limited wheel articulation, whereas the Wrangler doesn’t have this problem.