The Jeep Wrangler and the 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 they are both known for their off-road capabilities.
However, the Wrangler and Bronco also have several differences, and there are areas where each SUV does better than the other. Here are four advantages the Jeep Wrangler has over the Ford Bronco.
The Jeep Wrangler has mastered simplicity, down to its analog feel
Wheel.ca says the Jeep Wrangler’s simplicity is one of its big advantages over the Ford Bronco. The Wrangler’s design is iconic and has remained largely unchanged over the decades, and this throwback design exemplifies the simplicity of the vehicle.
Wrangler fans are particularly fond of the SUV’s analog display. The Ford Bronco may be the more technologically advanced vehicle, but not all drivers want their SUV to be full of 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 Wrangler trims: Sport, Willys, Sahara and Rubicon. Choosing between these trims is likely easier than choosing from the Bronco variants. Ford offers many add-ons for the Bronco that make it more complicated.
Lower cost of entry
In terms of cost, the Wrangler beats out the Bronco, but just barely. According to Kelley Blue Book, a base, two-door 2023 Wrangler costs about $30,295. Meanwhile, Kelley Blue Book also states that 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 cheaper option.
Plug-in hybrid version
While the price difference between the two SUVs is only debatably important, one definite advantage in favor of the Wrangler is that Jeep offers a plug-in hybrid model known as the Wrangler 4xe.
Buyers can choose 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 an all-electric Jeep Wrangler will soon arrive.
Meanwhile, there’s no hybrid Bronco available, and Ford hasn’t announced anything to suggest one in the near future. Since the Bronco is seen as an innovative SUV, the idea that there are no plans for a plug-in hybrid or all-electric model may come as a surprise.
Jeep also sells a Wrangler pickup
There may need to be an asterisk on this advantage because the Wrangler pickup isn’t technically a Wrangler. Jeep sells the Gladiator, which is a pickup with the body of a Wrangler.
Even without the Wrangler name, the Gladiator bears an unmistakable resemblance to a Wrangler, and would be an excellent choice for Wrangler fans interested in a pickup truck.
To be fair, the Ford Bronco also has merits
While the Jeep Wrangler won in the previous four criteria, Wheels.ca also listed some advantages to the Ford Bronco.
The Bronco won the categories for interior styling as well as for technology. Whether these will influence 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. Although 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 it can also go off-road when needed.
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