Jeep recently announced the release of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, a brand-new plug-in electric Wrangler. Around the same time, Ford announced the return of the Ford Bronco – an upgraded version of its classic predecessor that’s been off the market for almost 25 years. It’s safe to say that SUV fanatics & off-road enthusiasts are excited for these new releases.
Both Jeep and Ford have die-hard fans that already know which SUV they’ll drive next. But for some, the thrilling news of two grand releases it comes with a dilemma: Wrangler or Bronco?
The Jeep Wrangler has been an icon in the off-road world for decades. Does the Bronco have what it takes to compete? Will some proud Wrangler owners give up the Jeep Wave to get behind the wheel of a Bronco?
A QUICK Overview
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler was last fully-redesigned for the 2018 model year and builds off of a formula that’s been refined over the past few decades.
HISTORY
- Successor of the World War II Jeep or CJ (Civilian Jeep) produced from the mid-1940s through the 1980s
- The 1945 Willys Jeep was the world’s first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive car
- The CJ was described as “probably the most successful utility vehicle ever made.”
- The Jeep Wrangler officially debuted in 1986
- Until 1995, the Jeep Wrangler was offered as a two door convertible as wells as a two door truck
- The Jeep Wrangler ‘Unlimited’ 4-door model was released mid-2000s
THE NEW WRANGLER
- The fourth-generation Wrangler was released for the 2018 model year with new features and a more modern interior.
- Jeep revealed a new plug-in electric Wrangler (4xe) coming for 2021.
FORD BRONCO
The Ford Bronco is all-new for 2021 and is a purpose-built off-roader with removable doors and roof equipped with loads of tech.
HISTORY
- Debuted in 1965
- The first SUV marketed by Ford
- Immensely popular when it launched
- As demand for two-door SUVs waned in the 1990s, Ford discontinued Bronco in 1996 and replaced it with the four-door Expedition
- In its absence, older models have become popular among enthusiasts and collectors
THE NEW BRONCO
- Growing anticipation surrounded the Bronco launch and the new model was met with enthusiasm.
- With open-air options and true off-road capability, the new Bronco emerged as a direct Wrangler competitor.
Wrangler vs. Bronco: The OFF-ROAD showdown
Powertrain
FORD BRONCO
- Offers many powerful engine options including 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque (standard) & 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque (available)
- No diesel engine or electrified powertrain option available.
JEEP WRANGLER
- The Jeep Wrangler’s EcoDiesel produces more torque (442 lb-ft)
- eTorque technology provides low-end torque and efficiency benefits where it matters most – on the trail
- Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain provides numerous benefits.
OPEN-AIR DRIVING
FORD BRONCO
- Offers removable top and doors
- Soft top and modular hardtop options are available
- Eliminated a center overhead crossbar
- Fold-down windshield not available on any Bronco models.
- Estimated availability date is mid-2021
JEEP WRANGLER
- Wrangler wrote the book on open-air driving, and the copy is never as good as the original.
- Offers removal top and doors.
- Soft top and modular hardtop options are available.
- Can open the roof by simply pressing a button with available Sky One-Touch Power Top.
- Fold-down windshield standard on all Wrangler models… it’s a Jeep thing!
- Available immediately right here.
4WD
FORD BRONCO
- Part-time and a full-time/on-demand 4WD systems
- Sasquatch models offers an impressive crawl ratio (94.75:1)
- The Sasquatch models with added option 35-inch tires offers best-in-class ground clearance, departure angle and breakover angle.
- G.O.A.T. Terrain Management System with up to seven operating modes.
- The manual gearbox isn't available with the V6 nor with the 35-inch tires of the Sasquatch package. Pairing them lockes you into a maximum crawl ratio of 67.8:1.
JEEP WRANGLER
- Two part-time 4WD systems (Command-Trac & Rock-Trac) plus two full-time/on-demand systems (Selec-Trac & Rock-Trac)
- Rubicon models offer a 84.2:1 crawl ratio with the manual gearbox and 77.2:1 with the automatic transmission.
- ALL Wrangler models provide Trail Rated capability.
- Available Trac-Lok limited-slip differential (N/A on Bronco)
- Wrangler provides superior off-road measurements compared to most Bronco models (except on Sasquatch with optional 35-inch tires).
Construction
FORD BRONCO
- Offers a rear solid axle
- Does not offer a solid front axle
JEEP WRANGLER
- Offers solid front and rear axles.
- Purpose-built, off-road capable frame.
Style & Design
FORD BRONCO
The Ford Bronco looks great, in all fairness. It has an aggressive and capable look that will appeal to a lot of buyers.
- Ford plans to have more than 200 factory accessories available for the launch.
- No aftermarket upgrades available.
- Rubberized, washable flooring only available on two trims.
JEEP WRANGLER
It’s hard to deny the timeless appeal of a Jeep® Wrangler – the seven-slot grille, wide stance, round headlamps are iconic.
- Arguably the most modified vehicle in the world.
- Unlimited supply of mods, inside and outside of Mopar’s catalog (over 300+ parts and accessories).
- There's no need to wait to build the off-road vehicle of your dreams.
- Water resistant Push-to-start Button and interior tech.
- Removable carpets and one-way floor drain valves make for a convenient washable interior
