While the Bronco dates to the 1960s, the current edition is an all-new sixth generation that debuted for the 2021 model year (after a 25-year hiatus). In contrast, the current JL-generation Wrangler has been on the road since 2018. In developing the latest Bronco, Ford specifically targeted the Wrangler and its reputation for what TheCarConnection calls its “unsettled ride.” Because the Wrangler’s last redesign predated the Bronco’s resurrection, Jeep couldn’t have expected this direct rival during the engineering stage for the JL platform. As a result, Jeep concentrated on the Wrangler’s off-road characteristics and not its day-to-day drivability. The result is evident in TheCarConnection’s statement from a recent comparison that the Bronco “remains a capable and more comfortable alternative to the Jeep Wrangler.”
At first glance, the Wrangler’s standard V6 might seem like an advantage. However, a closer look at the numbers proves otherwise. The Bronco relies on a sophisticated, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and a gutsy 325 lb.-ft. of torque. The Wrangler’s 3.6-liter V6 falls short with 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. This is a clear example of how modernity matters more than cylinder count. A turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 is available on higher Bronco trims.
The transmission is another crucial element of the powertrain. Ford gives its base Bronco a seven-speed manual gearbox by default, while the base Wrangler has a six-speed row-your-own-gears arrangement. The Bronco’s extra gear helps with city fuel economy (see below) and overall performance. (Of course, automatic transmissions are available for both models.)
Despite the Bronco’s higher horsepower, it provides 25% better in-town fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg (2024 data). The Wrangler’s 16 mpg rating for city driving means its drivers will spend a lot more at the pump. The Jeep ekes out slightly better highway fuel economy, 22 mpg versus 20 mpg for the Bronco.
Looking at several vehicle rating platforms reveals that the Ford Bronco is the clear winner. Turning to Edmunds, we see that its experts ranked the Bronco at 7.9 out of 10, while the Jeep scored a 7.8. Meanwhile, consumers on Edmunds gave the Bronco a 4.1 out of 5, compared to 3.9 for the Wrangler. The competition is close, but the Bronco still outpaces the Wrangler. However, the contrast is more evident with TheCarConnection’s analysis. Its professional reviewers gave the Ford Bronco a 6.3 out of 10 compared to 5.4 for the Jeep Wrangler.
Another advantage of the Bronco’s newer design is a more efficient use of cabin space. Significantly, the Ford provides more front legroom than the Jeep: 43.1 inches versus 41.2 inches – a contrast of almost two full inches. The Bronco’s 43.3 inches of front headroom also beats the Wrangler’s 42.6-inch measurement. Carrying cargo is another Bronco advantage, as its 38.3 cubic feet behind the second row is 20% greater than what you’d get in the Wrangler.
One of the most significant features of the Bronco and Wrangler is the ability to drive without the roof and doors, separating these vehicles from just about every other vehicle. The soft and hard tops can be removed and stored similarly, but storing the doors is another story. The sixth-generation Bronco was engineered from day one with a frameless door design, enabling convenient and compact onboard door storage. In short, you don’t have to worry if you get inspired mid-journey to remove the Bronco’s doors and take advantage of the great outdoors. At the same time, the doors are readily available to reinstall if the weather changes or security needs arise. In contrast, the Wrangler’s framed doors make storage and take-along capability bulky, if not impossible.
