It’s no secret that Wrangler and Bronco are the two best off-roaders you can buy these days. The Wrangler has been in constant production for several decades, while the new Bronco has been revived just a few years ago. Both come with the same design approach – they are body-on-frame off-roaders, equipped with all kinds of standard and available off-road features, both available either in two- or four-door body styles. On paper, the two models look very similar but they aren’t without differences, and that’s why we bring you this 2024 Jeep Wrangler vs. 2024 Ford Bronco comparison, to see what are the key advantages of each model.
In this short comparison, we will check the two models from different aspects. We will compare their design, off-road capabilities, interior features, powertrain and many other things. Hopefully, we will be able to find out which one is better in each aspect. Without further ado, let’s start with the comparison.
2024 Jeep Wrangler vs. 2024 Ford Bronco: Key Design Features and Changes for 2024
So, let’s start this 2024 Jeep Wrangler vs. 2024 Ford Bronco comparison with the most basic things. Both models are conventional body-on-frame SUVs. They feature rigid chassis setups, in order to ensure excellent off-road performance. However, there are some differences too, starting from the suspension setup. While the Wranlger uses solid axles on both ends, the Bronco combines a rear solid axle with an independent front suspension. This means that Wrangler feels potentially more durable on tough terrains, while Bronco offers a slightly smoother on-road ride.
The two models both come in two configurations, either as two- or four-door SUVs. As for the styling, the Wrangler relies on its classic design, while the new Bronco combines retro and modern design elements. It’s worth mentioning that the 2024 Wrangler gets styling updates, including a new grille and headlights, while the Bronco is about to remain unchanged.
2024 Jeep Wrangler vs. 2024 Ford Bronco: Off-Road Features
Of course, off-road performance is one of the key ingredients of these two SUVs. So, let’s start with the ground clearance. The base Wrangler is way better in this aspect, featuring 9.7 inches from the ground. The base Bronco offers no more than 8.3 inches, which feels subpar for this kind of vehicle. Thankfully, things are much better in higher trim levels. Finally, there is the Bronco Raptor, which offers 13.1 inches of ground clearance. For comparison, the most capable Wrangler is good for 12.9 inches.
Given the differences in ground clearance between different versions, the approach and departure angles can vary as well. For example, the base Bronco features 43.2 degrees of the approach angle, while the Bronco Raptor increases it all way up to 47.2 inches. The Bronco Raptor also features 40.5 degrees of departure angle and 30.8 inches brake over angle. The most capable Wrangler, the Wrangler Rubicon, is good for about 47.4 inches of approach angle and 40.4 inches of departure angle.
The Bronco comes standard with various G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes and can be upgraded with pretty much anything you can imagine, including goodies like locking differentials, oversized mud- and all-terrain tires, an intake snorkel, winch-ready bumpers and an on-demand sway bar disconnect and many more. The Wrangler is available with familiar upgrades, such as front and rear differentials, heavy-duty shock absorbers, an electronic sway-bar disconnect, rock rails, 17-inch beadlock wheels and 33-inch all-terrain or mud tires.
Engines
This is where things are significantly different. While Ford relies solely on turbocharged gasoline engines, Jeep offers a pretty impressive level of diversity, naturally aspirated and turbocharged gas engines, a diesel option, a hybrid version and even a monstrous HEMI V8.
The base Bronco is equipped with a 2.3-liter turbo-four that puts out around 300 horsepower and it is a better choice than Wrangler’s base 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated V6 that puts out 285 horsepower and significantly less torque. However, the Wrangler is also available with a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
Jeep doesn’t have an answer for Bronco’s 330-hp 2.7-liter turbo V6 but on the other hand, it has a whole palette of alternatives, starting from the 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, which offers superior torque and fuel economy to anything Ford has to offer. Moreover, there is also a capable hybrid version, with 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
The range-topping Bronco Raptor features a 418-hp twin-turbo V6, which is a pretty strong performer. However, we prefer the Wrangler Rubicon 392 because of a couple of extra cylinders that provide not just more power, but a way more impressive sonic experience as well. We are talking about the good-old 6.4-liter HEMI V8 that sounds amazing and puts out 471 horsepower.
Interior
As for the interior design, the two models are quite similar. They feature a rugged cabin layout, which is rather functional than stylish. As mentioned, both SUVs come in two body styles and offer a similar amount of passenger space. However, it’s worth mentioning that the Bronco offers more cargo space. In the case of two-door models, you may count on a pretty impressive 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet in total. The 2-door Wrangler, on the other hand, offers no more than 12.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 31.7 cubic feet of the total volume.
Four-door models are similar in this aspect. The Bronco is good for 35.6 cubic feet of space behind its rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, while Wrangler offers 31.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 72.4 cubic feet with these seats folded.
Both models are available with all kinds of tech features. The 2024 Wrangler receives an update and gets a 12-inch infotainment screen as standard. The base Bronco features an 8-inch unit and offers a 12-inch screen as an option.
