Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, which is better?

2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Ford Bronco

Drivers looking for a rugged body on frame four-wheel-drive SUV with removable body panels have recently had their options expanded. The Ford Bronco has made its return, now going up against the industry’s off-roading standard, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler.

Interestingly, this is not the first time these two have gone head to head. The Bronco was initially introduced in the mid-1960s as a competitor to the Willys CJ-5. In the mid-1980s, that Willys Jeep became the Wrangler we all know today, as the original Bronco continued on. The Wrangler provided simplicity, dependability, and boundless utility, making it the perfect choice for off-roaders and lifestyle influencers.

On Ford’s end, declining sales would prompt the company to discontinue the Bronco in 1996, while the Wrangler continued to ascend and become an American icon. Now, back from its over twenty-year hiatus, the 2022 Ford Bronco again looks to take on the Wrangler for its Hopkins, MN off-roading crown.

Both vehicles are looking for growth within the 2022 model year, both making no significant changes from the outgoing 2021 model year. Here, we put these two to the test in some of the most important Twin Cities buying factors to see which SUV is genuinely the best.

Off-Road Capability

If someone is looking for a Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler for sale in the Twin Cities, chances are that they intend to adventure through Minnesota’s wonderful outdoors. As such, having the most capable SUV will make traversing through unpredictable terrains less of a hassle, and dare we say, more fun.

The Jeep Wrangler didn’t become America’s off-roading icon by simple aesthetics. Comparing the standard offerings from both brands, the base Wrangler beats the base Bronco in every off-roading clearance metric:

• Ground clearance: Wrangler 9.7 inches > Bronco 8.4 inches
• Approach Angle: Wrangler 41.4 degrees > Bronco 35.5 degrees
• Breakover Angle: Wrangler 25 degrees > Bronco 21.1 degrees
• Departure Angle: Wrangler 35.9 degrees > Bronco 29.8 degrees

While the 2022 Ford Bronco’s numbers aren’t anything to scoff at, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler simply comes with more off-road capability. Both models are offered with beefier 35-inch tires on higher trim levels and as standalone packaged, elevating the clearances for both SUVs. While both off-road SUVs offer tow hooks, all Wranglers are offered with all-important skid plates. The Bronco only begins introducing skid plates with the pricier trims. Both vehicles match each other’s maximum towing capacities at 3,500 pounds.

Powertrain Options

Ford has brought back the Bronco with two powertrain options, and will introduce a third when the Bronco Raptor becomes available in the spring of 2022:

1. Option one is a 2.3L inline-4 engine making 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque (offered with either a 7-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission)
2. Second is a 2.7L V6 engine making 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque (only offered with an automatic transmission)
3. Raptor ONLY – 3.0L twin turbo V6 expected to make anywhere between 400-440 hp.

The new Jeep Wrangler has no shortage of options for Hopkins, MN customers. The Wrangler is offered in a total of five engine options:

1. 3.6L V6 making 285 hp and 260 lb-ft (standard)
2. Turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 generating 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque
3. Turbocharged 3.0L V6 diesel engine, which creates an impressive 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque
4. 6.4L V8 engine that creates a staggering 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque (exclusive to the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392)
5. 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Plug-In Hybrid –  2.0L turbocharged engine combined with two electric motors and a 17.3 kWh battery (total output = 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque)

Pricing

The Wrangler and Bronco have an extensive list of comparable trim levels at affordable prices. For most trim levels, the Wrangler and Bronco come within only a few hundred dollars of one another. The 2-door 2022 Jeep Wrangler’s starting price sits at just $29,725, while the 4-door version is offered at $33,225.

The Bronco is offered in seven trim levels:

• Base (lowest price) – *starting at $29,300
• Big Bend –starting at $33,785
• Black Diamond – starting at $36,450
• Outer Banks – starting at $39,355
• Badlands – starting at $42,495
• Wildtrak – starting at 47,780
• Raptor (highest price) – starting at $69,995 (4-door only)

*all prices shown with 2-door option

However, the Wrangler carries a more extensive trim collection, fitting the needs of more drivers. The Wrangler is offered in 10 trim levels plus the 4xe, which has trims of it’s own:

• Unlimited Sport (lowest price) – *starting at $29,725
• Willy Sport – starting at $32,080
• Sport S – starting at $32,925
• Willys – starting at $36,075
• Sport Altitude – starting at $38,715 (4-door only)
• Sahara – starting at $40,745 (4-door only)
• Rubicon – starting at $40,795
• Sahara Altitude – starting at $44,340 (4-door only)
• High Altitude – starting at $51,175 (4-door only)
• 4xe – starting at $52,530
• Rubicon 392 (highest price) – starting at $75,095

*all prices shown with 2-door option unless otherwise specified 

Those looking for the best off-road performance will likely look towards the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Rubicon 392, or the Ford Bronco Badlands and Raptor. These models are both equipped with 33-inch tires with an available 35-inch set, the Bronco Raptor is expected to be launched with 37-inch tires, which will be the largest factory tired ever produced in an American made SUV. Low range gearing for better traction and a disconnecting front stabilizer bar for better wheel articulation are also standard in both. However, the Rubicon comes with locking front and rear differentials, while the Bronco only has a rear lock.

While the MSRP for both SUVs is rather close, those without a reservation will have difficulty finding a Bronco without a markup.

Hard or Soft Top?

Whether for sunshine or a breeze, the removable roof is a major feature of both the Wrangler and Bronco. Both offer hardtop and soft-top versions, with each having unique aspects.

In general, putting the soft top down and back up will be easier as the top simply folds back. They will also take up less space than the solid hardtop pieces by virtue of being fabric. On the other hand, a hardtop will provide improved protection from the elements and insulate the interior better. While the soft top is by no means flimsy, a solid structure will be more durable.

However, those looking for a durable hardtop will probably want to avoid looking at the Bronco. Any new model will inevitably have minor issues, but the Bronco has seen reasonably major problems with its hardtop. Improper fitment leading to leaks, quality control issues with paint discoloration, and headliners peeling off within just weeks are some of the multitudes of problems reported thus far.

Conclusion

The 2022 Ford Bronco’s entry back into the world has been a great start to something that will be sure to improve with time. However, the off-road capability and dependability standards set by the 2022 Jeep Wrangler have not been met. With greater off-roading stats, an extensive array of engine options, and a dedicated aftermarket community allowing anyone to make the Wrangler of their dreams, the Bronco still has a ways to go.

Whenever the time is right, feel free to test drive the new Jeep Wrangler at Walser Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Hopkins, MN. Our experienced staff will help you along the SUV buying journey.
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