Although off-road capability used to be the main criterium for SUVs, nowadays most of them prioritize space and comfort. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, some drivers want an SUV that they can use both for family road trips and exciting off-road adventures. The Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco both fit this description. At Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (CJDR) in Lewisville, Texas, we want to show you how they compare.
Wrangler vs. Bronco: Overview
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler is an off-roading legend. Its current generation is its fourth and was first introduced in 2018, with each new model year bringing several improvements. The 2024 model keeps up with the times and brings an updated infotainment system while also refreshing its styling. While it can do a great job as a family SUV, the Wrangler is specifically designed to be an off-roading beast. Some features that make this obvious are the high ground clearance, excellent four-wheel-drive system, and multiple off-road-oriented features.
While the Wrangler is an off-roader that can work well as a comfortable family vehicle, the Bronco is the opposite. This SUV aims to be a vehicle that provides excellent road comfort and maneuverability while also being a capable off-roader. The 2024 model is part of the Bronco’s sixth generation, which was first introduced in 2021.
Great Standard Features
Both the 2024 Jeep Wrangler and the 2024 Ford Bronco have excellent standard features. The Wrangler’s basic Sport trim comes with everything you need for a great off-road adventure, including a four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing, tow hooks, fog lights, skid plates, and 17-inch steel wheels. It also has basic comfort features, including air conditioning, a large 12.3-inch touch-screen interface, and easy smartphone integration through either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The Bronco is also well equipped for adventures both on and off the road. It’s not as off-road-ready as the Wrangler, but it does come with two tow hooks and 16-inch wheels with 30-inch all-season tires. On the inside, the 8-inch touch screen is smaller than the Wrangler’s, but the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is wireless. It also comes with a standard terrain management system with five modes that you can choose from depending on the surface you’re driving on.
Many Useful Optional Features
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler’s higher trims make it a more capable off-roader while also improving comfort and infotainment technology. Some trims, such as the Sahara and High Altitude, prioritize luxury and style with features that include keyless entry, automatic climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a premium audio system. Others, such as the Willys and Rubicon, add off-roading features, including heavy-duty axles, rock rails, 4:1 low-range gearing, and electronic locking front and rear differentials. You don’t have to compromise on capability and style, though, as trims such as the Rubicon X and Rubicon 392 have the best of both.
The 2024 Ford Bronco is also highly configurable with no less than nine trims to choose from, plus multiple feature packages. Just like the Wrangler, some optional trims focus on style and comfort, while others prioritize utility and off-road capability.
Capable Powertrains
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler comes with four available powertrain options:
- The standard 3.6-liter V-6 with up to 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic.
- A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque and automatic transmission.
- A 6.4-liter V-8 with 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque and automatic transmission.
- A plug-in hybrid powertrain called the 4xe with 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, which can go for up to 22 miles solely on electric power.
The 2024 Ford Bronco comes with three available powertrain options:
- The standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with up to 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a seven-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- A turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 with up to 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- A turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 with up to 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque.
Although the Wrangler’s base engine is slightly less powerful than the Bronco’s, it more than makes up for it with the monster 6.4-liter engine and the powerful yet economical plug-in hybrid version.
Decent Fuel Economy
Both the 2024 Jeep Wrangler and the 2024 Ford Bronco have adequate fuel economy figures for such large, powerful, and highly capable vehicles. The Wrangler’s standard V-6 and optional turbocharged four-cylinder both have a 20 mpg combined city/highway fuel economy rating, while the V-8 gets 17 mpg. If you want a Wrangler that’s both powerful and economical, the 4xe plug-in hybrid version gets the equivalent of 49 mpg.
Despite the Bronco having a 10-speed automatic, compared to the Wrangler’s eight-speed, it has slightly worse mpg ratings. The four-cylinder engine gets 17 to 20 combined mpg, while the V-6 engines get around 17 mpg.
The Jeep Wrangler Wins Out
There’s no doubt that both vehicles in this Jeep vs. Ford comparison are excellent and would make great choices for drivers who prioritize all-around capability. Although the 2024 Ford Bronco does a great job on off-road terrains, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler retains its crown as the quintessential off-roader due to its higher maneuverability on difficult surfaces. The Bronco is slightly more suitable for on-road situations, though, with its smoother suspension and slightly larger cabin. In the end, the Wrangler just edges it because off-road performance is a more relevant quality for this type of vehicle.
Check Out the 2024 Jeep Wrangler at Huffines CJDR Lewisville
If you want to see the 2024 Jeep Wrangler for yourself and take it for a test drive, Huffines CJDR Lewisville is the place to do it. Our knowledgeable sales professionals in Lewisville, Texas, will tell you everything you need to know to help you make an informed decision. If you decide it’s the right vehicle for you, our finance department can help you find the most cost-effective way of paying for it. And when the time comes for maintenance and repair operations, you can count on our factory-trained mechanics. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.