The off-road SUV segment has long been dominated by two iconic nameplates: the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco. Both vehicles boast a rich history, rugged design, and the ability to tackle challenging terrain with ease. As the 2023 models enter the market, prospective buyers are faced with the difficult task of choosing between these two capable off-roaders.
In this comprehensive comparison, we will dive deep into the strengths and weaknesses of the 2023 Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, providing valuable insights to help you determine which one aligns best with your needs, desires, and sense of adventure.
Exterior Design
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler retains its iconic boxy design, round headlights, and signature seven-slot grille. It offers removable doors and a fold-down windshield, which emphasizes the Wrangler’s off-road heritage. The Wrangler is available in two-door and four-door configurations, as well as the Gladiator pickup truck version. It comes with various top options, including a soft top, hard top, and Sky One-Touch Power Top.
On the other hand, the 2023 Ford Bronco features a retro-modern design that pays tribute to the original Bronco from the 1960s. It boasts a bold front fascia, round headlights with LED accents, and an overall rugged appearance. Like the Wrangler, the Bronco offers removable doors and roof panels for an open-air experience. The Bronco is available in two-door and four-door configurations, with a range of factory roof options such as a soft top, hard top, and modular hard top.
Interior Design
The Jeep Wrangler’s interior is designed to be durable and functional, with a focus on off-road usability. It features water-resistant materials and weatherproof switches, making it suitable for all types of terrain and weather conditions. The Wrangler’s Uconnect infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and optional navigation.
The Ford Bronco’s interior is similarly focused on durability and off-road functionality. It offers easy-to-clean surfaces and marine-grade vinyl seating. The Bronco’s SYNC 4 infotainment system includes a larger touchscreen than the Wrangler, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates.
Additionally, the Bronco features an optional 12-inch touchscreen and a 360-degree camera system for enhanced off-road visibility.
Seating
Both the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco offer seating for up to five passengers. However, the four-door models provide more rear legroom than their two-door counterparts. The Wrangler’s seats are comfortable and supportive, while the Bronco’s seats provide additional bolstering for improved off-road comfort.
Storage
The Jeep Wrangler offers 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats in the four-door model, which expands to 72.4 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. The two-door Wrangler has less cargo space, with 12.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.
The Ford Bronco boasts more cargo space in both two-door and four-door configurations. The two-door Bronco provides 23.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, while the four-door model offers 35.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Performance
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Optional engines include a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, and a 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain with a combined output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
The Wrangler is available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it comes standard with a part-time four-wheel-drive system.
The 2023 Ford Bronco offers a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. There’s also an optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco features a standard seven-speed manual transmission with a unique crawler gear for enhanced off-road capability or an optional 10-speed automatic transmission.
Like the Wrangler, the Bronco comes standard with a part-time four-wheel-drive system, but it also offers an optional advanced 4×4 system with an electronic two-speed transfer case.
Fuel Efficiency
The Jeep Wrangler’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine and transmission options. The most efficient Wrangler configuration is the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with the eight-speed automatic transmission, offering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The 4xe plug-in hybrid model provides up to 21 miles of all-electric driving range and an EPA-estimated 49 MPGe combined rating.
The Ford Bronco’s fuel efficiency also depends on the chosen engine and transmission. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with the 10-speed automatic transmission is the most fuel-efficient Bronco configuration, delivering an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
Safety
Both the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco come equipped with a range of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, electronic stability control, and traction control. Advanced driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning, are available as options on both vehicles.
The Jeep Wrangler offers the available Jeep Active Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages, which add features like automatic high-beam headlights, full-speed forward collision warning with active braking, and adaptive cruise control.
The Ford Bronco counters with the available Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, which includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Trim Levels
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler is available in a variety of trim levels, including Sport, Sport S, Sahara, Rubicon, and the off-road-focused Rubicon 392. Each trim offers different levels of equipment and capabilities, catering to a range of budgets and off-roading preferences.
The 2023 Ford Bronco comes in several trim levels as well, including Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Wildtrak, and Badlands. Similar to the Wrangler, each trim level offers unique features and capabilities, allowing buyers to choose the model that best suits their needs and preferences.
Pricing
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler’s starting price is around $30,000 for the base two-door model and around $33,000 for the four-door version. The top-of-the-line Rubicon 392 starts at approximately $75,000.
The 2023 Ford Bronco has a starting price of around $30,000 for the base two-door model and around $34,000 for the four-door version. The range-topping Wildtrak and Badlands trims begin at around $50,000.
Key Differences
Engine Options:
While both the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco offer multiple engine options, the Wrangler provides more variety with the inclusion of a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 and a 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Bronco’s engine lineup is limited to the 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four and the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6.
Transmission Options:
The Jeep Wrangler comes with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the Ford Bronco offers a seven-speed manual transmission with a unique crawler gear for improved off-road capability or a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel Efficiency:
The most fuel-efficient Wrangler configuration (2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with the eight-speed automatic transmission) provides slightly better fuel economy than the most fuel-efficient Bronco configuration (2.3-liter EcoBoost with the 10-speed automatic transmission). Additionally, the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offers 21 miles of all-electric driving range and a combined rating of 49 MPGe.
Cargo Space:
The Ford Bronco boasts more cargo space in both its two-door and four-door configurations compared to the Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco offers up to 77.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the four-door model, while the Wrangler only provides up to 72.4 cubic feet.
Infotainment System:
The Ford Bronco’s SYNC 4 infotainment system includes a larger touchscreen than the Jeep Wrangler’s Uconnect system. The Bronco also features an optional 12-inch touchscreen and a 360-degree camera system for enhanced off-road visibility.
Off-Road Technology:
While both vehicles are designed for off-roading and offer various off-road-focused features, the Ford Bronco comes with the available advanced 4×4 system with an electronic two-speed transfer case, providing an extra edge in off-road capabilities.
Safety Features:
Both vehicles offer advanced driver-assistance systems, but the Ford Bronco’s available Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features covers a slightly broader range of technologies than the Jeep Wrangler’s available Jeep Active Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages.
Trim Levels:
While both the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco are available in various trim levels, the Wrangler offers the off-road-focused Rubicon 392, featuring a powerful V8 engine. The Bronco’s top trims, Wildtrak and Badlands, focus on a combination of off-road capability and luxury.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, both the 2023 Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco have established themselves as formidable contenders in the off-road SUV market. They each offer their unique blend of design, performance, and capabilities to cater to different tastes and preferences.
The Jeep Wrangler’s diverse engine lineup, including a diesel and plug-in hybrid option, and its legendary off-road pedigree give it an undeniable appeal. Meanwhile, the Ford Bronco’s retro-modern design, spacious interior, and advanced off-road technology make it an attractive alternative.
As you weigh the options and consider the key differences between these two iconic off-roaders, it is essential to reflect on your needs, driving habits, and preferences. The Jeep Wrangler might be the better choice for those seeking more engine options and a proven off-road reputation, while the Ford Bronco could be more suitable for those who value additional cargo space, advanced technology, and unique off-road features.
Ultimately, the choice between the 2023 Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco will depend on which vehicle best aligns with your lifestyle and off-roading aspirations.
Features Breakdown
2023 Jeep Wrangler Features Breakdown:
- Exterior Design:
- Iconic boxy design
- Round headlights and seven-slot grille
- Removable doors and fold-down windshield
- Available in two-door and four-door configurations
- Soft top, hard top, and Sky One-Touch Power Top options
- Interior Design:
- Durable and functional materials
- Water-resistant surfaces and weatherproof switches
- Uconnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Seating:
- Comfortable and supportive seating for up to five passengers
- Storage:
- 31.7 to 72.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the four-door model
- 12.9 to 46.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the two-door model
- Performance:
- Standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, and 4xe plug-in hybrid
- Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission
- Part-time four-wheel-drive system
- Fuel Efficiency:
- Up to 22 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with eight-speed automatic)
- 49 MPGe combined and 21 miles of all-electric range (4xe plug-in hybrid)
- Safety:
- Standard rearview camera, electronic stability control, and traction control
- Available Jeep Active Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages
- Trim Levels:
- Sport, Sport S, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon 392
- Pricing:
- Starting at around $30,000 for the base two-door model and $33,000 for the four-door version
2023 Ford Bronco Features Breakdown:
- Exterior Design:
- Retro-modern design
- Bold front fascia, round headlights with LED accents
- Removable doors and roof panels
- Available in two-door and four-door configurations
- Soft top, hard top, and modular hard top options
- Interior Design:
- Durable and off-road focused materials
- Easy-to-clean surfaces and marine-grade vinyl seating
- SYNC 4 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Seating:
- Bolstered seating for up to five passengers
- Storage:
- 35.6 to 77.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the four-door model
- 23.6 to 58.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the two-door model
- Performance:
- Standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four engine, optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6
- Seven-speed manual transmission with crawler gear or 10-speed automatic transmission
- Part-time four-wheel-drive system and available advanced 4×4 system
- Fuel Efficiency:
- Up to 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (2.3-liter EcoBoost with 10-speed automatic transmission)
- Safety:
- Standard rearview camera, electronic stability control, and traction control
- Available Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features
- Trim Levels:
- Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Wildtrak, and Badlands
- Pricing:
- Starting at around $30,000 for the base two-door model and $34,000 for the four-door version
