2023 Jeep Wrangler vs. 2023 Ford Bronco

2023 Jeep Wrangler vs. 2023 Ford Bronco

There are many competitors in the midsize SUV market, and the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco both fill a niche for drivers looking for a rugged, outdoorsy SUV that offers enough comfort for everyday driving. The Jeep Wrangler is the ultimate off-road vehicle. It’s immediately recognizable when on the road and looks just as at home plowing through the mud in the woods as it does driving across a sandy beach or cruising the highway with its top down. Other manufacturers have attempted to capture this same appeal, and some have created quality SUVs worth a closer look.

One of the 2023 Jeep Wrangler’s top competitors is the Ford Bronco. The Bronco first hit the market nearly 60 years ago, but declining sales resulted in its discontinuation in 1996. However, it made a comeback when it reemerged in 2021, offering a completely updated design and even more of a focus on its off-road capabilities. Our team at Campbell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Benton, Arkansas, has written this article to provide you with a closer look at how the 2023 Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco compare.

Performance

A glimpse at these two SUVs leads one to believe that Jeep and Ford built them with performance in mind. Specifically, off-road performance is at the forefront of both vehicles’ designs. However, when comparing their powertrains and drivetrains, we can see that the 2023 Jeep Wrangler clearly has the advantage.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offers a staggering 16 trim options, taking every possible step to allow you to customize your vehicle choice to your liking. Within these trim levels, the Wrangler offers five different engine options, including a plug-in hybrid. The base engine is a 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 that generates 260 lb-ft of torque. If you’re looking for an upgrade, the next level up is the optional 270-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 295 lb-ft of torque. Powertrain option number three goes in a different direction as a 260-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 turbo-diesel that’s rated at 442 lb-ft of torque.

The top trim level gets the royal treatment with a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 that cranks out 470 lb-ft of torque. If you’re looking for both power and efficiency, the Wrangler offers a plug-in hybrid engine that combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a starter-generator electric motor, and an electric traction motor. The combined effort cranks out 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.

Depending on trim level, Jeep has paired these engines with either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. All Wranglers have part-time four-wheel drive, making the transition from highway to off-road easy and efficient.

As for the Bronco, nine trim levels utilize three different powertrains. The base models utilize a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine or an optional 330-horsepower twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6. The V-6 is standard on two of the higher trim levels, and a 418-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 is found on the top trim level. Ford has paired all these engines with a 10-speed automatic transmission, but a manual transmission is optional if you choose the smaller base engine. All-wheel drive is standard across all of the Bronco’s trim levels.

Technology

Although the Jeep Wrangler’s roots are deeply planted in the past, there’s nothing old school about its technology. A 7-inch infotainment touch screen comes standard, with the option to upgrade to a larger 8.4-inch Uconnect system with updated graphics and a fast response time. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports are also standard, helping you to stay connected when on the road. Optional technology features include a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot, a media hub with two additional charge-only USB ports, HD radio, GPS navigation, and an Alpine premium speaker system.

The Ford Bronco uses either an 8- or 12-inch touch-screen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hot spot service. Available upgrades are slightly more limited than those found in the Wrangler, and include features such as built-in navigation and an upgraded speaker system.

Safety

Both SUVs include some of the latest driver assistance safety features, helping you feel confident that you’ll arrive at your destination as safely as possible. Standard safety features on the 2023 Jeep Wrangler include electronic roll mitigation, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and a rear backup camera. Additional features are available, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and a full-speed forward collision warning.

Like the Wrangler, the Bronco comes equipped with a host of driver assistance technology features to help provide assurance when you’re behind the wheel. Standard driver assistance features on the Bronco include post-collision braking, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and a rear camera with backup assist grid lines. Available features include forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.

Pricing

Pricing for both the Wrangler and Bronco varies depending on trim level and engine choice. The base model of the Jeep, the Sport, starts at a reasonable $35,195. The top-of-the-line Rubicon trim level has a starting MSRP of $82,495, indicating its premium performance capabilities and superior quality. When looking at the pricing of the Bronco, the base trim level starts at $34,595, but that’s for the two-door model. The four-door base model bumps the MSRP up to $37,745. The highest trim level of the Bronco tops out at $83,580.

2023 Jeep Wrangler vs. 2023 Ford Bronco: Ready To Decide?

Both the 2023 Jeep Wrangler and the 2023 Ford Bronco have a lot to offer drivers in the Benton area who are looking for some off-road adventures or an SUV capable of traveling on any road surface with ease. When deciding between the two, the choice really comes down to engine selection. If you’re looking for more options, including the choice of a plug-in hybrid, then the Wrangler is the clear winner. Check out our available inventory or stop by our dealership in Benton, Arkansas, to see the impressive 2023 Jeep Wrangler for yourself.