The 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco were both built to explore rugged off-road terrain, but which is the best midsize SUV for your adventures? Our comparison guide will help you carefully consider these very capable options.
Power and Performance: 2021 Jeep Wrangler
While the Ford Bronco lets you choose from two powerful engines, the Jeep Wrangler has five. With so many options, the Wrangler appeals to a wider range of off-road drivers. Choose from these Wrangler powertrains:
- 3.6L V6 (285 hp, 260 lb-ft) + standard six-speed manual transmission or optional eight-speed automatic transmission
- Turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 295 lb-ft) + eight-speed automatic
- Turbocharged 3.0L diesel V6 (260 hp, 442 lb-ft) + eight-speed automatic (available for four-door Unlimited models only)
- 6.4L V8 (470 hp, 470 lb-ft) + eight speed automatic (available for the Unlimited Rubicon only)
- 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain (375 hp, 470 lb-ft) + eight-speed automatic transmission (available for Unlimited Rubicon and Sahara models only)
The 2021 Ford Bronco never gets quite as powerful as the Wrangler, and it doesn’t offer a thrifty hybrid option either. Here’s what you can choose from:
- Turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 325 lb-ft) + standard seven-speed manual transmission or optional 10-speed automatic transmission
- Turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 (330 hp, 415 lb-ft) + 10-speed automatic transmission
Proven Off-Road Chops: 2021 Jeep Wrangler
The Ford Bronco might be a strong competitor, but the Jeep Wrangler is still king of the off-road. Jeep’s iconic SUV comes standard with everything you need for a romp in the wilderness, including skid plates, tow hooks, and four-wheel drive. You’ll also find a wide range of rugged gear available, with everything from long-range gearing to an electronic disconnecting front stabilizer bar to help you ford rivers and scale mountains.
With the Bronco, you also get standard four-wheel drive. Like the Wrangler, the Bronco is a convertible SUV, with removable doors and a removable roof. However, some off-road-friendly features, such as the front anti-roll bar disconnect system, are only available on a limited basis.
Aftermarket Customization: 2021 Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler has been around a lot longer than the Ford Bronco, and that means you can find a lot more ways to customize your model. If you desire, you can hit the Wrangler aftermarket for a wide variety of style and performance gear. This includes exterior features, like hoods, wheels, and other accessories. It also includes performance upgrades, which come in handy if you’re outfitting your Wrangler for a specific off-road setting, whether that’s a desert racetrack or a mountain trail.
Modern Comfort and Style: 2021 Ford Bronco
When it comes to style, we have to hand it to the new Ford Bronco. The reintroduced Bronco combines retro styling with modern flourishes, so it looks both familiar and brand new at the same time.
Of course, the Jeep Wrangler looks as rugged as ever. Its iconic design, including its vertical grille bars and round headlamps, is as American as apple pie. Its exterior might not be very retro, but, like the Bronco, the Wrangler offers a wide range of color and wheel options to suit your personal style.
Endnotes
The 2021 Ford Bronco might be the new kid on the block, but sometimes it’s best to stick with tried-and-true off-road performance and this is one of those times. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offers all the customizations you crave for the perfect off-road performance.