While both the Jeep and Bronco are great cars, each has its benefits along with their flaws. Oftentimes, they’re compared because they share similar purposes, but contain different features. This often sparks debate about which is better depending on individual preferences. It is not uncommon to see the senior lot at LFHS filled with Ford Bronco’s and Jeep Wrangler’s, so we’ve done a comparison between the two.
Jeep Wrangler
- Power Options
Wranglers gives buyers more power options such as a plug in hybrid that can run 22 miles on electric power alone.
A hybrid car can be charged overnight then drive short distances without using any gasoline. This is especially convenient for avoiding the price of gas. Additionally, they can recharge their own battery through regenerative braking.
- Features
Jeep offers a variety of roof options including soft, hard, sky, and dual tops. Every type of roofing comes with its own set of advantages, perfect for customers’ preferences. Soft tops are easy to remove and install, where as hardtops provide superior durability and safety.
- Interior
The Jeep Wrangler features strong, high-quality plastic in the front of the vehicle that feels more durable compared to the Bronco.
The Bronco’s dashboard isn’t as upscale as the Jeep’s and tends to be flimsy. The Wrangler uses more refined products, such as high intensive steel, enhancing its overall stability.
Furthermore, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler comes with a 12.4-inch touchscreen, while the Ford Bronco’s base trim comes with a slightly smaller 12-inch touchscreen.
4. Consistency
The Jeep Wrangler surpasses the Bronco when it comes to longevity. J.D. Power, a market intelligence firm founded on verified customer reviews, is a website based rates vehicles out of four scores: quality and reliability, driving, resale and dealership experience.
Overall, the Bronco was rated a 75 out of 100, while the Jeep received a score of 84. Scores between 70 and 80 are typically average, whereas scores between 81 and 90 are exceptional.
Additionally, the average Wrangler has better high mileage, being expected to last between 230,000 and 280,000 miles, yet the Bronco only lasts an estimated 150,o00 to 200,000 miles.
- Pricing
The Jeep has a broader lineup, catering to a range of budgets to find the perfect balance between cost and capability. While the Wrangler’s cost has remained fairly steady, the Bronco’s prices have increased since its reintroduction. The balance between supply and demand helps Jeep maintain a high resale value. This is why many consumers buy a slightly used Wrangler (2-3 years old) as it has the factor of cost savings while retaining a superior resale value.
Ford Bronco
1.Safety
According to The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the Ford Bronco performed better on the crash test, receiving a Good score compared to a Marginal score the Wrangler received. The Wrangler has a solid front axle; this design means that the car gets death wobble easily. The death wobble is an unpleasant shaking feeling of moving side to side. Since the Bronco has an independent front suspension, it will not get the death wobble and will handle better on the road. It also has a better steering system called rack and pinion. This is a newer and better steering system than the recirculating ball steering system used in the Wrangler.
2. Convenience features
Many states including Illinois require side mirrors on a vehicle. The Ford Bronco has the mirrors attached to the side of the car unlike the Jeep Wrangler that is attached to the door. If you remove the doors off the Jeep you have to buy and attach separate side mirrors to the vehicle. This makes it a lot easier and convenient to have them already installed to the side of the car. When doors are removed from the Bronco, you still have mirrors that you can see out of attached to the vehicle with no extra attachments necessary.
3. Reliability
According to TopSpeed.com, Consumer Reports gave the Bronco a higher rating on reliability. The Bronco scored a 3 out of 5 while Wrangler received a 2 out of 5. It also states that the Bronco averages less recalls per year than the Jeep Wrangler.
- Size
Both the four door and the two door have more interior space than the Jeep Wrangler. This gives more space for people and personal items. The Ford Bronco can store all four doors in the car because of its extended space. This makes it the perfect car for outdoor adventures due to the cargo space.
- Comfort
Bronco seats are wide and soft compared to the Jeep’s rigid and narrow standard, which makes the Bronco a more comfortable ride for longer trips. The Bronco is designed to keep the wind noise out, which makes it an enjoyable highway car as well as an off road vehicle.
As a new driver, it is vital that you feel safe and comfortable in the car you drive everyday. Either one of these vehicles is a great option to consider. All in all, it comes down to what you’re looking for in your car.
james • Dec 12, 2024 at 12:46 pm
whats wrong with a good ole honda civic
Jason Kowalski • Dec 13, 2024 at 12:23 pm
I also don’t understand this obsession with purchasing a false sense of “ruggedness”, especially when it comes to pavement-princess automobiles.
A Honda Civic is the Glock 19 of automobiles. It’s affordable, reliable, versatile, and an all-around decent choice. If you want upgrades, those can be installed as aftermarket modifications. However, keeping it as-is for a while will give you time to learn what you do and don’t like about it.
A Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco is like a Desert Eagle. They are useful in their niche, but are mostly bought to be obnoxious and visually convey a false sense of coolness. As far as most users are concerned, the mainstream “decent” option will be more effective, more comfortable, more affordable, and generally better.
joe tremer • Dec 12, 2024 at 12:42 pm
this really represents the humbleness and thankfulness of lake forest students!