Broncos vs. Wranglers: An In-Depth Comparison

The off-roading 4x4 market is dominated by two industry legends—Ford and Jeep. Each automotive manufacturer features a signature mid-size SUV with outstanding overlanding capabilities and overall superior ruggedness. Read on for an in-depth comparison of Broncos and Wranglers from the 2023 model year to determine which vehicle is best for your specific needs.

The Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco is a highly capable and impressive mid-size SUV with plenty of character and off-roading chops to compete with the Jeep Wrangler. With a starting price tag of just under $35,000 MSRP, the Bronco is an affordable option for overlanding enthusiasts and families alike.

2023 Configurations

Like Bronco models of the past, the 2023 release includes a wide range of configurations. The standard Ford Bronco Base model ($34,595) includes every basic option, including 2-door hardtop or 4-door soft-top assemblies, turbocharged 4- and 6-cylinder engines, 7-speed manual for 2-door or 10-speed automatic for 4-door, part-time 4WD, automatic high beams, GOAT terrain management settings, a SYNC 4 8-inch touchscreen, and more. Of course, the more expensive Bronco configurations offer more performance and aesthetic enhancements than the base model. Here are the other 2023 Ford Bronco configurations and examples of their key features, which are in addition to or are a replacement for the standard features:

• Ford Bronco Big Bend ($38,595): improved 17-inch wheels and included 32-inch all-terrain tires, additional Mud/Ruts GOAT settings, leather interior features, rear privacy glass, and optional upgrades for remote start and keyless entry.
• Ford Bronco Black Diamond ($41,250): 17-inch steel wheels in gloss black, leather and vinyl interior elements, reinforced steel bash plates, additional Rock-Crawl GOAT setting, electronic locking rear axles, and rubberized flooring with water relief plugs.
• Ford Bronco Outer Banks ($46,350): 18-inch wheels with 32-inch all-terrain tires, reinforced tube steps, advanced trail control and navigation systems, enhanced automatic climate control, premium interior materials, and upgraded LED lighting.
• Ford Bronco Badlands ($47,395): additional Baja GOAT setting, reinforced rock rails, included front and rear tow hooks, front stabilizer bar disconnect, advanced HOSS 2.0 suspension with Bilstein shocks, and 33-inch all-terrain tires.
• Ford Bronco Everglades ($54,645): air intake snorkel, advanced modular hardtop, 12-inch SYNC touchscreen, reinforced front-end stylings and bumper, bolt-on fenders, and premium vinyl seats.
• Ford Bronco Wildtrak ($58,025): advanced HOSS 3.0 suspension with Fox internal bypass dampers, high-clearance front fenders, standard remote start, 2.7L EcoBoost V6, and on-demand 4WD.
• Ford Bronco Raptor ($78,580): 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine, reinforced and removable fenders, Fox semi-active shock absorbers, racing-quality HOSS 4.0 suspension, 4,500-pounds of towing capacity, 37-inch all-terrain tires, armored swing gate, and front and rear locking axles.

Engine Specifications

Most Ford Broncos come standard with a 2.3L 4-cylinder engine turbocharged for 300 horsepower. However, various configurations and upgrade options include a twin-turbo 2.7L V6 with 330 horsepower. It’s important to note that the 2.7L V6 is not compatible with 7-speed Bronco configurations, meaning fans of manual transmission must settle for the smaller engine. Additionally, a highly advanced and powerful 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is exclusively available for the Raptor configuration—this engine produces 418 horsepower and features a 6.3 second 0–60 mph rating.

Notable Advantage Over the Jeep Wrangler

Unlike Jeep Wranglers, the Ford Bronco greatly prioritizes driver and passenger comfort. The Bronco is widely regarded as a more comfortable on-road vehicle that’s better suited for families or individuals in urban areas. This is because Ford’s suspension system is much softer than Jeep’s, resulting in a far less bumpy riding experience. While this might negatively impact off-roading performance, the Bronco is typically the more practical daily driving option compared to the Wrangler.

The Jeep Wrangler

Jeep is the undisputed champion of manufacturing off-roading mid-size SUVs thanks to a long and successful history of producing the ever-popular Wrangler. The 2023 Jeep Wrangler is similar to its predecessors—affordable, off-road capable, and loads of fun!

2023 Configurations

Jeep offers the 2023 Wrangler in five distinct configurations, each offering select performance, aesthetic, and comfort advantages. The standard Jeep Wrangler Sport ($31,195) comes in 2-door and 4-door designs and includes basic halogen headlights and fog lights, a 6-speed manual transmission, solid front and rear axles, a Uconnect infotainment system, 17-inch black steel wheels with all-season tires, and standard color options. Here are the other 2023 Jeep Wrangler configurations and examples of their key features, which are in addition to or are a replacement for the standard features:

• Jeep Wrangler Sport S ($34,890): available LED headlights and fog lights, 17-inch silver aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires, keyless entry, premium steering wheel materials, and power and heated outside mirrors.
• Jeep Wrangler Willys ($38,685): improved aesthetic features like a blacked-out grille and bumper accents, LED headlights, reinforced rock rails, special Willys badges and decals, limited slip differential, and 32-inch Firestone mud-terrain tires.
• Jeep Wrangler Rubicon ($43,990): advanced rear and front locking differentials, trail-tested axles and suspension systems, 17-inch aluminum wheels with 33-inch off-road all-terrain tires, reinforced steel rock rails, improved driver display, enhanced audio systems, and premium interior materials.
• Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited ($46,120): luxurious interior materials and seating, 4-cylinder turbo engine, eTorque boost enhancements, full-time AWD, 8-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires, included reinforced side steps, fender flares, and premium vinyl seats.

Engine Specifications

Jeep offers five engine options for its Wrangler configurations. The standard engine option is a 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. Alternatively, customers can select from a 270 horsepower 2.0L turbo inline 4, a 260 horsepower 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, or a 375 horsepower 2.0L plug-in hybrid turbo inline 4. Additionally, a 470 horsepower 6.4L HEMI V8 is exclusively available for the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 special edition configuration ($82,495).

Notable Advantage Over the Ford Bronco

Almost every Jeep Wrangler configuration is slightly more affordable compared to their 2023 Ford Bronco counterparts. These price differences might not seem like much, but the savings do add up, especially as you consider more advanced models and configurations. Another clear advantage of the Jeep Wrangler is its total dedication to superior off-roading performance. These vehicles might not be the most comfortable daily drivers, but their solid axle design encourages overlanding activities like rock-crawling and desert racing.

Which Is Best for You?

It can be difficult to determine which of these mid-size SUVs is best for you and your needs, as each offers a unique and rewarding driving experience. However, it’s clear that the Ford Bronco is a much more comfortable SUV and it includes better technology, even for entry-level models. As such, this car is ideal for families or individuals looking for a dependable daily driver. Conversely, Jeep Wranglers are the perfect automobiles for first-time drivers, as second family cars, or for the ultimate off-roading enthusiasts.

Use this in-depth comparison of Ford Broncos and Jeep Wranglers to determine which vehicle is ultimately right for you. Regardless of your choice, TopLift Pros has roof removal and door storage tools that will ensure faster removal processes and more enjoyable open-air driving experiences! Browse our selection of Bronco and Jeep Wrangler top hoist products today.