Even though it may seem like the Wrangler has been around forever, it’s actually the Bronco nameplate that’s entering its sixth-generation right now, not counting the Jeep’s days as a Willy’s CJ model.
The first-ever Jeep Wrangler (YJ) was introduced in 1986, followed by the TJ generation in 1997, the JK in 2007 and the JL, which is about two and a half years old. The original Bronco, on the other hand, came out in 1966 and endured until 1996. That’s when Ford decided to pull the plug and focus on the Explorer and the Expedition.
Read: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Packs A Surprising Amount Of Off-Road Capability In A Small Package
Now we’ve got a brand new Bronco and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to look at it as a returning icon, because the nameplate certainly has more than enough history. But how does it compare to the Wrangler?
Retro looks, youthful vibe
If we had to say which of these two looks more like its first-generation counterpart, that would obviously be the Jeep Wrangler. Its styling hasn’t changed all that much in terms of design philosophy, whereas the new Bronco merely took a few lines here and there from its predecessors.
Don’t get us wrong, the Ford still has a few genuinely retro angles, especially the three-door version, but the five-door Sport model looks more like a 10-year old Ford Escape than a proper Wrangler rival. To be fair, the full-size Bronco is a lot more rugged, with straighter design elements and segment-exclusive frameless doors that are allegedly easier to remove than those of the Wrangler.
Ford also claims that the new Bronco sports best-in-class ground clearance (11.6 inches) and best-in-class water fording capability (33.5 inches) – although you’ll need the 35-inch tires for that which, thankfully for its owners, are available on every trim level.
In terms of size, the Bronco is a tad larger than the Wrangler. Here’s how they compare:
Bronco two-door / four-door
Wheelbase (inches): 100.4 / 116.1
Length (inches): 173.7 / 189.4
Width (inches): 75.9 / 75.9
Height (inches): 71.9 / 72.9
Wrangler two-door / four-door
Wheelbase (inches): 96.8 / 118.4
Length (inches): 166.8 / 188.4
Width: 73.8 / 73.8
Height: 70.9 / 70.9
Who’s got the waterproofed cabin?
The 2021 Bronco, that’s who. While its interior was inspired by that of the original Bronco and may not look very modern, this latest iteration does come with Ford’s latest SYNC4 infotainment system, powering an optional 12-inch display (an 8-inch one is standard). The biggest one you can get in the Wrangler measures 8.4 inches (UConnect 4 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).
But again, it’s the Ford that can boast about the rubberized floor with drain plugs, waterproof switches and water-resistant upholstery, as well as an optional rack you can fit on top of the dashboard that you can use for mounting different devices such as smartphones, cameras and so on.
So while the Wrangler’s interior might look more rugged in terms of its design, it’s the Bronco’s cabin that could prove more durable in the long term, especially if you like to dabble in off-roading.
Which one is cheaper?
As of right now, Ford only released pricing for the base-spec Bronco – you’ll be able to buy the two-door version for upwards of $29,995, while the four-door model is $34,695. Both will be equipped with a 2.3-liter four cylinder EcoBoost gasoline unit, with 270 HP and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. Also available is a 2.7-liter V6, with 310 HP and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque.
An entry-level 2020 Jeep Wrangler two-door meanwhile will set you back $28,295, whereas the four-door model costs $31,795. In total, there are 13 different Wrangler specifications to choose from, and that’s not counting the different body style variations.
In the Jeep, you can choose between either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6-liter V6 at no extra price. The 3.0-liter V6 diesel however will add $4,000 to your configuration. A six-speed manual gearbox comes standard, while the 8-speed automatic is a $1,500 option on the entry-level Wrangler Sport.
The Bronco’s transmission options will include a new seven-speed manual gearbox (standard on four-cylinder models) and a 10-speed automatic.
In the end, it’s tough to say which of the two would end up costing you less. It depends on what type of configuration you want. But if you’re strictly looking at list pricing, the Jeep is technically a little bit cheaper.
A close fight
The Jeep Wrangler will undoubtedly continue to sell well by segment standards. Last year, the carmaker delivered 228,042 Wranglers in the United States. Given the current automotive landscape, it’s unlikely that Ford (or Jeep again for that matter) will get anywhere near those numbers with the Bronco.
Still, that doesn’t mean that the Bronco won’t be successful, especially since it clearly has everything it needs to succeed in this segment. Will it beat its arch-rival, though? Well, what do you think?
