2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Ford Bronco
Overview
If you're an off-roading fan with a penchant for rugged vehicles, chances are high you've already taken a peek at both the 2021 Jeep Wrangler and the 2021 Ford Bronco. Both on and off the asphalt, these beefy vehicles bring a solid performance. Let's take a look and see which one will be your best choice for a hardworking automobile.
Exterior (Overall Design)
At first glance, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler catches your eye with its industrial hard lines and rock-crawl-ready profile. Jeep has long since cornered the market on the rough and ready aesthetic, and the Wrangler rocks the outdoorsy look that we love.
The 2021 Bronco has a peculiar aesthetic, one that looks more comfortable on pavement than trailside. It reminds us a bit of a modded Toyota FJ Cruiser: one of those vehicles you either love or loathe.
Interior Features
With a luxurious feel to the black interior standard on all trims, Jeep has given the people what they want in the Wrangler. Easy-to-view displays clustered attractively and a modern infotainment system give the interior a high-end aesthetic. It's the best of both worlds: classic Wrangler good looks on the outside, high-tech convenience on the inside.
While the backseat passengers are happy with the legroom on the new Bronco, drivers may not be as impressed with the display's look. It isn't ugly, but it is very underwhelming. For the price point, you expect to have a system that isn't just functional but also at least moderately attractive looking.
Engines
You can purchase either one of these beasts with a V-6 or a turbocharged inline-four. If you stick with Wrangler, there's also an option of a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel with 260 horsepower but 442 lb-ft of torque. However, be aware that what comes standard with the base model of each vehicle is different. While it isn't a massive difference, we found it significant enough to note.
The Wrangler base engine is the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Solid, respectable, and gets the job done: we can't complain about this workhorse of a standard option. A turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque is under the Bronco's hood, though, and this is the same engine as the Ford Ranger. We were surprised, as we expected Ford to put something with a harder hit in the standard Bronco trim.
Safety Features
Any off-road enthusiast knows that visibility is a top priority when hitting the dirt. We love how there are virtually no blind spots in the Wrangler, allowing us to pull maneuvers we wouldn't dare attempt in another vehicle. The Bronco has a 360-camera system, but in a sticky spot, we'd always prefer to trust our eyes over a trail camera system that could get muddied up when you're doing some serious off-roading.
You can equip your trail vehicle with additional safety features, if you desire. For the Wrangler, some top picks are rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring. What you decide to add to your vehicle will largely depend on the type of adventures you plan on having in it, so take the time to think about how you'll use your vehicle before you decide.