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In 2024, the competition for budget-friendly off-road SUV superiority includes worthy combatants such as the Ford Bronco Sport and the Jeep Wrangler. Other comparisons have the larger Ford Bronco matched against the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. However, sometimes we’d rather spend less money to enjoy nearly unlimited off-road fun. Below, we’ll compare features, specs, and prices for the 2024 Bronco Sport and 2024 Wrangler base models. 

2024 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend vs. 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport: Drivetrain comparison

The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend and Jeep Wrangler Sport include four-wheel drive as the standard driveline at their base pricing. The Bronco Sport offers an eight-speed automatic transmission compared to the Wrangler’s six-speed manual. Additionally, the Bronco Sport features electronic selectable G.O.A.T. modes, short for “Goes Over Any Type of Terrain.” In contrast, Wrangler has an additional shift lever to select between drive modes. 

However, the power advantage rests with the Wrangler’s 3.6-liter V6, which produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the Bronco Sport’s turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. 

Does Ford Bronco Sport or Wrangler provide more passenger and cargo space?

While the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport seats five people, the Jeep Wrangler two-door model only seats four. With its 105.1-inch wheelbase, the Bronco Sport provides up to 41.5 inches of first-row headroom and 41.7 inches in the second row. For comparison, the two-door Wrangler Sport trim features a shorter 96.8-inch wheelbase and provides 42.6 and 41.7 inches of front and rear seat headroom. 

The 2024 two-door Wrangler’s front legroom measures 41.2 inches with 53.9 inches of hip room, and the rear seat provides 35.7 inches with 45 inches of hip room. The Bronco Sport provides 42.4- and 55.2-inches of front seat leg and hip room and 36.9- and 53.4-inches in the rear seats. The two-door Wrangler’s total passenger volume comes to 104 cubic feet compared to the four-door Bronco Sport’s larger 105.7 cubic feet. 

The Bronco Sport provides 65.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the first row and 32.5 cubic feet behind the second row. The two-door Wrangler Sport only provides 31.7 cubic feet behind the first row and 12.9 cubic feet behind the second row. 

How does the 2024 Jeep Wrangler’s fuel economy compare to the base model Ford Bronco Sport?

Jeep says the base Wrangler gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for a combined 20 mpg rating. With its 17.5-gallon fuel tank, the Wrangler could travel up to 437.5 highway miles before it runs out of gas. Based on the combined rating, you could drive a Wrangler Sport about 265 miles between fuel stops. 

The EPA estimates the Ford Bronco Sport gets 25 mpg in the city, 28 on the highway, and a combined rating of 26 mpg. With its 16-gallon gas tank, the Bronco Sport could cover a maximum of 448 miles before running out of gas but should go about 315 miles between gas station visits on average. 

What about the base price and warranty comparison?

The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend starts at $31,230 compared to the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport two-door starting MSRP of $31,895. Both automakers provide a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty along with five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain protection and roadside assistance.

Which is better, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler or the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport?

Which is better depends on individual taste and desires. The Ford Bronco Sport provides more cargo space, passenger seating, and better fuel economy. However, the two-door Jeep Wrangler is more capable in off-road situations, has removable doors and top, and has a more powerful engine. Both provide value at the same price with identical warranties.

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