Skip to main content

We’ve got a battle of the boxy-shaped SUVs for you today. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is taking the 2021 Ford Bronco on. While the Jeep Wrangler has a history that spans over 70 years to serve as a trusted and reliable option, the Ford Bronco is making an incredible return. 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler vs. the 2021 Ford Bronco 

A yellow 2021 Jeep Wrangler driving on a road in the woods
2021 Jeep Wrangler | Jeep

First of all, we aren’t saying the Ford Bronco is better than the Jeep Wrangler or vice versa. We just know that the 2021 Ford Bronco is pretty popular as it’s constantly being talked about. But if you don’t want to wait for the Bronco to become widely available, you can consider getting a 2021 Jeep Wrangler today. 

You can get started in a new Jeep Wrangler for about $27,900, and the Ford Bronco begins at about $28,500. So, these boxy off-roaders are pretty competitively priced, but let’s see what the Wrangler has to offer over the Bronco. 

1. The 2021 Wrangler has more engine options 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe crawling over rocks
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe | Jeep

The 2021 Ford Bronco has two engine options. The base engine is a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four with 275 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.7-liter twin-turbo for up to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque using premium fuel. 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 3.6-liter V6 engine provides 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. You can also go diesel with the 3.6-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine that delivers 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. 

Plus, you can get V8 power with the Rubicon 392. It has a 6.7-liter V8 Hemi with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid Wrangler 4xe also pumps out 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco may gain a diesel and hybrid powertrain later. 

2. The Wrangler may have preferred equipment 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has solid axles, while the 2021 Ford Bronco has an independent front suspension. This gives the Bronco a smoother ride quality on the road but makes it more expensive to lift to fit larger tires. 

According to Motor Trend, with the manual Bronco, you get 94.7:1 gearing. But the manual transmission can’t be equipped with the more powerful V6 engine or the Sasquatch off-roading package. 

The Sasquatch package, 35-inch tires, and more potent engine bring the crawl ratio down to 67.8:1. The gas-powered Wrangler Rubicon has a 77.2:1 ratio, and with the manual gearbox, you get an 84.2:1 ratio. 

3. The Wrangler better connects with nature 

A yellow 2021 Ford Bronco compact SUV traveling on trail near a wooded area
2021 Ford Bronco | Ford Motor Company

While the 2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2021 Ford Bronco both help you get out in nature, the Wrangler provides a more connected feeling. It still has a manual transfer case, allowing you to pull a level and feel engaged to provide a deeper understanding of the off-roading experience instead of just twisting a knob. 

The Wrangler 4xe can operate in silence, providing a peaceful ride through nature. You can also fold the windshield down to feel the breeze on your skin. Maybe the Bronco will gain this feature later. 

When you remove the doors from a Wrangler, the mirrors come off too. They can’t be removed in the Bronco, which could limit visibility and could get in the way on more narrow trails. But maybe you can fold them out of the way. 

Both the Wrangler and Bronco are excellent options to consider, but don’t let the Bronco steal the spotlight. If you want to avoid a long waiting list, you can enjoy adventures in the 2021 Wrangler or a used model.

Related

Is the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Worth the Extra Cash?