The 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor and the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 are two of the more prominent vehicles for people who take their off-road driving as seriously—maybe even more so—as their on-road exploits. By starting with their base Bronco and Wrangler models and then giving them a power-infused makeover, Ford and Jeep have stamped these vehicles as their halo entries in the off-road market.
If you’ve been looking for the ultimate off-road vehicle, the Bronco Raptor and Wrangler Rubicon 392 have almost certainly spent at least a little time on your radar. But which one should be the target? This comparison of the Ford Bronco Raptor and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 gets past the hoopla and into the nitty gritty of how each vehicle performs.
Powertrain
Both these vehicles pack plenty of power. Although the 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor “only” has an EcoBoost V6 engine, its 3.0L twin-turbocharged power plant still puts out an impressive 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission gets you from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds and gives you plenty of gearing options for hills and valleys.
If sheer power is what you’re after, though, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 has the Bronco Raptor beat. This machine comes with a 6.4L HEMI V8 that gives you 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. You’ll go from 0-60 mph in an impressive 4.0 seconds, though the eight-speed automatic transmission gives you a little less gearing flexibility.
As for fuel economy, the 2024 Bronco Raptor is estimated to get 15 MPG in the city and 16 MPG on the highway, while the 2024 Wrangler Rubicon 392 is rated for 13 MPG in the city and 16 MPG on the highway. That means the Bronco Raptor can travel further on less gas. So, while the EcoBoost may not quite have the power of the HEMI, its more efficient design pays dividends on long adventures far from the nearest gas station.
Suspension and Towing
Ford completely revamped the suspension in the Bronco Raper so it rivals any off-road machine. It has a unique HOSS 4.0 (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) system that includes reinforced A-arms and FOX Live Valve 3.1 semi-active performance shocks for even more control. Electronic front and rear locking differentials and a 4×4 system with automatic engagement help with getting over any terrain. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels and 37-inch all-terrain tires come standard for excellent off-road traction.
The Wrangler has long been one of the most capable off-road SUVs, and the Rubicon 392 is another strong performer. It has the Rock-Trac 4×4 system, making it a great trail-riding vehicle. You can electronically disconnect the front sway bar to get the articulation you need for rock crawling. Like the Bronco Raptor, it has 17-inch alloy wheels but is limited to 35-inch tires. You can purchase the vehicle with an optional 8,000 lb WARN winch for getting you up steep inclines or out of ditches.
What about when you get back on the main road? The Bronco Raptor pulls ahead here. The same suspension and tires designed for high-performance off-roading work surprisingly well on pavement with a smooth, relaxed driving experience. With the Wrangler Rubicon 392, so much focus is put into the off-road capabilities that the on-road handling leaves much to be desired, with some people generously describing it as “sloppy.”
When it comes to towing, the Bronco Raptor again comes out on top. While the 2024 Wrangler has an increased max towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, thanks to its new Dana full-float rear axle, the heavier Rubicon 392 is still limited to 3,500 lbs. The Ford Bronco Raptor is rated to handle up to 4,500 lbs, which is enough to tow a variety of watercraft, campers, and vehicles.
Cargo and Interior
The Ford Bronco Raptor and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 are exclusively four-door vehicles that seat five. However, the Ford offers more front legroom and significantly more cargo space than the Jeep. With the Bronco Raptor, you get 33.4 cu.ft. of cargo space with the seats up and 73 cu.ft. with the seats down. In contrast, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 provides a slightly smaller 27.7 cu.ft. in the back and 67.4 cu.ft. with the rear seats folded.
While the Wrangler Rubicon 392 might be slightly more comfortable for rear-seat passengers, the Bronco Raptor has the edge when it comes to front-seat passengers and packing things in. You should also know the Jeep’s seats aren’t quite flush to the floor when you fold them. Both the Bronco Raptor and Wrangler Rubicon 392 are available with a hardtop for maximum weather and rollover protection or as a soft top if you want to let the sun in.
Although the Bronco Raptor upholstery is the same as the regular Bronco, it’s a case of not messing with a good thing. Marine-grade vinyl upholstery is standard, and you can upgrade to leather trim for a sophisticated touch. The water-resistant rubberized flooring is easy to clean, so grime doesn’t build up. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 gives you a comfortable place to sit as well, with leather-trimmed upholstery and seat bolsters to keep you stable. Both vehicles have removable doors for a true open-air driving experience.
Infotainment and Safety
These vehicles give you plenty of ways to have fun wherever you go. The Bronco Raptor includes a standard 12-inch touchscreen. You receive Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a navigation system with preloaded trail maps, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a seven-speaker sound system. Optional add-ons include a Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker system and a wireless charging pad. In the 2024 Wrangler Rubicon 392, you’re greeted by a slightly larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. The differences from the Ford Bronco Raptor are that you get an Alpine nine-speaker system as the default option and a 115-volt power outlet. On the other hand, there’s no wireless charger option.
Ford surges in front when it comes to safety and driver assistance. You receive the full Co-Pilot360 package with forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. There’s also a 360-degree trail camera, and you can upgrade to adaptive cruise control. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 has similar safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear parking assistance, and a front-facing camera. The four-door Bronco received all-around “Good” crash test ratings from the IIHS, while the Wrangler has performed poorly in crash testing, with the IIHS giving it “Poor” and “Marginal” ratings in several areas.
Warranty and Pricing
The manufacturer’s assurance packages are similar for these vehicles. Jeep and Ford both offer a three-year or 36,000-mile limited comprehensive warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. They also provide complimentary roadside assistance for five years or 60,000 miles. The price of these two vehicles is also similar. However, the arguably less sophisticated Wrangler Rubicon 392 is the more expensive option, coming in at $92,140 against the Bronco Raptor’s price tag of $90,035.
The Verdict
The 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor and 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 both have their place in the modern SUV landscape. Which one you should purchase depends on what sort of driving you plan to do and how important certain features are. People who care solely about the off-roading experience, like sheer power, and want the legendary customizability that Jeeps are known for will likely lean towards the Rubicon 392. However, if you’re looking for an SUV that’s excellent on-road as well as off-road, gives you more interior room, and has the latest infotainment and safety features, the Bronco Raptor is the stronger bet. It’s a great combination of “adventure car meets family car” for drivers with ever-changing needs.
