Have you been thinking about buying an adventure vehicle but you aren’t sure which one to get? I’ve got you covered! In today’s battle of off-roading supremacy, we will look at the 2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2020 Ford Bronco. Both models are designed to conquer the outdoors with ease, but which one is the true champion of the wild? Let’s find out!
Diesel Performance
While the Ford Bronco has two powertrain options that are more robust than the Wrangler’s gasoline selection, there is one type of engine the Wrangler has that the Bronco does not. That’s a diesel option. Popping the hood of the Wrangler, you will find a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V6 motor that delivers a best-in-class 442 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco has no powertrain that can be pitted against this beast, which gives the off-roading advantage to the Wrangler.
V8 Powertrain
Finally confirmed, the new 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is powered by a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine. Pumping out 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, it uses an 8-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. Track tests showed that it can accelerate from zero to 60 MPH in just 4.5 seconds, making this the fastest Wrangler ever. So again, the Ford Bronco doesn’t have a comparable engine.
Iconic Axles
In order to be considered as an expectational off-roading SUV, the vehicle must have solid axles. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler comes with a non-independent front suspension system with rigid, heavy-duty Dana 44 axles. The ratio in the front and back is 3.45.
On the other hand, the 2021 Ford Bronco uses an independent front suspension. The engineers at Ford claim to have come to this decision because they wanted to provide a comfortable ride on and off the roads. However, this type of wiggly axle provides a much more jarring ride experience to passengers when it gets taken off-road. It also makes it harder to swap out the tires for larger models. For example, if you have all-season tires on for every day and want to switch to off-roading tires for your next adventure, it would be easier to do this with the Wrangler than the Bronco.
Shock Absorbers
If you opt for the top-of-the-line Wrangler Rubicon, it will come with Fox shock absorbers and a 2-inch lift for maximized ground clearance. Working with the solid front axle, these shocks provide a more comfortable ride experience. Since the Ford Bronco claims to be more comfortable due to its independent front suspension system, it’s worthwhile to note that it doesn’t come with Fox shocks. So, you don’t have to worry about the Wrangler being uncomfortable if you get the top-tier trim.
Off-Road Packages
While both vehicles are created to be adventure models, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler can be fitted with the Sasquatch Package. This off-roading suite adds some amazing features that the Ford Bronco does not offer with any trim or package. Opting for the Sasquatch Package on the Wrangler Rubicon will get you some nice amenities for your next nature trip.
First, it rides on 35-inch off-roading tires that can handle just about any type of terrain. It also comes with a 4.0:1 transfer case that enables enhanced rock crawling for the most extreme off-roading. Let’s break down the numbers. With the V6 engine equipped, the Ford Bronco has a maximum crawl ratio of 67.8:1. It also is not available with the seven-speed manual transmission, which is optimal for this type of driving. If you love to explorer jagged formations, then you need the Wrangler Rubicon with the Sasquatch Package, diesel motor, and manual gearbox. This will give you a crawl ratio of 84.2:1.
Angles
A good portion of off-roading skill goes into the approach angle. While the Ford Bronco claims to have the best departure and break-over angles (26.3 and 29 degrees versus the wranglers 22.6 and 27.8 degrees), the Wrangler outshines the Bronco in terms of the approach angle. Looking at the two and four-door models, the Wrangler’s approach angles are 44.0 and 43.9 degrees. For the Bronco, it’s 43.2 degrees.
If you don’t know what these angles are, here’s a quick explanation. Approach and departure angles determine the type of obstacle you can travel over without hitting your bumper in the process. Think about it like this. There is a steep ramp in front of you. When you try to drive straight up the ramp, your front bumper will hit it, and you won’t be able to continue. However, if you approach the ramp at a certain angle, you will be able to climb up it without any issue. This theory is the same for departing steep declines (departure angles) as well.
Customization
It’s no secret that the Jeep Wrangler is the most customizable vehicle available on the market. You can personalize to the max, and no one will bat an eye. It’s more shocking to see a standard Jeep Wrangler with no customizations than it is to see a unique one. One of the best things about the Wrangler is that you can remove the roof and doors to let in more of nature. While you can also do this with the Bronco, there is one more thing to add.
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler allows you to also remove the front windshield. Bring the wild into the cabin, this type of off-road experience is not offered by any other vehicle out there, including the 2021 Ford Bronco. So, if you really want to enjoy nature to the fullest extent, the Wrangler, with its fold-down windshield, is the way to go!
Base Models
From the get-go, the Wrangler Sport comes with fog lamps, took hooks, and protective skid plates. These are all features that will serve you well while off-roading. On the other hand, the Bronco Sport Base doesn’t get any of these features. In fact, you have to step all the way up to the upper-mid-level Badlands to get the tow hooks and protective skid plates. Fog lights are included on the second trim level (Big Bend). Even from the start, it seems that the lowest trim Wrangler has got your back on the trails more than the base Bronco.
Towing Capacity
The last area we will cover is the maximum towing capacity. The new Jeep Wrangler can haul between 2,000 and 3,500 pounds depending on the body style, trim level, and engine. As for the Bronco, it also has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when fully equipped. If you enjoy bringing recreational toys on your off-roading adventures, either of these vehicles will do the job.
Find an Off-Roading SUV Near You
If you are still on the fence about which adventure model you want to buy, then you should ask your local dealership about which model will serve your off-roading adventures best. In the battle for off-trading supremacy between the 2021 Jeep Wrangler and the 2021 Ford Bronco, we think there is a clear winner. While the Bronco is a strong contender in the market of adventure-oriented off-road vehicles, it’s hard to
