Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler: Who’s the King of the Mountain?

Coke vs. Pepsi. Starbucks vs. Dunkin. Marvel vs. DC Comics. Apple vs. Samsung. Epic face-offs and versus matches always bring out strong feels, and everyone’s got something to say. In the automotive world, we’ve got a relatively new rivalry with SUV fans all worked up into a lather. 

It’s the new Ford Bronco vs. the Jeep Wrangler!

Bronco vs. Wrangler! Which is the better tough SUV for you? Major World is pulling out all the stops to help you decide once and for all which one you want. Let’s get into it!

Why Queens, NY Loves the Jeep Wrangler

Jeep’s perennial favorite small SUV, the Jeep Wrangler, is a legend in its own right. Celebrated for its fun, go-anywhere-anytime spirit, and formidable off-road bona fides, it’s hard not to love the Jeep Wrangler. In a world where so many things seem to be becoming watered down and losing their authenticity, the Jeep Wrangler has held onto its identity as a rugged, purpose-built 4×4 SUV. 

We don’t have the space to give you a whole Jeep 4×4 history here, but suffice it to say today, the Wrangler has earned its place as New York’s favorite small used SUV. The very first civilian Jeep, the Willy’s CJ-2A, hit the ground in 1945, right on the heels of WW2, and it more than proved its mettle. Today, the Jeep Wrangler remains true to its roots. It remains a body-on-frame, ultra-capable 4WD SUV with the rugged solid axle arrangement preferred by most serious off-roaders.

Why Used Jeep Wranglers are So Popular in Queens and the Rest of New York

New Yorkers love the Jeep Wrangler for a dozen different reasons. It’s short enough to be easy to parallel park with ease. It rides nice and high for better visibility. It has a range of unbeatable 4WD systems that can punch through the blizzard of the century or cruise the sandy dunes at Robert Moses or Montauk Point without breaking a sweat. 

Used Jeep Wranglers have a solid selection of powerful engines, from the standard 285 horsepower 3.6 liter V6 to the heroic 6.4 liter HEMI V8 with 470 horsepower. There’s even a 375 horsepower 2.0 liter hybrid Jeep Wrangler that returns 49 MPGe. On top of all that, the Wrangler’s popularity means that Major World usually has several sweet, low-mileage used Jeep Wranglers in inventory.

 

The Ford Bronco: A Shot Across Jeep’s Bow

The Bronco returned to Ford’s SUV lineup after 25 years. Many will remember the old Ford Bronco based on the full-size F-150 platform made famous in the O.J. Simpson chase with Al Cowlings at the wheel. Ford took a different approach when they decided to bring the Ford Bronco back in 2021. Rather than just giving us a short wheelbase, 2-door version of the full-size Ford Expedition, they set their sights on the market leader, the Jeep Wrangler.

Based on the new mid-sized Ford Ranger pickup platform, there’s a lot to like about the Ford Bronco. It retains the rugged, body-on-frame built as the original, a must for many off-roaders. But it’s easier to park and handles far better than the lumbering original. That makes the new Bronco a better daily driver for most people. Filing in a garage or a tight parking spot is also easier. 

Differences Between the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler

There are two notable key differences between the Bronco and the Wrangler. The first is that, like 90% of modern SUVs and half-ton pickups, the Bronco has an independent front suspension as opposed to the Jeep’s solid axle. The second is that the Ford Bronco comes with a choice of three turbocharged EcoBoost engines. 

The standard is a 270 horsepower 2.3-liter turbo 4 with 310 lb-ft of torque that can be paired with a class-exclusive 7-speed manual transmission. Optionally, you can bump up to the 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, making 310 horsepower, which is standard with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. Finally, the Bronco Raptor offers the 418 horsepower twin-turbo V6 from the full-size Ford F-150.  

 

Wrangler vs. Bronco:  The Pros of Buying a Used Jeep Wrangler

• You can buy a used Jeep Wrangler with a big V8 engine—that’s not an option with the Bronco.
• The Jeep Wrangler is available with two or four doors and even in pickup form as the Jeep Gladiator!
• The Jeep Wrangler has arguably the biggest selection of aftermarket parts compared to any SUV, so it’s easy to make your used Wrangler unique. 
• Your used Jeep Wrangler has sold axles front and rear—that’s the most rugged set-up. If you’re serious about crashing around off-road, you want that.
• The base, manual Wrangler’s V6 delivers 17 city and 25 highway miles to the gallon vs. the base manual Bronco’s 16 city and 18 highway. 

Our Final Word on the Wrangler vs Bronco

A used Jeep Wrangler is the best choice for anyone who appreciates Jeep heritage and its cult following. The Wrangler is arguably a bit more rugged for extreme off-roading. It has more engine choices, including a hybrid, a diesel, and a muscular AF 6.4L HEMI V8. The base Wrangler’s V6 even gives you better MPG than the Bronco’s base turbo-4. Come one now. There’s only ONE Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep Wrangler is a legend for a reason, and the massive aftermarket for parts isn’t equaled by the Bronco or ANY other 4×4 out there, not even the Toyota Tacoma. 

 

Bronco vs. Wrangler: The Pros of Buying a Used Ford Bronco

• The Ford Bronco has an independent front suspension. While that might not be ideal for off-roading, it means better ride and handling.
• Your used Ford Bronco will also have rack-and-pinion steering instead of recirculating ball steering like the Wrangler, which means more precise steering.
• A used Ford Bronco offers 3,500 lb towing across all models, compared to 2,000-3,500 for the Wrangler, depending on model.
• The Ford Bronco is more uncommon than the Wrangler, which makes it stand out a little more. 

Our Final Word on the Bronco vs Wrangler

A used Ford Bronco is the best choice for someone who wants a tough SUV that looks the part and can hold its own—but has a bit calmer ride and handling for the daily commute. If that’s where you are most of the time, that’s something to consider. If you’re into manual transmissions, it’s the only SUV you can buy with a 7-speed manual, which is pretty cool.

 

Major World Has Low-Mileage Used Wranglers & Broncos and More

There’s no better place to shop for a low-mileage used SUV than Major World. We’ve been helping New Yorkers find their perfect vehicle at the right price for more than 40 years. Come down and discover why we’re Queens’ favorite used car dealership. 

Find your perfect pickup in our online search portal before you visit. Our no-nonsense financing process is the best in the business. You can even pre-qualify yourself right now to save time, and it won’t harm your credit. 

Don’t settle for less than the very best inventory of pre-owned small SUVs in Queens. You deserve the Major World standard of customer care. Give us a call now at (866) 614-2884.