2024 Ford Bronco vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, particularly in its two-door variant, which was more successful in capturing the nostalgic aesthetic than the four-door model. The Sasquatch Package, a notable upgrade, enhanced the Bronco's rugged appearance with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, giving it a wide stance and purposeful look. This package was either standard or optional on most Bronco models, allowing for customization across its nine available trims. The interior of the Bronco was designed with a nod to its heritage, featuring an 8-inch digital display and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, along with practical knobs and buttons for essential controls. The Bronco's interior was praised for its comfort and visibility, offering a nearly vertical windshield and effective square side mirrors, although the spare tire on the tailgate did obstruct some rear visibility.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered during a rental experience in Hawaii, was less about aesthetics and more about functionality. The black-on-black color scheme was not ideal for the tropical climate, but the Wrangler's design drew on its military roots, emphasizing American freedom and capability. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 470-horsepower V8 engine. Despite its nearly $50,000 price tag, the Wrangler's interior was focused on utility, with limited storage options and a design meant to withstand dirt and sand. The Wrangler's appeal lay in its ability to traverse challenging terrains, although its ride was rough, and its handling was less refined compared to modern vehicles. The Wrangler's iconic seven-slot grille and Made in the U.S.A. label added to its charm, making it a popular choice despite its lack of sophistication.

The 2024 Ford Bronco offered a range of powertrains, starting with a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This engine could be paired with a seven-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic. For those seeking more power, a turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 was available, delivering 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, though it required the automatic transmission. The Bronco Raptor featured an exclusive 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque, along with a higher towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. The Bronco's off-road capabilities were enhanced by technologies like Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive, and Trail Turn Assist, making it adept at handling challenging terrains. However, its fuel efficiency was a concern, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg in combined driving for the Big Bend Sasquatch model. During testing, the Bronco averaged 16.9 mpg, highlighting the impact of its off-road features on fuel economy.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering slightly better fuel efficiency with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During testing in Hawaii, the Wrangler averaged 19.2 mpg, despite the island's low speed limits and traffic conditions. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it well-suited for off-road adventures. However, its three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern. The Wrangler's ride was rough, with a steady stream of jiggles and jolts, and its steering was slow and disconnected, making it less comfortable for on-road driving. Despite these drawbacks, the Wrangler's off-road capabilities were impressive, especially in the Rubicon trim with its Rock Trac transfer case and locking axles.

The 2024 Ford Bronco, particularly in the four-door configuration, offered a spacious and comfortable interior, accommodating four adults with ease. Unlike the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco did not have a rollbar obstructing rear-seat passengers, enhancing comfort on trails. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery, while durable, did not breathe well, trapping moisture. The Bronco's two-door models came with a standard hardtop, while the four-door had a fabric soft top, with the option for a hardtop. The Bronco's cargo space was generous, with 22.4 cubic feet in the two-door model and up to 83 cubic feet in the four-door with seats folded. The ability to remove the top and doors added to the Bronco's versatility, allowing for an open-air driving experience.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging, though the front seats were comfortable and supportive. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was suitable for various climates, and the Convenience Group option added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Wrangler's rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of the plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders due to the lack of other stash spaces. The Wrangler's cargo area was accessible through a tailgate and rear window, offering 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, accessing the cargo area could be cumbersome if parked close to other vehicles or walls.

The 2024 Ford Bronco featured a 12-inch touchscreen with the Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 4 system experienced connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and inconsistent voice recognition performance. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps and information, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was easy to use, even with the roof panels removed, and offered access to Jeep Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and GPS Trail Logs. The Convenience Group package added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, and remote engine start. Rear parking sensors were available in the Active Safety Group package, aiding in reversing maneuvers.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came equipped with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a backup camera. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Bronco received favorable ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlight performance, and a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags as standard, enhancing safety for front and rear passengers. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with forward collision warning available on higher trims. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for side-impact protection from the IIHS. However, its rollover resistance rating remained a concern.