Icon vs. Icon: How the 2025 Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler Stack Up in Everyday Use

The Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler stand out in the off-road SUV market. They’ve earned devoted fans and continue to evolve with better technology and beefier performance options. Keep reading our 2025 Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler comparison to choose the ideal model for your Brewster, New York, adventures.

What’s New in the 2025 Models?

Ford introduces a 1970s-inspired Free Wheeling appearance package for the 2025 Bronco. The Jeep Wrangler adds practical upgrades, with all models now including power locks and windows. Exterior options for the Wrangler include a new olive-green color.

Pricing differs significantly. The Ford Bronco begins at $37,995 for the Base trim, while the top-of-the-line Raptor costs $90,035. The Wrangler starts at $32,690 for the Sport trim and reaches $70,940 for the Rubicon X 4xe.

Performance and Capability

Both SUVs have impressive power options, with the Bronco offering the following engines:

• 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 hp
• 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 making 330 hp
• 3.0-liter Raptor-exclusive V-6 delivering 418 hp

Jeep counters with the following engine options:

• 3.6-liter V-6 producing 285 hp
• 2.0-liter turbo making 270 hp
• 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain bringing 375 hp and a 21-mile all-electric range
• 6.4-liter V-8 in the Rubicon 392 delivering 470 hp

Jeep wins the towing contest. Models with the 3.6-liter V-6 or 2.0-liter turbo engine can pull up to 5,000 pounds. The Ford Bronco has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds on most trims, although the Raptor manages 4,500 pounds.

Engine Options: Power and Efficiency Compared

The 2025 Ford Bronco’s base 2.3-liter engine easily tackles daily driving, the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 adds serious grunt, and the Raptor’s 3.0-liter V-6 conquers anything.

Jeep’s Wrangler lineup provides less horsepower overall, but it takes the win in the efficiency race. Its 2.0-liter turbo engine gets up to 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, with the 4xe hitting 49 MPGe combined. The Ford Bronco’s base engine manages 19 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

Transmission Choices: Manual vs. Automatic

If you’re a stick-shift lover, you’re in luck. The Ford Bronco pairs its base engine with a seven-speed manual transmission, with a 10-speed automatic available. Other Bronco engines come only with the 10-speed transmission, which handles diverse conditions smoothly. Jeep makes a six-speed manual standard with its V-6 engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission is optional with the V-6 but required for other engines, including the 4xe hybrid.

For tough trails, manual transmissions give precise control for obstacle navigation. With two extra gears, the Bronco’s 10-speed transmission may find better ratios in tricky spots than the Wrangler’s eight-speed transmission.

Off-Road Prowess: The Ultimate Off-Road Showdown

The Ford Bronco features part-time four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, and terrain-specific G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes. An optional HOSS 3.0 suspension, FOX dampers, and BILSTEIN shocks round out its trail capability.

An electronic sway bar disconnect that improves wheel articulation on rough ground sets the Wrangler apart. Rubicon models include 33-inch off-road tires and specialized trail equipment.

The Bronco edges ahead in key measurements, with up to 13.1 inches of ground clearance — the Wrangler maxes out at 12.9 inches — and a fording depth of 37 inches compared to the Wrangler’s 34 inches. These margins can make or break a challenging trail run.

Design and Features

The Bronco’s boxy shape and round headlights honor its heritage, while the Wrangler maintains its seven-slot grille and angular fenders. Each comes in two- or four-door versions to suit different needs.

Bronco two-door models measure 173.7 inches long and offer seating for four, while four-door versions stretch to 189.4 inches and seat five. The Jeep Wrangler is more compact. Its two-door models are 166.8 inches long, with a seating capacity of four passengers, and four-door styles reach 188.4 inches long and seat up to five. This size difference gives the Bronco more interior space.

Both offer open-air freedom with removable doors and roof panels. The Bronco provides soft top and hardtop options, while the Wrangler adds a fold-down windshield for maximum exposure.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The Ford Bronco features a 12-inch SYNC 4 touch screen with quick response and great voice control. An optional 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system delivers crisp sound, even with the roof removed.

The Wrangler counters with a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touch screen offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its available Alpine nine-speaker audio doesn’t match the Bronco’s premium system but handles outdoor acoustics well.

For comfort, both models have heated seats, climate control, and a heated steering wheel, with higher trims offering leather seating. Each uses materials that can handle mud and dirt.

Cargo Space and Practicality

The Ford Bronco wins the cargo battle. Two-door models offer 22.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet when you fold them, while four-door versions provide 38.3 cubic feet behind the back seats and up to 83 cubic feet with the seats down.

Jeep Wrangler two-door models offer only 12.9 cubic feet behind the seats and 31.7 cubic feet with them folded. Four-door models provide up to 31.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 72.4 cubic feet when you fold the seats. You’ll need to pack more carefully in the Wrangler than in the Bronco.

Practical storage features in the Bronco include tie-down points and optional cargo systems, while some Wranglers offer under-floor compartments. Roof racks and cargo add-ons can provide extra capacity when you need it.

Safety Features and Ratings: What To Expect

The 2025 Ford Bronco comes with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 package, which makes several features available, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a backup camera. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage.

All Wrangler models have a backup camera, but forward collision warnings, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors are extra on upper trims. Adaptive cruise control is also available.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2025 Ford Bronco a five-star overall safety rating. Both vehicles use high-strength steel frames and multiple airbags for additional safety.

Is the Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler the Better Buy?

Choosing between these vehicles depends on your priorities. The Ford Bronco has a higher starting cost but includes more standard features and technology. Each tackles trails differently. The Bronco feels more modern, while the Wrangler offers decades of heritage.

Regarding reliability, the Jeep holds a slight advantage. J.D. Power gives the Wrangler an 80/100 reliability score, with the Bronco falling behind at 77/100, a small but notable difference for long-term owners.

Find Your 2025 Ford Bronco at Brewster Ford

The 2025 Ford Bronco delivers incredible off-road ability, impressive technology, expansive cargo room, and driver-friendly G.O.A.T. modes that simplify tough terrain navigation. Contact us to set up a test-drive of the Bronco today at Brewster Ford. Our experts can help find your ideal adventure companion and the best auto financing options to meet your needs and budget.

Image from ford.com

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