2024 Ford Bronco vs. 2024 Jeep Wrangler: Which Rugged SUV Is More Reliable?
When it comes to off-road capability, Bronco and Wrangler are two names with strong reputations. Whether traversing a rugged mountain pass or navigating rutted forest roads, either vehicle instills confidence. But which SUV is more reliable for day-to-day use? Let’s compare their predicted reliability and pros and cons in this 2024 Ford Bronco vs. 2024 Jeep Wrangler matchup.
2024 Ford Bronco | 2024 Jeep Wrangler | |
Pricing (base MSRPs) | $39,130–$89,835 | $32,095–$90,590 |
Engine Types + Sizes | 2.3-liter I4, 2.7-liter V6, 3.0-liter V6 | 2.0-liter I4, 3.6-liter V6, 6.4-liter V8 |
Horsepower + Torque | 275–418 hp 315–440 lb-ft of torque | 270–470 hp 260–470 lb-ft of torque |
Transmission + Drivetrain | 7-speed manual 10-speed automatic 4×4 drivetrain | 6-speed manual 8-speed automatic 4×4 drivetrain |
0–60 Mph Acceleration + Top Speed | 5.6 seconds (Raptor) 114 mph top speed (electronically limited) | 4.4 seconds (Rubicon 392) 101 mph top speed (electronically limited) |
Fuel Economy | 20/22 mpg city/highway | 13–20/16–24 mpg city/highway, 49 MPGe combined (4xe PHEV) |
Maximum Cargo Capacity | 2-door: 52.3 cubic feet 4-door: 83 cubic feet | 2-door: 31.7 cubic feet 4-door: 72.4 cubic feet |
Predicted Reliability | Average: 75/100 (J.D. Power) | Great: 84/100 (J.D. Power) |
2024 Ford Bronco pros and cons
Pros:
- Powerful turbocharged engine options
- Off-road capability
- Spacious passenger and cargo areas
- Relatively comfortable ride
- Confident handling
Cons:
- Excessive wind and road noise inside the cabin
- Subpar fuel economy
- Hard interior surfaces
The 2024 Ford Bronco offers a range of options to satisfy off-road enthusiasts and snow-mageddon grocery buyers. Available in two- or four-door, manual or automatic shift, and mild or wild powertrains, the Bronco is ready for nearly anything. Rugged off-road trail? Your daily commute to work? Soaking up rays with the top off at the beach or the lake? The versatile 2024 Ford Bronco does all of these in style.
2024 Jeep Wrangler pros and cons
Pros:
- Iconic off-roader with unbeaten performance
- Most powerful engine option
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Seemingly endless aftermarket customization options
Cons:
- Excessive wind and road noise inside the cabin
- Small interior space for rear-seat passengers and cargo
- Poor ride and handling
- Abysmal fuel economy in some gas-powered models
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offers several trims to satisfy nearly every type of SUV buyer. Though it’s not the most luxurious or well-behaved on the street, its off-road capability is no less than legendary. And if the factory options don’t express your unique style, aftermarket options will keep you busy for days. Whether you customize a 2024 Wrangler Sport or drive a stock Rubicon 392, you’ll turn heads on back-country two-tracks and at the local mall.
2024 Ford Bronco vs. 2024 Jeep Wrangler: Quality and reliability
J.D. Power surveys thousands of vehicle owners and notes design flaws, defects, and malfunctions they experience. This data results in a model’s “Quality & Reliability” score, but it’s important to remember that quality and reliability vary among individual vehicles.
The 2024 Ford Bronco received an “Average” score of 75 points on a 100-point scale. Meanwhile, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler scored in the “Great” range with 84 points.
While the upper trims of both vehicles are borderline luxurious in areas, they still retain the rugged features required for serious off-road adventures.
2024 Ford Bronco vs. 2024 Jeep Wrangler: Driving and performance
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler fell slightly behind in J.D. Power’s “Driving Experience” category with an “Average” score of 75, compared with the 2024 Bronco’s 78. Car and Driver testers agree, noting that although greatly improved from its beginnings, the Wrangler still rides and drives poorly.
However, the Jeep SUV outperforms its rival in fuel economy with the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid variant. The 2024 Bronco doesn’t offer an electrified powertrain.
2024 Ford Bronco vs. 2024 Jeep Wrangler: Interior, tech features, and amenities
Inside the 2024 Bronco and Wrangler base models, you’ll find cloth upholstery with manual adjustments for both front seats. Though the interiors are somewhat spartan, they include large touchscreen infotainment systems: 12 inches in the Bronco and 12.3 inches in the Wrangler. Both models also support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Which rugged SUV is the right fit for you?
If you’re a serious off-road enthusiast or want to look like one at the mall, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler is hard to beat. With its myriad aftermarket customization options and inherent off-road capability, the Wrangler can be nearly anything you desire — except a comfortable daily driver with excellent road manners. Plus, it boasts a surprisingly high predicted reliability rating.
Suppose most of your driving involves paved roads and you’re willing to sacrifice some of the Wrangler’s iconic personality. In that case, the 2024 Ford Bronco is a decent off-roader capable of taking you places other SUVs fear to tread. Though neither vehicle surrounds you with luxury, both will take you off the beaten path.