Critics Pick the Ford Bronco Over the Jeep Wrangler
The battle between the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco is in full swing. Some people actually have both SUVs, but others swear that only one can be the best. Regarding rankings, some automotive journalists give the 2023 Ford Bronco an advantage over the 2023 Jeep Wrangler.
2023 Ford Bronco vs. 2023 Jeep Wrangler
U.S.News has spoken by placing the 2023 Ford Bronco ahead of the 2023 Jeep Wrangler on their list of the best compact SUVs. However, this isn’t the best victory to consider. The Bronco and Wrangler are both far away from being the best.
Technically the Wrangler is closer to last place, but the Bronco isn’t much better by barely making the top 10. But a win is a win. The Jeep Wrangler came in 16th place out of 20, and the Bronco landed in 8th place.
The 2023 Bronco and 2023 Wrangler both failed to make it in the top five, but that’s fine. Vehicles oriented for off-roading generally don’t get as much praise compared to smoother riding options.
For example, critics love the Honda Ridgeline but won’t be caught off-roading in one. Anyways, let’s see why The Bronco has a higher score.
Why does the 2023 Bronco outrank the 2023 Wrangler?
It looks like the 2023 Ford Bronco has a higher predicted reliability rating than the 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco is expected to have an average reliability ranking, but it’s on the lower end of the spectrum.
The 2023 Wrangler is predicted to have a slightly below-average reliability rating. However, other sources give it a 3.5 out of five for its reliability score, which makes it average.
The 2022 Wrangler and 2022 Bronco both have four recalls, but the 2023 Wrangler has two, while the 2023 Bronco doesn’t have any yet.
People are still putting miles on the new Bronco, so it’s difficult to determine how many miles they can last. But the Jeep Wrangler should make it between 250,000 to 300,000 miles. Some are still going after 400,000 miles.
Also, the Ford Bronco has slightly better on-road manners than the Jeep Wrangler. It has an independent front suspension to enhance its steering, while the Wrangler has a solid axle setup.
The Bronco is less stiff and rigid, with a quieter interior. But the solid axle makes the Wrangler more durable.
What are the Wrangler advantages?
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler has a more diverse engine lineup than the 2023 Ford Bronco. The Bronco has two options, and the Wrangler features five. Plus, the engines include diesel, hybrid, and beefy V8 units.
Plus, the Wrangler Rubicon adds more capability than the Bronco Sasquatch with rock rails, an electronic disconnecting front sway bar, and heavy-duty axles in the front and rear. You need the Bronco Raptor for a heavy-duty rear axle.
Currently, the 2023 Wrangler has a higher resale value than the Ford Bronco after five years of ownership. You can trust your Wrangler to maintain its worth as long as it’s properly taken care of. But the Bronco could have better numbers in a few years.
The Bronco outranks the Wrangler because it’s predicted to be more reliable, and we can’t wait for it to reach the 200,000 to 250,000-mile mark.
Also, it’s a bit more comfortable. Both SUVs are stiff and bumpy with loud interiors, though. The Wrangler stands out for providing more configurations and for being more durable. As the Bronco is put through the paces and the refreshed 2024 Wrangler hits the streets, rankings could change.
