The battle of the bulging SUVs is well underway, and the 2021 Ford Bronco certainly seems to have the high ground. With Toyota continually trying to fight a modern war with a musket, the Land Rover Defender being great but too rich to care, and EVs still merely mythical, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler is really the only contender for boxy off-road supremacy. 

Can the 2021 Jeep Wrangler compete with the 2021 Ford Bronco?

Jeep is throwing everything it has at the upcoming Bronco. The 392 Hemi V8 Jeep, the plug-in hybrid model, and Jeep recently announced a new in-house customizing house, all to stay competitive with Ford. The Bronco is promised to come with a myriad of add ons and options. Jeep is standing in the corner, saying, “Hey! That’s our thing!” 

Not to be outdone, according to Gear Patrol, the 392 Wrangler was seen at its launch rocking some sporty half doors. Does this mean we can have them, too? Yes, we can. The Wrangler configurator has them as an option now. They can be found under the name “Dual Door Group w/Base Uppers.” 

The half doors will be available on every model

There is good and bad news here. The good news is that the half doors will be available for every trim level for both two- and four-door models. The bad news is that these half doors will run $2,350 for the two-door models and $3,995 for the four-door Jeeps. Keep in mind; the Bronco comes with frameless and removable doors. 

The Jeep configurator doesn’t show any photos of the optional doors. In fact, there also isn’t a description of the half doors either. Jeep is currently only telling us that they will exist and how much they cost. Using the term “dual door” suggests that maybe buyers will get the full factory doors along with the half doors. I guess that’s something but still hardly explains the exorbitant prices and secrecy. They are half doors, Jeep. We aren’t talking about the Jeep secret recipe. 

Jeep is chopping trees, but I think they are in the wrong forest 

I respect that Jeep is clearly showing an effort, but $4,000 doors aren’t exactly competitive. Something tells me this won’t be a super popular option. Jeep prices are still high, the options are expensive, and the engine options are cool but not nearly as modern and efficient. The Bronco is nipping at the Jeep’s heels at every turn. 

The 2021 Ford Bronco has the people’s heart

Wranglers have long been the favorite for off-road enthusiasts. But lately, the tides have turned with wild enthusiasm for the Ford Bronco. I don’t believe it’s just the new shiny thing. I think most of the excitement is because it is legitimately exciting. It’s affordable, has really cool options, is modern yet still harnesses the feeling of the old square off-roaders from the past. 

I love Wranglers. I always have, but Jeep feels like it’s reactive while the 2021 Ford Bronco feels proactive. Half doors or not, Jeep has lost some of its edge by trying to cover everything instead of simply doing the thing it does well, raise hell off-road. 

Who will win between the Wrangler and Bronco

Luckily, we have room for both. When the Bronco finally drops, people will buy them if they are as good as they seem. Jeep will likely continue to coast on its laurels, which it deserves, but the young buck is really making a name for itself.