Which off-roading SUV is right for you, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler or the Ford Bronco? Both have their high points, but our comparison guide is here to get down to the nitty-gritty. By the end, you’ll know for sure which midsize SUV you should drive home.
Key Takeaways
- There’s a bit of a price gap between these two SUVs, with the Bronco starting at $34,595 and the Wrangler at $54,735.
- Depending which powertrain you select, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler can offer either more power or greater fuel economy than the 2023 Ford Bronco.
- Both of these midsize SUVs were built for the trail, and both prove themselves in real-world scenarios.
- With more aftermarket options available, the Jeep Wrangler has more potential for stylish upgrades.
Lowest Price: 2023 Ford Bronco
If you’re shopping for the most affordable off-roading SUV, that’s the 2023 Bronco. Ford’s midsize SUV starts at $34,595, whereas the 2023 Wrangler is a bit more expensive, with an MSRP of $54,735.
Rugged Performance: 2023 Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler offers the best engine options, no question. If you want maximum power, there’s the 6.4-liter V8 engine. If you want a balance of power and fuel economy, we highly recommend the 4xe hybrid plug-in powertrain, which helps the Wrangler earn up to 49 MPGe!
Choose from these five Wrangler engine options:
- 3.6L V6 (285 hp, 260 lb-ft) with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic
- Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 295 lb-ft) with eight-speed automatic
- Turbo 3.0L diesel V6 (260 hp, 442 lb-ft) (Rubicon Far Out only)
- 6.4L 392 V8 (470 hp, 470 lb-ft) with automatic (Rubicon Unlimited only)
- Plug-in hybrid 4xe powertrain (375 hp, 470 lb-ft)
The Bronco, meanwhile, offers three engines, each more powerful than the last. The desert-racing Raptor trim model features the most powerful engine option. However, with 418 horsepower, it can’t really keep up with the Wrangler’s 392 V8 engine.
Choose from these two Bronco engine options:
- Turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 325 lb-ft of torque) with seven-speed manual transmission or optional 10-speed automatic transmission
- Optional turbo 2.7L V6 (330 hp, 415 lb-ft) with 10-speed automatic
- Raptor turbo 3.0L V6 (418 hp, 440 lb-ft) with 10-speed automatic
Trail-Ready: It’s a Tie!
Both of these midsize SUVs are legendary off-roaders. Each comes standard with four-wheel drive, and each offers traction-boosting upgrades like locking differentials and all-terrain tires. And both offer speciality trim models. For example, the Wrangler Rubicon forges its way deep into the wilderness with an electronic disconnecting front stabilizer bar and rock rails, among other upgrades. And the Bronco Raptor helps you race down desert dunes with Fox shock absorbers and an active exhaust.
Convertible Style: 2023 Jeep Wrangler
If you’re trying to decide which SUV is better looking, you’re going to have issues! Both convertible SUVs attract plenty of notice. The modern Bronco is known for its updated take on the original model’s vintage styling. And the modern Wrangler doesn’t look all that different from the one that helped us win World War II, with vintage flair of its own.
Thanks to a long-established aftermarket, though, the Jeep Wrangler may have an edge here. If you can dream up a custom Wrangler appearance kit, you can probably find it available.
Your New Off-Roading SUV
The 2023 Ford Bronco is certainly a stylish option, but it’s the 2023 Jeep Wrangler that will take you on all the best adventures. Choose Jeep’s ultimate off-roader for classic style and maximum horsepower!