2023 Ford Bronco vs Jeep Wrangler

If you’re looking for a vehicle to take off-road, you have two popular options in the SUV market: the Bronco and the Wrangler. The Jeep Wrangler boasts a long history. It’s no wonder Jeep’s classic off-roading vehicle dominated the market as the top choice for an open-air SUV —until the 2023 Ford Bronco came along.

Now, you have two off-road SUVs that you can take for an open-air drive on (or off) the trail around Macon. If you’re looking for a driving adventure, you need a rugged SUV to do the job while keeping you and your passengers safe. Both popular models come through with their rugged design and off-roading abilities, but one SUV is on top. The answer may surprise you, so keep reading to discover how the new Ford Bronco sets itself apart from the Wrangler and other SUVs.

Images via Motor Trend

Exterior Styling

When comparing the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, you must start by looking at the exterior. After all, these two off-road stalwarts are designed especially for off-road use, and their exterior styling proves it. The tall vehicles emphasize ground clearance and feature short front and rear overhangs. The Wrangler’s seven-slot grille design is easily recognizable, but the Ford Bronco features a design that’s just as distinct thanks to its throwback yet contemporary design.

You can look forward to feeling that wind as you drive — both vehicles come with removable doors and roofs. Still, the Bronco has a clear advantage if you’re looking for a trail-ready ride around Macon. Class-exclusive cowl-mounted mirrors mean you still have side mirrors when you remove the doors, which is a helpful feature for trail enthusiasts.

Interior and Technology

Two of the industry’s top-rated infotainment systems, the Bronco (with Ford SYNC) and Wrangler (with Jeep Uconnect), make staying connected while on the go easy. Both SUVs offer consumer-friendly technology.

If you opt for the Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, or Badlands trim on the 2023 Ford Bronco, you’ll get the SYNC 4 system with an 8-inch touch screen featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and AM/FM radio. The seven-speaker audio system uses FordPass Connect and has AppLink. You’ll get an added voice- and touch-screen-activated navigation system with enhanced voice recognition if you go for the Heritage, Outer Bankers, or Wildtrak trim.

The Everglades, Heritage Limited, and Raptor trims feature a 12-inch touchscreen and enhanced infotainment system with navigation, while the Raptor includes a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. Other Bronco trims offer an 8-inch cluster. On the Heritage Limited trim, you’ll get a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.

As for the 2023 Jeep Wrangler, the Uconnect 4 infotainment system comes standard on all 2023 vehicles. The system includes a 7-inch touch-screen display, Bluetooth, and voice command. The Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon 392 trims offer a standard infotainment group package, which includes a nine-speaker premium audio system with an all-weather subwoofer, an 8.4-inch touch screen with integrated navigation, an interior electro-chromatic rearview mirror, and an SOS call button.

So, how do you choose? Ford Bronco’s features win out if you’re going with the standard. The Wrangler may come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 2023, but the standard features of the Bronco beat the Wrangler’s base trim. It comes down to the 8-inch touch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (which you can still upgrade to a 12-inch screen with wireless charging) that are standard on the Bronco compared to the Wrangler’s 7-inch base touch screen. The upgrade on the Wrangler only goes to 8.4 inches.

But your vehicle’s interior isn’t only about technology. You want to be comfortable regardless of whether you’re on or off the road, and this is where the Ford Bronco’s interior shines. While you can choose from two- and four-door configurations and swap standard cloth upholstery for upgraded upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel with both SUVs, the seat adjustments in the Wrangler are limited. If you’re a tall driver, the advantage of the Bronco is clear.

Likewise, the 2023 Ford Bronco comes out ahead for interior quality. Yes, both SUVs have a sturdy, functional design using rugged materials built to withstand harsh elements since you’ll use these vehicles with the doors and tops removed. However, the Wrangler is notorious for its noisy cabin. That’s noise intrusion from the wind and road you won’t deal with as much if you go with the Bronco.

Towing Capacity

The 2023 Ford Bronco also delivers big time in terms of towing capacity. With the Ford Bronco, you’ll get a towing capacity of 3,340 to 4,500 pounds. Compare that to the Jeep Wrangler’s 2,000- to 3,500-pound towing capacity, and you’ll see the Bronco comes out on top in this essential off-roading category. If you have a big job around Macon, you know the Bronco will have you covered.

Safety Ratings and Features

Safety is key for any car, and the Ford Bronco’s safety will prepare you to start your drive with peace of mind. The Bronco again delivers in a head-to-head comparison with the Wrangler, offering more standard safety features than its Jeep counterpart. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) even awarded the 2023 Bronco its highest rating in six crash tests, though the IIHS still needs to test the 2023 Wrangler.

As for the safety features, standard equipment on the Bronco includes automatic high-beam headlights, forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and a rearview camera. The Wrangler’s standard safety package includes a rearview camera.

Ready To Find Your New Off-Roading Vehicle?

The Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler are great options when you’re in the market for a new SUV in the Macon area, but the Bronco ultimately comes out on top. The 2023 Ford Bronco gets better ratings in interior quality, seat comfort, safety, and interior features, and it’s smoother on paved roads while being nearly as good on off-road terrains as the Wrangler. The Bronco also beats the Wrangler thanks to its cargo space, smooth ride, and excellent handling. Visit our inventory pages for your new Ford Bronco or new Ford Bronco Sport, and contact us today to take one for a test drive.