Can a Base Ford Bronco Compete with a Jeep Wrangler?
New 2021 Ford Bronco made a splash with its debut, but can it actually make the Wrangler tremble in fear? TFL doesn’t think so.
The 2021 Ford Bronco created a tsunami of hype on its launch, with Ford recently revealing well over 230,000 reservations. It’s proving a serious temptation for off-road enthusiasts, particularly with the Sasquatch package. But what if you’re a buyer that wants a Bronco but can’t afford the upgrade. Can the base model Bronco win in a battle with an entry level Jeep Wrangler?
As seen in from the TFLOffRoad YouTube channel, the Jeep holds its own.
For those that need a quick refresher, the Sasquatch package allows Bronco owners to equip their rig with 35-inch off-road tires mounted on 17-inch beadlock wheels, long travel suspension, front and rear locking differentials, and a set of Bilstein dampers. The Sasquatch package can be equipped on all Bronco trims, and it allows the Bronco to beat the range-topping Wrangler Rubicon in virtually all off-road categories. However, remove the Sasquatch package, and the narrative completely flips with the base Bronco actually losing to the entry level Wrangler in several key areas.
Pricing for the two is virtually neck and neck, with the Wrangler Sport two door starting at $28,500, while the Bronco two door comes in slightly higher at $29,500. However, move beyond the pricing battle and according to TFLOffroad, “It’s pretty clear that Jeep still prioritizes off-roading.”
The two-door basic Bronco is equipped with 30-inch Bridgestone Dueler tires, and offers 8.4 inches of ground clearance, while the four-door model has 8.3 inches of clearance. Those two figures are not very impressive, and are a stark contrast to the 35.5 degree approach angle which is the normal for a vehicle in this segment. The base Bronco also has a breakover angle of 21 degrees in two door spec, and 20 degrees in four door configuration, with departure angles measuring in at 29.8 and 29.7 for the four door.
These figures might not seem that bad at first glance, but when compared to the Wrangler Sport‘s specs, they fall woefully short. The Wrangler Sport still has a 41.4 degree approach angle, with a 25 degree breakover angle in the two-door. Four-door Wranglers have a 20 degree breakover angle which is on par with the four-door Bronco. The Wrangler’s departure angle is also superior with the two-door measuring in at 35.9 degrees, and the four-door achieving 36 degrees in the same category.
But ground clearance is the ultimate make or break category for off-roaders, and with 9.1 inches of ground clearance, the base Wrangler Sport outshines the base Bronco by a solid inch. As for power, the Jeep is still powered by the familiar naturally aspirated 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 which makes 285 horsepower and can be equipped with either a six speed manual or the optional eight speed automatic. The battle between Bronco and Wrangler will be interesting, but if you are a budget focused enthusiast looking for a good investment, the 2021 Wrangler is still the better option.
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