Exploring the Wild Side: How the 2025 Jeep Wrangler and Bronco Stand Apart

If you live in Carmel, New York, and are looking for an SUV for your off-roading adventures, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler and the 2025 Ford Bronco are great options. With over 80 years on the road, the Jeep Wrangler continues to be a popular four-wheel-drive military vehicle. The 2025 edition enhances the Wrangler’s off-road capabilities with power locks and windows and a new paint option, Olive Drab-Inspired ’41.

The Ford Bronco, with its high ground clearance and terrain management systems, is another favorite vehicle for off-roading. For 2025, the Bronco introduces a door storage system and strong engine choices for improved off-roading capabilities. Not sure which SUV is right for you? Our team at Meadowland of Carmel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) has put together this in-depth comparison to help you decide.

Head-To-Head Comparison: Performance and Capability

Let’s start by comparing the 2025 Jeep Wrangler vs. Ford Bronco specs. Here’s a breakdown of their performance features and capabilities.

Engine Options and Power Output

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler has multiple powertrain options to choose from:

• 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6: The base engine achieves 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
• 2.0-liter turbo I-4: With an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine delivers up to 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
• 6.4-liter HEMI V-8: Off-roading enthusiasts will love this engine, which produces 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
• 2.0-liter turbo plug-in hybrid: The 4xe’s hybrid engine delivers an estimated 49 MPGe and 21 miles of range.

The Ford Bronco also offers powerful engines, but they fall slightly short compared to those of the Wrangler. In addition, the Bronco doesn’t have a hybrid option for drivers looking for more fuel efficiency:

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4: The base engine produces 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.
• 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6: The next engine in the Bronco’s lineup delivers 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
• 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6: This engine is only available on the Raptor model, and it churns out 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission and Drivetrain Specifications

The Wrangler’s engine pairs with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, while the Bronco has a seven-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. Both engines come with standard four-wheel drive. What sets the Wrangler apart is the 4:1 low gear ratio in the Rubicon trim, which delivers a best-in-class 100:1 crawl ratio.

Towing Capacity and Off-Road Features

Here’s a quick comparison of each SUV’s towing and off-road features:

• Max towing: The Wrangler can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Bronco can tow up to 4,500 pounds.
• Ground clearance: The Wrangler Rubicon offers 12.9 inches of ground clearance, compared to the Bronco Raptor’s 13.1 inches.

Comfort, Interior, and Technology

Power and utility aside, the Wrangler and the Bronco have interiors and tech systems that rival even luxury SUVs.

In the Wrangler, the driver and front-seat passenger face a narrow, squared-off dashboard with round air vents and chunky switchgear for the power windows and climate control and infotainment systems. As an errand runner, the Wrangler offers enough room for groceries and gear. However, its rear seats don’t fold flush with the cargo floor like in most other SUVs.

There’s a significant cargo-hauling trade-off if you choose the classic two-door Wrangler instead of the larger four-door model. You can fit two carry-on cases behind the back seat in the two-door model, while you can fit 10 in the four-door model.

Interior Design, Quality, and Space

While the Wrangler isn’t the most spacious SUV, it seats up to four passengers and has a lot of character. For more expansive views while off-roading, you can pop the top and remove and store the doors. Don’t be fooled by the Wrangler’s rugged, vintage look — it also offers premium nappa leather seats so you can stay comfortable on your off-roading trips around Carmel, New York.

The Bronco also seats up to four passengers, but it has more cargo space, with 77.6 cubic feet compared to the Wrangler’s 72.4 cubic feet. However, it doesn’t have the same comfortable interior as the Wrangler and uses plastic materials for a more utilitarian look and feel.

Infotainment Systems and Connectivity

All Wrangler models have a 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Uconnect 5. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity come standard, and seven USB ports keep you connected. What makes the Wrangler truly shine is its off-road navigation system, which provides over 3,000 mapped trails you can refer to if you need inspiration for your next adventure.

The Bronco’s latest SYNC 4 software provides over-the-air updates on a 12.0-inch touch screen and connects wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you love high-quality audio, you can upgrade to a Bang & Olufsen sound system. While these features are great, the Wrangler’s integrated trail guide gives it the advantage.

Safety, Reliability, and Overall Value

The Wrangler now has side-curtain airbags and blind-spot monitoring in all its trims, while the Bronco comes with forward collision warning. J.D. Power gave the Wrangler a reliability rating of 80/100, while it gave the Bronco a reliability rating of 77/100, making the former the better choice in terms of reliability. The Wrangler starts at an MSRP of $32,690, while the Bronco starts at an MSRP of $37,995, making the Wrangler the more affordable option. You can also check out our financing options to see how you can budget for a Wrangler, or trade in your current vehicle to offset some of its costs.

Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco: Which SUV Is the Best Choice for You?

While the 2025 Jeep Wrangler and the 2025 Ford Bronco are both excellent choices in the off-roading vehicle class, the Wrangler has a competitive edge over the Bronco regarding power, safety, and reliability. It also offers better value overall in terms of pricing. Want to experience the Wrangler today? Contact us at Meadowland of Carmel CDJR to schedule a test-drive or make an appointment.

Image from jeep.com

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