2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between the classic two-door and the more practical four-door body style, catering to different preferences. Buyers could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive was standard across all trims. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the Willys and Willys Sport. The High Tide model, based on the four-door Sport S trim, was a US-market special edition featuring LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. Despite its rugged appeal, the Wrangler's interior was basic, with a focus on durability over luxury.

The 2023 Ford Bronco was available in nine distinct trims, each showcasing a blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering. The Bronco's blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive look, while the Raptor stood out with its wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's interior continued the rugged theme with a broad dash and sealed switches, allowing for easy cleaning. The Bronco offered ample storage options, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. The four-door model provided more space and easier access to the rear seats. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but real-world testing showed an average of 14.0 L/100 km. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough ride, vague steering, and a noisy cabin. Despite these traits, the Wrangler offered an immersive experience, especially with the top open and doors removed, making it a favourite among off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, a twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 in the Raptor with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All engines came with a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV but more stable than the Wrangler. It tracked straight on highways and had a quieter interior. The Bronco's high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curving roads, but it felt more confident than expected. The Bronco's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like G.O.A.T. drive modes and Trail Turn Assist.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was designed for durability, with plastic and rubber materials dominating the cabin. The seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery was durable. Visibility was a mixed bag, with some areas offering excellent views while others were compromised. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 2,050 litres with the seats folded. However, accessing the rear seats and cargo area could be challenging due to the vehicle's design.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, especially in the four-door model. The Bronco offered numerous storage options, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. The two-door Bronco had 634 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with the seats folded, while the four-door offered 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a navigation system. The Wrangler included features like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2023 Ford Bronco featured advanced off-road technology, including G.O.A.T. drive modes and numerous camera views. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford’s SYNC 4, and FordPass Connect. A wireless charging pad was available, and most Broncos came with an eight-inch touchscreen, with a 12-inch display as an option.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, its crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Ford Bronco came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. The Mid package added features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist. The Bronco's crash-test ratings were mixed, with a four-star rating for frontal crash protection from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS in most tests.