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The off-road world has long been dominated by Jeep’s Wrangler. But with the revival of the Ford Bronco, that dominance is facing serious competition. In this candid, deeply technical roundtable hosted by Munro & Associates, Sandy Munro is joined by Kevin Hardy and automotive journalist David Tracy of Jalopnik to dissect what makes these two off-road icons tick—from engineering choices to real-world performance. It’s the Bronco against the Wrangler in an expert teardown comparison for the enthusiast who wants more than marketing gloss.
Bronco vs Wrangler: A Historical Shift
Jeep has enjoyed decades of brand loyalty, bolstered by a solid axle, modular design, and a culture of open-air adventure. But the Bronco is back, and it’s not playing catch-up—it’s rewriting the rules. With factory 35s, a removable roof and doors, integrated mirrors, and a modern approach to off-road tech, Ford clearly benchmarked the Wrangler and then went several steps further.
What’s clear is that Ford engineered the Bronco not just to compete—but to surpass the Wrangler in several key areas, particularly in high-speed off-road performance and on-road comfort.
Suspension Showdown: IFS vs Solid Axle
One of the most polarizing decisions Ford made was to spec the Bronco with an independent front suspension (IFS). While solid axles dominate rock crawling due to articulation and durability, IFS provides significant advantages in ride quality and high-speed handling.
Munro points out that for the majority of real-world off-roaders—who aren’t crawling the Rubicon but tackling mud, sand, and trails—IFS is the smarter, more comfortable solution. Tracy, a solid axle loyalist, argues for the benefits of liftability, simplicity, and brute strength in uneven terrain. Still, both agree: Ford’s execution, including coil-over shocks and wide outboard mounting, offers impressive packaging and cost advantages.
Factory 35s and the Sasquatch Edge
A game-changer for Ford is offering 35-inch tires on nearly all trim levels. Jeep made waves offering factory 33s with the JL, but the Bronco’s move to 35s raises the bar. Bigger tires come with tradeoffs—fuel economy, crash compliance, rollover risk—but they deliver the visual impact and ground clearance buyers crave.
Teaser images of two-door Broncos with 37s and factory lifts have only added to the buzz. In a nod to future-proofing, Ford appears to have engineered the Bronco’s chassis and crash structures—like SORB tusks—for larger tires from the outset.
Frame and Chassis: Smart Engineering Choices
When it comes to comparing the Bronco vs. Wrangler, the teardown insights on the Bronco frame show impressive thoughtfulness. From integrated tow loops instead of hooks to outboard coil-over mounts, Ford’s expert design reveals a preference for modularity, manufacturability, and structural integrity.
Sandy Munro favors coil-overs for cost and simplicity. He even muses on a future Bronco or Jeep offering air suspension—raising the vehicle on demand for water crossings or deep ruts. This could be a differentiator if either brand chooses to pursue a dual-version strategy: solid axle for purists and IFS with air suspension for comfort seekers.
Rear Axle & Track Bar Design
Bronco’s rear end features a Dana 44 with a five-link setup, echoing Ford’s Ranger Raptor. But while both vehicles use coil suspension, the execution differs. The Bronco’s control arms and track bar are positioned for optimal packaging and high-speed stability—closer in philosophy to desert runners than rock crawlers.
Compared to the Jeep JL, which positions its track bar high for better obstacle clearance, the Bronco’s centered mount offers a flatter path through suspension travel. Cost-conscious and precise, this design reflects Ford’s focus on go-fast capability over extreme articulation.
The Interior Game: Modular Thinking
From the orange grab handles to the Torx-labeled accessory bolts, Bronco’s interior shows how deeply Ford leaned into modular, user-configurable design. Sandy notes that while these choices add complexity on the production line, they may be strategic: accessory sales are a booming business. By designing the Bronco to be easily personalized, Ford opens the door to significant aftermarket and OEM upfit revenue.
Bolt-on quarter panels and fender flares hint at future Raptor variants with widened tracks and longer control arms. This modularity doesn’t just help in styling—it’s good business.
Bronco vs Wrangler: Gearing & Crawl Ratios
Another standout feature? The Bronco’s crawl ratios. With a manual transmission and the Sasquatch package, drivers get up to a 95:1 crawl ratio—rivaling or surpassing Jeep’s Rubicon. The automatic setup isn’t far behind.
Tracy, a longtime manual enthusiast, stresses the importance of a good-feeling shifter. If the Bronco’s Getrag-sourced box performs well, it could steal buyers from the JL, which has long struggled with transmission feel.
Electrification and the Future of Off-Roading
Both Jeep and Ford are teasing plug-in hybrid versions of their off-roaders. Jeep’s 4xe is closer to production, while Bronco’s hybrid remains under wraps. The conversation turns philosophical: is a PHEV just a stopgap?
Munro suggests plug-in hybrids add unnecessary complexity. Tracy counters that for emissions-conscious commuters, a 50-mile electric range hits the sweet spot, allowing for meaningful EV use without massive battery packs.
Still, the true off-road EV revolution may come from outside both brands. Rivian’s tank turn, Tesla’s Cybertruck, and Munro’s own interest in electric modular platforms suggest a changing market landscape. Body-on-frame architecture, surprisingly, may become the darling of DIY EV conversions thanks to battery packaging flexibility.
Final Thoughts: A Costly but Clever Challenger
There’s no question Ford has spent big on the Bronco—design complexity, suspension engineering, and accessory-ready architecture all indicate serious investment. But for off-road buyers who want something that blends performance with usability, the Bronco delivers.
It might not dethrone the Wrangler in the hearts of die-hards, but it redefines what a mainstream off-road SUV can be. And if Jeep wants to stay ahead, they’ll need to borrow a few of Bronco’s plays.
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