The 2025 Ford Bronco stands out with advanced off-road features like G.O.A.T. modes and Trail Turn Assist. It offers more cabin space and tech than the Jeep Wrangler. Both are capable, but the Bronco delivers better control, comfort, and daily usability. It’s a smart choice for drivers in Ashland and Medford who want trail performance and everyday reliability. Test drive it at Butler Ford.
Why These Models Stand Out in the Off-Road Community
The Bronco and Wrangler have a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts, and the Bronco’s recent comeback has challenged the Wrangler’s dominance among true off-roaders. Their boxy shapes, massive wheels, high clearance, and standard four-wheel drive (4WD) make them ready to go off the beaten path.
Both balance trail toughness with daily comfort. Sales numbers are impressive — Ford moved 109,172 Broncos in 2024, while Jeep sold 151,164 Wranglers. The Bronco offers slightly better fuel efficiency — it gets 20 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway, while the base Wrangler manages 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway.
The History and Legacy of the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler
The Bronco roared to life in the ’60s, winning over dirt enthusiasts until it was discontinued in 1996. Reintroduced in 2021, its comeback put Jeep on notice. The Wrangler traces its roots to World War II military Jeeps, though its familiar shape has evolved over the years. Both rides blend mud-loving heritage with modern technology, a rare combination that has won over die-hard enthusiasts and earned it new fans who are tired of bland, lookalike crossovers.
Design and Aesthetic Comparison
Both trucks turn heads with tough, squared-off designs. Bronco nods to its past with retro styling, while the Wrangler has maintained its iconic profile. There are plenty of colors and special editions to match your style, and both vehicles have hard or soft-top options. Jeep offers 17- or 18-inch wheels, while Ford adds a 16-inch option.
Exterior Features and Styling
Both the Bronco and the Wrangler feature purposeful exteriors with LED headlights and fog lamps. The Wrangler adds premium reflectors for night drives, and the Bronco offers removable fender flares. Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille remains instantly recognizable.
The Wrangler Rubicon X boasts an impressive 47.4-degree approach angle and 40.4-degree departure angle for tackling nearly vertical obstacles. It’s trail-ready with front and rear tow hooks, automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, and a Corning Gorilla Glass windshield.
Customization Options and Accessories
Both vehicles offer endless personalization to match your style. The Bronco lets you remove the doors and roof panels for open-air fun, while the Wrangler’s fold-down windshield creates a unique driving feel. Ford’s Sasquatch Package includes locking front and rear axles, 35-inch tires, wider fenders, a Bilstein suspension, and Bigfoot badges. Jeep offers similar trail-ready options. Aftermarket parts let you build anything from an extreme crawler to a stylish daily driver.
Interior Design and Technology
Each truck features a cabin that combines toughness and comfort. Both offer seating choices ranging from wipe-clean cloth to premium leather, with heated front seats for cold days. Jeep includes a 12.3-inch touch-screen while Ford has a 12-inch display for maps, music, and vehicle data. The Bronco wins on passenger volume with 108.2 cubic feet in four-door soft-top variants. Smart storage solutions in both vehicles work for adventures or errands.
Materials and Build Quality
High-strength chassis and durable body materials can take serious abuse while keeping you safe. The interior can withstand mud, dust, and anything else you track in. Regarding overall quality, J.D. Power gives the 2025 Bronco a 77 out of 100 for quality and reliability, while the Wrangler scores slightly better at 80 out of 100.
Infotainment Systems and Tech Innovations
The Bronco sports a 12-inch digital dash and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system that sounds great even with the top down. Jeep answers with a 12.3-inch touch-screen running Uconnect 5. Both offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for hassle-free phone connection, and trail cameras help spot dangers in advance.
Performance and Capability
The Bronco offers a 300-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder or a 330-horsepower 2.7-liter V-6. Jeep starts with a 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 and peaks with the 470-horsepower V-8 in the Rubicon 392. Ford’s Trail Turn Assist and one-pedal driving simplify challenging terrain. The Bronco delivers power through a 10-speed automatic for both engines, with a seven-speed manual option for the 2.3-liter powertrain. That manual transmission includes a super-low first gear ideal for rock crawling. Jeep pleases purists with a six-speed manual standard on the V-6, plus an optional eight-speed automatic.
Off-Road Performance and Features
Dirt is where these trucks shine. The Bronco’s G.O.A.T. modes (Goes Over Any Terrain) adjust traction for any surface. With electronic front and rear locking differentials and a high-performance suspension, it tames tough trails easily. Trail Turn Assist locks the inside rear wheel for tank-like pivoting, and one-pedal driving lets you navigate obstacles without juggling the gas and the brake.
Jeep’s trail magic comes through Selec-Trac and Rock-Trac systems that send power to gripping wheels. Off-Road Plus mode tweaks the throttle, shifting, and traction systems for peak performance. Both trucks offer disconnecting sway bars for outstanding articulation on brutal terrain.
Cargo Space and Storage Solutions
The four-door Bronco provides 35.6 cubic feet of storage behind the back seats and 77.6 cubic feet with the seats folded — plenty for camping gear and coolers. Jeep’s four-door Wrangler offers 31.7 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 77.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Both feature clever storage spaces, tie-downs to secure gear on rough trails, and roof racks for kayaks and bikes.
Seating and Comfort for Long Hauls
Highway comfort matters, too. Bronco’s four-door soft-top provides 43.1 inches of front legroom and 36.3 inches of rear legroom. Wrangler matches the Bronco with 41.2 inches of front and 38.3 inches of rear legroom in four-door models. Improved suspensions handle bumps and road noise far better than earlier generations.
2025 Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler: The Verdict
The Bronco stands out with its G.O.A.T. modes and Trail Turn Assist, giving you more control when the trail gets tricky. Its roomier cabin also makes it a better fit for daily driving. While the Wrangler offers more engine choices, the Bronco edges ahead with its innovative features and all-around versatility.
Test-Drive a New Ford Bronco at Butler Ford in Ashland Today
Need a closer look at the 2025 Ford Bronco? Visit our dealership and take a test-drive. Our knowledgeable team can answer all your questions and help you build your dream Bronco.
