2026 Ford Bronco vs. 2027 Jeep Wrangler

U.S. News says the Jeep Wrangler starts at $36,035 but still costs less than the midsize Ford Bronco's $40,495 starting price, and while the Bronco lacks a predicted reliability rating due to insufficient data, the Wrangler scores 85 out of 100, a fairly high mark, with cargo space a numbers game the Bronco wins. Sarasota Ford says the standard Bronco's 300 hp beats the Wrangler's 285 hp, though the Wrangler's max 470-hp 392 V8 outguns the Bronco Raptor's 418 hp, the base Wrangler has more ground clearance at 10.8 inches versus the Bronco's 8.3, though the Bronco's Sasquatch Package raises it to 13.1 inches and 37 inches of water fording depth versus the Wrangler's 30 across all trims, and the Wrangler tows more at 5,000 pounds (Unlimited) versus the Bronco's 4,000 (4-door).

Which to choose, and why

Wrangler is cheaper and higher-rated for reliability

U.S. News (opens in a new tab) says the Jeep Wrangler starts at $36,035 but still costs less than the midsize Ford Bronco's $40,495 starting price, and while the Bronco lacks a predicted reliability rating due to insufficient data, the Wrangler scores 85 out of 100, a fairly high mark, with cargo space a numbers game the Bronco wins.

Bronco has more standard power; Wrangler tows more and clears more

Sarasota Ford (opens in a new tab) says the standard Bronco's 300 hp beats the Wrangler's 285 hp, though the Wrangler's max 470-hp 392 V8 outguns the Bronco Raptor's 418 hp, the base Wrangler has more ground clearance at 10.8 inches versus the Bronco's 8.3, though the Bronco's Sasquatch Package raises it to 13.1 inches and 37 inches of water fording depth versus the Wrangler's 30 across all trims, and the Wrangler tows more at 5,000 pounds (Unlimited) versus the Bronco's 4,000 (4-door).

Questions buyers ask

Which is cheaper, the Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler?

U.S. News (opens in a new tab) says the Wrangler, starting at $36,035 versus the Bronco's $40,495.

Which can tow more, the Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler?

Sarasota Ford (opens in a new tab) says the Wrangler Unlimited, at 5,000 pounds versus the Bronco 4-door's 4,000.

Side-by-side matrix

The published fields that can change the decision.

Ford Bronco: 9 records · Jeep Wrangler: 6 records.

Decision field	Ford Bronco	Jeep Wrangler
Exact EPA records	9	6
Model / option labels	5	2
Drive layouts	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	4-Wheel Drive
Engines / propulsion	2.3L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI, 2.7L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI, 3L 6-cyl SIDI	2L 4-cyl SIDI, 3.6L 6-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl
Transmissions	Automatic (S10), Manual 7-spd	Automatic 8-spd, Manual 6-spd
Fuel types	Regular	Premium, Regular
EPA classes	Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD	Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Combined efficiency	15–20 MPG/MPGe	14–21 MPG/MPGe
Electric range	Not listed	Not listed
Annual fuel / energy estimate	$3250–4300 per year	$3100–5700 per year

Head to head

Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler: size, power, capability and price.

Measure	Ford Bronco	Jeep Wrangler
Starting price (KBB base)	$42,490	$38,630
Top trim price (KBB base)	$81,990	$81,990
Horsepower	300-418 hp	270-470 hp
Torque	325-440 lb-ft	260-470 lb-ft
Curb weight	4,504-5,814 lb	4,285-5,268 lb
Length	189.4-191 in	166.8-192.5 in
Wheelbase	116.1 in	96.8-118.4 in
Cargo volume	77.6-83 cu ft	72.4 cu ft
Towing capacity	3,500-4,500 lb	2,000-3,500 lb
Seating	5 seats	4-5 seats
Basic warranty	3 years	3 years

Figures are ranges across each model’s trims from Kelley Blue Book records (2026 and 2027 model years); prices are KBB base prices.

The Jeep Wrangler starts $3,860 lower: $38,630 against $42,490 before options and fees.
On peak horsepower, the Jeep Wrangler leads: 470 hp against 418 hp.
On peak torque, the Jeep Wrangler leads: 470 lb-ft against 440 lb-ft.
The Jeep Wrangler is lighter, comparing lightest trims: 4,285 lb against 4,504 lb.
On length, the Jeep Wrangler leads: 192.5 in against 191 in.
On wheelbase, the Jeep Wrangler leads: 118.4 in against 116.1 in.
On cargo volume, the Ford Bronco leads: 83 cu ft against 72.4 cu ft.
On maximum towing capacity, the Ford Bronco leads: 4,500 lb against 3,500 lb.
Both list the same seating capacity: 5 seats.
Both list the same basic warranty: 3 years.

Background on each vehicle

What public sources say about the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler.

2026 Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco is a model line of SUVs manufactured and marketed by Ford. The first SUV model developed by the company, five generations of the Bronco were sold from the 1966 to 1996 model years. A sixth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2021 model year.

Source: Ford Bronco (Wikipedia)

Chassis. The first-generation Bronco is built upon a chassis developed specifically for the model range, shared with no other Ford or Lincoln-Mercury vehicle. Built on a 92-inch wheelbase (sized between the CJ-5 and Scout; only an inch shorter than the later CJ-7), the Bronco used box-section body-on-frame construction.

Powertrain. At its August 1965 launch, the Bronco was offered with a 170-cubic-inch inline six. Derived from the Ford Falcon, the 105-hp engine was modified with solid valve lifters, a 6-US-quart (6 L) oil pan, heavy-duty fuel pump, oil-bath air cleaner, and carburetor with a float bowl compensated against tilting.

Recent recalls (29 campaigns across the latest model years)

September 2026, Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Bronco vehicles. The mounting bracket on the right-hand-side side curtain air bag may have a metal burr that can tear the air bag during deployment. Consequence: A torn air bag may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
August 2026, Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power. Consequence: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
July 2026, Engine. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles. The engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged and short circuit. Consequence: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.

Owners filed 74 complaints with NHTSA for the 2024 Ford Bronco, most often about unknown or other (21), electrical system (18), structure (13).

2027 Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is a series of compact and mid-size off-road SUVs manufactured by Jeep since 1986, and currently in its fourth generation. The Wrangler JL, the most recent generation, was unveiled in late 2017 and is produced at Jeep's Toledo Complex. The Wrangler is a direct progression from the World War II Jeep, through the CJ (Civilian Jeeps) produced by Willys, Kaiser-Jeep, and American Motors Corporation (AMC) from the mid-1940s through the 1980s.

Source: Jeep Wrangler (Wikipedia)

Models. The Wrangler debuted in 1986 as a new model after the discontinuance of the Jeep CJ series. It was revised in 1996, and completely redesigned in 2006. In addition to the model's name Wrangler, each model received a designation corresponding to its generation: YJ, TJ, JK, and the current JL model.

Sales. Jeep Jamboree: Off Road Adventure – a video game based on the then-current Jeep Wrangler YJ model

Recent recalls (7 campaigns across the latest model years)

August 2026, Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In… Consequence: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
July 2026, Wheels. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The walls for the steel wheels may be too thin, allowing them to crack or detach, which can result in a loss of vehicle control. Consequence: Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
June 2026, Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off"… Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Open both dossiers

Resolve the exact engine, drive and EPA ID.

01 · 2026Ford Bronco9 configurations →02 · 2027Jeep Wrangler6 configurations →

Comparison answer desk

12 answers for this exact pairing.

Q01Which is more efficient: the 2026 Ford Bronco or the 2027 Jeep Wrangler?

Efficiency

Neither the 2026 Ford Bronco nor the 2027 Jeep Wrangler separates on this field: both list a 17.5 combined MPG/MPGe midpoint in this snapshot.