2022 Ford Bronco Raptor vs. 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392: Deep Dive

The Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler were heated competitors for some time prior to the Bronco’s discontinuation following the 1996 model year, after which this rivalry was renewed when Ford’s legendary SUV returned for the 2021 model year as a mid-size Wrangler fighter. Jeep execs have been quite vocal about the Bronco ever since, doing everything from welcoming it back to trying to convince customers that it’s an inferior product. Regardless, the red-hot Bronco recently beat the Wrangler in a comparison test, and Jeep isn’t resting on its laurels, revealing the V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392 on the very same day the 2021 Bronco was unveiled. Now, however, the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor has arrived to do battle with that fortified off-roader. Thus, it’s worth taking a closer look at how these two stack up in every measurable way.

On the outside, the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor is slightly longer than a standard Wrangler Rubicon 392, though an inch and a half shorter than the same model equipped with the optional Xtreme Recon Package, which adds a two-inch lift, retuned dampers, 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, beadlock capable wheels, and 4.56 gears at both ends. The Bronco Raptor is significantly wider than its Jeep rival, however – nearly a food more than the standard Wrangler Rubicon 392, as well as a few inches higher and 635 pounds heavier.

On the inside, that extra space equates to more front legroom, shoulder room, and hip room in the Bronco Raptor, though the Ford has a little bit less space for rear-seat passengers, however.

Though the numbers have yet to be finalized, Ford’s 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is projected to produce 400+ horsepower and 415+ pound-feet of torque in the Bronco Raptor, while a 10-speed automatic transmission is the sole gearbox option. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 utilizes the naturally-aspirated 6.4L Hemi V8, which cranks out an even 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque and is mated to an 8-speed automatic. The Bronco Raptor is capable of towing 1,000 pounds more than its Jeep rival, however.

In terms of suspension upgrades, the Bronco Raptor has some seriously high-end gear including Fox’s live-valve technology with 3.1-inch dampers, along with a five-link solid rear axle and independent front suspension. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 keeps it old school with a solid front axle, along with Fox monotube shocks with either 2- or 3.5-inch dampers. Jeep doesn’t provide any suspension travel figures, so it’s hard to compare the two on paper in that regard.

In terms of approach, departure, and breakover angles, however, the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor reigns supreme, thanks in part to its larger 37-inch tires compared to the Wrangler’s 35s. The Bronco Raptor also provides more ground clearance than either Jeep as well.

Speaking of tires, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 comes with 33-inch rubber in standard form, or 35s with the optional Xtreme Recon Package, while the Ford rolls on giant 37s. All three come equipped with 17-inch beadlock capable wheels.

Thus, on paper, the Bronco Raptor seems to best the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 in virtually every way, though we’ll have to wait to see how it stacks up in terms of output. That also includes price, as the Bronco Raptor is set to start out at $69,995, while the Jeep has a slightly higher starting MSRP of $73,500. Now, we’ll just have to wait and see how the two stack up on the trails once the Bronco Raptor launches this summer.

We’ll have more in-depth comparisons like this to share soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Bronco news and 24/7 Ford news coverage.