When the sixth-generation Ford Bronco launched for the 2021 model year, it was immediately compared to the Jeep Wrangler, and for good reason – it’s a direct rival to that particular model, which lacked such a thing prior to the Bronco’s rebirth. Since then, we’ve seen a number of other boxy, off-road-focused SUVs launch, albeit, without removable tops and doors, though they still technically compete with the Bronco and Wrangler, regardless. Despite this segment expansion, the Ford Bronco is still apparently a superior choice, it seems.
Recently, MotorTrend pitted a 2024 Ford Bronco Badlands with the Sasquatch Package against the refreshed Wrangler 4xe Rubicon X and the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition, taking all three out on the trails to conduct a proper off-road comparison as well. It opted not to go rock crawling given the fact that the Land Cruiser lacks the off-road angles and tires present on the Bronco and Wrangler, instead heading out to Coyote Flats in Southern California.
At the same time, those attributes – coupled with its fixed roof – made the Land Cruiser a cushier option for highway travel, though it also held up well on this particular trail. As has historically been the case, the Bronco’s independent front suspension made for a better off-road ride than the Wrangler’s solid front axle, and it “easily ran away from the other two on less challenging sections,” to boot. Ultimately, the Ford Bronco won this particular comparison thanks to its superior off-road performance and comfort, coupled with its copious amounts of interior space – with the Land Cruiser finishing second, and the Wrangler third.
“The Bronco gave us everything we wanted for the least amount of money: space for people and things, off-road ride quality that doesn’t bang them up as much, and more than enough capability to tackle the kind of trails appropriate for when there are kids in the back,” MotorTrend concluded. “You’ll get where you’re going in any of these rigs, but the one wearing the Blue Oval is our pick.”
We’ll have more comparisons like this to share soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Bronco news and ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
I hope that Ford does not decide to come out with a pickup version like Jeep did. Wow, talk about ugly…
That Jeep isn’t selling…it’s getting cut by Stellantis soon. Ford would never do anything like that. Doesn’t need to the 2dr & 4dr Bronco is near perfect as is. 💯
Why do Bronco’s have cheap, plasticy looking interior?
Never saw that on any newer Broncos. I’ve seen plenty & know lots of ppl own & love em. Very sweet digital displays, lots tech, great seats & nice upscale dashboard. Unfortunately we get trolling & jealousy from other brands here. Facts.
This Ford Authority article claims that “Ultimately, the Ford Bronco won this particular comparison thanks to its superior off-road performance…..” yet MotorTrend described the trail as being “the kind of trails appropriate for when there are kids in the back”. That sure doesn’t sound like superior off-road performance criteria to me! The last thing someone would pick for “serious off-road performance” would be a Bronco or any other type of vehicle that doesn’t have a live axle up front like the Wrangler and Gladiator have.
The Wrangler also got beat by the Land Cruiser.
Absolutely 100% . I despise the Land Cruiser. What a boat!
Motor Trend also declared the Bronco the best, and it makes sense. The Bronco does everything the Wranger does, but better and more reliability, and drives on road with a set of 35s gracefully with zero chance of a death wobble.
Obviously a Jeep troller here. Bronco won all around. Period. Motor Trend has been at this a long, long time.
I have a friend with a Jeep, I sent him this article and he immediately called me to say that it triggered a check engine light.