The rivalry between the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco is the ultimate SUV grudge match in the American automotive world. For decades, the Jeep Wrangler essentially owned the compact 4x4 segment after Ford discontinued the Bronco in 1996.
That decision didn't sit well with off-road fanatics, and Ford finally answered their cries by resurrecting the Bronco for the 2021 model year. Before reviving the vaunted nameplate, Ford's engineers studied the Wrangler closely, aiming to match or beat it in almost every area.
Today, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and 2024 Ford Bronco Badlands stand as the pinnacle of factory off-road engineering from both brands. Both offer incredible off-road capabilities, including crawling up daunting rock walls and crossing deep streams.
Their list of available all-terrain options and equipment is impressive, making them the ultimate go-anywhere outdoor fun machines with no peers.
Which of these two legendary SUVs deserves a spot in your garage? This comparison breaks down their off-road hardware, powertrains, interior features, and overall value to help you decide.
1. Off-Road Hardware and Capability
Ground Clearance and Angles
When you're eyeing fallen trees or steep trail entrances, these numbers determine whether you'll scrape expensive parts on obstacles. The Bronco Badlands equipped with the Sasquatch Package offers up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance, a 41.3-degree approach angle, and a 34.5-degree departure angle.
The Wrangler Rubicon counters with up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance, a best-in-class 47.4-degree approach angle (four-door), and up to a 32.4-degree breakover angle in the two-door model. The Wrangler takes the edge on approach and breakover angles, while the Bronco offers slightly more ground clearance and water-fording capability.
Water Fording: The Bronco Badlands can push through water up to 33.5 inches deep, while the Wrangler Rubicon offers up to 31.5 inches. However, the Bronco Raptor leads with 37 inches, and the Wrangler Rubicon 392 reaches 34 inches with its larger tires. Tire sizes significantly impact this capability.
Core Off-Road Hardware
The Rubicon packs the legendary Rock-Trac four-wheel-drive system with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio for super-slow control during technical rock crawling. It features Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials on both axles, and an Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect that improves suspension articulation.
The Bronco Badlands counters with its own electronic-locking front and rear differentials, a Front Stabilizer Bar Disconnect for increased wheel articulation, and a heavy-duty suspension. Ford's advanced 4x4 system with automatic on-demand engagement automatically adapts to changing traction conditions.
Verdict: The Rubicon's lower gearing (4:1 transfer case with a crawl ratio as low as 77.2:1) gives it a significant edge for technical rock crawling. The Bronco Badlands offers comparable hardware but focuses more on versatility across varied terrains.
2. Powertrains and Performance
Engine Options
| Feature | 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | 2024 Ford Bronco Badlands |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.0L turbocharged I-4 | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 |
| Horsepower | 270 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft |
| Optional Engine | 3.6L V6 (285 hp) | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (330 hp) |
| V8 Option | 6.4L HEMI V8 (470 hp) | None |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 8-speed automatic | 7-speed manual / 10-speed automatic |
The Bronco Badlands delivers more standard horsepower and torque. However, the Wrangler offers a broader range of engines, including the monstrous 470-hp 6.4L HEMI V8 in the Rubicon 392. The Bronco Raptor's 3.0L EcoBoost V6 produces 418 hp, but the Badlands trim tops out at the 2.7L V6.
Verdict: The Bronco Badlands offers better standard power with the optional 2.7L V6 providing 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque—more than the Wrangler's base 2.0L or optional 3.6L V6. For ultimate V8 power, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 is unmatched.
Fuel Economy
The Wrangler's base 3.6L V6 delivers 20 mpg combined, while the 2.0L turbo achieves 21 mpg combined. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offers an impressive 49 MPGe combined with 21 miles of electric range.
The Bronco Badlands with the 2.3L engine gets 17 mpg combined (16 city, 18 highway). Its 2.7L V6 is rated at 20 mpg combined. The Bronco Raptor is the least fuel-efficient at 15 mpg combined.
Verdict: The Wrangler 4xe's PHEV option gives it a clear efficiency advantage for buyers seeking hybrid capability. However, gas-only models are comparable.
3. Interior Design and Trail-Ready Features
Cabin Durability and Comfort
Both SUVs prioritize durability for muddy adventures. The Bronco Badlands features marine-grade vinyl seats that resist moisture and wear, plus rubberized flooring with drain plugs for easy hose-out cleanup.
The Wrangler Rubicon offers durable cloth or marine-grade vinyl options, with nappa leather available on higher trims. The Rubicon's interior, while rugged, has been described as simple and functional with straightforward controls.
Technology and Infotainment
The Wrangler features Stellantis' Uconnect 5 system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L. Off-Road Pages provide over 200 trail guides, including Badge of Honor routes.
The Bronco Badlands counters with Ford's SYNC 4 system, also featuring a 12-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration.
The Bronco includes seven G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes that auto-adjust throttle, traction control, and differential behavior for specific terrain. Trail Turn Assist and 360-degree cameras help navigate tight trails.
Unique Features
The Bronco offers "Off-Road Hero Switches" on the overhead console, enabling quick engagement of locking differentials, sway-bar disconnect, and trail turn assist. The Wrangler counters with a "Send & Go" function that lets owners use the Jeep app to search for destinations and send addresses directly to the navigation system.
Verdict: The Bronco Badlands offers slightly more advanced terrain management technology and easier trail cleanup. The Wrangler's Uconnect system is excellent, but its interior feels more traditional and utilitarian.
4. Towing and Payload Capacity
The Wrangler Rubicon's two-door version tows 2,000 pounds, while the four-door handles 3,500 pounds. With specific configurations, the Wrangler can reach 5,000 lbs with the 2.0L I-4 and 4.10 axle ratio.
The Bronco Badlands consistently offers 3,500 lbs towing capacity across trims, with the Raptor reaching 4,500 lbs. Payload capacity is comparable for both, ranging from just over 1,000 to around 1,300 pounds depending on configuration.
Verdict: While the Wrangler can achieve a higher maximum towing capacity with specific configurations, the Bronco Badlands offers a consistent 3,500 lbs without special builds. Both are capable of towing small boats, ATVs, or campers.
5. Price and Value
The 2024 Wrangler lineup starts at $31,995 for the Sport trim, making it more accessible. The Rubicon trim sits at a higher price point. The Ford Bronco Big Bend starts at $39,630.
The Badlands trim is positioned as a premium off-road model. Both vehicles offer similar warranty coverage: three years/36,000 miles basic and five years/60,000 miles powertrain.
The Wrangler includes two years of complimentary oil changes and tire rotations through the Jeep Wave program, plus five years/50,000 miles roadside assistance. The Bronco offers five years/60,000 miles roadside assistance but does not include free scheduled maintenance.
Verdict: The Wrangler offers a lower entry price and better complimentary maintenance benefits. However, the Bronco Badlands provides strong value for its advanced off-road technology.
6. Safety and Driver Assistance
The Wrangler's entry-level Sport trim lacks standard forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, but these are standard on all other trims. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are in the optional Jeep Safety package. The Bronco Badlands includes Ford Co-Pilot 360 with standard pre-collision assist and automatic emergency braking. The Bronco's higher trims also offer adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. The Wrangler Rubicon includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability as standard on up-level versions.
Verdict: The Bronco Badlands offers more standard safety features. The Wrangler's safety tech improves on higher trims but lags at the base level.
7. Tires
Tires make all the difference off-road. The Wrangler Rubicon comes standard with 33-inch all-terrain tires. With the XTREME 35-inch Tire Package, it gets 35-inch all-terrain tires, beadlock-capable wheels, and upgraded suspension.
The Bronco Badlands features 33-inch all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels. The Sasquatch Package adds 35-inch mud-terrain tires, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and Bilstein dampers. Both benefit significantly from upgraded tire packages for extreme off-roading.
Verdict: Both offer excellent factory tire options. The Sasquatch Package and XTREME Package transform these vehicles from good to unstoppable, with Jeep's focus on crawl ratios giving it a slight edge on technical terrain.
Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your priorities.
Choose the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon if you:
- Prioritize technical rock crawling and extreme off-road trails—its lower gearing and best-in-class approach angles dominate uneven terrain
- Want the option of a V8 engine (Rubicon 392) for ultimate power
- Prefer a more traditional, heritage-driven off-road experience with massive aftermarket support
- Value a plug-in hybrid option for daily efficiency (Wrangler 4xe)
Choose the 2024 Ford Bronco Badlands if you:
- Want more advanced terrain management technology (seven G.O.A.T. modes, Trail Turn Assist)
- Prefer better standard horsepower and torque with the optional 2.7L V6
- Need easier interior cleanup after muddy adventures—marine-grade vinyl and rubberized floors with drains
- Value a more composed on-road ride and modern infotainment
Both the Wrangler Rubicon and Bronco Badlands are exceptional off-road SUVs that will transform your adventures. The Rubicon excels at slow, technical rock crawling with its superior crawl ratio and approach angles. The Bronco brings more modern technology, stronger standard engines, and better on-road manners. Either way, you'll own a legendary American off-road icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Which is better off-road, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or Ford Bronco Badlands?
- The Wrangler Rubicon excels at technical rock crawling due to its 4:1 low-range transfer case, best-in-class approach angles (47.4 degrees), and lower crawl ratio (77.2:1). The Bronco Badlands offers more versatile terrain management with seven G.O.A.T. modes and better water-fording capability (33.5 inches). The best choice depends on your specific off-road needs.
- 2. How much horsepower does the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon have?
- The 2024 Wrangler Rubicon offers multiple engine options: a 2.0L turbo I-4 producing 270 hp, a 3.6L V6 with 285 hp, and the Rubicon 392's 6.4L HEMI V8 delivering 470 hp.
- 3. How much horsepower does the 2024 Ford Bronco Badlands have?
- The Bronco Badlands comes with a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 producing 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. It can be upgraded to a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 delivering 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
- 4. Which has better fuel economy, the Wrangler Rubicon or Bronco Badlands?
- The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offers the best efficiency at 49 MPGe with 21 miles of electric range. Gas-only models are similar: the Wrangler's base engines achieve 20-21 mpg combined, while the Bronco Badlands with the 2.7L V6 achieves 20 mpg combined.
- 5. Can the Wrangler Rubicon and Bronco Badlands tow?
- Yes. The four-door Wrangler Rubicon tows up to 3,500 lbs, while specific configurations can reach 5,000 lbs. The Bronco Badlands offers a consistent 3,500 lbs towing capacity across trims, with the Raptor reaching 4,500 lbs.
- 6. Do the Wrangler Rubicon and Bronco Badlands have removable doors and tops?
- Yes, both vehicles offer removable doors and roofs for an open-air experience. The Bronco Badlands features an available hardtop, while the Wrangler Rubicon offers both hardtop and soft-top options.
- 7. What is the ground clearance of the 2024 Wrangler Rubicon vs. Bronco Badlands?
- The Wrangler Rubicon offers up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance, while the Bronco Badlands with the Sasquatch Package offers 11.5 inches. The Bronco Raptor leads with 13.1 inches.
- 8. Which has a better infotainment system?
- Both are excellent. The Wrangler features Stellantis' Uconnect 5 with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Bronco has Ford's SYNC 4 with a 12-inch touchscreen. Both offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- 9. Is the Bronco Badlands more expensive than the Wrangler Rubicon?
- Pricing varies. The Wrangler lineup starts lower at $31,995 for the base Sport, but the Rubicon trim is priced higher. The Bronco lineup starts at $39,630 for the Big Bend. The Bronco Badlands and Wrangler Rubicon are positioned similarly in the premium off-road segment.
- 10. Which SUV has better aftermarket support?
- The Jeep Wrangler has decades of aftermarket support, making it easier to find parts and experienced mechanics. The Bronco's aftermarket is growing rapidly but is still newer.
Looking for either of these incredible off-road SUVs? Contact us today for availability and test drive options. Our team can help you find the perfect adventure vehicle for your needs.
