2026 Ford Bronco vs the Competition

As Jeep will always remind you, the Wrangler descends from the original developed for military service in World War II. After CJ (Civilian Jeep) models 1 through 7, the Wrangler name was introduced in 2007 alongside its first-ever four-door model. The model has retained its basic shape and off-road focus from its wartime days, even as it has grown, evolved, and adapted to government regulations and consumer expectations. The primary Wrangler engine is a 3.6-liter V6, with the “392” cubic-inch Hemi V8 appearing on some models. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four is available, though the plug-in hybrid (4xe) is no longer available. The Wrangler comes in eight trim levels, with multiple special edition models introduced throughout the year. Prices range from $36,035 to just under $100,000.

• The Bronco’s standard engine has slightly less horsepower than the Jeep’s V6 (275 vs. 285 hp), though it can reach 300 hp with 91+ octane. It also has significantly more torque (315 vs. 260 lb-ft).
• The Wrangler’s no-cost 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four option delivers more torque than the Wrangler’s V6, but it still falls short of the Bronco’s base engine in both torque (315 vs. 295 lb-ft) and horsepower (300 vs. 275 hp).
• Both models offer manual transmissions. The Bronco has a seven-speed manual, while the Wrangler has a six-speed manual.
• A ten-speed automatic transmission is available on the Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, and Badlands Bronco models, while it is standard on the rest. The Wrangler again falls short in gear ratios, with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
• In four-door form, both models share the same height (6-foot 1-inch) and are within an inch of each other in length (15’ 9” vs. 15’ 8”), with a two-inch difference in wheelbase (116 vs. 118 inches). The big difference is in width, where the Bronco is over a foot wider (86 vs. 73 inches, including mirrors).
• When comparing four-door models, the Bronco offers more cargo space behind the rear seats (38.3 vs. 31.7 cubic feet), and the difference is even greater when the rear seatbacks are folded (83.0 vs. 72.4 cubic feet).
• The Bronco has an independent front suspension that delivers a smoother, more precise on-road ride and handling.
• Both models with the base engine have a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity, but the Bronco has a higher payload capacity (1,423 vs. 1,218 pounds).
• As expected with its increased width, the Bronco offers more front and rear shoulder room (57.1/56.5 vs. 55.8/55.8 inches).
• Both models have removable doors, but the Bronco’s frameless doors make removal and storage easier.
• At the high end of the model lines, the Bronco Raptor has higher ground clearance than the Jeep Moab 392 (13.1 vs. 11.1 inches).
• In Consumer Reports’ ratings of brands based on safety testing and customer reports of reliability, Ford ranked much higher than Jeep, which ranked dead last.

Toyota’s Land Cruiser is another original SUV that left the U.S. market only to return. Popular in rural areas of many countries with poor roads, the model steadily grew until it became too big, too expensive, and ill-suited for the U.S. market. Toyota brought the Land Cruiser back to the U.S. in a smaller, more affordable form for the 2024 model year. Derived from the Toyota Prado, which has been sold in other countries since 1984, the model’s proportions and design recall its ancestor. However, the hybrid drivetrain used across the model line is all-new. It is the same 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid system found in the upper 4Runner and Tacoma models. Strictly a five-seater, the model is positioned as an upscale yet similarly off-road-capable SUV above the 4Runner, with a starting MSRP of $58,080 for the “1958” model. At $56,165, the Bronco Badlands with the optional 2.7-liter engine is the closest trim to this lowest-priced Land Cruiser.

• Although the Land Cruiser’s hybrid drivetrain is more powerful (326 vs. 315 hp) than the Bronco Badlands 2.7-liter engine option, the Land Cruiser weighs almost 400 pounds more (5,360 vs. 4,945 pounds), resulting in a better power-to-weight ratio for the Bronco.
• The Bronco offers a choice between a seven-speed manual and a ten-speed automatic transmission. All new Land Cruisers come with an eight-speed automatic.
• The Bronco surpasses the Land Cruiser in cargo space with the rear seatbacks up, offering 38.3 cubic feet versus 37.5 cubic feet.
• The Bronco Badlands features a 12.0-inch center touchscreen, significantly larger than the Land Cruiser’s 8.0-inch screen.
• The Bronco Badlands has a ground clearance of 10.5 inches, significantly higher than the Land Cruiser’s 8.0 inches.
• The Bronco Badlands has significantly greater approach, breakover, and departure angles than the Land Cruiser (41.3/24.1/34.5 vs. 31.0/23.0/17.0 degrees).
• The Bronco’s removable soft roof and optional hard roof are not available on any Land Cruiser model.

The Land Rovers that were constantly seen in Safari movies and wildlife shows have since been called the Defender. It had a 67-year run before ending in 2016. It was reintroduced 4 years later, switching from body-on-frame construction to a 4-wheel independent suspension. The current model offered in the U.S. is clearly a luxury offering, with pricing to match. It is available in 2-door (90), 4-door (110), and extended 4-door (130) body styles, with the name numbers referencing the wheelbase length in inches. The most basic model has a starting MSRP of $61,000 for the 2-door and $65,000 for the 4-door. High-end models easily exceed $100K.

The standard Defender engine is a 296-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. An upgrade is a 395-hp 3.0-liter inline-6, which combines an electric supercharger, a turbocharger, and a 48-volt hybrid system. Beyond that is a 518-hp 4.4-liter supercharged V8. At the very top of the model line, the Octa is powered by a 626-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. Four-wheel drive and locking differentials are standard across the model line.

• The most obvious difference between the Bronco and the Defender is price, with the Bronco starting at $40,795 and the Defender at $61,000. It would take the 4-door Heritage Edition with the optional 2.7-liter engine and a few more options to match the price of the most basic Defender.
• The price difference can affect how challenging you want your off-roading experience to be.
• The Defender features a sophisticated air suspension for smoother on-road performance. The Bronco’s suspension is simpler yet more rugged.
• The Bronco’s 2.7-liter turbocharged engine produces more horsepower (300 vs. 296) and more torque (325 vs. 295 lb-ft) than the Defender’s base engine.
• The Defender specializes in slow, deliberate crawling and water fording, while the Bronco excels on rough terrain and high-speed dirt trails.
• For fun, the Bronco features removable doors and a removable top. The Defender lacks this capability.
• The Defender’s interior is more luxurious, but the Bronco’s interior is more adventure-ready, featuring washable materials.
• The Bronco infotainment system features assist tools for navigating challenging terrain that the Defender lacks.
• In Consumer Reports’ brand ratings, based on safety testing and customer reports of reliability, Ford ranked much higher than Land Rover, which ranked second-to-last (Jeep was last).