2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive sound and appearance. Aside from a "4xe" badge and sky blue accents, it looked much like a regular Wrangler, with the only notable difference being the power port at the base of the windshield. When the battery had enough charge, the SUV moved silently, save for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which turned heads as it navigated Yosemite National Park. The Firecracker Red Rubicon trim test vehicle, loaded with over $13,000 in options, had a price tag of $66,690, including destination charges. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe retained the classic Wrangler look with some unique touches like blue seat stitching and special PHEV gauges. The interior was practical, with controls laid out for functionality, and robust grab handles hinting at its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Ford Bronco, with its retro styling and go-anywhere attitude, quickly became a sought-after vehicle. Returning after a successful debut, it introduced two new models: the Everglades and the Bronco Raptor. The Everglades, designed for swamp trekking, featured an intake snorkel, a Warn winch, and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. The Bronco lineup expanded to seven trims, each with increasing off-road capabilities. Despite being sold out for the year, the Bronco offered a choice between two- and four-door body styles, four- or six-cylinder engines, and various roof options. Its design, with short overhangs and low-profile bumpers, emphasized off-road functionality, while the interior featured utilitarian elements like sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Bronco also boasted advanced technology, including G.O.A.T. modes and a full complement of cameras for off-road and urban driving.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, two electric motors, and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided 21 miles of pure electric driving and a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. As a hybrid, it achieved 20 mpg combined, with a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save. In Hybrid mode, it delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in six seconds. Electric mode allowed for gas-free driving, while e-Save preserved battery power for specific situations. During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its efficiency, averaging 20.8 mpg and covering 259.1 miles with a mix of electric and fuel driving. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery during downhill coasting, enhancing overall efficiency.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, featuring a crawl gear for low-speed driving, while the V6 was paired with a 10-speed automatic. All Broncos had four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. Both engines provided ample power, with the V6 offering a slight edge in performance. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with models like the Everglades handling deep water crossings and steep rock climbs effortlessly. On pavement, the Bronco's ride quality and steering were superior to the Jeep Wrangler, making it a better road trip companion. The Bronco's performance was impressive both off-road and on, with minimal wind noise and a smooth ride.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to enter and exit due to its high door sills and lack of side steps on the Rubicon trim. Once inside, the driving position was classic Wrangler, with a high seating position and clear view over the hood. The interior offered limited practical storage, with small bins and a glovebox. Rear-seat space was adequate, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear window could make loading cargo challenging in tight spaces.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design provided ample interior space, with generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required some maneuvering, but the four-door model offered easier entry. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering 22.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 35.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including large armrest bins, netted door pockets, and accessory rails. External mounting points and removable fender flares added to its utility.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon's technology focused on its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4WD system. The Uconnect infotainment system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system provided adequate audio quality. However, the Uconnect system showed signs of aging, with slower load times and less responsive voice recognition. The Trip Summary data panel and blue charging indicator lights were useful for monitoring charging status.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities while maintaining driver engagement. The G.O.A.T. modes optimized drivetrain and chassis settings for specific terrains, while the forward-looking trail camera provided confidence in navigating obstacles. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses, sharp graphics, and off-road apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complementing the available wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems in the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic high beams. The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while the standard headlights were rated Poor. The Wrangler earned a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler's frontal-impact protection for the driver as Marginal, with the vehicle tipping over in two tests.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's standard safety features included hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The High package added front parking sensors and a surround-view camera, while the Luxe package included adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The NHTSA awarded the four-door Bronco four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS rated the Bronco "Good" in frontal, side, and roof strength tests, and "Acceptable" for head restraints and seats.