2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Ford Bronco

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, with its black-on-black color scheme, was not the ideal choice for a tropical climate like Hawaii. Despite the initial disappointment, the vehicle's appeal became evident once the windows were down, the overhead panels removed, and the liftglass open. The Wrangler's design, rooted in its military heritage, evoked a sense of American freedom and adventure. The Sport S model, priced at $49,175, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a few options, including a black hardtop and a Convenience Group. While the interior was functional, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and metallic accents, it lacked sophistication. Nevertheless, the Wrangler's capability to traverse diverse terrains and its iconic design made it a popular choice.

The 2025 Ford Bronco successfully balanced modern design with nostalgic elements from its 1960s predecessor. Its boxy shape, rounded corners, and full-width rectangular grille with round headlamps gave it a distinctive look. The Bronco offered various top options, allowing for a true open-air experience. The Sasquatch package, with its 17-inch aluminum wheels, 35-inch all-terrain tires, and advanced suspension, enhanced its off-road prowess and aggressive appearance. With seven versions available, including the high-performance Bronco Raptor, the Bronco catered to a wide range of preferences. The Big Bend model, equipped with the Sasquatch package and finished in Velocity Blue Metallic, impressed with its style and capability.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered two engine choices: a 3.6-liter V6 with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, providing a lively performance, especially at higher elevations. The turbocharged engine was also slightly more fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During a week-long evaluation in Hawaii, the Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 19.2 mpg. Its standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it well-suited for the island's terrain. However, the Wrangler's ride was rough, and its steering felt disconnected at higher speeds. The NHTSA's three-star rollover resistance rating was a concern, but the Wrangler's off-road capabilities remained impressive.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered a base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for city and highway driving. An optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine increased output to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's maximum tow rating was 3,500 pounds, with the Bronco Raptor offering a higher capacity of 4,500 pounds. The standard seven-speed manual transmission included a low gear for off-road crawling, while a 10-speed automatic was available on most trims. The Sasquatch package, with its locking differentials and large tires, enhanced the Bronco's off-road capabilities. The Bronco's fully-independent front suspension provided a more comfortable ride on pavement compared to the Wrangler's solid axle. Advanced 4WD systems were available on higher trims, offering improved performance in challenging conditions.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. While the front seats were comfortable, rear-seat legroom was limited, and taller passengers risked hitting their knees on the front seatback panels. Storage space was minimal, with small items often ending up in cupholders. Accessing the cargo area required opening the tailgate and lifting the rear window, which could be cumbersome in tight spaces. The Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Ford Bronco provided ample space for passengers, with the four-door model offering easier access and more room in the back. The Sasquatch package's big tires and upgraded suspension increased ground clearance, necessitating a step up into the cabin. The two-door Bronco offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 53.3 cubic feet, while the four-door model provided up to 83 cubic feet with the seats folded. Ford included numerous storage cubbies, MOLLE mounting points, and sturdy handles for convenience. The four-door Bronco also featured dedicated air conditioning vents for rear passengers and improved insulation for reduced road noise.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The system was easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, and a remote engine starting system. Rear parking sensors were available in the Active Safety Group option pack, enhancing safety when reversing.

The 2025 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 infotainment software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A second 12-inch screen served as a digital gauge cluster, customizable with various modes. The Bronco included five G.O.A.T. modes, with additional modes available on higher trims. The Outer Banks trim offered an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system, while the Lux package added a 360-degree camera system and evasive steering assist.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler included side curtain airbags as standard equipment, a significant safety improvement. Optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic braking. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the Wrangler Good ratings for side-impact protection and moderate overlap frontal-impact tests but a Marginal rating for the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered the Co-Pilot360 safety suite as an option on the base trim and standard on higher trims. Features included blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Post-collision braking, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control were standard. The IIHS awarded the Bronco Good ratings for crash tests, while the NHTSA gave it four stars for frontal crash safety and three stars for rollover testing.