Ford Bronco vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee had a recognizable and consistent design language rooted firmly in Jeep's traditions. Its appearance was a refined evolution rather than a radical departure, in part because it was essentially a two-row version of the previous year's three-row Grand Cherokee L. Available in various trims, from the budget-conscious Laredo to the opulent Summit Reserve, this Jeep retained classic features like the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Its styling drew inspiration from the original 1963 Wagoneer, which was evident in the forward-leaning grille, headlights, and other design cues.

Despite a limited initial color palette, Jeep promised more paint options soon. Inside, the Grand Cherokee’s quality varied by trim but remained consistently robust. The base Laredo trim offered surprising quality for its price, while the Summit Reserve trim turned heads with its luxury features, including high-end leather upholstery and a McIntosh audio system. However, the glossy black controls in higher trims sometimes reflected light inconveniently.

The 2023 Ford Bronco presented itself with an unapologetically rugged and retro-cool exterior. Its upright, boxy shape, wide horizontal grille, and round headlights set it apart. Offered in trims ranging from the spartan Base trim with its bare-bones appeal to the top-tier Raptor, each version of the Bronco had its own distinct appearance. The Heritage trim, with its nostalgic white grille, roof, and plaid upholstery, especially caught the eye of buyers seeking a blend of old-school charm and new-age capability.

The Bronco's design wasn’t purely for looks; features like cleats above the headlights and raised fins added practical benefits for off-road adventures. Inside, the Bronco had a unique, rugged aesthetic to match its exterior, with water-resistant materials and functional elements like drain plugs and netted door pockets. However, unlike the Grand Cherokee, the Bronco’s interior veered more towards durability than luxury, which was noticeable in its materials and construction.

In 2022, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) options paired with a V6 or V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds. The optional 5.7-liter V8 engine supplied 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, increasing the tow capacity to 7,200 pounds. Jeep provided three 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, catering to different levels of off-road driving needs. The Trailhawk model, in particular, excelled with features like Quadra-Drive II, a Quadra-Lift air suspension, and impressive ground clearance and fording capability. While the V8 offered a more thrilling ride, the V6 was preferred for its balance of power and efficiency.

The 2023 Ford Bronco came with three engine options: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, and the top-tier 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 in the Raptor model producing 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. All Broncos featured four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The base four-cylinder engine provided sufficient power for most users, while the 2.7-liter V6 was a better option for the heavier four-door models. The Raptor’s engine was powerful but largely unnecessary for most practical purposes. The Bronco’s on-road ride was bouncier compared to regular SUVs but more stable than the Wrangler’s, with commendable highway tracking and a relatively quiet cabin.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a comfortable and versatile interior, accommodating drivers and front passengers with seats that could be upgraded to include heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Visibility improvements were noticeable, greatly contributing to driver confidence, especially during off-road situations. However, rear-seat room was less generous, particularly for tall passengers. The two-row Grand Cherokee had a cargo space of 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco excelled in maximizing interior space with its boxy design. It provided generous room in both the front and back, with the four-door model making rear-seat access easier. The Bronco also featured smart storage solutions, like netted door pockets and a secure, rubberized tray. The two-door model had 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, increasing to 52.3 cubic feet with seats down, while the four-door model offered 35.6 cubic feet, expandable to 77.6 cubic feet. The rear seats didn’t fold flat, resulting in a step-up when transporting long items or attempting to sleep in the vehicle.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a technology powerhouse, featuring advanced systems like a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision, a camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its responsiveness and over-the-air updates, supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system came standard with an 8.4-inch screen, upgradeable to a 10.1-inch display. Additional options included a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2023 Ford Bronco used technology both for entertainment and enhancing off-road capabilities. Its G.O.A.T. drive modes allowed drivers to tackle different terrains with ease, optimizing settings for specific conditions automatically. Numerous camera views, including predictive lines and a Trail Turn Assist feature, made the Bronco exceptionally maneuverable off-road. The SYNC 4 system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration was standard, but the available 12-inch infotainment screen was highly recommended for ease of use.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee boasted a robust package of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a structure heavily composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. The SUV included features like Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, which offered semi-autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. Looking ahead, Jeep promised a hands-free version of Active Driving Assist, enhancing future driver convenience and safety. However, crash-test performance hadn’t been fully tested at the time.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Ford Bronco's safety ratings varied. The four-door model earned four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from NHTSA. IIHS awarded it "Good" in most crashworthiness tests, except for the "Acceptable" rating for head restraints and seats. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, and more. Additional safety packages offered blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The Bronco’s safety features were functional but didn't match the comprehensive offerings found in more conventional SUVs.