For Bronco Owners That Had/Have a Jeep...Ford Tough or Not?

I sold a 2012 Rubicon to get my Badlands Sasquatch. In my opinion the Bronco is built much better. I have always felt that Fords quality was much better than anything Chrysler has ever built in my lifetime. I did not modify my Jeep like so many do so I can honestly say that my Bronco is not only built better but is also much more capable than my Rubicon was. And because it is turbocharged, it gets about 30-40% better gas mileage and has more power. I only have 2200 miles on it but, so far, I am very pleased.

Thanks! That‘s exactly the kind of feedback/opinion I was looking for…after I’ve ordered my Bronco, I keep wondering if Jeep has a more solid platform in terms of vehicle quality. And I could get it quicker. But the Jeep products never sparked my interest in the past. But if I knew the quality was something that surpass the Ford, I’d have to reconsider…

I shouldn't really respond to your question for 1 simple rule: I HATE JEEPS!

But, my wife has owned 2 of them (which means I've driven and worked on them). In my opinion, the Wrangler is not as comfortable (interior) or driving on road as the Bronco. And I've seen stupid crap go bad on a Jeep that shouldn't happen on a vehicle with less than 40k miles. A buddy of mine bought a used Wrangler for his son and he's been having stupid things go on it lately too. Like the old saying goes "Do you know what JEEP stands for?" "Just Empty Every Pocket! If people aren't busy putting Angry Eyes on them, then they are repairing them!

As for the Bronco, much better ride quality, and more comfortable interior. You won't feel as cramped like when you are in a Jeep. As far as reliability.... that remains to be seen, it only started shipping last summer. And I'm NOT a fan of turbo engines, too much shit can go wrong. But we shall see.

EvlNvrDys

I shouldn't really respond to your question for 1 simple rule: I HATE JEEPS!

But, my wife has owned 2 of them (which means I've driven and worked on them). In my opinion, the Wrangler is not as comfortable (interior) or driving on road as the Bronco. And I've seen stupid crap go bad on a Jeep that shouldn't happen on a vehicle with less than 40k miles. A buddy of mine bought a used Wrangler for his son and he's been having stupid things go on it lately too. Like the old saying goes "Do you know what JEEP stands for?" "Just Empty Every Pocket! If people aren't busy putting Angry Eyes on them, then they are repairing them!

As for the Bronco, much better ride quality, and more comfortable interior. You won't feel as cramped like when you are in a Jeep. As far as reliability.... that remains to be seen, it only started shipping last summer. And I'm NOT a fan of turbo engines, too much shit can go wrong. But we shall see.

My brother just sold the two grand Cherokees tranny problems.that and they wobble down the road like your drunk but still like cjs

In my all but 40 years of driving I have had 2 broncos 71, and 79 and three jeeps TJ,YJ, and JK and they were all fun to own. Jeeps are high maintenance and its a love /hate relationship. I'm selling the JK next month and praying I get my bronco by summer. The nice thing about the 2 rigs they will keep each other in check for many years. Fiat will finally have to put some coin and engineering into the wrangler to keep up with bronco and vise versa.

I

EvlNvrDys

I shouldn't really respond to your question for 1 simple rule: I HATE JEEPS!

But, my wife has owned 2 of them (which means I've driven and worked on them). In my opinion, the Wrangler is not as comfortable (interior) or driving on road as the Bronco. And I've seen stupid crap go bad on a Jeep that shouldn't happen on a vehicle with less than 40k miles. A buddy of mine bought a used Wrangler for his son and he's been having stupid things go on it lately too. Like the old saying goes "Do you know what JEEP stands for?" "Just Empty Every Pocket! If people aren't busy putting Angry Eyes on them, then they are repairing them!

As for the Bronco, much better ride quality, and more comfortable interior. You won't feel as cramped like when you are in a Jeep. As far as reliability.... that remains to be seen, it only started shipping last summer. And I'm NOT a fan of turbo engines, too much shit can go wrong. But we shall see.

I couldn’t agree more about the JEEP. There batteries go out at 18 months, the brakes don’t last. I put 2 seat covers on the drivers seat in 10 years with only 80K miles on it. The paint quality was poor. The vehicle just never impressed me. I

rayhil67

In my all but 40 years of driving I have had 2 broncos 71, and 79 and three jeeps TJ,YJ, and JK and they were all fun to own. Jeeps are high maintenance and its a love /hate relationship. I'm selling the JK next month and praying I get my bronco by summer. The nice thing about the 2 rigs they will keep each other in check for many years. Fiat will finally have to put some coin and engineering into the wrangler to keep up with bronco and vise versa.

Okay, now that was a good review. I totally agree. And we will all benefit from this wonderful thing called capitalism!

No hate for Jeeps here. I've had many, starting with a 77 CJ-7 way back when. I've loved every one of them. My bronco is something different. I haven't been able to put a finger on it, but everything about it works for me. Looks, comfort, power. Mine is a 2.7, LUX, SAS 4 door. I recently took a 4 hour road trip (one way) and I never felt the need to get out. It runs highway speeds with ease. It has handled winter here in CT wonderfully (and its a soft top). I just do not have any complaints, which was not always the case with my various Jeeps. I'm glad there is once again competition in this segment.

HeliPilot

No hate for Jeeps here. I've had many, starting with a 77 CJ-7 way back when. I've loved every one of them. My bronco is something different. I haven't been able to put a finger on it, but everything about it works for me. Looks, comfort, power. Mine is a 2.7, LUX, SAS 4 door. I recently took a 4 hour road trip (one way) and I never felt the need to get out. It runs highway speeds with ease. It has handled winter here in CT wonderfully (and its a soft top). I just do not have any complaints, which was not always the case with my various Jeeps. I'm glad there is once again competition in this segment.

I couldn’t have said it better myself!

nhmountainman

Not new trucks, just new to off-roading type vehicles. Have had a handful of pickups that are used for family hauling/towing duty...current truck is a 2020 Duramax diesel. In the past few months I've placed an order for a BLSAS loaded up and don't expect to see it for a year or two. Since then, I've been reading forums and watching videos...I see plenty of comparisons on which is more off-road worthy, which rides better on the road, etc... What I don't see is how are they holding up mechanically...which is built tougher? I know the vehicle is pretty new so not much history yet. But I think you can tell when you get a hold of something and use it...you can feel it, hear it, see it.

As an owner/driver of both, how does one feel over another? In terms of build quality, fit and finish, actual mechanical feel. Is it a sold vehicle? I've never owned a Ford...or Chrysler (Jeep product) in my life...just Chevy HD trucks and German cars...would love some opinions. And BTW...I am ok with the wait if this rig is worth it...thanks all!

I will try and keep this short & objective but I am confident this post will continue to illicit strong emotions.

As a long time Jeep owner who currently owns a 2005 (2 door) TJ Sport and a 2016 (4 door) Rubicon Hard Rock Unlimited as well as a 2021 (4 door) Badlands Sasquatch they are all awesome, fun vehicles! Each has their place and I am thankful to be able to have them all.

I tell everyone who asks which is better Jeep or Bronco & I always answer that each has pros & cons but Ford designed & built the new Gen 6 Bronco to exceed the features/functions and capabilities of the Jeep. It’s always easier to copy than to innovate.

Here are a few notable items:
- Bronco has better technology (wireless CarPlay, collision assist & adaptive cruise control, Aux switches etc).
- Jeep has better NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) than the Bronco - meaning the Jeep rattles less.
- Bronco is more comfortable for highway driving
- Both are outstanding off-road
- Jeep reliability has been great and I expect the Bronco to be as well but only time will tell. Ford’s 2.7L motor has obvious issues and hopefully, this doesn’t rear its ugly head on my ride.

There are literally millions of Jeeps on the road but currently less than 50k G6 Broncos so I get lots of great feedback and questions from Jeep owners and Bronco enthusiasts alike and I am always happy to share my thoughts.

I am willing to answer any specific questions and provide honest feedback so let ‘er rip…

Bschurr

I will try and keep this short & objective but I am confident this post will continue to illicit strong emotions.

As a long time Jeep owner who currently owns a 2005 (2 door) TJ Sport and a 2016 (4 door) Rubicon Hard Rock Unlimited as well as a 2021 (4 door) Badlands Sasquatch they are all awesome, fun vehicles! Each has their place and I am thankful to be able to have them all.

I tell everyone who asks which is better Jeep or Bronco & I always answer that each has pros & cons but Ford designed & built the new Gen 6 Bronco to exceed the features/functions and capabilities of the Jeep. It’s always easier to copy than to innovate.

Here are a few notable items:
- Bronco has better technology (wireless CarPlay, collision assist & adaptive cruise control, Aux switches etc).
- Jeep has better NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) than the Bronco - meaning the Jeep rattles less.
- Bronco is more comfortable for highway driving
- Both are outstanding off-road
- Jeep reliability has been great and I expect the Bronco to be as well but only time will tell. Ford’s 2.7L motor has obvious issues and hopefully, this doesn’t rear its ugly head on my ride.

There are literally millions of Jeeps on the road but currently less than 50k G6 Broncos so I get lots of great feedback and questions from Jeep owners and Bronco enthusiasts alike and I am always happy to share my thoughts.

I am willing to answer any specific questions and provide honest feedback so let ‘er rip…

Just curious. NVH? My Bronco is 9 years “newer” than my Rubicon was but there is no comparison in the quality. My Jeep had Huge road noise, rattled, and handled terribly above 70 mph. At 60 mph and under, I loved it. The Bronco is solid up to 90 mph so far, no rattles, and is quieter with a soft top than the Jeep was with a hard top. Are you saying that your 2016 has less NVH than your Bronco? At all speeds? Just curious.

BBadlands

Just curious. NVH? My Bronco is 9 years “newer” than my Rubicon was but there is no comparison in the quality. My Jeep had Huge road noise, rattled, and handled terribly above 70 mph. At 60 mph and under, I loved it. The Bronco is solid up to 90 mph so far, no rattles, and is quieter with a soft top than the Jeep was with a hard top. Are you saying that your 2016 has less NVH than your Bronco? At all speeds? Just curious.

The Bronco’s independent front suspension is a huge bonus for Highway driving & I agree with your assessment and my initial comment that it is better than the Jeep at 70+

I don’t have a single rattle, creak or noise in my Jeep however, that Is not the case with the Bronco. The Jeeps full frame doors don’t allow the windows to make a peep. The soft top windows don’t look like bacon and there is no gap whatsoever along the topside edge where it “attaches“ to the rollbar.

I have had on Jeep (2006 LJ) and 4 Broncos (22 BL non sq 10k miles currently). None of them let me down or left me stranded (so far). I loved my Jeep, but the compromise in ride, handling, steering and comfort were just to much to live with it as a daily driver. The Bronco is better in every category as a daily driver and for my off road use it is also superior (not comparable really as the Jeep was two generations older, but I tried to trade for a newer generation Jeep and didn’t think they’d improved much in the categories I didn’t like). Anything can have problems, the current Jeeps have pretty solid reports related to quality, so probably not much difference overall in that category. Oh and the Badlands MGV seats are the best I have ever had in any vehicle comfort and quality wise through 10k miles.

Bschurr

I will try and keep this short & objective but I am confident this post will continue to illicit strong emotions.

As a long time Jeep owner who currently owns a 2005 (2 door) TJ Sport and a 2016 (4 door) Rubicon Hard Rock Unlimited as well as a 2021 (4 door) Badlands Sasquatch they are all awesome, fun vehicles! Each has their place and I am thankful to be able to have them all.

I tell everyone who asks which is better Jeep or Bronco & I always answer that each has pros & cons but Ford designed & built the new Gen 6 Bronco to exceed the features/functions and capabilities of the Jeep. It’s always easier to copy than to innovate.

Here are a few notable items:
- Bronco has better technology (wireless CarPlay, collision assist & adaptive cruise control, Aux switches etc).
- Jeep has better NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) than the Bronco - meaning the Jeep rattles less.
- Bronco is more comfortable for highway driving
- Both are outstanding off-road
- Jeep reliability has been great and I expect the Bronco to be as well but only time will tell. Ford’s 2.7L motor has obvious issues and hopefully, this doesn’t rear its ugly head on my ride.

There are literally millions of Jeeps on the road but currently less than 50k G6 Broncos so I get lots of great feedback and questions from Jeep owners and Bronco enthusiasts alike and I am always happy to share my thoughts.

I am willing to answer any specific questions and provide honest feedback so let ‘er rip…

Great post Bschurr ! Yeah, you hit some points I was hoping to hear about..as being a new type of buyer to this segment, I am comparing (after I ordered a Bronco) new (2022) Jeep products; Jeep Rubicon, Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. I am guessing these are the most refined examples of Jeep products to date. I do expect compromises with this type of vehicle (Bronco or Jeep) like noise, wind noise, air leaks in the cab, top gaps, heater that doesn't work so good... Interesting comment about the framed doors and air leaks. I understand why Ford made them frameless, but Jeep must have decided that curbing the wind noise was more important that the look. I suppose that could qualify as a quality item as the framed door will likely hold their integrity for the long term.

What do you think about the hard-parts of the under carriage? Are all those bits as heavy duty as Jeep's? Structurally as stout? Axles? Suspension bits?

nhmountainman

What do you think about the hard-parts of the under carriage? Are all those bits as heavy duty as Jeep's? Structurally as stout? Axles? Suspension bits?

I haven’t had the opportunity to put MY Bronco through it’s full off-road paces yet however, my experience at the Bronco Off-Roadeo in NH on 9/11/21 proved that it will be just as tough & ready to tackle anything I would potentially throw at it. The Badlands suspension & 35” tires should provide ample capability too.

I am not a hard core off-roader but have been to several off road parks - my goal is to have fun, learn & get home (same as auto racing).

BTW - the Bronco’s frameless windows were designed so the doors can be easily removed, stored in the back and transported with the vehicle. Jeep offers a 1/2 door option and I had a 1997 2 door TJ with them.

Just as an anecdote, my buddy has a TJ and he beats the heck out of it. Basically uses it as a utility vehicle, yanking fallen trees or stumps and crap like that. He recently bent his steering tie rod getting tangled up on tree stump. The fix? Bought some black metal pipe from lowes, cut the old tie rod in a few places, sleeved the pipe on over the stubs, and we welded the new pipe over the old one. No special parts required, or trip to the dealer, just some ingenuity and a few tools. We did a wheel alignment with a tape measure.

Jeep has had a lot more time to harden the wrangler and get it's robustness and durability dialed in. The Bronco is exciting and new. Stuff will break. And ford will make improvements over the years.

(And before anyone mentions about the parking job, we were all offset because of someone else! Lol)

The ford is much tough than the jeep in terms of quality and appearance

I stopped by a dealer and drove a 2021 Jeep Rubicon with 12k on the odometer last weekend for the hell of it...am surprised how well it drove. I was expecting it to be sloppy, loose, rattle, and steer awful. Did highway driving, back road, bumpy city roads. It drove very well to the point that I really wonder how well this Bronco will drive. If it can match the feel of a new (used) Jeep, then I think I'll be really pleased. But as someone that's never owned a Ford product, I am really not so sure about this new rig...

I am a long time jeep owner and lover. My first car was a 1986 Jeep Cherokee followed up by 05 TJ sport, 10 JK sport, 16 JK sport and finally an 18 JL rubicon. In comparison my big bend sasquatch Bronco is by far the superior vehicle. It is far more stable on road than the wrangler the seating position is superior for better visibility. I am a taller guy and was always looking at the top of the windshield in my wranglers. It also does not accumulate rock chips in the windshield like the wranglers do.

Offroad it is very capable and I would say if I was going to have a dedicated hardcore off roader I would go for the jeep. The Bronco is very capable offroad. The concern comes from in the event on the trail repairs if needed. The IFS does not lend itself to handle this very easily. With that being said I have not had to make any repairs on my bronco the few times I have gone out. my 2010 JK I did when I had it (broke a trackbar). The 4x4 system in the Bronco once you get used to it is superior to the wrangler's. But I would be lying if I didn't say I miss pulling the handle on jeeps and hearing that clunk that indicated I was in 4 wheel drive.

The new wranglers do have a little more of plush interior than the bronco. But I put this as a negative to the wrangler not the Bronco. I like the hard plastic that is easier to clean and can take a beating over the wranglers interior. I had bezels pop off in my 2018 JL rubicon.

However I do have two complaints about the bronco. First the seat belts do not adjust up and down. For my not a large deal but my wife many times will have the seat belt in an less than ideal position when she drives it. The other issue is the lack of proper backseat cup holder on the lower models.

Other than that I have zero regrets on my Bronco purchase and leaving my wranglers behind and really recommend it especially if you are looking for a daily driver.

nhmountainman

I stopped by a dealer and drove a 2021 Jeep Rubicon with 12k on the odometer last weekend for the hell of it...am surprised how well it drove. I was expecting it to be sloppy, loose, rattle, and steer awful. Did highway driving, back road, bumpy city roads. It drove very well to the point that I really wonder how well this Bronco will drive. If it can match the feel of a new (used) Jeep, then I think I'll be really pleased. But as someone that's never owned a Ford product, I am really not so sure about this new rig...

In a quick drive on smooth roads you may not notice a big difference. After a 4hr road trip, you will arrive much fresher in the Bronco! It’s interesting, everyone mentions the IFS and steering as weak spots on the Bronco. Most of the Jeeps you see with any mileage and 33” or bigger tires have one or more changes to the steering. Larger links, upgraded tie rods, steering stabilizer etc. My LJ, at 60k miles had some of the front suspension and steering components loose and worn, to the point of heavy tire wear and poor steering. I went off road less in that Jeep the entire time I owned it than I have in my Bronco at 10k miles. The Bronco will have its weak points (tie rods so far) that the aftermarket will address, but at the end of the day, reliability will likely be pretty similar.