Lite Brite Nation (YouTube) Bronco and Wrangler comparison - And my own rant

Garemlin

Doug DeMuro is the epitome of an over actor. Didn't he used to use that stupid pointer stick?? Or was that someone else??

The stick of truth? I think that's Matt Watson from Car Wow.. or maybe DeMuro did use a stick, i'm not really sure.

bronco11

There’s a good number of vehicles that don’t have rear ac vents. And base wranglers don’t even have ac or power windows lmfao. The mismatch seats were wild but that is probably 0.00000001% of broncos produced. Could the interior be nicer? Sure. Could they have done better than Webasto? Yeah.

But in this age of all of the fancy tech and option they are throwing into vehicles should something as simple as rear vents for the passenger's, especially small children's comfort not be included?? Yeah I grew up with no rear vents like many of us. But that was 40+ years ago.

And true on the Wrangler up until now. You now have the option of a/c in the base. A/C that blows through rear vents. ;)

jlaliberty

The stick of truth? I think that's Matt Watson from Car Wow.. or maybe DeMuro did use a stick, i'm not really sure.

Yeah it was a stick with a pointer finger. Maybe it was someone else. I will say Doug DeMuro is very thorough. He's just unwatchable for me. But you like what you like. All YouTube reviewers and influencers have their good and bad points.

I hope the engineer for rear vents isn't one of the 3000 employees Ford just announced they're cutting!

It's interesting that this is all being discussed in the manner it is. These are all things that were part of the initial run of Broncos. These aren't new issues, although maybe they're realized after the Bronco has been out a year? The lack of rear vents, the tie rods, the cup holders, etc., were all "issues" (if they are issues) at launch. So, what's the rumpus? Is it that the sparkle is wearing off, or people have experience with them now, or people that have waited so long are upset? Is it that folks are seeing through the marketing hype? I mean, the doors come off and you can carry them in the back! The fenders are "modular" and you can remove the flares! Really though, I don't understand what the issues are really, they're part of the engineered design of the vehicle. The Bronco is exactly what it was designed to be. It is the Ford Bronco.

AcesandEights

I hope the engineer for rear vents isn't one of the 3000 employees Ford just announced they're cutting!

It's interesting that this is all being discussed in the manner it is. These are all things that were part of the initial run of Broncos. These aren't new issues, although maybe they're realized after the Bronco has been out a year? The lack of rear vents, the tie rods, the cup holders, etc., were all "issues" (if they are issues) at launch. So, what's the rumpus? Is it that the sparkle is wearing off, or people have experience with them now, or people that have waited so long are upset? Is it that folks are seeing through the marketing hype? I mean, the doors come off and you can carry them in the back! The fenders are "modular" and you can remove the flares! Really though, I don't understand what the issues are really, they're part of the engineered design of the vehicle. The Bronco is exactly what it was designed to be. It is the Ford Bronco.

Most people haven’t been around long enough to locate all the old threads. It just means that some of us have spent way to much time here waiting……

Good point.

I browse the videos and pick and choose. If I want good content I'll watch Motorweek.

I've had my Bronco for just over 4 months and 6000 miles. It's been on a 500 mile trip, an 800, and a 2200. It has not been offroad.
There's a lot of good. It drives fantastic. Gets decent mileage. Sport mode makes it drive like a sports car. The MGV seats are very comfortable. You can hang meat in there when then ac gets going.
I agree totally that fit and finish is off. Shutting the doors hard sounds like it's made out of beer cans. The paint is not great and in the right light you can see variations in paint spray. Bumper paint is poor. The hood distorts at reasonable speeds and needs stiffening. All of the panels inside need some sound deadening insulation. Everything could be more solid. The headlight switch is in a terrible position. Many of us are noting electronic and information center bugs. I probably could pick some more, but coming from a host of F150s stretching back to 1980 it was a change for me.
With all of that, I love it. I like the design, the way it drives, the color EG, turning radius is crazy tight. The 2.7 really goes, but I am waiting for that performance pack.
I've driven a variety of friends and relatives jeeps for years and always wanted to like them, but they're loud and drive like crap. Plus, from being in the auto service biz for a while I know their fails (brakes suck).
Hopefully I'll enjoy this Bronco for a while, unless somebody throws a bunch of money at me to buy it.

Agreed wit dat! Lol. That's just messed up to me. However, like dude above said, everyone is free to do what they wish....

I'd say by a few of her pics I have seen, trucks aren't the only thing she's added some 'aftermarket products' to!!!

AcesandEights

I hope the engineer for rear vents isn't one of the 3000 employees Ford just announced they're cutting!

It's interesting that this is all being discussed in the manner it is. These are all things that were part of the initial run of Broncos. These aren't new issues, although maybe they're realized after the Bronco has been out a year? The lack of rear vents, the tie rods, the cup holders, etc., were all "issues" (if they are issues) at launch. So, what's the rumpus? Is it that the sparkle is wearing off, or people have experience with them now, or people that have waited so long are upset? Is it that folks are seeing through the marketing hype? I mean, the doors come off and you can carry them in the back! The fenders are "modular" and you can remove the flares! Really though, I don't understand what the issues are really, they're part of the engineered design of the vehicle. The Bronco is exactly what it was designed to be. It is the Ford Bronco.

Yes they have been issues since launch. Speaking for myself it's more frustration than anything. I guess watching that video stirred up the frustration pot a little. As I said in the title just ranting.

ENOUGH OF THIS THREAD! Let it die as it should have never made it this far.

Yeah, @Garemlin (and everyone else) should either say positive things about the Bronco or nothing at all!!! Ammirite?

TK1215

I am going to focus just on the tie rod issue. And I am going to refer back to the numerous prior threads on this. Prior posts pointed to the fact that yes, in any off road vehicle tie rods are a weak point, but that this weak point is a much better option to replace as a “quick fix” out on the trail, as opposed to another part that may be much more difficult to replace when off road. I have seen several people post regarding purchasing an extra set of tie rods to keep in their emergency tool kit. Way back in High School my buddies dad was a big Jeepers Jamboree guy on the Rubicon. He and his crew carried just about everything and were doing trail fixes every time they went out. They broke stuff all the time.

Amen brother!!!

Garemlin

Very good unbiased comparison of the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. I'm sure this video touched a few nerves on both sides.

And I'm sorry I'm going to speak my mind as well. For the price of the Bronco Ford needs to really take a look at many things. Shoddy workmanship, insufficient and weak parts and obvious shortcomings should not be acceptable. Tie rods that barely stand up to off-roading in a vehicle pushed as a true off-roader. No rear vents?? I bet even base model Kia's come with rear ventilation that actually does something. Mismatched seats. Misaligned body panels. The soft and hard tops. I could go on. Is this acceptable for a vehicle that can push $60k??

And it amazes me how many people are accepting of all of these things because they are so enamored with the Bronco.

I really want to love the Bronco. At this point I just can't. And waiting for as long as I have for it's return, it pains me to have to say that. That's why my order will continue to sit in 99 status until they really tighten the reigns and get their act together. I will not put my hard earned money in a vehicle that I don't feel I can rely on, have faith in or enjoy for many years to come. I'm hoping for a change. Sooner than later.

You might want to actually drive one, spend time in one and talk with other owners. These two make 100% of their income as influencers. Their followers are largely Jeep owners, their sponsors are primarily Jeep parts suppliers (and Jeep will be a bigger draw for years in the aftermarket, they have millions on the road). They were drift racers until recently, they have very little off road experience or knowledge (Kevin can drive, but he isn’t a mechanic or engineer from what I have seen). They make claims about reliability and sensors and other Bronco issues. Their Jeep has literally failed multiple times from….bad sensors, broken steering components, electronic gremlins. It is clickbait and dishonest sponsor/influencer considerations at a minimum.

I agree with above. I owned a brand new JL before the bronco and I think the bronco is vastly superior. Just my opinion. But of course Ford guys will prefer a Ford and jeep guys a jeep. Unless you've owned both and have no dog in a sponsorship fight, you're biased anyway.

I just think the Bronco is a better vehicle. For everything but rock climbing, which I don't really do. As far as street driving, it's not even close imho.

Mattwings

You might want to actually drive one, spend time in one and talk with other owners. These two make 100% of their income as influencers. Their followers are largely Jeep owners, their sponsors are primarily Jeep parts suppliers (and Jeep will be a bigger draw for years in the aftermarket, they have millions on the road). They were drift racers until recently, they have very little off road experience or knowledge (Kevin can drive, but he isn’t a mechanic or engineer from what I have seen). They make claims about reliability and sensors and other Bronco issues. Their Jeep has literally failed multiple times from….bad sensors, broken steering components, electronic gremlins. It is clickbait and dishonest sponsor/influencer considerations at a minimum.

I'm not basing any of my own opinions on that video. Nor am I going to sit here and defend my opinions. They are based on feedback from owners. Not YouTube influencers. So I guess if all of the negative feedback I see is lies, I guess I'm wrong to feel the way I do.

MESTUNTMAN

ENOUGH OF THIS THREAD! Let it die as it should have never made it this far.

TK1215

I am going to focus just on the tie rod issue. And I am going to refer back to the numerous prior threads on this. Prior posts pointed to the fact that yes, in any off road vehicle tie rods are a weak point, but that this weak point is a much better option to replace as a “quick fix” out on the trail, as opposed to another part that may be much more difficult to replace when off road. I have seen several people post regarding purchasing an extra set of tie rods to keep in their emergency tool kit. Way back in High School my buddies dad was a big Jeepers Jamboree guy on the Rubicon. He and his crew carried just about everything and were doing trail fixes every time they went out. They broke stuff all the time.

Went wheeling this past weekend and damn sure had this baby in my bag. Lol. (spoiler alert- didn't need it thankfully)

Garemlin

Very good unbiased comparison of the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. I'm sure this video touched a few nerves on both sides.

And I'm sorry I'm going to speak my mind as well. For the price of the Bronco Ford needs to really take a look at many things. Shoddy workmanship, insufficient and weak parts and obvious shortcomings should not be acceptable. Tie rods that barely stand up to off-roading in a vehicle pushed as a true off-roader. No rear vents?? I bet even base model Kia's come with rear ventilation that actually does something. Mismatched seats. Misaligned body panels. The soft and hard tops. I could go on. Is this acceptable for a vehicle that can push $60k??

And it amazes me how many people are accepting of all of these things because they are so enamored with the Bronco.

I really want to love the Bronco. At this point I just can't. And waiting for as long as I have for it's return, it pains me to have to say that. That's why my order will continue to sit in 99 status until they really tighten the reigns and get their act together. I will not put my hard earned money in a vehicle that I don't feel I can rely on, have faith in or enjoy for many years to come. I'm hoping for a change. Sooner than later.

At the end of their video, they suggest that where the capabilities of a Subaru Outback run out, the Bronco is a great vehicle to take you further out there. And then they suggest where the capabilities of the Bronco run out, there's the Wrangler. Maybe, for some, that feels like a slap. Not me. I have a 2022 Bronco Big Bend, 2.7, hardtop. There are places that I want to go where my Ford E-250 camper does not have the capabilities or ground clearance. I'm not interested in competing with a train of off-roaders, pushing to have the best skills and modifications to ascend a rock wall. I'm making travel plans for years to come - driving the Dempster Highway and beyond (with 15 feet of gravel above permafrost) to dip my toes in the Arctic Ocean; following the back roads of the Sweetwater Valley in Wyoming, crisscrossing the ruts of the Oregon Trail; seeking out the great land art of the West, like Robert Smithson's "Spiral Jetty" at the edge of the Great Salt Lake; driving the "Great Circle" of the Canadian Maritimes, including a 240 mile stretch of gravel on the Trans-Labrador Highway. I don't think about the back seat at all - except I'm planning to take them out some day to do a camper conversion. So no worries about cup holders

I’ve watched their channel a bit, but I’m not subscribed. They should compare their Ultra4X to their Wrangler?

In my opinion (they are all like buttholes anyways and all stink, as my momma used to say), the Bronco is a better vehicle, both on and off road than the Wrangler, here me out.

The majority of buyers are not buying “top level trims” - so let’s take the Rubicon, Badlands, Wildtrak, and Mojave/Overland trims off the table.

So in comparison we have:
Wrangler Sport vs Base
Wrangler Sport S vs Big Bend
Willys Wheeler vs Black Diamond
Sahara vs Outer Banks

From a stock vs stock standpoint - the Bronco has a M190 which has a higher torque rating in the Dana 44 of the Wrangler.

Engine options? Let’s look at the base engines, the 3.6 Pentastar V6, vs the 2.3 Ecoboost:
In Horsepower the Wrangler 285hp wins against the Bronco’s 275hp
But the Torque of the Wrangler at 260 fails against the Broncos 315.
And Torque is what’s going to move those wheels up and over the rock more than raw horsepower.

Engine reliability and design - personal experience. I had a 3.6 Pentastar Wrangler with 280,000 miles - which means I could have driver around the earth over 11 times. The 3.6 Pentastar began having issues at 100,000 miles, timing chain tensioner, camshaft phasers, oil pressure problems, wiring issues, camshaft crankshaft positioning sensors, oil cooler issues (replaced 3), clock spring, computer issues, hard top and soft top leak. I kept the carpet out of the Jeep for the entire rainy season here in Florida.

Now take the 2.3 Ecoboost - I have not had this vehicle long, but I had a 2.3 in a Fox Body mustang, and whole engine designs have changed, the reliability of that motor has giving me high hopes for this one.

So in personal experience the 2.3 is going to be more reliable.

Next, let’s talk about balls. Sorry gals, I know it’s a little personal but the Bronco has a lot more leg room in it. A lot more side to side, hip to hip, knee to knee room, and it fits me better. I have “more ball space” than I did in the JK or the JL. AND, at 6’1” 245lbs I can fit in the backseat of the Bronco, I could not fit in the Wrangler.

Cargo Capacity, the Bronco feels bigger as well.

Now if you go back and look at the trims vs trims - and are seriously considering buying a Sahara, the Outerbanks has a bit more.
Willys Wheeler? The Black Diamond has steel bumpers and skid plates. Even the Big Bend has more than the Sport S.
Base vs Sport - even more options.

LiteBrite, they do a different style of driving, and are talking to a different type of audience when they are stating their opinion. For the Everyman, everywoman the Bronco and Wrangler will get you to the same spots, the Bronco will do it with more on road manners, comfort, and convenience.

But hey, I don’t mind if Sam the Soccer
dad sees their video, and cancels his Bronco order and buys a Wrangler cause LiteBrite couldn’t bang rocks like they could in a vehicle that has decades of aftermarket R&D can.

I don’t mind it at all. I got a Bronco, it’s way better than my Wrangler was, and more comfortable than the Rubicon I was going to buy.

I’m heading to my office here shortly, 17 miles away on some country roads, 1 stop sign, and 2 red lights after I get into town. I’ve counted the Wranglers, when I had mine. One day I passed 18, and no, it wasn’t 18 in a row as they were going to a place, I passed 18 in the general span of traffic, not including the one I was driving.

I’m happy with what I bought, and I don’t fault LiteBrite, they have an audience, and cater to them with the things they do. Things most Wrangler and Bronco owners never will do!

But….. keep an eye out, watch the tide shift at these rally’s and races, Ford is just getting started.

Padams7

I’ve watched their channel a bit, but I’m not subscribed. They should compare their Ultra4X to their Wrangler?

In my opinion (they are all like buttholes anyways and all stink, as my momma used to say), the Bronco is a better vehicle, both on and off road than the Wrangler, here me out.

The majority of buyers are not buying “top level trims” - so let’s take the Rubicon, Badlands, Wildtrak, and Mojave/Overland trims off the table.

So in comparison we have:
Wrangler Sport vs Base
Wrangler Sport S vs Big Bend
Willys Wheeler vs Black Diamond
Sahara vs Outer Banks

From a stock vs stock standpoint - the Bronco has a M190 which has a higher torque rating in the Dana 44 of the Wrangler.

Engine options? Let’s look at the base engines, the 3.6 Pentastar V6, vs the 2.3 Ecoboost:
In Horsepower the Wrangler 285hp wins against the Bronco’s 275hp
But the Torque of the Wrangler at 260 fails against the Broncos 315.
And Torque is what’s going to move those wheels up and over the rock more than raw horsepower.

Engine reliability and design - personal experience. I had a 3.6 Pentastar Wrangler with 280,000 miles - which means I could have driver around the earth over 11 times. The 3.6 Pentastar began having issues at 100,000 miles, timing chain tensioner, camshaft phasers, oil pressure problems, wiring issues, camshaft crankshaft positioning sensors, oil cooler issues (replaced 3), clock spring, computer issues, hard top and soft top leak. I kept the carpet out of the Jeep for the entire rainy season here in Florida.

Now take the 2.3 Ecoboost - I have not had this vehicle long, but I had a 2.3 in a Fox Body mustang, and whole engine designs have changed, the reliability of that motor has giving me high hopes for this one.

So in personal experience the 2.3 is going to be more reliable.

Next, let’s talk about balls. Sorry gals, I know it’s a little personal but the Bronco has a lot more leg room in it. A lot more side to side, hip to hip, knee to knee room, and it fits me better. I have “more ball space” than I did in the JK or the JL. AND, at 6’1” 245lbs I can fit in the backseat of the Bronco, I could not fit in the Wrangler.

Cargo Capacity, the Bronco feels bigger as well.

Now if you go back and look at the trims vs trims - and are seriously considering buying a Sahara, the Outerbanks has a bit more.
Willys Wheeler? The Black Diamond has steel bumpers and skid plates. Even the Big Bend has more than the Sport S.
Base vs Sport - even more options.

LiteBrite, they do a different style of driving, and are talking to a different type of audience when they are stating their opinion. For the Everyman, everywoman the Bronco and Wrangler will get you to the same spots, the Bronco will do it with more on road manners, comfort, and convenience.

But hey, I don’t mind if Sam the Soccer
dad sees their video, and cancels his Bronco order and buys a Wrangler cause LiteBrite couldn’t bang rocks like they could in a vehicle that has decades of aftermarket R&D can.

I don’t mind it at all. I got a Bronco, it’s way better than my Wrangler was, and more comfortable than the Rubicon I was going to buy.

I’m heading to my office here shortly, 17 miles away on some country roads, 1 stop sign, and 2 red lights after I get into town. I’ve counted the Wranglers, when I had mine. One day I passed 18, and no, it wasn’t 18 in a row as they were going to a place, I passed 18 in the general span of traffic, not including the one I was driving.

I’m happy with what I bought, and I don’t fault LiteBrite, they have an audience, and cater to them with the things they do. Things most Wrangler and Bronco owners never will do!

But….. keep an eye out, watch the tide shift at these rally’s and races, Ford is just getting started.

Well said. Indeed lots of wranglers out there. When we had one I stopped doing the 'wave' because it was literally every 3rd of 4th vehicle I passed, lol.

Dad used to tell me you gotta be careful when you follow the masses, because sometimes the m is silent....