Few names exemplify off road excellence like the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler. With the Wrangler having been first to the punch, and the Bronco having become an icon in its own right, it can be tricky to make a choice between the two when deciding on your next off-roader. If that’s you, look no further, as today’s review is a deep dive on the two front-running offroaders - in today’s comparison, we’ll be putting the Ford Bronco vs Jeep Wrangler: Which SUV has the better build?
Key Takeaways
- The Base Trim makes its return on the 2025 Bronco.
- The Wrangler drops the Rubicon 392 V8, though the final edition remains available.
- The Wrangler does have the price advantage, but can it compete with the Bronco’s features?
How much does a 2025 Bronco cost?
The biggest update for the 2025 Ford Bronco is the return of the Base trim, Kelley Blue Book reports. It's available in both 2-door and 4-door versions. Meanwhile, Ford has discontinued the Black Diamond, Wildtrak, and Everglades trims, resulting in a net loss of two, bringing the total number of core trims down to six.
However, replacing the Wildtrak is a new Stroppe Special Edition, a limited-edition 2-door model that pays tribute to the original Baja Bronco. This special edition features squared-off fenders, orange badging, and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, along with serious off-road upgrades like a stabilizer bar disconnect, HOSS 3.0 suspension, and 35-inch Goodyear Territory RT tires.
As of this writing, the 2025 Ford Bronco has a starting sticker price of $39,890, with the range-topping Bronco Raptor kicking off at $91,930. The full list of seven available trims this year reads as:
- Bronco - $39,890
- Big Bend - $42,265
- Outer Banks - $49,835
- Heritage Edition - $51,370
- Badlands - $51,990
- Stroppe Edition - $77,530
- Raptor - $91,930
Adding the two rear doors to the Base is no charge, and on the Badlands increases the bottom line by $1,290. The Stroppe Special Edition is only available as a 2-door.
How much is the Jeep Wrangler 2025 2-door?
The two door Sport starts at around $34,090, with the trim topping Rubicon 392 Final Edition starting at around $101,990. According to Car and Driver, the standard Rubicon 392 V-8 model has been discontinued, but the Rubicon 392 Final Edition remains available for at least another year.
The main update for the year is a brand new, military-inspired olive-drab paint color called '41, a clear nod to the original WWII-era Jeep. The full list of available trims, with prices, reads as:
- Sport - $34,090
- Sport S - $37,690
- Willys - $41,590
- Rubicon - $48,950
- Sahara - $51,365
- Rubicon X $58,900
- Rubicon 392 Final Edition - $101,990
Car and Driver actually advises drivers to start with the two-door Wrangler when shopping through trim levels, feeling that it provides the best balance of value for the price. The Willys trim, with its desirable, off road ready equipment, is also a recommended choice. It’s a perfect mix of affordability, practicality, and customization that makes for a Wrangler that’s hard to beat.
But the Bronco did beat it. Ford took rugged off-roading to the next level with the comfort in their build. It is not as noisy as the Wrangler-even with the removable top. The Bronco’s ride is also smoother than the Wrangler's.
Summary
In our view, the Bronco wins this close battle. The Bronco clearly has better features and creature comforts than the Wrangler. That’s enough for us to justify the somewhat higher starting price, though it is worth noting that the two gradually grow closer in price the higher up you move on their respective trim ladders.
At Jarret Scott, we will help you find or build your perfect off-road SUV. We have many in stock that just might fit into your perfect adventure.