Which is best suited to both your adventures and your daily comfort, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport or the Jeep Wrangler? Ultimately, choosing between these sporty SUVs depends on how much you want to spend, where you plan to go, and how comfortable you want to be on your way. Let’s take a look.
Friendliest Price: 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport not only features the friendliest starting MSRP ($27,265), but it also comes standard with the longest list of modern features. Even the entry-level Bronco Sport Base model includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, LED headlights, and a six-speaker audio system.
The Jeep Wrangler has a higher starting price ($29,725) and a shorter list of standard features. In fact, you might be surprised at just how basic the Wrangler can be, with its standard crank windows and manual door locks. However, like the Bronco Sport, the Wrangler does include a touchscreen infotainment interface and modern smartphone integration.
Off-Road Cruising: 2022 Jeep Wrangler
Every Wrangler was meant for adventure. Even the base Sport model includes four-wheel drive, fog lights, tow hooks, and skid plates. And the Wrangler’s wide range of engine options and extra-rugged gear — including rock rails, electronic locking front and rear differentials, and low-range gearing — can help you move through really difficult terrain.
While the midsize Ford Bronco was specially designed to compete with the Wrangler’s off-roading capabilities, the smaller Bronco Sport isn’t quite its match. Not on the trail, anyway. That said, Ford’s sporty little SUV still gives you plenty of off-road-friendly juice, with turbocharged engine options, standard all-wheel drive, and lots of optional features, including underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires.
Max Efficiency: 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport has the edge here. With its standard powertrain, this four-wheel-drive crossover SUV earns 26 mpg combined (25 city/28 highway).
If you’re looking for an efficient version of the Wrangler, you need the optional turbodiesel engine. With it, this Jeep earns up to 25 mpg combined (22/29 mpg). To get this turbodiesel engine, however, you not only need to pay extra for the engine, but you also need to upgrade to one of the four-door Wrangler Unlimited models. The Wrangler’s base V6 isn’t nearly as efficient, earning up to 21 mpg combined (20/24 mpg).
Best Everyday Driver: 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
Both of these SUVs were designed for off-road cruising, and their suspension setup doesn’t exactly put comfort first. However, the Bronco Sport is the smoother operator, giving you the more comfortable daily drive. You should note that the Bronco Sport’s most rugged trim model, the Badlands, does feel a little stiffer than the others.
With the Jeep Wrangler, the ride feels noticeably stiffer than in the Bronco Sport. And, while both models offer long-term comfort in their front seats, the Wrangler’s backseat is a little too firm and flat. Your family will definitely prefer the Bronco Sport’s supportive back seats.
Choose Your New SUV
The 2022 Jeep Wrangler is the better choice for climbing rocks and fording rivers. However, if you’re more in the market for a comfortable crossover that does weekend duty as a rugged cruiser, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport is the right choice.