Trading Jeep Gladiator for Bronco

[Blackcat]

I own a 2.3 m/t and 3.6 m/t in my wife's 2021 Sahara. The 3.6 is a dog compared to the 2.3. I can't comment on overlanding or hauling, but for daily driving, I'd take the 2.3 11 times out 10.

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[Kiwi Matrix]

I chose the 2.7 and don't regret it. I see no advantage to picking the smaller engine with less torque.
I chose the Badlands, which is more off-road focused. More bash plates, Rock Rails, and front stabilizer disconnect. Black plastic guards vs painted.
I would get the highest lux package ( I got the mid - there was a Lux available, but I preferred the color)
Research the roof options and make sure you are getting the best option for this. There have been alot of issues in this area.
Also, FYI, I considered not getting the Sasquatch and buying aftermarket 35's, but then your diff ratio will not be ideal.
I'm 6000 miles and going strong = zero issues.

 

[CitrusBronco]

A loaded down 4dr bronco with 2.3 outperforms the jeep with no load.
I’ve no regrets with my 2.3, my next Bronco will be a 2 door v6 though.
If you want the most power go v6.

 

[the poacher]

Get the 2.3 and then you can get a manual. This combination will give you plenty of power, and you will outclimb those 2.7's with the crawler gear.

 

[Fatfireman]

Whatever you do, don't buy one with the MIC top- off topic but must be said in my opinion.

 

[Brian_B]

Whatever you do, don't buy one with the MIC top- off topic but must be said in my opinion.

I’d agree - the MIC top is probably the only thing to actively avoid if you can.

You probably won’t regret anything else (including engine choice) no matter what you get

 

[MNBigfoot]

Hello All,
I currently have a Jeep Gladiator Mojave, MT, 3.6L. Long story short, I hate the manual trans that jeep has. Even with an ACT clutch you have a 50/50 chance that it will operate right. And the 3.6 engine is pretty gutless.
Anyhow, I've always liked the Bronco and went and test drove one yesterday. I really liked it. I'm looking at the Outer Banks and Badlands 4-door. I would like a 6cyl, auto, with the Sasquatch package. It will be a daily driver that will see more than fire roads. We'll say 75/25%., and I would like to do an overland rig.

So I wanted to reach out to you all and see if there's any options that i should stay away from, aren't needed, anything that you think is mandatory. And I really wanted to know if the 4cyl should be a hard "no" for what i described. The Jeep's only option to their 6cyl is an engine swap. There's really nothing you can do to wake it up. I know there's a lot of variables here, but from what I described, I'm trying to avoid any mistakes and I'm just looking for a little guidance from you guys. I figured there's no one better to ask...I imagine you've seen it all and some mistakes have been made. I appreciate any help in advance and maybe even a good dealer in Southern California(will drive for a good deal!) Thanks Steve

The 6 over the 4-banger is a no brainer (if going auto). However if you haven't done much research, what's unique to the Badlands trim, is most of the drivetrain components are essentially "Sasquatch", without the need to add that package. The extra $4-6k for the package adds very little.

 

[Tonka Bronka]

Hello All,
I currently have a Jeep Gladiator Mojave, MT, 3.6L. Long story short, I hate the manual trans that jeep has. Even with an ACT clutch you have a 50/50 chance that it will operate right. And the 3.6 engine is pretty gutless.
Anyhow, I've always liked the Bronco and went and test drove one yesterday. I really liked it. I'm looking at the Outer Banks and Badlands 4-door. I would like a 6cyl, auto, with the Sasquatch package. It will be a daily driver that will see more than fire roads. We'll say 75/25%., and I would like to do an overland rig.

So I wanted to reach out to you all and see if there's any options that i should stay away from, aren't needed, anything that you think is mandatory. And I really wanted to know if the 4cyl should be a hard "no" for what i described. The Jeep's only option to their 6cyl is an engine swap. There's really nothing you can do to wake it up. I know there's a lot of variables here, but from what I described, I'm trying to avoid any mistakes and I'm just looking for a little guidance from you guys. I figured there's no one better to ask...I imagine you've seen it all and some mistakes have been made. I appreciate any help in advance and maybe even a good dealer in Southern California(will drive for a good deal!) Thanks Steve

Badlands for sure and you should test drive a manual if you like manuals.

 

[Mutt]

The 6 over the 4-banger is a no brainer (if going auto). However if you haven't done much research, what's unique to the Badlands trim, is most of the drivetrain components are essentially "Sasquatch", without the need to add that package. The extra $4-6k for the package adds very little.

Man, thank you all for the info. I appreciate it. Sometimes when you get on one of these things it's like strapping a porkchop to your leg and running through a kennel...they come gunning for you right away! Anyhow, all good info.

Whatever you do, don't buy one with the MIC top- off topic but must be said in my opinion.

Is this^^ the top that I've been hearing about that's cracking/honeycombing? Is it just the "MIC" top that's affected?

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

A loaded down 4dr bronco with 2.3 outperforms the jeep with no load.
I’ve no regrets with my 2.3, my next Bronco will be a 2 door v6 though.
If you want the most power go v6.

Then you’re buying used, as there’s no such thing as new a 2DR V6 anymore. MY25 Stroppe was the last one. (Guessing this is common knowledge by now, but not for the OP).

 

[Blackcat]

I’ll also add the m/t in my Bronco is so much smoother than the m/t in my wife’s Wrangler.

 

[CitrusBronco]

Then you’re buying used, as there’s no such thing as new a 2DR V6 anymore. MY25 Stroppe was the last one. (Guessing this is common knowledge by now, but not for the OP).

Correct I will be buying used, sorry to confuse the matter for those that don’t keep up with ford and all its crazy option changes.

 

[Brian_B]

Is this^^ the top that I've been hearing about that's cracking/honeycombing? Is it just the "MIC" top that's affected?

Yes. The gloss and the color matched options haven't shown the same tendsncies.

 

[glashaus]

Man, thank you all for the info. I appreciate it. Sometimes when you get on one of these things it's like strapping a porkchop to your leg and running through a kennel...they come gunning for you right away! Anyhow, all good info.

Is this^^ the top that I've been hearing about that's cracking/honeycombing? Is it just the "MIC" top that's affected?

Yes, the MIC tops are the problem child's, not everyone that has one develops issues but enough do.

When I ordered my 25 Badlands, I got the black appearance package so I also got the black painted roof, very different product than the MIC roof.

My two cents, I wanted the 2.7 V6, Sasquatch package, Lux package and leather, and I am very happy with my Bronco, it is a keeper. I love the 2.7 in the Bronco, great driving experience. My 25 with that combo came with the stitched dash and consol cover, even better is that it is marsh gray and the stitching matches the body color.

Buy what makes you happy, don't regret what you didn't get and trade it in a year later or chase - adding parts, modifying it to try to make it into another trim.

I know there is that "built not bought" crowd, I am not part of that. I would rather buy the most capable factory trim and then modify it to my personal taste and needs. And I had no desire for a Raptor.

 

[Nate Train]

I have a 2.3 and thought it was fine before the Procal 4 tune. Even better with the tune. Is it as exciting to drive as my Mustang? No. But I don't feel totally robbed of any thrill when I go from the Mustang to the Bronco, like I do with most cars with my lead foot.

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