- First Name
- Adam
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2021
- Threads
- 25
- Messages
- 286
- Reaction score
- 358
- Location
- Charleston, SC
- Vehicle(s)
- '23 Bronco Badlands 2D SAS, Eruption Green
- Your Bronco Model
- Badlands
- Thread starter
- #1
I have a similar thread to a few previous regarding the manual transmission, but here goes. Background - I've basically had Jeeps since I started driving, XJ, JKU. I test drove the Bronco in May of 2021 and really liked it and put in a reservation. My '07 JKU was on it's last leg (transmission, oil leak, cat issues), and so....since I ordered from a small town dealer I figured I wouldn't receive it before the JK croaked and bought a '21 JLUR (8% below invoice, manual, hard top). I kept my reservation just in case, and moved from '21 to '22 and in the interim, I got a inkling to have a 2 door. I test drove the 2 door JL and it was just too small for all of my sports (surf, mtb, etc.) and honestly I don't love the JK/JL in a 2 door. The Bronco however, I love the size and dimensions of a 2 door, so I figured what the hell I'll change my reservation to a 2 door Sasquatch and I doubt it will ever get built.
Fast forward to the last day before the $2500 credit to change, etc. came out (I actually got the e-mail to change my order), and I get scheduled. My dealer (Walterboro Ford) who by the way has been awesome to deal with - said I had price protection with a rebate of $2496 even after switching. I love my JLUR, I've off roaded it quite a bit around the Carolinas, and it's been flawless. So...I figured I'd test drive it and then let the dealer sell it.
I test drive it and I'm not one who thinks the Jeep (especially the JL) is difficult or wandering to drive, maybe I'm just used to it. With that said, the Bronco beats it in every way possible, but especially the 7MT. The clutch has a firm engagement, the gears are properly spaced, the crawl gear is perfect, it's so much fun to drive. Factor in it's a 2 door and I had a decision to make. So, I actually bought it and compared the two for 3 days....that's all it took.
The big takeaways/advantages on the Bronco is that the 2 door is a great size to get into a 2 door. I can still fit pretty much everything I want in and on top of it. Second - again, it's just flat out more fun to drive with the manual compared to the JL (luckily I haven't had grinding yet and live in a warm climate if that helps). Basically, when everyone says Ford benchmarked the Jeep and made it just a bit better, that is 100% accurate, the tailgate, marine grade vinyl, washout interior, everything is just better. I am still a bit heistant on the electronics in the Bronco especially the e-brake and transfer case, but the GOAT modes are pretty nice to have. I used mud/ruts this weekend quite a bit.
For anyone that is on the beach or sand a lot (200+ days a year) I fill the back of my vehicle with sandy gear non-stop and so far, the washout drains have worked really well. In closing, For an official pros/cons list between JL and Bronco here goes:
Bronco wins at: 2 door size/looks, manual transmission, steering/overall feel, seats, washout interior, I actually like the interior better than the red in the Rubicon, headlights (LED is nice), options (a 7MT with 35's in a 2 door doesn't happen from the factory with Jeep).
Jeep wins at: aftermarket availability, winch capability,and radio (it really does suck in the Bronco, although it is louder than the Jeep, just sounds not great).
Let me know if are in a similar boat and have questions.
Fast forward to the last day before the $2500 credit to change, etc. came out (I actually got the e-mail to change my order), and I get scheduled. My dealer (Walterboro Ford) who by the way has been awesome to deal with - said I had price protection with a rebate of $2496 even after switching. I love my JLUR, I've off roaded it quite a bit around the Carolinas, and it's been flawless. So...I figured I'd test drive it and then let the dealer sell it.
I test drive it and I'm not one who thinks the Jeep (especially the JL) is difficult or wandering to drive, maybe I'm just used to it. With that said, the Bronco beats it in every way possible, but especially the 7MT. The clutch has a firm engagement, the gears are properly spaced, the crawl gear is perfect, it's so much fun to drive. Factor in it's a 2 door and I had a decision to make. So, I actually bought it and compared the two for 3 days....that's all it took.
The big takeaways/advantages on the Bronco is that the 2 door is a great size to get into a 2 door. I can still fit pretty much everything I want in and on top of it. Second - again, it's just flat out more fun to drive with the manual compared to the JL (luckily I haven't had grinding yet and live in a warm climate if that helps). Basically, when everyone says Ford benchmarked the Jeep and made it just a bit better, that is 100% accurate, the tailgate, marine grade vinyl, washout interior, everything is just better. I am still a bit heistant on the electronics in the Bronco especially the e-brake and transfer case, but the GOAT modes are pretty nice to have. I used mud/ruts this weekend quite a bit.
For anyone that is on the beach or sand a lot (200+ days a year) I fill the back of my vehicle with sandy gear non-stop and so far, the washout drains have worked really well. In closing, For an official pros/cons list between JL and Bronco here goes:
Bronco wins at: 2 door size/looks, manual transmission, steering/overall feel, seats, washout interior, I actually like the interior better than the red in the Rubicon, headlights (LED is nice), options (a 7MT with 35's in a 2 door doesn't happen from the factory with Jeep).
Jeep wins at: aftermarket availability, winch capability,and radio (it really does suck in the Bronco, although it is louder than the Jeep, just sounds not great).
Let me know if are in a similar boat and have questions.
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