Jeep 392 vs Bronco Wildtrak - Double Owner Impressions / Review

[Mattwings]

A quick update...The 2.7 motor has come alive during the past week...the power and shifting are much improved....My bronco was one of the lucky ones that sat for @ 4 months in ice/mud mountain, etc...The fuel system may have had some issues and the adaptive transmission has been a better partner to the motor....I have only used Chevron gas (premium) ---I am going to guess that Ford and most dealers did not use premium fuel and sitting for 4 months didn't help ...so after @ 3 tanks of fuel....The 2.7 is much closer to what I was hoping it would be....Maybe an intake and an updated exhaust will help further.....to be continued.....Cheers

Great write up and I enjoy the comparison, clearly a bit of apples to oranges, but that's what you "advertised". Related to the aftermarket powertrain upgrades, you may want to hold off on any parts swaps until the tuning world gets some experience under their belt. I definitely think they programmed the throttle tip in and low end torque for "drivability" and "survivability" vs. ultimate performance. My sons 2.3 Ranger FX4 with the "80R" transmission is much snappier off the line, as was my last F150 2.7. Tuners in my area (including Rausch, with strong Ford "Factory" ties are regularly getting 400HPand close to 500lb. ft. of torque form the 2.7. It has lot's of headroom for more power without external mods (which often haven't made much power in the test's I have seen). Keep the updates coming, always interesting to hear people's experience.

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[TyGuy40]

I appreciate your feedback—-my boys read all of posts here (they love broncos—basically anything with a motor ). They were bummed that some of posts on thread seemed angry or judging —- so this really helps support our feedback to them that communication on the internet can lead to simple misunderstandings.
Cheers and enjoy your Ride —

Thank you! Here is my chariot. Hopefully, your kids approve what I did to the beauty rings.

 

[2021WILDTRAKCDH]

Thank you! Here is my chariot. Hopefully, your kids approve what I did to the beauty rings.

Love the rings. Looking to do the same …trying to find some silver ones …I just saw your post yesterday and decided to powder coat. A little contrast looks perfect. Cheers

Btw. I tried to order carbonized…good color

 

[Snowdogyyz]

Nice review! I drove a Gladiator before the Bronco. The bronco beats it for power, drivability, comfort, room, etc. The one thing I liked on the Jeep better was the screen displays where the speedometer is was way more modern looking than the bronco. It’s a nitpick but the screen on the bronco looks like Atari next to an Xbox compared to the Jeep. I loved my gladiator but love the bronco more. Great trade for me!

 

[mini2nut]

Congrats on the 392! Owners say the exhaust note puts a grin on their face everytime they get behind the wheel.

The Wrangler 392 will most likely see a 3-year model run, 2021-2023. It will then become extinct and become a future collectible.

The order banks for the 2022 392 closed last Friday. I read it had something to do with Stellantis CAFE numbers. I was informed that 2023 392 order banks will open in June or July.

 

[Badlands Biased]

So after waiting 2 years and almost 6 months for my “built” Bronco to be actually delivered…I am finally able to personally decide which is better? Ford Bronco or Jeep Rubicon 392…

I have driven my Jeep 392 almost 9,000 miles and my Bronco Wildtrak @ 600 miles(it’s not broken in yet …). My review will be added over the next few weeks …stay tuned. My initial impression is the Bronco with a V8 or even the 2021 Ford Raptor 3.5 motor would be an easy winner…but that could change. I have driven my 2021 Ford raptor w 37 package @ 9,000 miles …so I know that motor pretty well.

Stay Tuned …more to follow !!!


UPDATES:

First Impressions : I have @ 1000 miles logged on the Bronco now...So its broken in a bit....motor, suspension, brakes,etc...

The RIde (Suspension, braking, exhaust, transmission, Handling)

Jeep Purchase price $82K
Bronco Purchase Price $58K (advantage Bronco)

Suspension: Advantage Jeep 392---The Bronco suspension is a little harsh---not obnoxious---but the spring rates are set firmer than the 392...The 392's fox shocks are suprisingly plush and very comfortable on and off road. I was hoping the Wildtrak would have a suspension similiar to the Raptor...more Baja mode...I know that is not its primary purpose ---but I was hoping for a plush ride with lots of wheel travel....On smoother roads...the firmer suspension of the Bronco pays huge dividends. Maybe a coil over suspension mod wil address to meet my liking....tbd.

Braking: Advatage Bronco---Not even close here...The Bronco has much better pedal feel and stops easily --straight as an arrow ---The Jeep brakes are fine but definitely dont inspire confidence---not unsafe but definitely not straight either. The Jeep is ridiculously fast so at sane speeds, the brakes are fine....

Exhaust: Jeep wins easliy here...The Bronco sounds like a car....the motor sounds agricultural as it revsvs...which is doesnt have to off road...so it works ...but it sounds like crap. The Gen 3 raptor exhaust sounds pretty good and it grows on you....I was hoping Ford would put the Gen 3 raptor motor in the Bronco Raptor...no dice. Exercising your right foot in the Jeep is great (the V8 sounds wonderful and factory exhaust is perfect...how is it available from the manufacturer? Im glad it is)

Transmission: Advantage Jeep---The ZF 8 Speed in the Jeep is tuned perfectly...it never misses a beat or misses a shift...The Bronco transmission isn't bad, but occasionally it misses an upshift or is slow to respond. It reminds me of the tuning in my old gen 2 raptor...that transmission needed a tune to work properly...The Gen 3 raptor transmission is just about perfect ...so maybe Ford can program or COBB can flash a better tuning strategy?

Handling: Major Advantage Bronco!!! The Jeep does not handle...it is like driving a boat...you just point it in the general direction and keep giving constant steering inputs to maintain a straightline. It doesn't bother me but it takes constant effort and attention to drive at speeds over 55MPH....The Bronco has better steering handling response than a Merc Gwagon--which also has an independent front suspension ....The Bronco is effortless on the freeway and on the dirt ...Offf...fire roads @35-45mph are piece of cake.

It looks like a tie regarding initial impressions only...I am going to do more driving and provide some more feedack. Areas like build qulality and interior/exterior fit finish are areas will be next...Cheers



I just hit hit 1K miles so I was easy on the throttle duering break-in...Im old school so I do break-in on new vehicles.

The 2.7 motor doesn't feel much different from 5-25mph verus the 2.4 (4) ----The four cyliber is a little livelier off the line but the 2.7 pulls ahead after 20-23 mph. The 2.7 motor is plenty strong ...great torque...but the transmission seems like it needs some better programming to surf the wave of torque on the road...off-road...the motor and tranny work together very well. The 2.7 does its job quite well...the 2.3 does as well...I've driven a lightly modded 2.3 that drove a little better than the stock 2.7 ...maybe save some bucks and get the four and spend some $ on a good tune??? Then you can get the manual and really enjoy some off-roading. This version of the 2.7 doesn't seem as smooth or as powerful as what is offered in the F150 2.7....I like the 2.7....but I don't love it....i'll give it a 7.5 ...room for improvement for on-road behavior (which may be more transmission tuning related)--Off-Road the motor is great !!!

No disrespect here, but 2 years 6 Months? Reservation banks opened July of 2020......how does that work exactly? Maybe I'm missing something.....just curious.

 

[Ice Age]

No disrespect here, but 2 years 6 Months? Reservation banks opened July of 2020......how does that work exactly? Maybe I'm missing something.....just curious.

Correct July 2020 but yeh I get it and I get beat up in my threads as well. Its all good.

 

[2021WILDTRAKCDH]

No disrespect here, but 2 years 6 Months? Reservation banks opened July of 2020......how does that work exactly? Maybe I'm missing something.....just curious.

Ordered almost 2 years ago—-dealer took deposit to hold an allocation. Then it sat in a field in Michigan (built but missing a few chips) from 12/2021 until April 2022. Spending @6 months on ice /dirt/ mud mountain….

 

[NVCowboy]

Give the transmission some time. When the work Explorer first arrived, it lacked confidence, and always felt like it wanted to be somewhere else. With a few thousand miles on the clock, I don't really notice the transmission at all, and it isn't snap you back fast, but you are going way faster than you think way quicker than you think.

 

[broncoj11]

So after waiting 2 years and almost 6 months for my “built” Bronco to be actually delivered…I am finally able to personally decide which is better? Ford Bronco or Jeep Rubicon 392…

I have driven my Jeep 392 almost 9,000 miles and my Bronco Wildtrak @ 600 miles(it’s not broken in yet …). My review will be added over the next few weeks …stay tuned. My initial impression is the Bronco with a V8 or even the 2021 Ford Raptor 3.5 motor would be an easy winner…but that could change. I have driven my 2021 Ford raptor w 37 package @ 9,000 miles …so I know that motor pretty well.

Stay Tuned …more to follow !!!


UPDATES:

First Impressions : I have @ 1000 miles logged on the Bronco now...So its broken in a bit....motor, suspension, brakes,etc...

The RIde (Suspension, braking, exhaust, transmission, Handling)

Jeep Purchase price $82K
Bronco Purchase Price $58K (advantage Bronco)

Suspension: Advantage Jeep 392---The Bronco suspension is a little harsh---not obnoxious---but the spring rates are set firmer than the 392...The 392's fox shocks are suprisingly plush and very comfortable on and off road. I was hoping the Wildtrak would have a suspension similiar to the Raptor...more Baja mode...I know that is not its primary purpose ---but I was hoping for a plush ride with lots of wheel travel....On smoother roads...the firmer suspension of the Bronco pays huge dividends. Maybe a coil over suspension mod wil address to meet my liking....tbd.

Braking: Advatage Bronco---Not even close here...The Bronco has much better pedal feel and stops easily --straight as an arrow ---The Jeep brakes are fine but definitely dont inspire confidence---not unsafe but definitely not straight either. The Jeep is ridiculously fast so at sane speeds, the brakes are fine....

Exhaust: Jeep wins easliy here...The Bronco sounds like a car....the motor sounds agricultural as it revsvs...which is doesnt have to off road...so it works ...but it sounds like crap. The Gen 3 raptor exhaust sounds pretty good and it grows on you....I was hoping Ford would put the Gen 3 raptor motor in the Bronco Raptor...no dice. Exercising your right foot in the Jeep is great (the V8 sounds wonderful and factory exhaust is perfect...how is it available from the manufacturer? Im glad it is)

Transmission: Advantage Jeep---The ZF 8 Speed in the Jeep is tuned perfectly...it never misses a beat or misses a shift...The Bronco transmission isn't bad, but occasionally it misses an upshift or is slow to respond. It reminds me of the tuning in my old gen 2 raptor...that transmission needed a tune to work properly...The Gen 3 raptor transmission is just about perfect ...so maybe Ford can program or COBB can flash a better tuning strategy?

Handling: Major Advantage Bronco!!! The Jeep does not handle...it is like driving a boat...you just point it in the general direction and keep giving constant steering inputs to maintain a straightline. It doesn't bother me but it takes constant effort and attention to drive at speeds over 55MPH....The Bronco has better steering handling response than a Merc Gwagon--which also has an independent front suspension ....The Bronco is effortless on the freeway and on the dirt ...Offf...fire roads @35-45mph are piece of cake.

It looks like a tie regarding initial impressions only...I am going to do more driving and provide some more feedack. Areas like build qulality and interior/exterior fit finish are areas will be next...Cheers



I just hit hit 1K miles so I was easy on the throttle duering break-in...Im old school so I do break-in on new vehicles.

The 2.7 motor doesn't feel much different from 5-25mph verus the 2.4 (4) ----The four cyliber is a little livelier off the line but the 2.7 pulls ahead after 20-23 mph. The 2.7 motor is plenty strong ...great torque...but the transmission seems like it needs some better programming to surf the wave of torque on the road...off-road...the motor and tranny work together very well. The 2.7 does its job quite well...the 2.3 does as well...I've driven a lightly modded 2.3 that drove a little better than the stock 2.7 ...maybe save some bucks and get the four and spend some $ on a good tune??? Then you can get the manual and really enjoy some off-roading. This version of the 2.7 doesn't seem as smooth or as powerful as what is offered in the F150 2.7....I like the 2.7....but I don't love it....i'll give it a 7.5 ...room for improvement for on-road behavior (which may be more transmission tuning related)--Off-Road the motor is great !!!

Damn man tryna give me one of those trucks??? Lmfao

 

[Yep]

So after waiting 2 years and almost 6 months for my “built” Bronco to be actually delivered…I am finally able to personally decide which is better? Ford Bronco or Jeep Rubicon 392…

I have driven my Jeep 392 almost 9,000 miles and my Bronco Wildtrak @ 600 miles(it’s not broken in yet …). My review will be added over the next few weeks …stay tuned. My initial impression is the Bronco with a V8 or even the 2021 Ford Raptor 3.5 motor would be an easy winner…but that could change. I have driven my 2021 Ford raptor w 37 package @ 9,000 miles …so I know that motor pretty well.

Stay Tuned …more to follow !!!


UPDATES:

First Impressions : I have @ 1000 miles logged on the Bronco now...So its broken in a bit....motor, suspension, brakes,etc...

The RIde (Suspension, braking, exhaust, transmission, Handling)

Jeep Purchase price $82K
Bronco Purchase Price $58K (advantage Bronco)

Suspension: Advantage Jeep 392---The Bronco suspension is a little harsh---not obnoxious---but the spring rates are set firmer than the 392...The 392's fox shocks are suprisingly plush and very comfortable on and off road. I was hoping the Wildtrak would have a suspension similiar to the Raptor...more Baja mode...I know that is not its primary purpose ---but I was hoping for a plush ride with lots of wheel travel....On smoother roads...the firmer suspension of the Bronco pays huge dividends. Maybe a coil over suspension mod wil address to meet my liking....tbd.

Braking: Advatage Bronco---Not even close here...The Bronco has much better pedal feel and stops easily --straight as an arrow ---The Jeep brakes are fine but definitely dont inspire confidence---not unsafe but definitely not straight either. The Jeep is ridiculously fast so at sane speeds, the brakes are fine....

Exhaust: Jeep wins easliy here...The Bronco sounds like a car....the motor sounds agricultural as it revsvs...which is doesnt have to off road...so it works ...but it sounds like crap. The Gen 3 raptor exhaust sounds pretty good and it grows on you....I was hoping Ford would put the Gen 3 raptor motor in the Bronco Raptor...no dice. Exercising your right foot in the Jeep is great (the V8 sounds wonderful and factory exhaust is perfect...how is it available from the manufacturer? Im glad it is)

Transmission: Advantage Jeep---The ZF 8 Speed in the Jeep is tuned perfectly...it never misses a beat or misses a shift...The Bronco transmission isn't bad, but occasionally it misses an upshift or is slow to respond. It reminds me of the tuning in my old gen 2 raptor...that transmission needed a tune to work properly...The Gen 3 raptor transmission is just about perfect ...so maybe Ford can program or COBB can flash a better tuning strategy?

Handling: Major Advantage Bronco!!! The Jeep does not handle...it is like driving a boat...you just point it in the general direction and keep giving constant steering inputs to maintain a straightline. It doesn't bother me but it takes constant effort and attention to drive at speeds over 55MPH....The Bronco has better steering handling response than a Merc Gwagon--which also has an independent front suspension ....The Bronco is effortless on the freeway and on the dirt ...Offf...fire roads @35-45mph are piece of cake.

It looks like a tie regarding initial impressions only...I am going to do more driving and provide some more feedack. Areas like build qulality and interior/exterior fit finish are areas will be next...Cheers



I just hit hit 1K miles so I was easy on the throttle duering break-in...Im old school so I do break-in on new vehicles.

The 2.7 motor doesn't feel much different from 5-25mph verus the 2.4 (4) ----The four cyliber is a little livelier off the line but the 2.7 pulls ahead after 20-23 mph. The 2.7 motor is plenty strong ...great torque...but the transmission seems like it needs some better programming to surf the wave of torque on the road...off-road...the motor and tranny work together very well. The 2.7 does its job quite well...the 2.3 does as well...I've driven a lightly modded 2.3 that drove a little better than the stock 2.7 ...maybe save some bucks and get the four and spend some $ on a good tune??? Then you can get the manual and really enjoy some off-roading. This version of the 2.7 doesn't seem as smooth or as powerful as what is offered in the F150 2.7....I like the 2.7....but I don't love it....i'll give it a 7.5 ...room for improvement for on-road behavior (which may be more transmission tuning related)--Off-Road the motor is great !!!

I have a 392 (12,000 miles) and I am still waiting on Sasquatch (almost 2 years).

I had a chase to drive a bronco 4 door and in my opinion, the bronco is a much more refined drive.

The 392 is not a daily driver. It is too loud and rough. I don’t think my bronco can meet the shear powers or fun to drive. That would be tough. But, I do think the bronco will be a better daily vehicle.

When the bronco arrives I will sell 392 for what I paid and pocket the difference with a smile.

 

[2021WILDTRAKCDH]

I have a 392 (12,000 miles) and I am still waiting on Sasquatch (almost 2 years).

I had a chase to drive a bronco 4 door and in my opinion, the bronco is a much more refined drive.

The 392 is not a daily driver. It is too loud and rough. I don’t think my bronco can meet the shear powers or fun to drive. That would be tough. But, I do think the bronco will be a better daily vehicle.

When the bronco arrives I will sell 392 for what I paid and pocket the difference with a smile.

Good points—-For me, The bronco is more comfortable as well in areas like cabin space and seats are much better for bigger people - I find the jeeps seats to be little small. The damping on the bronco is more aggressive —too much imo…under 55mph the Jeep is very comfortable and takes bumps on the street very well. My 392 has Toyo AT3 (35) and the ride is very smooth…I just put Toyo AT3 (35) on my wildtrak bronco…the ride improved imo….a little softer and more compliant. The more time I spend driving the bronco …the more I find myself thinking it would be okay to sell the Jeep ….for what I paid…pretty good deal.

One area in the Bronco where is the winner are the gauges / instrumentation…the center stack is a home run…the speedometer display looks like some of GMs work in the 80’s. Maybe the bronco raptor gauge package can be uploaded or forscaned —-or swapped—-Ford if you are listening—the gauges are the worst—-lol.

Cheers

 

[Monster1926]

Good points—-For me, The bronco is more comfortable as well in areas like cabin space and seats are much better for bigger people - I find the jeeps seats to be little small. The damping on the bronco is more aggressive —too much imo…under 55mph the Jeep is very comfortable and takes bumps on the street very well. My 392 has Toyo AT3 (35) and the ride is very smooth…I just put Toyo AT3 (35) on my wildtrak bronco…the ride improved imo….a little softer and more compliant. The more time I spend driving the bronco …the more I find myself thinking it would be okay to sell the Jeep ….for what I paid…pretty good deal.

One area in the Bronco where is the winner are the gauges / instrumentation…the center stack is a home run…the speedometer display looks like some of GMs work in the 80’s. Maybe the bronco raptor gauge package can be uploaded or forscaned —-or swapped—-Ford if you are listening—the gauges are the worst—-lol.

Cheers

100% agree with you that the 392 rides better than the bronco. I feel the wranglers interior is put together with nicer materials, It’s almost like ford blew their budget on design and then had to skimp on the interior. I’d much rather touch soft rubber or the fake leather wrapped dash than hard plastic. I know the bronco doesn’t need a V8, but it really needs a V8. It’s pretty awesome stomping the skinny pedal and hearing the V8 roar and all 4 wheels spinning. I have to give a big thank ford for pissing me off enough to order a 392.

 

[Ice Age]

100% agree with you that the 392 rides better than the bronco. I feel the wranglers interior is put together with nicer materials, It’s almost like ford blew their budget on design and then had to skimp on the interior. I’d much rather touch soft rubber or the fake leather wrapped dash than hard plastic. I know the bronco doesn’t need a V8, but it really needs a V8. It’s pretty awesome stomping the skinny pedal and hearing the V8 roar and all 4 wheels spinning. I have to give a big thank ford for pissing me off enough to order a 392.

Do you actually own a Bronco? Wow pretty amazed you think the v6 twin turbo is lacking power

 

[Monster1926]

Do you actually own a Bronco? Wow pretty amazed you think the v6 twin turbo is lacking power

Where did I say the 2.7 lacks power?

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