Jeep 392 vs Bronco Wildtrak - Double Owner Impressions / Review

[Wanted33]

Topher, I don't have a Bronco yet, and it's beginning to appear I never will. But I do have 2 Ford 10 speeds in the driveway along with my Wrangler JL. The ZF 8 is leaps and bounds better than either of the 10 speeds. I know Ford could do better with the programming, but I don't think they will.

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[2021WILDTRAKCDH]

Just wondering if you cover your plates while out on the road too...

Love to hear your thoughts on the 2.7.

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 !!!

 

[22OBX]

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 !!!

Over a 20k difference in price…Bronco WT the clear winner. No further review needed for me because I wouldn’t be paying $80k for a Jeep unless it’s a loaded Wagoneer.

 

[MNBigfoot]

Over a 20k difference in price…Bronco WT the clear winner. No further review needed for me because I wouldn’t be paying $80k for a Jeep unless it’s a loaded Wagoneer.

You could get both a two and four door Bronco with Sasquatch packages and 2.7s for the cost of that Jeep. LOL

 

[2021WILDTRAKCDH]

You could get both a two and four door Bronco with Sasquatch packages and 2.7s for the cost of that Jeep. LOL

Actually a low specd Jeep 392 is @77K less 6k from a well known dealer so $71k.

And Good luck finding 1 bronco at msrp or 2 broncos at msrp. Base models always deliver more value…halo vehicles like the 392 do not. Still, a 42k bronco with 2.7 and Sasquatch is a hell of a deal.

 

[MWILD]

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 !!!

Thanks for your feedback. I’ve never driven the 2.7 in the F150 but from what I hear and see it’s overall a quicker ride. I think the 10R60 tranny in the Bronco is more focused on being smooth compared to the 10R80 found in the F150. Though the 10R80 will let the torque flow like fine wine .

I used to own a 2.0 Turbo JLU. I do feel the transmission in the Bronco is smoother, but I think I like the ZF in the Jeep a bit better. The 2.7 is a better motor in every way compared to the 2.0 in the Jeep. Quieter, more refined and a lot more torque. I think from a dig the Jeep would jump out ahead but by 40 mph the 2.7 Bronco would start to pull away.

 

[Classic Lover]

I can tell you 100% that the 392 wrangler is going to be one of the most desirable off-roaders in 10 years when V8 are dead. I see them easily bringing msrp or more in 5 years. Of course anything can happen but I don’t see a V8 in anything like it happening again

 

[FilmcoBronci]

How is the short field performance of your Gulfstream 550 compared to your Global Express XLS? Lol

Don’t be silly. Thursday is Falcon day.

 

[2021WILDTRAKCDH]

Don’t be silly. Thursday is Falcon day.

Actually I’m partial to Swiss aircraft…so Pilatus for me. Or as my youngest says “time for Pilates papa”

 

[Jdegid_SoCAL]

So when you trade in and get the Bronco Raptor then I will be intrigued.
This is an apples and oranges comparison in my opinion.
I have a 2019 JL Wrangler Unlimited and My Bronco BL crushes it in every way, its not even close.

FYI the Jeep has a 3" lift and 35" terra grapplers Bronco is still stock Sas gets the lift next week

 

[Busterbronco1]

caviar and cigarettes.

 

[HeliPilot]

Thanks for your feedback. I’ve never driven the 2.7 in the F150 but from what I hear and see it’s overall a quicker ride. I think the 10R60 tranny in the Bronco is more focused on being smooth compared to the 10R80 found in the F150. Though the 10R80 will let the torque flow like fine wine .

I used to own a 2.0 Turbo JLU. I do feel the transmission in the Bronco is smoother, but I think I like the ZF in the Jeep a bit better. The 2.7 is a better motor in every way compared to the 2.0 in the Jeep. Quieter, more refined and a lot more torque. I think from a dig the Jeep would jump out ahead but by 40 mph the 2.7 Bronco would start to pull away.

That z8 was in my TRX and Redeye challenger, those are really good transmissions

 

[Bronco#2]

Great review. I’ve been looking at a 392. seems like a big v8 will help with that fun factor, just wish Ford would put a v8 in the bronco

 

[Markubis]

Don't the different driving modes change the shock valving and thus the ride as well?

 

[Drinxxs04]

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 !!!

great review….also as I see you say a tie and I agree with your breakdownand reasoning, but advantage and win goes to the bronco for the $22000 lower price tag. Thank you for your write up.

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