Moab is already home to many off-roaders.
This is not an accidental comparison. This video shows three vehicles, two Broncos as well as one Jeep, climbing the same rock. Both Broncos can be seen climbing the same rock in Badlands model. Jeep Being a JL-era Unlimited Rubicon. The stock configuration of all three vehicles is said to include 33-inch tires at each corner. With its shorter wheelbase, the two-door Bronco has the easiest time climbing up the rock. The four-door Bronco went up with no hesitation. However, the Jeep appeared to have reached its bottom and had to be reverted down again. Although it did eventually climb the hill, we didn’t capture it on video.
Here are some things to remember before you go any further. The objectivity of the comparison is obviously questionable due to a few reasons. First, the clip comes from a Ford Bronco forum, which presumably contains many people who love the off-roader. Also, we don’t see Jeep actually climbing the rock so another run with a better line might have seen the Wrangler conquer the rock.
The Jeep is second said to be part the Bronco’s fleet as a support vehicle and tow vehicle. These Broncos are technically pre-production prototypes. It makes sense to bring an existing production vehicle with you for assistance. It’s also a chance for Ford to evaluate this Bronco alongside its primary competitor. However, that doesn’t mean a Ford employee will be behind the wheel of the Jeep. It wouldn’t take much to make the Jeep look bad among the Bronco prototypes if cameras were running.
We are unable to access any media vehicles or first drives events, so this is our first attempt at a Bronco-Wrangler comparison. Motor1.com readers are welcome to share their thoughts. Could the Jeep be struggling more in this area, or is it a ringer that makes the Bronco look even better?