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Identifying the First-Gen Ford MustangFord Bronco Raptor vs Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392
Two of the baddest turn-key off-road machines go head-to-head to find out which is the best in our Bronco Raptor vs Wrangler Rubicon 392 comparison.Two Hardcore Off-Road SUVs
For several decades, the Jeep Wrangler dominated the off-road scene. A few challengers came along over the years but none came close to dethroning the king. More recently though, the off-road scene has experienced a resurgence, and buyers want their off-road toys ready to go from the factory. To meet that need Jeep finally introduced the Wrangler 392, the first V8 Wrangler in history. To beat it, Ford has brought out the Bronco Raptor, a twin-turbocharged beast with 418 horsepower. Let’s find out which is actually best though.
Specs
On paper, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 is a tour de force. It kicks things off with a loud and proud 6.4-liter V8 that makes 470 hp and the same number of torques. It sends that power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and gets at best 13 mpg in the city and 16 on the highway. It starts at a jaw-dropping $93,440 and that’s only IF you can find a dealer willing to sell it at MSRP. It’ll do zero to 60 mph in just four seconds and still climb rocks like they’re a shopping mall parking curb.
On the other hand, the Ford Bronco Raptor is less about rock crawling and more about jumps. It gets a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. It also powers all four wheels but does so via a 10-speed automatic gearbox. According to the EPA, it’ll get up to 15 mpg in the city and 16 on the highway. Finally, again, with the caveat of finding a dealer who isn’t trying to gouge you, it’ll cost at least $91,930.
Driving and Performance
The Wrangler enters this competition with nothing to prove and a time-tested approach. Be good at off-roading and add a lot of horsepower. That’s precisely what it accomplishes too. On the road, this SUV feels just as uncoordinated as ever but now, it’s got enough horsepower to embarrass a Honda Civic Type R in a straight line. It’s loud, it’s noisy, it’s uncomfortable to ride in for long periods of time, and it’s not very fun to drive on paved roads.
Off-road, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 comes into its own. Jeep’s Xtreme Recon 35-inch tire package is standard for 2024 as is a 3.5-inch suspension lift and locking differentials. Fox shocks handle the job of managing ride quality and maintaining traction while electronically disconnectable sway bars enhance articulation. A front-facing off-road camera enables the driver to spot themselves in some situations and a water separation system called “Hydro-Guide” helps to prevent the intake from sucking up water when fording rivers or streams.
The Ford Bronco Raptor takes a very different approach to driving performance and it’s an interesting one. Rather than go directly after the Wrangler in rock-crawling competition, the Bronco focuses on balancing on and off-road performance and has a special trick up its sleeve. First, it has a more conventional suspension setup, so it handles paved roads more like an everyday car and as a result, it feels better to drive. It’s more progressive and linear, it provides better feedback, and can still go from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
Off-road, it’s meant to be driven at speed. Its Fox shocks and huge 37-inch tires are aimed at desert running. It’ll soak up jumps and bumps with ease and still tackle tough slow-speed terrain with most of the aplomb of the Jeep. Notably, the Bronco Raptor’s ability to drive off-road at high speed and to feel so good on the road comes with at least one major drawback. Early indications are that it’s not as robust off-road as the Wrangler. That means that you could end up with snapped tie rods and other components that’ll stop you in your tracks while the Wrangler Rubicon 392 keeps on going. Nevertheless, instances of that appear to take place only in extreme circumstances.
Comfort and Interior
The cabin of the Wrangler is also a familiar place with modernized styling that also harkens back to the rich history of this model. The dash, gauge cluster, and center control stack feature rugged designs and a straightforward layout. At the same time, Jeep has added a few luxuries like heated and power-adjustable front seats, a new 12.3-inch infotainment system, and a nine-speaker sound system from Alpine.
The rear seats are comfortable enough for adults to enjoy a long day off-roading in them and Jeep also includes fun storage solutions in the back of the Wrangler Rubicon 392. For example, buyers can add an auxiliary fuel canister to the rear tire carrier that blends in rather than sticking out.
The Bronco Raptor features a similarly rugged interior with rubberized switchgear and several physical buttons and knobs. It differs from the Wrangler in that it provides a bit more tech including a digital gauge cluster and a full 360-degree camera system. In addition, the seating is a touch more spacious and comfortable for both on and off-road excursions.
A 12-inch infotainment system is the only one available but it comes with an excellent Bang & Olufsen sound system that incorporates 10 speakers. While it’s not as customizable as the Wrangler, the Bronco comes standard with a touch more cargo space.
Trims and Features
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 is available in two trims. First, the base version comes with the V8 engine, high-performance brakes, Fox shocks, steel bumpers, a 3.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch tires, fender extensions, and a reinforced hinge gate.
In addition, Jeep is selling a Rubicon 392 Final Edition trim since the V8 will soon leave production. It gets bronze accents, an integrated winch, a Mopar grille guard, rock sliders, black Nappa leather with gold stitching, and an 83-piece tool kit. Keep in mind it’ll set you back at least $101,890.
The Bronco Raptor comes in just a single trim for now. It gets the V6, 17-inch wheels, 37-inch tires, Fox shocks, an active exhaust, carbon fiber interior accents, and paddle shifters.
The Verdict
These are both very good off-road machines but it’s the Bronco Raptor that wins here because it can do more for the same or less money. It’s almost as capable on slow-speed off-road challenges, is better at high-speed runs in the desert (despite having less power), and feels far superior on the road, where secretly most of the owners of these vehicles will drive them 99% of the time. Ford might now be the new off-road king, especially when you consider that the Ranger Raptor has no direct Jeep competition.
