Ford Bronco Raptor VS Jeep Wrangler 392

In most car buying climates of the past (and hopefully the future), the tease and eventual release of Ford’s premier off-roader, the Bronco Raptor, would create more of a stir. But, as with many things over the past two years, the pandemic somewhat tempered buyer excitement. This can be attributed to the scarcity—and along with it—prices of desirable things, and holds doubly true to those things effected by the worldwide chip shortage. Playstation 5s and Xbox Series Xs, PC Graphics Cards, and new cars are hard to come by and hard to afford for the average consumer.

Getting back to the Bronco Raptor, this should be a lust-worthy vehicle for serious and image-serious dirt devotees.

But the dealer-driven fiascos that continue to occur with the base Bronco (not the Bronco Sport) have left a sour taste in the mouths of potential buyers. You probably know where this is headed, but if you haven’t consumed any car-media over the past 8 months, just Google Bronco Markups. You’ll be greeted with story after story of eyebrow-raising dealer markups for those wishing to be an early adopter.

So, with the big-brother Raptor launch, expect more of the same. Reports already have the Bronco Raptor tied to “at least” a $25,000 markup for dealer lots. With a base price of $69,995, that’ll mean an out-the-door price of $100K+. Woof.

Okay, we got the doom and gloom out of the way. Whether you’re willing to pay that price or not, it’s exciting nonetheless to see the Raptor nametag on a Bronco. Although, it is a bit silly that a vehicle has two animal names from distinctly different time periods. It’s not Ford’s first foray into dual wielding animal names—the Mustang Super Snake—but at least those two co-exist in the same era.

A Growing Segment

While the Bronco Raptor may be the current talk of the town, it’s certainly not without rival. The from-the-factory tuned off-roader segment has picked up a nice head of steam over the past decade. Midsize and full-size trucks, small SUVs and CUVs, and wagons from several popular manufacturers are getting the rugged treatment.

Speaking of rugged treatment… Aftermarket accessories manufacturer Westin debuted several exciting new Bronco products at SEMA 2021, including this Pro-Mod Front Bumper. Combining a lightweight modular design with 10-gauge steel for strength and style, this high-and-tight fitting bumper provides maximum front end protection, as well as increased ground clearance and approach angle. There are also ample customization opportunities for mounting auxiliary lights, tow hooks, or the aggressive bolt-on skid plate seen here. | Image: The Bronco Nation

But when it comes to top-tier showroom to sand dune performance, the Bronco Raptor mainly matches up against the Wrangler 392. We could certainly throw the 4Runner TRD Pro in there as a worthy competitor as well, but we’ll wait until the sixth-gen coming in 2023. While it’s a cult hero, the TRD just can’t compete with the power output and off-road bells and whistles of the Raptor in its current form.

So, let’s see how the Ford stacks up against the Jeep Wrangler 392.

Bronco Raptor vs. Wrangler 392

Power

The Bronco Raptor gets its power from a 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 promising 400+ ponies. It’s mated to a 10-speed transmission and raced-tuned suspension. But all indications point to the 392 being a quicker machine with 470 HP and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.

EDGE: Wrangler 392

Styling

Of course this is subjective, but the 392 doesn’t really stand out when lined up next to its Wrangler peers. It’s got a dual exhaust, a Ram Air hood, and all the badging—but it doesn’t quite command a room like the Raptor. The top Bronc features steel bumpers, nearly a foot of added width, and a much taller more aggressive stance.

EDGE: Bronco Raptor

Rubber

Speaking of aggressive stance, the Raptor comes standard with 37 inch tires—bigger than the 392’s paltry 33 inch, and for that matter, any OEM factory-built vehicle ever produced.

EDGE: Bronco Raptor

Interior

While both these beasts are off-roaders first and foremost, neither Jeep nor Ford skimped on the creature comforts. The Raptor has the edge on screen-size with an extra 3.5” of real estate, but we’ve really come to enjoy the Uconnect system and Alpine Audio in the Jeep.

EDGE: PUSH

Off-Road Performance

As the Raptor hasn’t been put through the paces yet, it’s hard to declare a hands down winner yet. But on paper, it does appear to be pretty lopsided. The 392 certainly has its niceties, but the list of trail-taming features on the Bronco is staggering:

• Dana 50 HD Solid Rear Axle
• Fox Suspension System
• Specially Tuned Active Dampeners
• Redesigned Heavy-Duty Clutch
• Reinforced Rock Rails + Removable Running Boards
• More Sturdy B and C-Pillar Construction
• Heavy Duty Skid Pate
• 3 Distinct 4×4 Modes

EDGE: Bronco Raptor

Towing

The 392 is rated at 3,500 lbs., while the Raptor gets the nod at 4,500 lbs. This is one of the few categories where the current 4Runner TRD bests both, with a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.

EDGE: Bronco Raptor

Pricing

Dealer markups remain high on the 392, but as we covered, the Raptor pricing at launch might be downright laughable. Base price on the Raptor is $69,995 and $74,800 for the 392—but good luck finding either for those prices anytime soon.

EDGE: PUSH

A New King?

Like we said, it’s hard to give a proper comparison perspective when one of the vehicles hasn’t launched yet. But while many have come up empty trying to dethrone the Wrangler, it looks like Jeep may have a dogfight on its hands with the Bronco Raptor. Unfortunately for the Raptor, it’s just about the worst time Ford could’ve picked to throw its hat into the ring. While from a strictly paper comparison, it seems the Bronco Raptor is the clear winner, it’s anything but clear.

Jeep has a pedigree that’s second to none and a rabid off-road fan base that Ford can’t touch. Also, the Bronco and Bronco Sport haven’t had the cleanest of launches. Faulty hard-top issues, a rear suspension and control-arm recall, and overheating problems have been well documented in its first few years. These have mainly affected the Sport model, and for the most part have been ironed out, but it hasn’t been the best look for Ford.

Will this sway potential Raptor buyers? How will Jeep respond? Will the 2023 4Runner TRD Pro be a threat? The next year holds the answer to these questions, and we’ll be here to break down all of it.

Keep following The Engine Block for more up-to-the-minute Bronco Raptor coverage.