The Bronco makes it clear right away that Ford didn't mess with a working formula. Outside of a retro look to celebrate 60 years of production, the SUV stays pretty much identical for '26, which is the same play Jeep uses with the Wrangler. Let's break down the main features in this Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler comparison so you can pick the right SUV for your next family road trip.
Key Takeaways:
- A brand-new 60th Anniversary version joins the Bronco family, but otherwise, the '26 lineup stays the same.
- Jeep keeps the Wrangler lineup steady while featuring limited-edition models to keep things interesting.
- Both brands stick with a two-engine lineup for these models.
What Updates Have Been Made to the 2026 Ford Bronco?
The features on the usual Bronco models carry over, but Ford did add one special trim level to the mix. To celebrate 60 years of the nameplate, it built the 60th Anniversary Edition using the Outer Banks trim as a starting point. It comes with the rugged Sasquatch package, a nostalgic red-and-white paint scheme, unique "60" badges, and classic bucking-bronco logos throughout the interior.
As for the Wrangler, the Rubicon 392 Final Edition didn't end up being quite so final. Jeep rebrands the model as the Moab 392, the first entry in the brand's new series of rotating special editions. It retains the same 470-hp Hemi V8 while adding exclusive graphics and a body-color hardtop. Jeep also expands the lineup with the Whitecap, featuring a white roof and matching exterior accents, and the Willys 392, which brings the Hemi V8 to the more affordable Willys trim.
2026 Bronco and Jeep Wrangler Powertrains and Off-Road Capability
The Bronco pairs its base 300-hp 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder with a seven-speed manual. For more power, you can move up to the 330-hp 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, which pairs with a 10-speed automatic. The Bronco's 4x4 system lets you manually engage four-wheel drive. For maximum trail capability, you can pack the Bronco with heavy-duty gear like electronic front and rear locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar, beadlock-ready wheels, and 35-inch mud-terrain tires.
The Wrangler's standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 cranking out 285 ponies and paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. If you go with the optional turbo four-cylinder or the big 470-horsepower V8, Jeep drops the manual option in favor of a standard automatic transmission. Just like the Ford, the Wrangler comes with a tough four-wheel-drive system, offering a full-time transfer case on higher trims and making it standard on the V8 models.
Powertrains
| 2026 Ford Bronco |
2026 Jeep Wrangler |
| 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine |
2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 or turbocharged 2.3-liter engine |
| 7-speed manual/10-speed automatic transmission |
6-speed manual/ 8-speed automatic transmission |
| 4WD only |
4WD only |
What Technology Is Found in the 2026 Ford Bronco?
The Bronco's dash features a 12.0-inch touchscreen with Sync 4, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay on every trim. Over-the-air software updates and factory navigation are options on most models. Moving up through the trim levels gives you access to a 12-speaker B&O surround-sound system.
The Wrangler uses Jeep's Uconnect 5 software with a 12.3-inch landscape display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. There's an available factory navigation upgrade that includes access to a built-in database of pre-mapped off-road trails. Base models feature an eight-speaker audio system with an available nine-speaker Alpine upgrade.
Which SUV Is Best for Your Next Adventure?
The core features that have kept the Bronco at the front of the pack for decades are still here, and the new anniversary version adds great heritage style without changing the truck's capability. If you're ready to see what the Bronco can do for you, contact our sales team at Steve Faulkner Ford so you can get behind the wheel!
