The clash of titans continues as America’s off-road champions, the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, roll out fresh updates for 2025. Both SUVs can tackle anything from dusty Bakersfield back roads to rugged Sierra Nevada trails. At our Jim Burke Bakersfield Ford dealership in California, we’ve put together this off-road SUV comparison so you can pick your perfect adventurer for Central Valley living.
Quick Model Overviews
The 2025 Bronco has seven available trims: the Base, Big Bend, Heritage Edition, Outer Banks, Badlands, Stroppe, and Raptor. Each comes with standard four-wheel drive (4WD) and a HOSS suspension system. You can choose between two- or four-door versions, both of which have removable doors and roof panels for when the Bakersfield sun starts blazing. The Heritage Edition, Stroppe, and Raptor all respect Ford’s strong off-road history while featuring today’s tech.
The Jeep Wrangler also has seven trims: the Sport, Sport S, Willys, Rubicon, Sahara, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392. Power windows are now standard across all models. New for 2025 is the ’41 paint color, reminiscent of classic olive Willys Jeeps, along with a smart new feature that lets you cool down your cabin through your phone before you enter the vehicle, which could be a lifesaver during hot Central Valley summer days.
Engine and Performance
The Bronco’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost produces 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 produces 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Raptor models come with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 with 418 horsepower.
The Wrangler has multiple options. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 makes 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0-liter turbo four produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For more power, the Rubicon 392’s 6.4-liter V-8 produces 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, and the 4xe plug-in hybrid produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
The Wrangler’s 3.6-liter V-6 and 2.0-liter turbo can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the 4xe hybrid pulls 3,500 pounds. The Bronco tows up to 3,500 pounds with standard engines and 4,500 pounds with Raptor models.
Off-Road Capability
Both trucks excel off-road. The Bronco’s G.O.A.T. Modes offer up to eight drive settings, depending on the trim. These include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Baja, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl. Raptor models clear 13.1 inches while standard Broncos manage 11.6 inches. Water fording reaches 37 inches deep with the Raptor and 33.5 inches in most other models.
Jeep counters with Command-Trac, Selec-Trac, and Rock-Trac transfer cases, plus Selec-Speed Control. The Wrangler fords up to 33.6 inches of water, and Rubicon models offer 12.9 inches of ground clearance.
Technology and Connectivity
The Bronco features a 12-inch touch screen with SYNC 4 plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 12-inch digital dash displays key info clearly, while glove-friendly controls work even during cold mountain trips.
The Jeep runs a 12.3-inch touch screen with Uconnect 5, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Base models get a 3.5-inch driver display, while higher trims offer a 7-inch digital cluster. Both offer washable floors and mud-resistant materials for California adventures.
Safety and Driver-Assist Features
The Bronco offers Ford Co-Pilot360 features, but availability varies by series and package. Features include precollision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warnings with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping, and a backup camera. You can also get forward collision alerts, auto high beams, and brake assist.
Jeep takes a different route. Many safety features are extra-cost add-ons or limited to pricier trims. You’ll need to study the fine print carefully to see what comes with each model or budget for safety packages that match what the Bronco includes for free.
Pricing and Warranty
The Bronco starts at $39,995 for the Base trim and rises to $79,995 for the Raptor. The Wrangler two-door Sport trim starts at $32,095, rising to $57,000 for the two-door Rubicon X. Four-door models start at $37,290 for the Sport, rising to $100,590 for the Rubicon 392.
The Ford Bronco’s warranty coverage includes a three-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. You also get five years/60,000 miles of roadside assistance. Jeep offers almost identical warranty coverage.
At Jim Burke Ford, we offer local perks that should help offset any price gaps. Our financing options, factory incentives, and hometown service know-how add value beyond sticker price. Plus, all those standard safety gadgets in the Bronco might trim your insurance bills compared to a basic Wrangler. Think about the full money picture: gas, maintenance, warranty, and dealer backup when choosing your ride.
Choose Your Perfect Off-Road Adventure Partner
Both excel off-road, but the 2025 Ford Bronco offers better water handling, more storage, and standard safety tech for daily use. Contact us to arrange a test-drive of the 2025 Bronco lineup at Jim Burke Ford in Bakersfield, California, and discover why its capability, safety, and local support make it perfect for Central Valley adventurers. We’ll match the right Bronco to your needs and budget.
