The Ford Bronco is one of the most anticipated and popular vehicles of 2023. It is a revival of an iconic off-road SUV that was first introduced in 1966. The new Bronco comes in two-door and four-door versions, as well as a smaller Sport model. It features a removable roof and doors, a choice of turbocharged engines, a standard four-wheel drive system, and various off-road modes and packages. It has a starting price of $36,390 for the two-door model and $38,995 for the four-door model. However, due to high demand and limited supply, it may be hard to get your hands on one anytime soon.
If you are looking for an off-road capable vehicle that can compete with or complement the Ford Bronco, you have plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we will explore 10 of them, ranging from SUVs to pickup trucks, from affordable to expensive, from classic to modern. These are not ranked in any particular order, but rather presented as alternatives that may suit different tastes and needs.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is probably the closest rival and benchmark of the Ford Bronco. It is also a legendary off-road SUV that dates back to World War II. Like the Bronco, it has a removable roof and doors, solid axles front and rear, and various off-road trims and features. It also comes in two-door and four-door versions, as well as a pickup truck version called the Gladiator. It offers a range of engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a V-6, a diesel V-6, a plug-in hybrid four-cylinder, and a V-8. It has a starting price of $32,990 for the two-door model and $36,990 for the four-door model.
The Wrangler has some advantages over the Bronco, such as more engine options, more aftermarket support, more heritage value, and more availability. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as less interior space, less technology features, less refinement, and less fuel efficiency. Related Articles: 2024 Jeep Wrangler: Five Things To Know
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is another reliable and rugged SUV that offers excellent off-road capability. It is one of the few remaining body-on-frame SUVs on the market today. It has a standard V-6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and a part-time or full-time four-wheel drive system. It also has a range of off-road trims and features, such as the TRD Off-Road, the TRD Pro, the Venture Special Edition, and the Trail Special Edition. It has a starting price of $38,315.
The 4Runner has some advantages over the Bronco, such as more cargo space, more towing capacity, more reliability, and more resale value. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as an outdated design, an underpowered engine, a lack of roof and door options, and a higher base price.
Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender is a premium and modern SUV that combines luxury and capability. It is a reboot of a classic off-road vehicle that was originally launched in 1948. The new Defender comes in two sizes: the 90 (two-door) and the 110 (four-door). It features a choice of turbocharged four-cylinder or six-cylinder engines, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a sophisticated four-wheel drive system with an active locking rear differential and an optional locking center differential. It also has various off-road modes and packages, such as the Terrain Response 2, the Wade Sensing, the Explorer Pack, and the Adventure Pack. It has a starting price of $54,795 for the 90 model and $57,295 for the 110 model.
The Defender has some advantages over the Bronco, such as more luxury features, more advanced technology, more on-road comfort, and more prestige. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as a much higher price tag, a lower ground clearance, a less rugged appearance, and a lower reliability rating.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is a midsize pickup truck that has impressive off-road performance and technology. It is based on the regular Colorado truck, but with significant upgrades to its suspension, tires, bodywork, and equipment. It features a choice of a V-6 engine that produces 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque or a diesel four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It also has a standard four-wheel drive system with front and rear locking differentials and an optional Multimatic DSSV damping system. It has a starting price of $48,295.
The Colorado ZR2 has some advantages over the Bronco, such as more payload capacity, more diesel torque, more damping control, and more availability. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as less passenger space, less roof and door options, less off-road modes, and less fuel efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is an iconic and expensive SUV that has a distinctive design and three locking differentials. It is also known as the G-Wagen or the Geländewagen (German for cross-country vehicle). It was originally developed as a military vehicle in the 1970s but later became popular among civilians as well. The current G-Class comes in two versions: the G550 and the AMG G63. The G550 features a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that produces 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. The AMG G63 features a more powerful twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that produces 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Both versions have a nine-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing. They also have various off-road modes and features, such as the G-Mode, the Off-Road Package, and the Trail Package. They have a starting price of $141,050 for the G550 and $161,450 for the AMG G63.
The G-Class has some advantages over the Bronco, such as more power output, more luxury amenities, more exclusivity, and more heritage value. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as a much higher price tag, a less practical design, a heavier weight, and a lower fuel efficiency.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is another midsize pickup truck that has a proven track record and a loyal fan base. It is based on the regular Tacoma truck, but with enhanced off-road capability and style. It features a V-6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system. It also has various off-road trims and features, such as the TRD Off-Road, the TRD Sport, the TRD Pro, and the Trail Edition. It has a starting price of $48,520.
Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is a unique and versatile pickup truck that shares many components and features with the Wrangler. It is based on the four-door Wrangler Unlimited, but with a longer wheelbase and a five-foot cargo bed. It features a standard V-6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, or an optional diesel V-6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. It also has a standard four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing and an optional front sway bar disconnect. It also has various off-road trims and features, such as the Sport S, the Overland, the Rubicon, and the Mojave. It has a starting price of $38,240.
The Gladiator has some advantages over the Bronco, such as more towing capacity, more roof and door options, more off-road experience, and more versatility. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as less payload capacity, less power and torque, less technology and innovation, and less fuel efficiency.
Lexus GX
The Lexus GX is a luxurious and refined SUV that has a solid body-on-frame construction and a sophisticated four-wheel drive system. It is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which is a smaller version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. It features a V-8 engine that produces 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing. It also has various off-road modes and features, such as the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, the Crawl Control, the Multi-Terrain Select, and the Multi-Terrain Monitor. It has a starting price of $58,100.
The GX has some advantages over the Bronco, such as more luxury amenities, more reliability and durability, more on-road comfort, and more resale value. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as an outdated design, an underpowered engine, a lack of roof and door options, and a higher base price.
Ram 1500 TRX
The Ram 1500 TRX is a full-size pickup truck that has a supercharged V-8 engine and a high-speed off-road suspension. It is based on the regular Ram 1500 truck, but with significant upgrades to its powertrain, chassis, bodywork, and equipment. It features a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V-8 engine that produces 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing. It also has various off-road modes and features, such as the Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks, the Launch Control, the Jump Detection, and the TRX Level 2 Equipment Group. It has a starting price of $73,545.
The Ram 1500 TRX has some advantages over the Bronco, such as more power output, more speed capability, more payload capacity, and more towing capacity. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as a much higher price tag, a lower ground clearance, a heavier weight, and a lower fuel efficiency.
Subaru Outback Wilderness
The Subaru Outback Wilderness is a crossover wagon that has a raised ground clearance and a symmetrical all-wheel drive system. It is based on the regular Outback wagon, but with enhanced off-road capability and style. It features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system with low-range gearing. It also has various off-road modes and features, such as the X-Mode, the Hill Descent Control, the Front View Monitor, and the Anodized Copper-Finish Accents. It has a starting price of $38,120.
The Outback Wilderness has some advantages over the Bronco, such as more cargo space, more fuel efficiency, more on-road comfort, and more availability. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as less power and torque, less roof and door options, less off-road experience, and less versatility.
In conclusion, there are many off-road capable vehicles that can compete with or complement the Ford Bronco. They vary in their size, shape, price, performance, features, and style. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses that may appeal to different buyers or owners. If you are looking for an off-road capable vehicle, you should consider your budget, needs, preferences, and expectations before making your decision. You should also test drive or research these vehicles to see how they compare to the Ford Bronco in person or online. What are your thoughts on these vehicles? Which one would you choose and why? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
