Cars Similar To The Ford Bronco (8 Alternatives in 2022)

Boxy wagons were a huge deal when the first-generation Bronco arrived back in the 1960s. Ford quickly realized the future potential of the Bronco as more and more Americans fell for its simple yet effective design.

After a long sabbatical, the sixth-generation Bronco is here to revive the charm and charisma of the original. Stateside, the SUV bears a price tag of between $32,895 and $70,095.

However, there are many other competitive cars that offer similar comfort and superiority, like the Bronco. So, let’s explore this list of the top 5 alternatives to the Ford Bronco.

1. Jeep Wrangler ($30,295 – $79,995)

Similarities Between the Wrangler and the Ford Bronco

The Wrangler and Bronco are body-on-frame SUVs sold in 2-door and 4-door variants. Both cars share tough underbody protective measures, transfer cases, locking differentials, and four-wheel drive.

Both cars can be had with six-cylinder gasoline engines and optional manual or automatic transmissions. Like Bronco, the Wrangler also features a great base-engine horsepower output and boasts identical in-city fuel consumption.

The two SUVs also get removable doors, short front & rear overhangs, and comparable approach & departure angles. The Wrangler also offers similar boxy exterior styling, an almost-open roof design, and chunky off-road tires.

Like Bronco, the ruggedly-styled interior of the Wrangler is designed for five people along two rows of seats. Off-road-friendly touchpoints, automatic high-beam headlamps, and collision warnings are also common in both cars.

What Stand-Out Features Does the Jeep Wrangler Have?

The exterior design of the Jeep Wrangler is irrefutably more recognizable worldwide, with its throwback value being one of its strongest values. Similarly, the Jeep sports a cleaner look once its doors are removed.

The Wrangler does weigh less than the Bronco, which should help the SUV handle certain types of terrain better. Even on the lower end, the wheel design of the Wrangler looks better and doesn’t feel as basic.

The base variants of the Wrangler feature better fit & finish, while shut lines are more consistent as well. Also, you can have the windshield folded down.

Here are some other strengths of the Jeep Wrangler:

• Base variant is cheaper
• There are more OEM & aftermarket mods for the Wrangler
• Wider variety of engine options
• Rich lineage of off-road ability
• The infotainment system is easier to use

The allure of the Jeep Wrangler comes from its expansive community culture and easily-available mods. Check out the specification table below for more details:

2. Nissan Pathfinder ($36,295 – $51,165)

Similarities Between the Nissan Pathfinder and the Ford Bronco

Like the Bronco, the Pathfinder also comes with a six-cylinder gas engine that powers all four wheels via an automatic gearbox. It also features a fully-independent front suspension and a similar urban fuel economy figure.

Both cars get touchscreen infotainment systems that support Android Auto & Apple CarPlay and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Other common features include automatic high-beam assist, automated emergency braking, blind-spot & lane-departure warning.

Features that Impress on the Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder is longer while its exterior design is more family-friendly in appearance and usability. Moreover, the Nissan’s styling integrates smooth curves and bold facades. It’s also cheaper at the higher end.

The Pathfinder’s boot space with its second row up is more than the Bronco’s. Its tech-laden cabin also feels more urbane and provides well thought-out & useful storage cubbies all around.

Its other unique attributes are second-row Captain chairs, tri-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system.

Here are some other notable features of the Nissan Pathfinder:

• It boasts a higher 6000-pound towing capacity
• Seats up to 8 people
• Gets a fully-digital driver’s display
• Cabin is quieter and sports better materials & build quality
• Has a higher top speed & better fuel economy

The Nissan Pathfinder is great for buyers who want a more refined and practical family SUV with plenty of modern equipment. Check out the specifications table below for more information:

3. Toyota 4Runner ($39,640 – $54,605)

Similarities Between the Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Bronco

Just like the Bronco, the 4Runner is of a ladder-body construction and sits in the mid-size SUV segment. It also gets trail-ready tires, uprated suspension, lockable rear differential, and underbody protection.

Both vehicles offer six-cylinder engines, four-wheel drive, automatic gearboxes, and comparable fuel economy. In their base trims, the two are equal in their width, height & curb weight.

The front seats of both cars in their base spec offer similar amounts of hip room. The 4Runner also gets Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, TPMS, and Pre-Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection, like Bronco.

What Makes the Toyota 4Runner Special?

The base 4Runner is longer in terms of its length and the wheelbase. It also affords more luggage space behind the first & second rows, while the maximum towing capacity is higher at 5000 pounds.

Even in its basic form, the Toyota gets 17-inch alloy wheels, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, Alexa compatibility, radar-guided cruise control, and eight airbags.

The fact that it has been around for so long means that the 4Runner’s reliability record and overall ruggedness have been well-documented. Meanwhile, the range-topping 4Runner also costs less.

These are the 4Runner’s other strong suits:

• It can seat up to 7 people
• Gets more equipment as standard
• Features Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS)
• Glove-friendly buttons and controls
• Can be had with huge 20-inch alloy wheels

If you want a simple and effective off-roader with a spacious cabin and trunk, then the Toyota 4Runner is almost undefeated. Read the specifications table below for better insight:

4. Land Rover Defender ($55,100 – $99,900)

Similarities Between the Defender and the Ford Bronco

The Defender, like Bronco, is a mid-size SUV that gets a dedicated twin-speed transfer case, multi-terrain traction modes for proper off-roading, full-time all-wheel drive, and toughened underbody protective measures.

It’s also available in two-door & four-door formats, boasting comparable ground clearance figures. The base four-cylinder engines of these SUVs produce almost-identical power, whilst automatic transmissions & six-cylinder engines are on offer too.

The Defender can also seat five occupants and its cabins share plenty of rugged & utilitarian touches too. Further commonality includes smartphone connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot, infotainment systems with OTA updates, and collision detection with auto-emergency braking.

Where Does the Defender Better the Bronco?

The Defender has been world-renowned for being an incredibly-capable off-roader. It also boasts a modern & lighter unibody design, with the four-door 110 variant getting air suspension as standard.

The roomier interiors of the Defender 110 & 130 look and feel more upmarket and luxurious. They can also be had with three-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, ambient LED lighting, and a fantastic Meridian sound system.

Those that lead an active life will appreciate the Defender’s ‘Activity Key’ wristband, refrigerated center console, and a towing capacity of up to 8200 pounds.

Here are some more of the Land Rover Defender’s fortes:

• The Defender 130 variant can seat up to 8 people
• Its inline six-cylinder engine makes a lot more horsepower
• Quieter cabin at highway speeds
• Customers get multiple & comprehensive personalization packs
• The V8-powered model is positively rapid

If you want a comfortable off-roader with plenty of modern gizmos and energetic powertrains, the Land Rover Defender will serve you well. Go through the specifications table for a better insight:

5. Lexus GX ($58,075 – $68,730)

Similarities Between the Lexus GX and the Ford Bronco

Like the Bronco, the GX is an SUV that’s built around a tough ladder-frame chassis for that proper off-roader appeal. Both have to jostle between being trail-ready & family-friendly as and when required.

At the top-end, both SUVs wear similar price tags. They can also be had with a list of driver aids, while daily city commutes won’t be taxing in either.

The Lexus too gets an automatic transmission, the ability to spin all four wheels at once, and gas engines that return near-identical mileage when driven within the city.

What Core Strengths Does the Lexus GX Possess?

For starters, the Lexus badge is a far more upscale and aspirational brand than the Blue Oval. This also means that the GX comes under the coveted ‘luxury SUV’ segment.

The Lexus GX has been garnering a pretty stellar reputation for reliability & customer satisfaction over the years, while its mechanical components are as bullet-proof as they come.

Moreover, the GX is longer and looks more chiseled than the Bronco, while its 19-inch machine-finished alloy rims are also bigger and sportier. The exterior paint quality is superior on the Lexus, too.

Here are the other brownie points that the GX scores:

• Higher seating position means excellent view outside
• Roomier interior with three rows of seats
• Great quality materials with excellent fit & finish
• Pleasantly quiet and refined
• Adaptive & auto-leveling air suspension

The GX is for buyers who want a large, old-school luxury SUV with comfort and genuine off-roading ability all rolled into one. Explore the spec table below for better insight into the car.

The Wrangler is an American classic alternative, whilst the 4Runner is a perfect SUV with great off-roading abilities. The Pathfinder and GX are ideal family SUVs, while the Defender combines off-roading with technology.

So, for those in search of top alternatives to the Ford Bronco, the cars on this list ought to be on your shortlist. You can look over the specifications, go for a spin, and place your bet!