The Ford Bronco has been a massive success in the automotive industry since its return a few years ago. It has retaken its spot among iconic American SUVs as it has been since its initial launch in 1966. Many drivers love the Bronco for its durability and reliability. It is also reputable for its rugged appearance and is a favored option for off-road enthusiasts who enjoy thrilling adventures. Nowadays, the automobile market has evolved to favor features like fuel efficiency and interior comfort. Cars similar to Ford Bronco deliver the same performance but with certain favorable modifications.
The Best Cars Similar to Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is impressive in a million ways. However, many drivers seek certain qualities that the car cannot offer. We have assembled ten fantastic cars similar to Ford Bronco to provide suitable options for our readers. Let’s find out which alternative satisfies your preferences more than others.
1. Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler shares the same segment of the American market with the Bronco. They are similar in more ways than appearance and off-road abilities. Jeep packs the Wrangler with a sophisticated 4×4 system and locking rear differential, which delivers unmatched traction over crooked and demanding landscapes. Drivers who enjoy thrilling off-road adventures will enjoy the tuned adaptive suspension system, which adjusts for ride comfort. In addition to its off-road competence, the Wrangler also features high-end driver-assistance and safety technologies.
The new Uconnect-5 12.3-inch infotainment display impresses with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in navigation system. You get ample occupant and cargo space with a boxy dashboard design inside. Meanwhile, the exterior shares the same rugged military-vehicle design as the Bronco. Recent Jeep Wranglers come standard, running on a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine that makes 285 horsepower. This engine pairs with a six-speed manual gearbox or a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission to power the off-road-tuned four-wheel drivelines.
The base setup bursts from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and earns a combined EPA-estimated gas mileage of 20 MPG. Two hybrid powertrains are available for better gas mileage, while the Rubicon’s 6.4-liter V8 offers more power and torque. The base two-door V6 can tow up to 2,000 pounds of payload. A new 2024 Jeep Wrangler starts at $33,890. Pricing can go as high as $80,000 for buyers eyeing the Rubicon trim plus additional features.
2. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is another well-rounded SUV that is excellent for daily driving. The car stands out among family SUVs as a result of its distinctive rugged appeal. Furthermore, its durability and reliability help it earn a spot among cars similar to the Ford Bronco. It offers a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, advanced safety features, and a plush interior that can compete with luxury models. As a result, it keeps a spot among affordable SUVs with the best interior. In addition, the Sportage has great driving dynamics and can handle reasonably challenging driving conditions.
Under the hood, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 187 horsepower. The standard transmission system is an eight-speed automatic working with a front wheel or an all-wheel drive. The X-line and X-Pro trims are more like Ford Broncos in terms of looks and off-roading. Performance-wise, you get 2,500 pounds payload capacity, 9.1 seconds of acceleration from zero to 60 mph, and a top speed of 130 mph.
The FWD trims earn gas mileages of 25 MPG and 32 MPG, while the AWD earns 23 and 28 for city and highway driving conditions. Since the latest Sportage has a longer wheelbase, legroom for front and rear-seat occupants has increased substantially. In the same vein, luggage space in the trunk has increased, offering a dual-level cargo floor that is even more versatile. A new 2024 Kia Sportage will set you back between $28,565 and $39,365, depending on the trim and additional features you opt for.
3. Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru’s Crosstrek is a well-rounded compact SUV. If you’re looking for cost efficiency in terms of price tag, fueling, maintenance, and repair, this is your stop. The Crosstrek features on our list of Cars similar to the Ford Bronco due to its reliability. It may not be built for extreme off-tarmac driving, but it can survive harsh weather conditions. The standard all-wheel-drive system offers the much-needed traction for rainy days.
Modern-day drivers seeking a comfortable ride will appreciate the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood. If the 152 horsepower output doesn’t do it for you, opt for the 182-horsepower variant with a 2.5-liter gasoline displacement. Both setups pair with either a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and tuned adaptive suspensions, you can enjoy thrilling off-road adventures without worry. And if that is not enough, The Wilderness trim offers 9.3 inches of ground clearance and wears more aggressive all-terrain tires.
The base Crosstrek takes 8.1 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph. It has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds (3,500 pounds for the Wilderness trim). According to the EPA, this car earns 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, which is impressive for an SUV. A new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek ranges between $26,540 and $33,290, depending on the trim and optional features you want.
4. Toyota Land Cruiser
Many Ford Bronco lovers are fans of retro styling for cars. The 2024 Land Cruiser sports a handsome old-school exterior that gives a rugged vibe. Toyota downsized the Land Cruiser but maintained its off-road worthiness. The same turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine pairs with two electric motors to deliver 326 horsepower in every 2024 Land Cruiser. This hybrid powertrain uses an eight-speed automatic transmission to power the standard four-wheel-drive system.
Its off-road ability is thanks to a locking center differential, low-range gearing, a crawl control system, and hill descent control. Unlike many cars similar to Ford Bronco, the Land Cruiser delivers a quiet ride on the road. Regarding performance, the car takes 7.7 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph and earns an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 22 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. It records a top speed of 130 mph and a max tow rate of 3,500 pounds, which is the same as that of Ford’s Bronco.
The boxy-designed dashboard features an 8.0-inch infotainment display along with standard leather accents. The interior space is nifty with many cool standard features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a six-speaker stereo. You can also opt for a 12.3-inch display, a 14-speaker JBL stereo system, and more. The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser ranges between $57,400 and $76,345.
5. Rivian R1S
Electric vehicles don’t come to mind when you talk about power and off-road capacity. However, the R1S is a high-performance, all-electric SUV that holds a spot among cars similar to Ford Bronco. Although its price tag is significantly higher than Bronco’s, they are alike in many ways. For one, the Rivian boasts exceptional off-road capabilities and looks as rugged as an EV can. Thanks to its impressive 14.9 inches of ground clearance and the ability to ford through three feet of water, the car is a proven survivor in harsh conditions.
The R1S shares the same powertrain options with the R1T (pickup truck). You can choose between the standard Dual-Motor setup, which makes a combined 600 horsepower, and a quad-motor powertrain, which delivers 835 horsepower. Both trims come standard with all-wheel drive. The Standard battery pack has a driving range of 260 miles per charge, the large pack boasts up to 352 miles, and the Max pack is rated at up to 400 miles. The zero-to-60 mph acceleration time for a Rivian R1S is about 3.1 seconds.
Inside, the car sports the same boxy design as the exterior. The cabin is roomy, and it is made of higher-end materials. You will enjoy the giant 15.6-inch infotainment display if you love tech packages. Its interface is incredible, and it offers lots of features, including Amazon’s Alexa voice assistance. The EPA estimates that the R1S earns 73 MPGe for city and 65 MPGe for highway driving. Depending on your preferred setup, you can get a new Rivian R1S for between $76,700 and $89,800.
6. Honda Passport Trailsport
The Passport is a new lineup known for interior spacing and occupant comfort. While other trims focus on a refined driving experience, Trailsport offers off-road capability comparable to that of Ford Bronco. The cabin shares many similarities with the Ridgeline pickup truck. There is ample spacing for front and rear seat occupants, and there is enough cargo space in the trunk. You can fit in many suitcases for a long vacation.
Every Passport also has the same 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine that delivers 280 horsepower. This engine pairs with the standard nine-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between an AWD and an FWD driveline configuration. The off-road-worthy Trailsport can tow up to 5,000 pounds and has 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Drivers love this setup for its acceleration; it takes 6.0 seconds to smash 60 mph and reaches a top speed of 112 mph.
According to the EPA, the AWD Passprot earns 19 MPG in the city and 24 on the highway. Many optional tech tools are available for drivers who enjoy using them. The 2024 Honda Passport ranges from $43,295 to $49,365. Meanwhile, the Trailsport trim starts at $45,895.
7. Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2024 Santa Fe sports a boxy exterior design that makes it look similar to the Ford Bronco. The SUV is famous for its driving dynamics and family-friendly interior. Inside the cabin, you get standard leather upholstery and optional features like heated front seats, onboard Wi-Fi, and wireless smartphone charging. The best part is that these upgrades won’t boost the price too much.
Every gas-only Santa Fe shares the same turbocharged 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that puts out 277 horsepower. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard and works with FWD or AWD configuration. The AWD setup offers more fun but chops 2 MPG off the estimated gas mileage. Its acceleration time from zero to 60 mph is only 6.3 seconds. While the FWD has a combined gas mileage of 25 MPG, the AWD earns 23. Furthermore, the more rugged XRT trim has a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.
If you prioritize interior styling, durability, and engine performance, the Santa Fe is your best chance at all three. The car also offers the best safety and driver-assistance technologies as standard for all trims. Depending on the trim and optional features, you can get a new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe for between $35,365 and $47,915.
8. Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 is a favorite in the midsize SUV segment. It takes over from the CX-9 to satisfy the family SUV demand segment. This car runs on a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine that pairs with a 48-volt hybrid system. This powertrain setup generates 340 horsepower in S trims and 280 in non-S trims. You can also get a plug-in hybrid that delivers 323 horsepower and about 33 miles of battery-only driving range.
All CX-90s use the same eight-speed automatic transmission to power the standard all-wheel-drive system. The car has impressed many buyers with its precise steering and sports-tuned chassis. The S trims have steering-mounted paddle shifters to add to the fun. Accelerating from zero to 60 mph with this trim takes only 6.3 seconds, and the top speed is 130 mph.
According to the EPA, the base setup gets 24 MPG in the city and 28 on the highway. Furthermore, the car’s max tow rate is 5,000 pounds, which is a bit higher than Ford’s Bronco.
The CX-90’s cabin is roomy with three seat rows and can accommodate seven occupants. While passenger spacing is decent, trunk space is little unless the third row is folded. Buyers can choose between a 10.0 or 12.3-inch infotainment screen with standard access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new 2024 Mazda CX-90 will set you back between $39,220 and $57,325, depending on the trim and options.
9. Nissan PathFinder
If you are in the market for a perfect family mover, you cannot go wrong with the PathFinder. Like the Wrangler, it favors a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine generates up to 284 horsepower in the base models and pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Rock Creek trim uses the same engine but is tuned to generate 295 horsepower. This trim is considered off-road worthy, thanks to some significant additions to the setup.
Front-wheel drive is standard across all trims, but you can opt for all-wheel drive. The Nissan Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 pounds and has a maximum top speed of 120 mph. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes only 6.7 seconds. The EPA says this car gets 21 MPG in the city and 27 on the highway.
Inside the car, you get a comfortable eight-seater interior and lots of features that make it ideal for family trips. Furthermore, the standard 8.0-inch infotainment display can be upgraded to a 9.0-inch one, both offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Optional features include a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless smartphone charging pad, SiriusXM satellite radio, a head-up display, and an in-dash navigation system. You can get a new 2024 Nissan PathFinder for between $38,040 and $51,010.
10. Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Chevy Trailblazer is a more alternative to the Ford Bronco. All trims run on the same 1.2- and 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine options in an Encore GX. The two engines have power output ratings of 137 and 155 horsepower, respectively. You can only have the FWD Trailblazer with a continuous variable automatic transmission. Opting for an all-wheel drive system means you get a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Trailblazer also ranks high in terms of reliability, like the Bronco and its alternatives. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 119 mph. Despite its lethargic performance, many drivers appreciate its driving dynamics. You get a comfortable daily runner that saves you money at the pump.
Inside, there is ample space for five occupants, leg- and head-room, with tangible luggage space behind the rear seats. You get automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control for all trims. A new 2024 Chevy Trailblazer ranges between $24,395 and $28,395, depending on your preferred trim.
Let’s Wrap Up…
The Bronco’s legendary status in the SUV market is not up for debate. It serves a wide range of drivers but may not be ideal for certain applications. The cars similar to the Ford Bronco we highlighted possess extra fantastic qualities to make them fit in better, depending on what you want. All the alternatives share the same reliability and durability, which makes the Bronco a top choice for harsh weather and road conditions.
