Are Jeeps or Broncos better on gas?
Generally, Jeep Wranglers—especially with a 2.0L turbo or EcoDiesel engine—tend to deliver better highway fuel economy than Ford Broncos in comparable configurations, while Broncos equipped with larger V6 engines or heavy off-road packages typically drink more fuel. Plug-in hybrid variants for both brands can offer the strongest efficiency when charged and driven in electric mode.
In this article, we break down how the main powertrains in today’s Wrangler and Bronco lineups perform in terms of miles per gallon (mpg) and MPGe, and we highlight the trade-offs between on-road efficiency and off-road capability. Numbers vary by model year, drivetrain (2WD vs 4x4), tire size, and whether hybrid or diesel options are chosen.
How to compare mpg in off-road SUVs
mpg figures are heavily influenced by engine choice, transmission, drivetrain, tire size, and accessories. Off-road-oriented setups (larger tires, locking differentials, heavy racks, and winches) typically reduce efficiency, while highway-focused configurations with smaller wheels and lower gearing improve mpg. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) can maximize efficiency when charged and used in electric mode.
Common powertrains and mpg estimates
Jeep Wrangler powertrains and mpg
Below are typical EPA-style ranges for common Wrangler configurations in recent years. Actual numbers depend on model year, drivetrain, and equipment.
- Wrangler 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 with 8-speed automatic (eTorque mild hybrid): roughly 21–23 mpg city / 28–29 mpg highway; around 24–25 mpg combined in 4x4 form depending on tires and gearing.
- Wrangler EcoDiesel 3.0L V6: roughly 22–23 mpg city / 29 mpg highway; about 25–26 mpg combined, depending on 4x4 status and wheel/Tire setup.
- Wrangler 3.6L V6 (older configurations with manual or auto): about 17–20 mpg city / 23–25 mpg highway; roughly 19–23 mpg combined depending on transmission and 4x4 choice.
- Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid: up to about 49 MPGe combined when using electric power; approximately 20–22 mpg on gasoline-only operation; electric range on a full charge typically around 20 miles.
Wranglers with the 2.0L turbo or EcoDiesel engines tend to outperform many Bronco configurations on highway fuel economy, while off-road gearing and tire choices can narrow the gap. The 4xe plug-in variant offers the best overall efficiency when regularly charged and used in EV mode, but requires access to a charging routine.
Ford Bronco powertrains and mpg
Below are typical EPA-style ranges for common Bronco configurations in recent years. As with the Wrangler, actual results vary with tires, gear, and off-road load.
- Bronco with 2.3L EcoBoost I4 and 10-speed automatic: about 19–21 mpg city / 27–29 mpg highway; roughly 23–25 mpg combined, with 4x4 tires and heavy off-road equipment lowering city mpg.
- Bronco with 2.7L V6 EcoBoost: around 18–20 mpg city / 20–23 mpg highway; roughly 19–21 mpg combined; heavier powertrain and options reduce efficiency especially in 4x4 or with larger tires.
- Bronco 4xe plug-in hybrid: up to around 20–23 MPGe combined (electric+gas); electric range typically around 18–21 miles; gasoline-only mpg falls short of the hybrid advantage when the battery is not charged.
Broncos offer strong off-road capability across powertrains, but the larger engines and heavier builds tend to yield lower mpg in everyday driving. The 4xe variant can outperform many gasoline-only Broncos and Wranglers when you regularly use electric power.
Real-world factors that affect mpg
Beyond engine choice, a range of practical factors affects actual fuel economy. Driving style (steady highway cruising vs. aggressive acceleration), terrain (hills vs. flat), load (passengers and cargo), roof racks, and the weight of added off-road gear all play a role. Tire size and pressure have a notable impact, as do tire tread and gearing in 4x4 modes. If you do a lot of highway miles, a Wrangler with a smaller-diameter wheel and a 2.0L turbo or EcoDiesel will typically be more efficient than the Bronco’s heavier configurations; in flat-Earth terms, the advantage shrinks with aggressive off-road use and larger tires. Plug-in hybrids deliver the most efficient results when you routinely charge and drive in electric mode, but their effectiveness depends on charging availability and daily driving distance.
Summary
The Jeep Wrangler generally offers better highway efficiency than the Ford Bronco in several common configurations, particularly with the 2.0L turbo or EcoDiesel engines. Broncos equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost can be competitive, but the 2.7L V6 and other heavy, off-road-focused builds typically consume more fuel. Plug-in hybrids from both brands – Wrangler 4xe and Bronco 4xe – deliver the strongest efficiency when charged and used in electric mode, though real-world results depend on charging access and how often you use electric driving. In short, if fuel economy is a top priority and you mostly drive on paved roads, a Wrangler with a 2.0L turbo or EcoDiesel is often the better bet; if you regularly engage in off-road adventures and can leverage EV power, the plug-in hybrids offer the strongest efficiency while maintaining capability.
