When comparing the Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 vs Ford Bronco Raptor, price is no longer a differentiator. Which off-road SUV will you choose?
The 2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 starts at $79,995, which is the exact same price as the Ford Bronco Raptor. To get to this point, Jeep slashed roughly $20,000 off last year’s Rubicon 392. This is the first of the planned “airdrop” models of the 2026 Wrangler, which celebrates its 85th anniversary on the market. The 392 moniker means you’re getting the big boy engine under the hood. No turbocharging or hybrid assist here; just raw, unfiltered Hemi V8 power.
When power matters at the top of the off-road SUV market
The Hemi V8 Wrangler price drop means you’re getting a great deal on a Jeep SUV with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 attached to an eight-speed automatic transmission that produces 470 horsepower, which hits 60 MPH in 4.5 seconds, versus the Bronco’s twin-turbo V6 mated with a ten-speed automatic, making 418 horses and needing 5.6 seconds. In reality, the 0-60 MPH time isn’t important for these $79,995 extreme off-road SUVs, but it is still fun to think about when you put the Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 vs Ford Bronco Raptor together.
The Ford Bronco Raptor has something to say
Ford fights back with 37-inch tires on its off-roader compared to Jeep’s 35s. The Bronco Raptor also has better ground clearance in comparison, checking in at 13.1 inches versus 11.1 for the Jeep. The Bronco Raptor also offers better approach, departure, and breakover angle specs, making it more capable when crawling over rocks.
The taller stance of the Bronco, riding on 37-inch tires, brings a thought to mind. If Jeep airdrops various Wrangler models and information, at least once per month this year, could the Moab 392 model ride on a set of 37s as one of those airdropped updates? Just a little food for thought.
When comparing a solid axle vs an independent suspension, each has its benefits. The Wrangler keeps its solid front axle for hardcore trail work, while the Bronco uses independent front suspension that’s smoother on regular roads. When tight trail width restrictions are a factor, the Ford Bronco Raptor’s 85.7-inch width with mirrors becomes a nightmare on tight trails, where the Jeep Wrangler Moab 392’s 79.3 inches fits easier. Additionally, the Ford can tow 4,500 pounds versus the Jeep’s 3,500-pound max.
Will the Wrangler continue to have the V8?
The massive 6.4-liter Hemi V8 is already part of the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 build, but government restrictions under the previous administration could have put an end to this engine for good. The current administration has softened the restrictions and ended fines for automakers failing to meet CAFÉ standards, which means American automakers can bring back their popular V8 engines without facing penalties. Until things change again, which is likely to happen in four years or less, V8 engines are back.
Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 vs Ford Bronco Raptor: Does the weight matter?
You probably won’t notice the weight difference between these two SUVs while driving them, but when on the trails, the lighter vehicle could have an advantage in tough situations. The Jeep checks in at 5,268 pounds while the Ford tops this at 5,764 pounds. It seems odd that the V6-powered SUV is heavier, but the Bronco Raptor is wider and taller, which could account for the added weight, which comes to nearly 500 pounds.
Forget fuel mileage
It’s not likely that you’re buying one of these top-level off-road SUVs to save on gas. Still, you might not expect the gas-guzzling of the Ford Bronco Raptor, which comes in at 15 city/16 hwy mpg. The Jeep, with its massive Hemi V8, is no surprise and returns 13 city/16 hwy mpg. While these figures are terrible in the world of efficiency, neither SUV has an electrically assisted powertrain, which can certainly appeal to many drivers.
Which of these two off-road SUVs appeals to you? While looking at the Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 vs Ford Bronco Raptor comparison, you can see the Bronco stands taller, tows more weight, has better off-road angles, and is smoother on the road. Still, it’s hard to beat the power of the Jeep with its Hemi V8, solid axles, and off-road reputation. Now that both SUVs start at the same price, you’ll want to take each for a test drive before choosing the SUV that will take you into the wilderness for some fun and adventures.
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