2021 Ford Bronco vs. 2020 Land Rover Defender

If you’re comparing the Ford Bronco vs. Land Rover Defender, you’re well on your way to a more invigorating and memorable drive. Although the Bronco SUV’s removable roof and doors will be major talking points this year, you might wonder if the flashy 1960s throwback has what it takes to go head-to-head with a genuine adventurer’s brand like Land Rover. Rest assured, the Bronco certainly has a lot to offer! Even so, we think you’ll agree that the new Land Rover Defender is competing in a league of its own.

Ford Bronco vs. Land Rover Defender: Pricing and Value

The Land Rover Defender starts at $49,900 MSRP, while the four-door Bronco starts at $33,200 MSRP. Ford Bronco 2020 price tags might look more attractive up front, but there’s much more to this comparison than meets the eye!

• The Bronco requires numerous upgrades, including its already well-known Sasquatch Package, in order to compete on the same trails that the Defender can tackle as standard!

• Truly optimized off-road trims like the Badlands and the Wildtrak can definitely keep up with a Defender on trails both near and far from Jersey City and Fort Lee.
• However, these Bronco trims are priced at $44,590 MSRP and $51,370 MSRP, respectively.

So, you’ll pay about the same in either case, and the Defender gives you much more room to go after the luxuries and amenities you desire for longer drives and daily commutes alike!

Performance and Off-Road Capability: Bronco or Defender?

Manufacturer tests have already established that both Bronco and Defender models can handle tough trails and overland journeys. However, those who look past the surface will find that the Land Rover is much more capable in the areas that matter most:

Towing Capacity and Payload

• If you’re heading out for an adventure, you might want to bring a little gear along for the ride. Well, the Ford Bronco only offers a disappointing 3,500-pound towing capacity!
• That might be enough to match the Jeep Wrangler, but it’s nothing compared to the 8,200-pound capacity of the Defender.
• The Defender can handle a payload of 1,984 pounds. An otherwise comparable Bronco build can only manage a payload of 1,370 pounds, so you might have to leave some gear behind.

Ground Clearance

• With optional 35-inch tires, the Bronco can notch 11.6 inches of ground clearance. Initially, this looks like a win against the Defender SUV’s own 11.5 inch maximum.
• However, the Defender achieves its maximum using standard tires and standard air suspension, so you can fine-tune your ground clearance for any situation, including on-road travel.

With air suspension, the Defender SUV’s best approach, breakover, and departure angles come in at 38, 28, and 40 degrees, respectively. The Bronco SUV’s angles come in at 43.2, 26.3, and 37 degrees, respectively, so the Defender has a definite edge where it counts.

Body and Suspension

• The Land Rover Defender utilizes a unibody platform with fully-independent suspension. The Ford Bronco uses a body-on-frame construction with independent front suspension and a solid rear axle.
• If you desire the smoother and more controlled performance that unibody construction provides, you can always opt for the Ford Bronco Sport. However, you’ll lose a lot of the off-road capability that makes the Ford Bronco so exciting in the first place!
• Only the Land Rover Defender balances off-road capability and on-road luxury, so you always feel at home behind the wheel.

Engines and Specs

• Both the Ford Bronco and the Land Rover Defender are offered with two engines. Each has a standard turbocharged four-cylinder setup, and offers an optional turbocharged V6!
• However, the base Defender engine provides 290 hp, compared to just 270 in the Bronco.
• Looking for extra power? The Defender upgrade nets you 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. That gives it a clear edge over the Bronco, which provides just 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque at maximum.

The Bottom Line: The Land Rover Defender has more power, a higher towing capacity, and a more versatile construction that refuses to compromise on capability! What’s not to love?

Interior Features: Bronco or Defender?

Both the Defender and the Bronco are offered in two-door variants, but for this Ford Bronco vs. Land Rover Defender comparison, we’ve focused on the more popular four-door models. Here’s what you should know if you’re trying to choose a model that will please drivers and passengers in equal measure:

• Seating: The Ford Bronco only offers seating for five passengers, while the Defender can be optioned for five, six, or even seven! Comparing their second rows, the Defender has a one-inch advantage on legroom.
• Features and Amenities: Given the difference in their starting prices, one shouldn’t be surprised to learn that the Defender offers a whole lot more to love. The difference only becomes more apparent as you move down the line. The Ford Bronco interior ends up feeling spare.

Since even the baseline Land Rover Defender build can compete with an upper-level Bronco, choosing the Land Rover SUV will give you much more room to pursue upgrades! And since Land Rover is a genuine luxury brand, you can be certain that they’ll be worth your time. What’s more, our Land Rover Defender lease offers can help you secure an excellent price.

It’s Time to See the Land Rover Defender in Person!

If you’re ready to find out how the new Land Rover Defender handles the toughest trails that you can reach from New York City, don’t wait to get started! We’ve made it easy to shop online, and we can even help you find the best off-road tires for your chosen model. Start exploring our inventory today.