2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak vs. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe: Off-Road Head-to-Head

by Gabrielle DeSantis

From the start, the 2021 Ford Bronco has had its sights on the Jeep Wrangler. The former even has some Wrangler-like features, including a folding windshield and removable doors. But no one’s really hit the dirt with these SUVs at the same time. That is, until now. YouTube team Throttle House recently got their hands on a Ford Bronco Wildtrak and a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe. And the duo left the pavement to see which off-road SUV crawls ahead.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak tops the reborn off-road SUV’s lineup

2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak 4-door side | Ford

With the First Edition sold out, the 2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak is now the range-topping Bronco trim. However, while the Wildtrak doesn’t have all of the First Edition’s luxury features, it has all the same off-road features. And that includes all the Sasquatch Package’s goodies as standard equipment.

So, the 2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak comes standard with 35” mud-terrain tires wrapped around 17” beadlock-capable wheels. It also has 4WD with a two-speed transfer case and multiple off-road modes. Plus, the Wildtrak has Bilstein monotube position-sensitive shocks, front and rear locking differentials, and a shorter axle ratio. And it comes with multiple pre-wired auxiliary switches to power things like light bars and winches. However, the Wildtrak doesn’t get the Badlands’ electronically-disconnecting front sway bar. And skid plates cost extra.

But the Ford Bronco Wildtrak does have more standard performance than the Badlands. That’s because it’s exclusively available with the otherwise optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6. Due to those 35” tires, the Wildtrak isn’t quite as fuel-efficient as other Broncos with the V6. However, the engine still makes 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak only comes with a 10-speed automatic. Yet while you can’t rock the manual, the automatic offers several exclusive off-road features. Firstly, there’s ‘Trail Control,’ which is essentially off-pavement cruise control, Car and Driver explains. Secondly, the Wildtrak has ‘Trail Turn Assist,’ which uses the inside rear wheel’s brakes to decrease the Bronco’s turning radius.

Is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe as off-road-capable as the non-hybrid version?

A red 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe with no doors or roof splashes through a puddle on a desert trail
2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe | Stellantis

While the 2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak shares some features with the Wrangler, one thing the Ford SUV lacks is a hybrid powertrain option. And that’s exactly what the plug-in hybrid 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offers.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s PHEV powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine linked to two electric motors and a 17-kWh battery pack. The first motor is a starter/generator that takes the place of the engine’s starter motor. And the second takes the place of the eight-speed automatic transmission’s torque converter, Car and Driver explains. Together, this system makes 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. And yes, the Wrangler 4xe has 4WD with a two-speed transfer case.

Because of its battery pack, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe can go up to 21 miles in EV-only mode. But even when the pack is drained, the Wrangler 4xe is more efficient than the Bronco Wildtrak on paper. The EPA rates the former SUV at 20 mpg combined and the latter at 17 mpg combined.

Plus, even with a hybrid powertrain, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is still a Wrangler. And it’s available in Rubicon trim. That means, on top of the 4WD system, you get front and rear locking differentials, multiple skid plates, off-road tires, and an electronically disconnecting front sway bar. And you can augment the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe’s off-road capability further with the optional Jeep Performance Parts kit. This adds a 2” lift, Fox shocks, and multiple suspension component upgrades.

How did these SUVs perform in Throttle House’s hands?

On paper, the 2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe are fairly close in terms of off-road specs. However, the Bronco has a slight edge in most categories:

  • Ground clearance
    • Bronco Wildtrak 4-door: 11.5”
    • Wrangler Rubicon 4xe: 10.8”
  • Fording depth
    • Bronco Wildtrak 4-door: 33.5”
    • Wrangler Rubicon 4xe: 30”
  • Approach angle
    • Bronco Wildtrak 4-door: 43.2°
    • Wrangler Rubicon 4xe: 44°
  • Departure angle
    • Bronco Wildtrak 4-door: 37.0°
    • Wrangler Rubicon 4xe: 35.6°
  • Breakover angle
    • Bronco Wildtrak 4-door: 26.3°
    • Wrangler Rubicon 4xe: 22.5°

Still, numbers on a page only tell part of the story. What happens when the SUVs’ tires hit rocks, mud, and deep water in Throttle House’s hands?

On the trail, the Ford Bronco Wildtrak feels wider and “less dainty” than the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe. Yet it’s by no means less capable. And because it has independent front suspension, rather than a solid axle, it’s more comfortable off the trail. Plus, that extra width means the Bronco’s cabin is more spacious.

To be fair, some Bronco orders are currently delayed, while the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe is available today. And for truly extreme rock-crawling scenarios, having a disconnecting sway bar is helpful. But then, if that’s what you’re after, you can get a Bronco Badlands instead of the Wildtrak.

Regardless, when it comes to pure off-road performance, the Ford Bronco Wildtrak and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe are essentially neck-and-neck. And while the 4xe can’t get the Xtreme Recon Package, the optional lift kit helps even the playing field. However, if you do more on-road driving, the Bronco is the way to go.

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RELATED: The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Is Cheaper Than Other Models

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The 2021 Honda CR-V Problems Edmunds Complains About Aren’t Really That Bad

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Honda CR-V, like many of the years before, is one of the more popular options for SUVs. It’s affordability and history of reliability make it a family-focused SUV option that many buyers can be confident in. But, for the price and options, it isn’t without it’s own problems, but like many other vehicles, these small problems are more of an annoyance than a concern, making it unlikely that they will deter many buyers from an otherwise well-rounded vehicle like the 2021 Honda CR-V.

The 2021 Honda CR-V touchscreen could be better

A Honda CR-V Sport hybrid | HECTOR RETAMAL, AFP, Getty Images

One of the more prominent complaints about the 2021 Honda CR-V is more of an inconvenience than a problem. According to Edmunds, the touchscreen infotainment system that gives the car many moderns features is also a bit ‘finicky’, making it slightly frustrating to use. Because there are no additional tuning knobs, drivers and the front passenger have to use the touchscreen exclusively, which can be frustrating while driving and focusing on the road. Consumer Reports agrees with this critique, commenting that the system is ‘fussy’ but specifying it as an issue on only the higher trim levels.

How much can the 2021 Honda CR-V tow?

Another complaint with the 2021 Honda CR-V is the truly underwhelming towing capacity, around 1,500 lbs, to be exact. While this is fine for some smaller tow-along like a pop-up tent, this is far shy from the towing capacity of other SUVs, making it a less than sufficient option for families looking to towing heavier loads more often. But, as a family vehicle, many drivers may be okay with the vehicle’s lackluster towing abilities as not every family is looking for an SUV with a stellar towing capacity.

The pros outweigh the cons, especially for the price

For many buyers, the MSRP of the 2021 Honda CR-V makes it a reasonable purchase for buying a family-friendly SUV brand new regardless of the smaller complaints. Regardless of these seemingly small issues, the CR-V is notorious for being a reliable option for many families, and with what it offers for the price, many buyers will find that these slightly annoying cons are heavily outweighed by the pros.

Many new cars for this affordable price do sacrifice some luxuries and capabilities that some other, more expensive vehicles do, but the more popular options, like the 2021 Honda CR-V work well to balance out these small deficiencies by providing buyers with many of the features that are looking for still.

RELATED: Consumer Reports Recommends Nearly Every Honda CR-V Model Year It’s Ever Tested

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Take Your Jeep Underwater Like a Submarine

by Gabrielle DeSantis

You read that correctly. We said take your Jeep Wrangler underwater like it’s a submarine. We know that sounds crazy, but Jeep CEO Christian Meunier said that future Jeep models will be able to drive underwater.

The Jeep Wrangler is going underwater

Jeep Wrangler underwater | Jeep

The new Jeep Wrangler Xtreme Recon can ford water up to 33.6 inches deep. That’s pretty deep. In fact, it’s 2.8 feet deep. While the rest of the MotorBiscuits are of average height, at 5’1″, that’s past my waist.

For comparison’s sake, we have to mention Jeep’s rival, the Ford Bronco. It can ford water up to 23.6-inches deep, which is still pretty good. But soon, electric Jeep models are expected to go even deeper.

During an electric vehicle presentation by Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, a Jeep Wrangler was depicted fully submerged underwater. This image could become a reality as Christian Meunier shared that future Jeeps will drive underwater.

Meunier explained that enthusiasts and communities are requesting this ability. Some members of the Jeep community already go underwater with an ICE, so you can imagine that this is a possibility with a battery vehicle.

Electric vehicles don’t have air intakes or exhausts. As long as their equipment is sealed, they can operate underwater just fine. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid can ford water up to 30-inches deep.

What can the Wrangler 4xe do?

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid model. This means that it uses electric power and gas. This is just the beginning, as Jeep plans to provide a fully electric model for each SUV segment by 2025.

We’re currently waiting to learn more about the Jeep Magneto, the fully electric Wrangler, but we can pass the time with the epic 4xe until then. It just won the Green SUV of the year award, so critics are impressed.

It has an MSRP of $49,805 and serves as the second most powerful Wrangler ever. The Rubicon 392 V8-powered Wrangler has a little more muscle but isn’t nearly as fuel-efficient or quiet.

The 4xe pumps out 374 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds. It has a front and rear locking differential regenerative brake booster, and waterproof battery pack, and electronics to go anywhere pretty efficiently.

How does charging the 4xe Wrangler work?

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid model parked in a desert and surrounded by rocks
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe | FCA US LLC.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe gets an EPA-estimated 49 MPGe and features a range of up to 370 miles before needing a fill-up. With a Level 1 charger that plugs into a 120-volt outlet, it takes about 12 hours to fully recharge the batteries. This can be used at home with a regular outlet.

With the Level 2 Charger, it takes about two hours to fully recharge the batteries. You don’t have to fully recharge the batteries each session, and the electric charge port is located at the bottom of the Driver’s side A-Pillar.

In Hybrid Mode, torque is combined from the engine and electric motors for the maximum combination of horsepower and instant torque. Electric power is consumed first.

When the battery has more than a one percent charge, the Wrangler 4xe can operate in Electric Mode. This allows for nearly zero tailpipe emissions at highway speeds. There’s a total electric range of 21 miles.

eSave Mode prioritizes the 2.0-liter engine and saves the battery charge for later. When the power demand is low, the engine shuts off. It can be reconfigured to increase the battery charge. Plus, the regenerative braking helps add some extra juice.

RELATED: Charge Your 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe at Trailheads

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Does the Porsche 911 Handle Better Than the Porsche Cayman?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It is hard to determine how a car handles without actually driving one. When it comes to the Porsche 911 and Porsche Cayman, which one of these fast cars handles better? It seems the evidence points to the Cayman being a better drive for a few reasons.

The Porsche 911 vs. the Porsche Cayman

Does the Porsche 911 Handle Better Than the Porsche Cayman? | Martyn Goddard/Corbis via Getty Images

The Porsche 911 transcends streetcars and supercars. You can buy a base model 911 off the lot and take it to the grocery store. You can also buy a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and compete with supercars like a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. While the 911 and Cayman might look similar and perform similarly, minor details make the Cayman perform better.

The 911 is offered in the Carrera, Targa, Turbo, Turbo S, and GT3 models. All of these are also offered in convertible styles and other various S and Turbo trims. The 911 is a well-rounded vehicle that has been around for a long time. The 911 has room in the front trunk for your goods, but only 4.6 ft³. In the Cayman, the front trunk has 5.2 ft³ of room, plus 9.7 ft³. Another point for the Porsche Cayman. This is because of the mid-engine design. More on that later.

Is Porsche Cayman a good car?

The Porsche Cayman GTS | Martyn Lucy/Getty Images

The Porsche Cayman is technically the entry-level option in the lineup. However, it is also considered to be better at handling than the 911. The Porsche Cayman is ready to take on the track due to the low center of gravity and mid-engine design. Due to that, the Cayman offers better weight distribution and, therefore, better handling.

The base Porsche 911 Carrera starts at $101,200 and has a top track speed of 182 mph. It offers 379 hp and weighs 3,354 lbs. The base 718 Cayman starts at $60,500 and has a top track speed of 170 mph. It gets 300 hp and weighs 3,034 lb for the manual and 3,095 for the automatic.

The 911 is a rear-engine option, and with the additional weight on it, the Porsche Cayman again comes out in front. Those extra 259 pounds make a difference when it comes to maneuvering on the track. It also benefits the fuel economy. Less weight means less power needed to get moving, on and off the track.

When it comes to on-track performance…

As mentioned previously, the differences between the two vehicles are minor but have a big impact. Since the price of the Cayman starts a lot lower, buyers get more for the cash. You can upgrade certain aspects with the extra money and likely still not hit the base price of the Porsche 911. When it comes down to it, both cars will serve you just fine. However, the Cayman will handle a bit better when it comes to performance.

The Porsche Cayman is a better choice on paper for a track car that handles well. The Porsche 911 has slowly been gaining on the Caymen in recent years, and you will likely see plenty of 911s on the track. The handling of a vehicle also comes down to driver skill and the environment too. Some might find the 911 preferable, but the Cayman still excelled in a few areas.

RELATED: Porsche Has the Most Dependable Car of 2021

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