Wrangler 4xe vs Ford Bronco: Top Down SUVs For Ocean Drive Summer And RI Winter Snow

This is the fun one. You want doors-off summer drives on Ocean Drive, but also calm traction when a nor'easter dumps slush on Bellevue. So we stack Jeep Wrangler 4xe against the Ford Bronco with the details that change your day: power, EV range, roof tricks, winter ability, and cargo ease. 

 

Power and torque (feels good leaving a wet stop)

     
  • Wrangler 4xe: Plug-in hybrid with a 2.0L turbo + electric motors. Combined output is 375 hp and 470 lb-ft. Instant electric torque is the party trick; it helps on rocks and in snow starts.
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  • Bronco (2025): Gas EcoBoost lineup. 2.3L makes 275 hp (regular) / 300 hp (premium) and 315 / 325 lb-ft. 2.7L makes 315 / 330 hp and 410 / 415 lb-ft. Raptor's 3.0L goes to 418 hp. Plenty stout, no plug-in hardware.

Range, fuel use, and quiet cruising

Wrangler 4xe: Manufacturer notes up to 49 MPGe and an estimated 370 miles total range, with about 21 miles of electric-only driving. That means quiet morning coffee runs and low local fuel use if you charge at home. On the highway, it acts like a hybrid and feels normal.

Bronco: Traditional gas setup. No EV mode, but simple ownership-fuel and go. If you don't care about plugging in, it's straightforward and proven.

Roof, doors, and that salt air feeling

     
  • Wrangler 4xe: Multiple tops, including the Sky One-Touch power top. Doors off is as classic as it gets. Electric drive makes top-down cruising nearly silent at neighborhood speeds.
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  • Bronco: Doors and roof panels come off quickly. Ford's HOSS suspension keeps things planted when the sea breeze gets gusty. Big tires available if you want the tall look.

Winter traction for Aquidneck Island

Both bring real 4x4 systems. Wrangler 4xe adds the benefit of instant electric torque for creeping on slick side streets; the selectable 4x4 modes and lockers (trim-dependent) are confidence-building. Bronco counters with robust drive modes, available lockers, and high ground clearance options. Put good winter tires on either and they laugh at slop.

Everyday usability

     
  • Parking and visibility: Boxy shapes help judge corners. Tight wharf spots are doable with practice. 
  • Ride: Both are better than old-school off-roaders, still trucky by design. 4xe's near-silent EV glide at low speed is a nice bonus. 
  • Tech: Big screens, phone integration, and trail pages on both sides (trim dependent). Charging the 4xe at home is simple Level 1 or quicker Level 2 if you want it.

Which one fits your Newport life?

     
  • Pick Wrangler 4xe if you want electric city miles, 375 hp/470 lb-ft punch, and quiet top-down cruising plus classic Jeep hardware for real trails. 
  • Pick Bronco if you want pure gas simplicity, a wide range of trims, and serious off-road tuning without charging in the routine.

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