Bronco vs G-Class
Brand preference aside, the Bronco and the G-Class are close competitors, both pitched at midsize off-road suv buyers. The Bronco and the G-Class split the honors, with fuel economy & range going to the Bronco and engine & performance going to the G-Class.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance G-Class wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Bronco wins
- Space & Practicality G-Class wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.0
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
- Engine & Performance8.8
- Fuel Economy & Range3.6
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The G-Class has 168 hp more power
For total system output, the G-Class leads by a wide margin: 443 hp versus 275 hp. The G-Class’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The G-Class has 98 lb-ft more torque
This is a headline difference. With 413 lb-ft to the Bronco’s 315 lb-ft, the G-Class has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The Bronco has better fuel economy
Slight advantage to the Bronco: 20 mpg compared with 18 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The G-Class has room for 5 seats
On seats, the G-Class edges out the Bronco, 5 seats to 4 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The Bronco has better highway fuel economy
Put simply, the Bronco is far ahead here: 22 mpg compared with 19 mpg. The Bronco uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Bronco | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 71.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 100.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
G-Class leads
In the engine & performance category, the G-Class isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The G-Class answers with 168 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Prioritize engine & performance, and the G-Class is where you should land.
Total system output
Bronco: 275 hp G-Class: 443 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Bronco: 315 lb-ft G-Class: 413 lb-ft The G-Class’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Bronco leads
The G-Class is outclassed on fuel economy & range; the Bronco leads by a clear margin. The Bronco steps ahead thanks to better fuel economy. The Bronco uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. The fuel economy & range verdict goes to the Bronco.
Fuel economy (combined)
Bronco: 20 mpg G-Class: 18 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
Bronco: 22 mpg G-Class: 19 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
G-Class leads
The space & practicality comparison is tighter than it first looks, with the G-Class marginally ahead. The G-Class pulls ahead with room for 5 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. Bottom line for space & practicality: the G-Class has the edge.
Seats
Bronco: 4 seats G-Class: 5 seats The G-Class has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On off-road & towing, both deliver about the same. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Bronco | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) | 3.0L turbo I6 |
| Total system output | 275 hp Least powerful in class | 443 hp (winner) Most powerful in class |
| Torque | 315 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic (7-speed manual available) | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4x4 | 4WD (low range) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Bronco | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 20 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 18 mpg (winner) | 17 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 22 mpg (winner) Best highway economy | 19 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Fuel tank | 16.9 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Bronco | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats Fewest seats in class | 5 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 22.4 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 52.3 cu ft Least room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Bronco | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 3,500 lb Lowest towing capacity | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Bronco | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12 in Smallest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Ford Co-Pilot360 | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Bronco | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 71.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 100.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Bronco | G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $39,995 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Bronco if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (20 mpg vs 18 mpg combined)
- you want better highway fuel economy (22 mpg vs 19 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (18 mpg vs 17 mpg)
Choose the G-Class if…
- you want more power (443 hp vs 275 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (413 lb-ft vs 315 lb-ft of torque)
- you need more seats (5 seats vs 4 seats)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Bronco or the G-Class?
There’s no single right answer. The Bronco leads on fuel economy & range and the G-Class on engine & performance.
Executive Summary
Comparing the Bronco and the G-Class feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. Practically speaking, the Bronco’s biggest advantage is better fuel economy. Add better city fuel economy to the list, and the Bronco looks even better. On the other side, the G-Class brings 168 hp more power, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
For fuel economy & range, the Bronco fits better. For engine & performance, the G-Class is the better match.
My pick: there’s no single winner, so choose the Bronco for fuel economy & range or the G-Class for engine & performance.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.