Earlier this year, we pondered whether Jeep would continue to dominate the plug-in hybrid segment in the USA. Now that we're halfway through the year, the sales charts can finally provide an answer, and it's a solid yes.

According to Jeep's year-to-date figures, it sold 99,497 Wranglers. Of those, 10,861 were 4xes, which means the 4xe retains its crown as the best-selling PHEV. Who knew a Wrangler of all things would get to wear this particular crown?

The folks over at The Drive crunched some numbers and came up with another interesting fact. The Wrangler is currently outselling the Ford Bronco at a ratio of one to 1.81. That's practically two to one!

Wasn't the Bronco supposed to end the Wrangler?

We think the 4xe is the only reason the Wrangler is still relevant. Many people buy it simply as a fashion accessory, so why not get the one with 20 miles of all-electric range?

In every other department, the Bronco wins hands down. The engines are more refined, the off-road driving systems are more advanced, and its on-road manners are at least acceptable. Jeep keeps sticking to the solid front and rear axle recipe to its detriment. The Bronco's steering at least feels as if it's connected to something.

The final nail in the coffin is safety. While it missed a Top Safety Pick Award, the IIHS gave the Bronco five goods and one adequate in the various safety tests. The Wrangler just rolled over and died.

Why does the Wrangler continue to sell so well? It's an interesting question without a concrete answer.

We know Ford has managed to lure some Wrangler owners away, but it's struggling to meet demand. The 2022 allocation is sold out, and Ford will only be taking 2023 Bronco orders from mid-August. At first glance, it appears to be a case of supply and demand. Jeep has more Wranglers available and will, therefore, inevitably sell more.

But we had a quick look back at the Wrangler's annual sales, and the Bronco doesn't seem to make a difference. In 2019, before the pandemic hit the planet, Jeep sold 228,042 Wranglers. Then the virus hit, and sales dropped to 201,310 in 2020 and climbed slightly to 204,610 in 2021. We're halfway through the year, and Wrangler sales are halfway to roughly 200,000 units.

The Ford Bronco only had its first full year on sale in 2021, recording 116,227 sales. The Bronco is a successful car, but it doesn't appear to be stealing Jeep's thunder. It seems Jeep owners are a loyal bunch.