The Jeep Wrangler’s Competition: Can Other Models Keep Up?

There’s no doubt about it; Kentucky’s hills are made for off-roading. With all those off-roading venues, the backroads, and the farms, a Jeep Wrangler is a Kentuckian’s perfect vehicle. But what about similar models? When you’re making a big purchase, you want to get it right. While the Wrangler is the most popular off-roading model, you may be considering other off-roading SUVs instead before visiting any used Jeep dealers in KY. In this article, we’re going to look at the Jeep Wrangler versus its competition. By the end of this piece, you’ll know which model is right for you.

The Jeep Wrangler vs Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is a tempting off-roading model. But the truth is that if you want something to head off-road in, the Wrangler is still your best bet. While the 4Runner does well on pavement, and its interior is definitely appealing, the Jeep Wrangler still does better in the mud. Here’s why.

If you’re going to get a 4Runner that can compete with the Wrangler, you pretty much have to get a 4Runner TRD model. Where the Wrangler is concerned, there are multiple available trims, and every single one of them is off-road capable with standard 4×4. Especially the Rubicon model, which has always been designed specifically with off-roaders in mind. But even if you don’t pick the Rubicon model, the Wrangler offers features that the 4Runner doesn’t have, like an optional diesel engine, removable top and doors, and far better fuel efficiency. To top it all off, the Wrangler is significantly more affordable than Toyota’s off-road SUV.

While the 4Runner does offer perks like more cargo space and a slightly higher standard towing capacity, overall, the Wrangler is the best off-roading option. You’re saving fuel money, the price tag is lower, and you get far more off-roading features with Jeep’s classic model.

The Jeep Wrangler vs Ford Bronco

This is most likely the main Wrangler competitor on the market today. The classic Ford Bronco is back, and it’s definitely a catch. In fact, it looks to be Wrangler’s most worthy competitor. Let’s see how these two models compare.

The 2021 Ford Bronco comes with a lot of the same perks as the Wrangler: removable top and doors, a terrain management system, a standard 3,500 lbs max towing capacity, and much more. However, there are many major differences. The Wrangler includes a foldable windshield where the Bronco doesn’t, and you can get more torque with a Wrangler if you opt for that 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine. Plus, the Jeep Wrangler comes with three different 4×4 system options as opposed to the Bronco’s two.

In short, the Wrangler’s 4×4 system is far more customizable. You’ll get Command-Trac, Rock-Trac, and Selec-Trac features. Command-Trac is great for both towing and rock climbing, Rock-Trac is for those who take off-roading very seriously with its 4:1 low ratio, and Selec-Trac lets drivers shift between 2WD and 4WD when needed. The Bronco, on the other hand, also includes part-time selectable 4×4 like the Wrangler’s Selec-Trac system, along with advanced 4×4 with automatic on-demand engagement. Both models are designed for off-pavement adventures, so they both get the job done, but the Wrangler includes more specified 4×4 options.

There are other small discrepancies as well. The base-level Wrangler sport includes 17-inch wheels, whereas the base Bronco comes with standard 16-inch wheels. Moreover, the Wrangler’s solid front axle allows for much better articulation than the Bronco’s car-like independent front suspension, and the Rubicon Wrangler can provide up to an 84.2:1 crawl ratio with its V6 engine, whereas the best V6 Bronco crawl ratio lands at only 67.8:1. One last smaller perk on the Wrangler lies in its visibility. Thanks to its tapered hood, it’s much easier to see what’s ahead of a Wrangler than a Bronco, which has a higher, more rounded hood.

These models are worth comparing, but while they have a lot in common, the Wrangler still comes out on top. Of course, if you are shopping for a used model, then the Bronco is out of the picture as it is still just making its way to dealership lots. The Wrangler hasn’t taken a break since 1986 and is widely available on the used market.

The Jeep Wrangler vs Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender makes the list of Wrangler-like models. However, this is a luxury SUV, so it definitely comes with a steeper price tag. Moreover, it comes with a lot of downsides that make its higher price questionable. Let’s take a closer look.

While the Land Rover offers all the fancy options you could ever dream of, it’s a lot less practical than the Jeep Wrangler. It only gets 19 MPG combined with its 2.0L turbo, while the similar engine in the Wrangler gets 23 MPG combined. Further, it offers less available interior head and leg space, and it has over an inch less ground clearance than the Wrangler does. Most importantly, the Wrangler comes in many more trims, providing more customization opportunities for a much lower price.

Moreover, for a luxury model, the Land Rover doesn’t do too well in the exterior appearance category when compared to the Wrangler. The Wrangler maintains its classic appeal with a modern touch, whereas the Land Rover doesn’t pay much homage to its roots. While the Land Rover looks like your typical boxy SUV, the Jeep Wrangler’s exterior is unique and diverse with its removable top and doors and its folding glass windshield.

Surprisingly, technology is a factor here too, and not in the Land Rover’s favor. The Jeep Wrangler’s available Uconnect infotainment system is actually far better than the Land Rover’s infotainment center. While the Land Rover’s system is laggy and unreliable at times, the Wrangler’s Uconnect is quick and easy to use. Unless you’re just more interested in luxury than off-roading, the Wrangler wins this battle by a landslide. You’re paying far less for way more when you choose the Jeep Wrangler.

Jeep Wrangler’s Trail Rated Badge: The Proof Is In The Testing

If you’re not totally convinced to pick the Jeep Wrangler vs its competitors, learning about its Trail Rated badge just might influence your final decision. Jeep’s Trail Rated badge is the mark of extensive testing for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability, and ground clearance. These tests prove a lot, and the Wrangler can push through up to 30 inches of water, it can drive over rocks and logs without taking underbody damage, and its suspension keeps you safe and grounded when crossing larger objects.

Let’s dive into a bit deeper detail here. First, let’s start with traction. To get the Trail Rated badge, the Wrangler must handle slippery surfaces efficiently. This includes everything from rain and mud to snow and ice. Further, its articulation test results must prove that it won’t get stuck in places that its competitors do, no matter the terrain. That’s right, the Wrangler’s tests include desert areas, frozen areas, and rocky areas, all to ensure that Jeep’s claims are facts.

While it’s good to consider all your options, there’s no question that the Jeep Wrangler is the most reliable off-roading SUV option available. You can customize it to be as trail savvy as you want, but the truth is that even used base models can handle more rough terrain than most of the competition. In the battle between the Jeep Wrangler vs its competitors, the Wrangler keeps on winning.

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