What compares to a jeep wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is an icon. It’s been around for years and is, perhaps, one of the most recognizable off-road vehicles out there. But if you’re not sold on an SUV like the Jeep Wrangler? Then this year’s model may not be the best choice for you. Fortunately, there are plenty of SUV alternatives to the Jeep Wrangler worth your consideration. Let’s take a look.

The Toyota 4Runner is a reliable alternative to the Jeep Wrangler

Now, when it comes to the Jeep Wrangler, reliability is a struggle. Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Jeep Wrangler a two out of five predicted reliability rating, which is downright terrible. The 2020 Jeep Wrangler earned a higher, four out of five reliability rating, but other than that? The Jeep Wrangler’s reliability ratings are not even close to being impressive.

Fortunately, there are more reliable alternatives to the Jeep Wrangler. Take, for instance, the Toyota 4Runner. Consumer Reports gave this year’s model a five out of five predicted reliability rating, which is a pretty standard score for the 4Runner. So if you’re a stickler for reliability and aren’t sold on the Wrangler? You really can’t go wrong with the more reliable Toyota 4Runner, especially when considering that the 4Runner offers some serious off-road chops.

RELATED: Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a Better SUV Than the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Choose the Land Rover Defender for a luxurious alternative to the Jeep Wrangler

The Toyota 4Runner isn’t the only alternative to the Jeep Wrangler that’s worth your consideration. For another alternative to the iconic Jeep Wrangler, consider the Land Rover Defender. While the Land Rover Defender is significantly more expensive than the Wrangler, it boasts both the capability to take on the trails and surround you with premium amenities.

Really, according to Car and Driver, this year’s Land Rover Defender is ultra-capable off-road. Car and Driver explains, “There aren’t many SUVs that are as capable as the Defender, and they mostly come from Land Rover’s lineup.”

As for those premium amenities? This year’s new Land Rover Defender can be had with a panoramic sunroof, grained leather seating, a 3D Surround Camera with ClearSight Ground View, an interactive driver display, and a Meridian sound system.

RELATED: The 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 Fires Back at the Rubicon 392

The Ford Bronco is an off-road-ready alternative to the Jeep Wrangler

If you do plan on hitting the trails, the all-new Ford Bronco makes for a worthy alternative to the Jeep Wrangler. Because, much like the Jeep Wrangler, this year’s Ford Bronco is made for conquering the trails. It also boasts 11.6 inches of maximum ground clearance and can ford through up to 33.5 inches of water. 

And if that’s not enough to convince you that this year’s Bronco is a worthwhile alternative to the Jeep Wrangler, both the two- and four-door models are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is the exact same amount that the Jeep Wrangler can tow. Plus, much like the Wrangler, the Bronco features removable body panels.

RELATED: The Real Reason Why You Should Buy a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks

Is the Jeep Wrangler really that bad?

No, not at all. In fact, the Jeep Wrangler has plenty going for it. But for some people? It’s just not the right fit. That’s why, if you aren’t quite sold on this year’s model, we encourage you to consider these alternatives to the Jeep Wrangler before settling for this year’s model.

The Jeep Wrangler is an off-road SUV recognizable by its boxy shape. Since it can tackle rugged terrains, most drivers think that any driver can handle this car. However, driving this car on such terrain needs some level of experience. This car is from the same lineage as the WW2 Willy’s Jeep, also off-road. Due to its off-road feature, WW2 soldiers could easily traverse inaccessible locations where their enemies hid. According to the Daily Sentinel, the Jeep became an iconic U.S. Army military vehicle when it won many battles during the Second World War. For one reason or the other, you may not be able to access the Jeep Wrangler. Fortunately, you can get cars similar to the brand in terms of their boxy shapes or off-road capabilities. Here are the ten cars similar to the Jeep Wrangler.

10. Suzuki Jimmy

This car is a descendant of the original Suzuki 4X4, the 1970s LJ10. Like the Jeep Wrangler, it has a boxy shape and off-road capabilities. It uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 100 horsepower. According to Auto List, a horsepower of between 200 and 300 is considered good for a car. However, this car’s horsepower of 100 is ideal for people who want to cruise.

9. Ford Bronco

People have mainly forgotten about this car. It was launched in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus, so it is not hard to see why it was forgotten. This car maintains its boxy look like its predecessors. Both cars use rugged body-on-frame platforms, which offer greater ground clearance. The difference is that the Jeep Wrangler uses a solid axle front and rear while the Ford Bronco has an independent front suspension.

8. Toyota FJ Cruiser

Toyota made this car to replicate its version of the Jeep Wrangler. When they decided to manufacture this car, they realized how popular off-roading vehicles were. Additionally, it has the same boxy design as the Jeep Wrangler. Another similarity between the cars is the manual transmission option. With this option, you will have more control of this vehicle’s speed and torque output.

7. Toyota 4Runner

This car is similar to the Jeep Wrangler in its shape and off-road capabilities. The difference that sets the two cars apart is the huge size of this car. While the Jeep Wrangler is 184.9 inches long, 73.7 inches wide, and 72.6 inches high, this car is 191.3 inches long, 75.8 inches wide, and 71.5 inches high. This car also excels in terms of cargo space. For instance, it has a cargo space of 46.3 cubic feet, while the cargo space for the Jeep Wrangler is 31.5 cubic feet.

6. Nissan Xterra

People who shop for off-road vehicles commonly decide between this car and the Jeep Wrangler due to their similarity in shape and functionalities. In terms of horsepower, there is not much difference between them. Nissan Xterra’s 4.0-liter V6 engine delivers a horsepower of 22, while the Jeep’s 3.6L V6 engine delivers a horsepower of 21. This car resembles an SUV, so you would expect it to endure hard terrains. Although it can be used on tough terrains, the Jeep Wrangler is more resilient.

5. Jeep Gladiator

Both their engines are backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. In terms of holding overdrive, the Jeep Wrangler excels. However, the Jeep Gladiator is better when it comes to braking since the brake pedal does not feel as spongy as the Jeep Wrangler. Another difference between the cars is the interior. The Gladiator has a room under the backseat, while the Wrangler has built-in covered cargo space.

4. Mercedes Benz G-Class

The Mercedes Benz G-class and the Jeep Wrangler are two boxy off-roaders that have outlasted most cars identified in this listicle. As a result, they have a bit of a cult following. This car is longer and wider than the Wrangler, which means more cargo space. However, there is more headroom than there is legroom. Driving this car is generally comfortable due to its independent front suspension, which helps it feel refined.

3. Suzuki Samurai

Both cars have a boxy shape, but this car is sparse in terms of off-road features. However, the car makes up for it by being a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Since it is a four-wheel drive, its engine sends enough power to the front and wheel axles. By the time the axles receive the power, the car will have gathered enough torque to tolerate some rough terrains. Its front bumper is not fancy since it has a factory bull bar. Despite the factory bullbar not being attractive, it lessens the impact of car damage during a collision.

2. Land Rover LR4

Although they are both off-roaders, the Land Rover LR4 is better. This car has an electronic air suspension that balances the vehicle. When you drive on rugged terrains, you will not feel shaken, unlike the Wrangler, whereby you feel some impact of rough terrains. Another reason it tolerates rough terrains is its Terrain Response system. The system is a technology that allows you to switch to modes like Ruts, Sand, or Snow, depending on your current terrain.

1. Subaru Outback

The two cars are fun to drive, whether off-road or on-road. However, the Wrangler is a better off-roader since it has a bigger engine and higher ground clearance. If you desire a well-balanced car that is more fuel-efficient, the Outback is the best in this sector. Even though the Outback is not a strong off-roader, it has an all-wheel-drive which means it can navigate tough terrains.

Conclusion

If the only off-roader vehicle you knew was the Jeep Wrangler, consider yourself lucky after reading this article. From this listicle, you have discovered that the Wrangler is better than some cars and vice versa. By finding other similar cars, you will be able to choose an off-roader based on the criteria you regard highly, e.g., fuel economy, acceleration, etc. Even though you may admire the Wrangler and other similar cars for their boxy shape, remember to focus more on their functionalities. That is because you can get an attractive car with poor fuel economy. Consider this a tip to help you settle on a car.