When it comes to the best off-road vehicles, the Jeep Wrangler is one of the most popular and iconic vehicles on the market. But for those who are looking for something a bit more refined, there are plenty of alternatives that offer similar capabilities and performance. Here are some of the best Jeep Wrangler alternatives:
Jeep Wrangler Alternatives
1. Toyota 4-Runner
Toyota has been making 4Runner SUVs since 1984, and the latest generation has been around since 2010. The 4Runner is classified as an SUV, but it’s more like an off-roader in terms of its capabilities.
It’s perfect for those who want something that can handle rugged terrain and isn’t just limited to paved roads. It also comes with plenty of space inside and comes with a V6 engine option, which will give you plenty of power when you need it most.
It’s available with either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or 4.0-liter V6 engine, both of which can be mated to a 5 Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission or six-speed manual transmission (the latter being our preferred option). It’s also offered in three different trim levels: SR5, Trail Edition, and TRD Pro (which is only available off-road).
The 4Runner is much more capable on dirt than its smaller cousins thanks to its standard locking rear differential and skid plates front and rear. The Trail Edition comes equipped with Bilstein shocks and offers a two-speed transfer case for low-range off-roading while the TRD Pro edition gets upgraded Bilstein shocks plus an electronically locking rear differential and hill descent control.
2. Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco was introduced in 1966 as an SUV alternative to its popular F-Series trucks. It was discontinued in 1996, but after years of rumors, Ford confirmed that it will be reintroduced in 2020.
The Bronco will be built on an updated version of the F-150 platform with a traditional body-on-frame design. The exterior looks much more modern, with a sharp front end, stylish headlights, and large wheels. Inside, there is plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The cabin comes with leather upholstery, soft-touch materials, and a premium audio system.
Under the hood, there are two engine options: a 2.7-liter V6 unit that delivers 330 horsepower or a 2.3-liter 4 cylinder EcoBoost engine that delivers 300 horsepower. All engines come mated to an A 10-speed automatic transmission or a seven-speed manual.
With all these features in mind, it’s no wonder why Ford Bronco has quickly become one of the most popular alternatives to Jeep Wrangler for those who want something that looks like a rugged off-roader but offers better comfort on road trips as well as daily driving conditions
3. Ford f150 Raptor
The F-150 Raptor is the closest thing you can get to an off-roader with a pickup truck. One of the most popular vehicles on the market today is the Ford F-150 Raptor. This truck is all about performance and style, but it still has plenty of off-road capability. The Raptor comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb. -ft of torque.
The engine is paired with an all-new 10-speed transmission that offers smooth shifts at any speed. This combination helps give the vehicle its impressive 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.9 seconds flat and a quarter-mile time of 13 seconds at 108 mph.
The Raptor also has an excellent braking system with four-wheel disc brakes on both axles that help bring this beast to a stop quickly when needed. This added safety feature makes it easier for drivers to navigate through rough terrain without worrying about hitting anything along the way or getting stuck in a deep puddle or rutted road.
4. Toyota fj cruiser
The FJ Cruiser was a cute SUV from Toyota that combined the off-road capability of a Jeep Wrangler with the comfort and luxury of a sedan. It’s no longer in production, but it remains a very affordable option for those who want to get into the sporty SUV segment without spending too much money.
The FJ Cruiser is available with two engines, both of which are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. My favorite engine is the 4.0 L 1GR-FE V6
The interior is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of room for five passengers (including a third-row seat), along with cargo space that can hold up to 66 cubic feet behind the second-row seats when they’re folded down — about double what you get out of your average midsize sedan.
5. Land Rover Defender
The Defender is a classic British off-roader that has been in production for decades. It’s not as popular as it once was, but it still appeals to those looking for something rugged and unique.
No list of off-road vehicles would be complete without mentioning the Land Rover Defender. It’s been around since 1948 and has undergone numerous redesigns over the years — including one currently under way — but it remains a faithful representation of what vehicles looked like when they were first invented. Like most modern Defenders, it’s available as either a two-door or four-door model
The Defender features a body-on-frame design and comes with either two or four doors depending on your preference. It also comes standard with manual locks and windows, which makes it easier to maintain than other vehicles in its class. This is one of the few vehicles on this list that can be used as an everyday vehicle without feeling like you’re missing out on anything important.
Available engine options include:
- petrol: 2.0 L P300 turbo I4 2.0 L P400e turbo
- PHEV I4 3.0 L P400 turbo MHEV I6 5.0 L P525 s/c V8 diesel
- 2.0 L D200/240 turbo I4 3.0 L D200/250/300 turbo MHEV I6
