14 Jeep Wrangler Alternatives: The Best (Non-Wrangler) Off-Roading Vehicles
When you think of off-road SUVs the first thing that comes to mind is a Jeep Wrangler. But what if you’re interested in a non-Wrangler for your off-road adventures? The good news is there a still several great options to consider.
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Toyota
Toyota is a worldwide-known Japanese brand that has been around for almost 90 years. Just like most brands, it produces all sorts of vehicles, from standard family cars to buses. It even makes aircrafts together with Mitsubishi, robots, sewing machines; you name it!
Toyota was also one of the first brands to bring hybrid engines at affordable prices to the market. Their vehicle range includes:
- Hybrid (both hybrid electric and plug-in)
- Electric
- Autonomous
- Hydrogen fuel-cell
- Standard fuel or diesel vehicles
Now, talking of Jeep alternatives, Toyota has quite a range. Let’s check together their top three best off-road SUVs.
Toyota 4Runner
With a V6 4.0L engine, 270 HP, and excellent fuel economy, the Toyota 4Runner is one of the best off-road SUVs. In addition, its safety features are top-notch, just to name a few:
- Pre-collision system
- LED Highbeams (Automatic)
- Backup camera
- Vehicle stability control
Additionally, depending on the model, you will be able to carry up to 7 passengers. And, if you want it even stronger (yet, less fuel-efficient), you can get the 4.7L V8 engine instead.
Toyota Tacoma
Smaller than the 4Runner, the Tacoma is perfect for those initiating in off-road SUV vehicles. This very good-looking pickup has enough seating space for four passengers, and offers an ideal sleeping area in the back for those weekend outings.
Its 2.7L and 3.5L (V6) engines are fuel-efficient, with 20-23 mpg on average. And, contrary to the low tow capability of the Wrangler, the Tacoma can handle up to 6800 pounds.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Even though Toyota stopped producing the FJ Cruiser in 2014, there is still an aftermarket for it. So much so that it is becoming more and more common on the streets as of 2022.
Its 4.0L V6 engine with 260 HP is still strong enough for today’s standards. It has a good 17-20 mpg fuel economy and a whopping 4,700 towing capacity, better than the Wrangler itself.
Land Rover
Land Rover is a carmaker that focuses exclusively on off-road 4WD vehicles. So, it’s no surprise that they belong on this list as the best Jeep alternatives. It is also related to Jaguar, so their quality is top-notch.
Their vehicles are based on military designs from the company. Aside from cars, they also produce bicycles, pushchairs, and coffee. Yes, coffee! You weren’t expecting that, right?
Land Rover Defender
The current model of the Land Rover Defender is a luxurious evolution of its original bare-boned 1990 version. And if you fancy a hybrid, we’ve got good news; the Defender also comes in a plug-in hybrid edition.
It is so customizable that you will be able to adapt it to your specific needs. The selection of engines is also ideal to adapt to your off-road adventures, from a 2.0L 4-cylinder option all the way to a 5.0L V8 one.
Land Rover LR4
Even though Land Rover discontinued the LR4 model in 2016, it is still a best seller in the used market. It does have a successor that came out in 2018, the Land Rover Discovery. However, many prefer the original LR4.
Its 3.0L V6 engine provides 340 HP and tows a whopping 7,700 pounds. Now, this is what we call a beast!
Land Rover Range Rover
Range Rovers are the luxurious line of Land Rover. There are four vehicles corresponding to the Range Rover lineup: Range Rover, Evoque, Sport, Velar.
- Range Rover: it is the original design, with extremely luxurious finishes as an SUV. You can also get it with an extended wheelbase.
- Range Rover Evoque: the only Land Rover that offers convertible features. It is more compact compared to the other designs.
- Range Rover Sport: smaller but stronger compared to the original design. It offers space for up to 7 passengers.
- Range Rover Velar: stylish and trendy design with a two-tone external color and a floating roofline.
Ford
One of the oldest car companies in the world, Henry Ford founded Ford in 1901. And it is currently the fifth-largest carmaker globally. It produces the whole range of vehicles, from family cars to SUVs, trucks, and buses.
It has also worked hard on sustainable options, now presenting vehicles with electric, hybrid, natural gas, and hydrogen alternatives.
Ford Bronco
We have all seen the infamous OJ-Simpson escape with his white Ford Bronco on the highway. The company discontinued the Bronco line in 1996 but brought it back just a few years later, in 2001.
The current 2022 models offer a wide range of off-road functionalities and prices:
- Ford Bronco Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks: from $30,000 to $40,000
- Ford Bronco Badlands, Wildtrak, Everglades: from $45,000 to $53,000.
- Ford Bronco Raptor: from $68,500. If you want to go big, this is your model of choice! With 37″ tires, a 3.0L Ecoboost V6 engine, and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Other Brands
Toyota, Land Rover, and Ford are not the only carmakers that provide great SUVs. In the market, we find many other ones like Suzuki, Subaru, Hummer, Mercedes, Nissan, etc.; the list goes on.
Below, you will find a selection of the best off-road SUVs from a few of those companies.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Mercedes-Benz is well-known globally as one of the leading German carmakers. Founded by three of the original German carmakers (Benz going back to 1883) in 1926.
The G-class is a highly luxurious off-road vehicle from one of the most notorious carmakers in the world. And because the G-Class is one of the best off-road SUVs on the planet, this comes with a pretty high price tag (starting from $130,000).
Now imagine what a 4.0L V8 engine can do with up to 585 HP. This is what dreams are made of!
Hummer H2
Hummer focuses solely on SUVs and pickups. Even though many might know Hummer models for their limousine modifications, the original models are much better. H1, H2, and H3 are the perfect mix of luxurious and beast off-road vehicles.
Even though Hummer discontinued the H2 model in 2010, its owners highly regard it. With a fantastic 6.2L V8 engine (393 HP), it is still one of the strongest models in the aftermarket.
Nissan Xterra
Just like Mitsubishi and Toyota, Nissan is a Japanese carmaker that has been around for almost 90 years. It didn’t initially focus on SUVs. However, they did see the opportunity in the market and went for it. After Ford, Nissan is the sixth-largest car manufacturer in the entire world.
Nissan Xterra first came out in 1999 and was later discontinued in 2015. However, it is still a great alternative available in the used market. It is not the best option for fuel economy, but its rugged look and luxurious features make it an ideal choice.
Subaru Outback
We know, yet another Japanese carmaker, but what can we say? They know what they’re doing! Subaru first entered the market in the 50s with standard cars. After that, however, it didn’t take long for them to start producing SUVs.
Subaru Outback is just one of their SUV models. However, it is one of the best ones. Its 2.7L 4-cylinder engine can get from 0 to 60 mph in 10.2 seconds. It also has a fantastic ground clearance and excellent fuel economy.
Jeep
If you’re looking for a Jeep Wrangler alternative but still want to remain with your beloved Jeep models, there are several magnificent options to choose from.
Jeep is known worldwide for its high-quality SUVs and pickup options, which comes in handy when upgrading from a basic model to a more luxurious and stronger one.
But we will focus on two of them that we believe are great upgrades.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you want to step up and get big and luxurious, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is an excellent alternative to the Wrangler. With such a powerful engine and better towing abilities, it is perfect for a medium-sized family to enjoy off-road journeys every time.
The base engine is a V6 (3.6L). However, you will find stronger V8 options (5.7, 6.2, and 6.4L) if you need more power. With horsepower going from 293 up to a jaw-dropping 707. Ground clearance is 8.6″, making it ideal for most terrains.
Jeep Gladiator
Yes, we know, the Gladiator is a Wrangler, but with a plus. If you still love your Wrangler but want to upgrade it slightly, then the Gladiator is a great choice.
The way Jeep designed Gladiator allows you to add a pickup bed in the back. In addition, it is very large, allowing for extra comfortable rear seats. Its 3.6L V6 engine provides 8-speed automatic transmission with 285 HP. Additionally, Gladiator offers 7,500 pounds towing capacity, which is a fantastic upgrade from the 3,500 max of the Wrangler.
Conclusion
There are plenty of options in the market if you wish to upgrade your Jeep Wrangler or just want an alternative. Unfortunately, some of these options are not produced anymore but can be found easily in the aftermarket.
Depending on what your needs are, some of the options above will be better than others. Always remember to have a clear view of what you are looking for.
