2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The body-on-frame construction is a Jeep Wrangler hallmark and endows the SUV with superb off-road capability but exposes some flaws in day-to-day driving, which may disappoint anyone used to more pinned-down crossovers. While the ride is reasonably composed, there is an underlying firmness and, when coupled with a susceptibility to crosswinds and plenty of road noise - especially in versions not equipped with the hardtop - it can prove tiring. That being said, the current Wrangler is quieter than previous generations, and, of course, near-silent in electric mode on the 4xe. Mid-corner bumps can throw off the chassis, while the handling via the electro-hydraulic power steering lacks the finesse found in more car-like crossovers. Then again, the powerful engines and smooth automatic gearbox do contribute towards reasonably unruffled progress.

Off-road, the Wrangler shines and remains one of the most accomplished SUVs for sale. It's ridiculously easy to plow through muddy trails and up steep inclines, and this applies even to less hardcore versions of the Wrangler and the PHEV. Excellent approach/departure angles and plenty of ground clearance help the Wrangler effortlessly deal with rough terrain. For the more serious adventure junkies, the Rubicon's heavy-duty front/rear axles, 4:1 low-range gear ratios, and 33-inch tires make it even more capable, not to mention the incredible off-road abilities provided by the Xtreme Recon package that adds chunky tires, massive ground clearance, an even lower 4.56:1 axle ratio, and a long list of other off-road upgrades for the truly adventurous. For the last word in low-speed rock crawling, the 4.88:1 axle ratio available on the V6 gas Rubicon provides a glacial 100:1 crawler ratio for the trickiest terrain.

It's difficult to talk about the Jeep Wrangler without mentioning the not-so-subtle elephant in the room that is the Ford Bronco. Both cater to almost exactly the same kind of buyer and have almost exactly the same starting price, but the Bronco is a brand-new product, whereas the Jeep has begun to show its age in some aspects. For instance, it is severely lacking in terms of standard safety tech and the interior will feel too basic for some customers for daily use. That said, the Wrangler Unlimited is still a massively capable off-road SUV. Its ability to make the driver feel like a hero over harsh terrain remains astonishing, and while some will find its back-to-basics nature out of touch with the latest SUVs, others will love it for exactly the same reason. The Jeep's variety of power plants all offer enough power for the task at hand and the broad lineup now has something to suit everyone, even the eco-conscious. Although the Bronco will undoubtedly steal sales from it, the Wrangler still has lots of heart and ability.

The smaller, two-door Jeep Wrangler maintains the rugged off-road abilities of the Unlimited but is better suited to single people or perhaps couples without the need to carry extra passengers or cargo. With a starting price of $29,725, the two-door Wrangler undercuts the equivalent Wrangler Unlimited by $3,500. For this saving, the two-door Wrangler can only seat four occupants (three at the back is a big ask) and has just 12.9 cubic feet of trunk space behind the back seats, falling far short of the Unlimited's 31.7 cubes. There are other significant advantages in the Unlimited's favor. While the two-door also offers the V6 and turbo-four engine options, only the Unlimited has access to the excellent EcoDiesel. The shorter wheelbase of the Wrangler also has a negative effect on its driving dynamics. Most of the upper trims, such as the Sahara and Sahara Altitude, are only compatible with the Unlimited. Despite its higher price, the Wrangler Unlimited is our choice.

The enduring Toyota 4Runner, just like the Wrangler Unlimited, is a rugged off-road SUV that makes no apologies for the fact that it isn't the most comfortable or agile tool for navigating cramped city streets. The 4Runner begins at $37,305, so it's a bit pricier than the cheapest versions of the Wrangler. For 2021, Toyota made a few changes to the tough TRD Pro model which received revised 2.5-inch Fox internal-bypass shocks. Although the Wrangler is quicker, the 4Runner's V6 allows it to tow 5,000 pounds, which is 1,500 lbs up on the Jeep's figure. However, the Wrangler Unlimited has superior approach/departure angles and over an inch of added ground clearance, so it has the edge when the going gets tough. Parents will be happier with the Toyota, which is much better equipped with standard safety technologies that are only optional on the Jeep. We'd go with the 4Runner if a combination of daily commutes and occasional weekend adventures is the brief, but the Wrangler Unlimited if off-roading is a priority.