The latest JL edition of Jeep Wrangler is an imposing off-road vehicle. Aside from its off-road capability, this iconic Jeep also has unique benefits – it is simple to operate, has a convertible top and of course, the American pedigree. This bad boy is 100% made in America. But this vehicle does not come cheap.
Although we like the idea of an efficient, off-road vehicle, buying a Wrangler is an approximately $60,000 investment. Don’t despair; you can still drive an off-road vehicle but at a lesser price.
Top 10 Cars Similar to Jeep Wranglers
1. Toyota FJ Cruiser
This is the next best option if you cannot afford the Jeep Wrangler. It is also a favorite of those who have a strong aversion to Jeep for unknown reasons.
The only limitation with the Toyota FJ Cruiser is its doors. It has no real four doors, and the half rear doors open the vehicle only a bit. But it has a more spacious back seat than the non-four door Wranglers. The company did not release newer models of this kind, but the aftermarket support remains strong although at a much lower scale. Looking for parts is also more manageable compared to other off-road brands.
2. Toyota 4Runner
This vehicle is a direct competitor of the Jeep Cherokee in looks and performance. The earlier version featured a straight axle, but during the 90s it switched to the IFS system. There is no strong aftermarket support for this off-road vehicle. The latest releases of the 4Runners are more of the straight axle on links or leaf springs as it continued to drop the IFS System.
With these changes, the 4Runner became more of a luxury SUV rather than an off-roader. Because there was scarcity on the IFS, getting significant parts can enhance the vehicle’s performance.
3. Lexus X460
The Lexus GX460 is another product of Toyota that made the list. It has a new 4.6-liter UR-FE V8 engine and a second-generation Lexus GX. Just like the FJ Cruiser, it also has an excellent resale value. Although it is a handsome vehicle loaded with more modern features, it is no doubt a competent off-roader. Plus, it has plenty of room with three rows of seating and the same reliability and comfort you can find in a Lexus.
4. Land Rover LR4
Many are attracted to the Jeep Wrangler because it is an iconic brand. But these days Land Rover can rival the Jeep as the supreme off-road brand. Land Rover has come a long way. The LR4 has a boxy design with engine options ranging from 3.0-liter supercharged V6 to a 5.0-liter V8. It is more expensive to maintain though, but your neighbors will be impressed with the Land Rover on your garage.
5. Nissan Xterra
This is an off-road focused SUV from Nissan. It has a powerful engine from a 4.0-liter VQ40DE V6 engine that has 261 hp. Being an off-road vehicle, you have the option to switch to a six-speed manual transmission. It has a simple and old-school feel just like the Wrangler and less expensive.
6. Ford Bronco
The last generation of full-size Ford Bronco is a popular choice as an alternative to Jeep Wrangler. It is built with twin-traction beams at the front end. These rigs are considered as the most sophisticated IFS rigs on this list. It also has a partially removable top just like the Wrangler. The Ford Bronco has a 5.0L V8 engine which makes it capable for high-speed desert runs and even the torturous rock crawling. There are thousands of them produced before the production stops, and you can find them in an affordable at your dealer.
7. Subaru Outback
Some people may think that the Subaru Outback does not belong here, but the ground clearance of this all-road vehicle can rival that of larger vehicles here. Although they cannot do rock crawling or any other hard-core driving, they are still formidable off-road vehicles sans huge rocks. Plus, they are very affordable too.
8. Jeep Cherokee
The Wrangler is not the only capable vehicle in the Jeep lineup. The Jeep Cherokee is a cheaper alternative. Long before the Wrangler, the Cherokee was a favorite model. It has more space than the Wrangler and came with four doors. Besides, it features with the formidable 4.0L engine and a solid front and back axles. It gained renewed attention when the popularity of rigs came back. It is more or less a budget JKU, but without the open top.
9. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee is undoubtedly one of Jeep’s masterpiece. It is masterfully designed with all the bells and whistles including the straight front axle and the V8 options. The Grand Cherokee is the ultimate luxury vehicle of its time. All the models like the ZJ Grand have excellent aftermarket support, and the WJ is not far behind.
The demise of WJ leads the way for the replacement of the straight axle with the modern IFS system. When this happened, the Grand has taken the back seat as enthusiasts preferred big modifications.
10. Suzuki Samurai
This vehicle is Japan’s answer to the Wrangler with the straight axles on its front and back and the removable top. It has adopted the fuel injection system, but the small 1.3L inline four-cylinder is still not that powerful. The lighter little rigs compensated for the lack of power.
The only drawback with this vehicle is there was no steady aftermarket support since its launch. There are only a few companies that provided support, and some have been here and there. Because it is a small off-road vehicle, the Samurai is like the grandfather of Wrangler, the flat fender Jeep. If you want a small sized jeep or you have a more modest budget, you can get the Suzuki Samurai as an alternative to Wrangler.
Conclusion
The Jeep Wrangler is the obvious choice when we talk about the best off-road vehicle. However, this brand and model have a price that not everyone can reach. If you want something more affordable but can provide the same performance, then it is better to check out the next best thing from the list of Jeep Wrangler alternatives above.