The Jeep Wrangler, the American off-roader, with genes carried on from its WW2 granddad, the Willys Jeep. This celebrated vehicle has gone from its wartime origins to become one of the most popular and best selling brands that the Chrysler Group has in its line up.
The Land Rover, the British workhorse, a product of post-WW2 demand for a more robust, utilitarian vehicle that according to its designer, would be similar in function to the Willys Jeep. Decades later, the Land Rover has cemented its place in British automotive history.
With two vehicles having similar history, function and demand, there will always be comparisons that buyers, drivers, and observers could make why one is superior. Now, we'll look at their histories and key attributes to try and determine which is really better, the Wrangler or the Land Rover.
16 The Wrangler: Born A Warrior
The order to produce a lightweight truck capable of taking huge amounts of abuse by the US Army led to the creation of the Willys Jeep. Willys, Ford, and American Bantam all contributed to the massive production requirements and by the end of the war, over 300,000 units were made.
15 The Land Rover: A Product Of War
Built at the tail end of WW2, The Rover company which normally produced luxury cars saw the need for a practical, utilitarian vehicle, targeted for agricultural usage. With simple technology and manufacturing processes, the resulting Land Rover went beyond expectations.
14 The Wrangler: Modified For Civilian Use
Willys saw the potential demand for their wartime creation, and in 1946, launched the refined civilian version, the CJ 2A. The Initial run used the existing MB bodies and components which later moved on to purpose-built parts for this new model.
13 The Land Rover: Built For Industrial, Commercial Use
Through continuous testing and research, Rover kept improving the pre-production model that later became the Series 1. With a modified engine and a better gearbox now providing for 4WD, the Land Rover as we know it was finally taking shape.
12 The Wrangler: The Original SUV
Decades after its introduction, the Jeep now had several versions for a variety of uses. While the original CJ2 and CJ3 had no roofs or doors, successive versions of Jeeps had evolved to include Van and Wagon configurations, longer wheelbases and different engine types meant for export markets.
11 The Land Rover: Made To Be A Comfortable Workhorse
While designed as an agricultural machine, Rover understood that there would be demand for a less utilitarian variant and released a Station Wagon version built by Tickford coachbuilders with features that included leather seats and a heater meant to provide better driver and passenger comfort.
10 The Wrangler: Evolved As A Tough Off-Roader
It was in the '70s when the Wrangler showed its first true form evolution. With taller ride height, a more muscular body, and a different, stronger chassis. The Wrangler retained its design DNA but had grown bigger to fit contemporary standards of the time as well as use for tougher environments.
9 The Land Rover: Already Used In Tough Terrain
With the success of its Series 2 model, Land Rover made additional refinements for its Series 3 to stay ahead of its competition. Engine, trim and a stronger suspension made this model among its most popular and best selling to date, with over 400,000 units made from 1971 to 1985.
8 The Wrangler: Economical, Straight Forward 4x4
Retaining and improving its off-road capability, the 2020 Wrangler is priced at around $30,000.00, not cheap, but not as expensive as its competition. The ruggedness and proven performance of the jeep assure long time fans of its status as the obvious choice for an American Offroader.
7 The Land Rover: A Pricey But Refined Off-Roader
Quality comes with a price, the 2020 Land Rover Defender, which is the direct descendant of the Land Rover starts at $50,000 for the base model and can cost as much as $80,000 for the more advanced versions. Loaded with technology from Driver Assist, Terrain Gear changers, and communications, this really is a Land Rover of the future.
6 The Wrangler: Proven V6 Power!
The Wrangler comes with the power, chassis, and body to make it a very capable off-road vehicle. Its V6 engine variant putting out 285HP and 260 ft-pound of torque give the required pushing and pulling power for the trail and off-road conditions that the Wrangler is put through.
5 The Land Rover: Polished Straight 6 Force
Tough, Tech and Luxurious, words that define the new 2020 Defender. A Supercharged Inline 6, churning out a huge 395HP and 406 ft-pound of torque is the beating heart of this refined off-roader. This Land Rover has both the brain and brawn to take it to city streets or mountain passes it can both call home.
4 The Wrangler: Simple Bullet Proof Construction
The Wrangler with its Pentastar engine is a simple, sturdy and dependable off-roader. With decades producing Wranglers, the model has proven its durability in every iteration. Its annual maintenance cost is about $700, or higher if used off-road regularly, generally however, Wranglers are considered bulletproof machines requiring only regular oil changes.
3 The Land Rover: Digital Tech And Materials
The newest Defender gained more tech, a better engine and used newer, stronger materials on several of its parts, resulting in the toughest Land Rover made to date. Upkeep for these cars depends on the age or model, the average annual maintenance cost for a Land Rover Defender is around $750, then goes up for newer models.
2 The Wrangler: Best One Yet And More Popular than ever
The Wrangler is a straightforward, simple machine, akin to a hammer, built to both give and take abuse. With proven performance, popularity and availability of parts, the Wrangler has been the choice for individuals looking for versatility in their cars - enough seats and space sit people or haul stuff in, and the power to take it beyond the city asphalt.
1 The Land Rover: Future Collectors Cars
More like a digital device than a tool, Land Rovers have mastered the creation of a tough and powerful off-road machine that is also well mannered and sophisticated. With the looks, comfort and luxury features mated to its off-road capability, the Land Rover is equally at home in the city or the wilderness.