There can be only one off-road king. What does it take to earn the title? Is functionality sufficient or is there a swagger factor that needs to be taken into consideration?
The Jeep Wrangler and the Mercedes G Wagen serve similar purposes but go about providing said features in extremely different ways. It almost does not make sense to compare the two vehicles, yet due to the off-road capabilities of each vehicle, these muscularly built automobiles should square off in the ring, allowing the public to know who is the true off-road king.
On one side of the ring you have the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep brand, its origins beginning as a vehicle that has been around since the 1940s, having helped out in the effort against the Axis powers. It was really in the 1970s that the 4x4 vehicle became a North American favorite for tackling the most difficult trails thrown its way. Officially, the Jeep Wrangler was introduced in 1986 as a 1987 model and has been manufactured ever since then.
On the other side we have the Mercedes-Benz G Wagen, which started its production in 1979. It was originally manufactured for both civilian and non-civilian use. In 1989 the more luxurious features appeared, somewhat branching off from its original purpose. These features included wood trim, leather seats, as well as anti-lock brakes. These vehicles were not officially sold in the United States until 2002, although there were a few exceptions.
Let's see how they actually stack up when they are off the beaten path.
Under The Hood Comparisons
The Jeep Wrangler sports a 3.6-liter V-6, which is plenty powerful to tackle any off-road conditions that might pop up. The Wrangler generates a more than adequate 285 horsepower and boasts an eight-speed automatic transmission, although a manual transmission is readily available. Wranglers also have two lockers, which is a great feature to have when off-roading.
When it comes to raw horsepower, the Mercedes Benz G-Wagen is top dog. The sinewy V-8 can generate 416 horsepower, which is quite significant when you stop and think how it can do this with a 4.0 liter twin turbo engine, which is only .4 liter larger than the 3.6 liter V-6 engine that the Wrangler comes with. Some may debate as to what benefit the additional horsepower really provides, as it is typical for an off-road enthusiast to be traveling over uneven ground at a slower than normal pace. The G-Wagen has a nine-speed automatic transmission and has three lockers, one more than the Wrangler.
Interior Comparisons
You must remember that the G Wagen is a Mercedes, so justifiably the interior is reflective of the posh, refined details that consumers have come to expect from such a vehicle. a leather interior is standard, as it a power-adjustable steering column. A three-zone automatic climate control feature is available, which is quite interesting for an-off road vehicle. Although the car is truly built for an off-road experience, Mercedes deep down knows that most buyers are not going to be off-roading in the hot sun. To add to this theory, the doors to not seem to be easily removed.
The Jeep Wrangler is no slouch when it comes to interior features/functionality. It cannot, however, stand toe to toe with the features provided within a Mercedes G Wagen. The Jeep does have weather resistant removable carpet and one way floor drain valves, which makes it easier to hose down the interior after a hard day of play or work. Leather is not an option, but the front seats are heated, if that option is chosen.
Overall Functionality Comparisons
Both vehicles can more than adequately handle any conditions thrown their way, either intentional or unintentional. The Wrangler has a slightly higher road clearance, approximately by an additional inch. The Wrangler also brings better gas mileage to the table, obviously due to the V-6 engine being smaller than Mercedes V-8. Another factor is the weight difference between the two vehicles. The Jeep Wrangler can weigh up to around 4400 pounds, while the G Wagen can weigh over 5800 pounds. The 1400 pounds is a sizable difference.
Although not functionality oriented, the cost comparison between the two vehicles must be factored in. The Jeep Wrangler costs approximately 45 thousand dollars. The Mercedes G Wagen will set you back over 130 thousand dollars. Paying out this kind of money for the Mercedes could have an impact on how the vehicle's features are made use of. In other words, if there is a slight chance of rolling the vehicle while off-roading, will the driver of the G Wagen even take the path in question?
The Off Road King Is
The Jeep Wrangler is built with an off-road driver in mind. The Mercedes Benz G Wagen appears to be built to satisfy both an off-roader as well as someone that wants to drive a fancy Mercedes. Perhaps this is why the likes of Renee Zellweger and Kyle Jenner both drive the G Wegen. How can you crown a vehicle king when it is not a purest at heart? In the end, the Jeep Wrangler has to be the true off-road king. Perhaps the result would be different if the crown was for an on-road king.