The Jeep Wrangler is a goated off-roading SUV. It is one of the most recognizable vehicles and has significant capabilities for exploring the unknown. It offers commendable value, with a starting price of $34,895 for the two-door model and $38,100 for the four-door version. The base engine is a peppy V6 with meaty low-end torque to help you tackle challenging trails with ease.
It gets 4WD as standard and can tow up to 3,500 pounds. It is a solid off-road SUV, but not a very comfortable on-road vehicle. So, for people who want to tone down on off-roading prowess and get a more balanced and even affordable package, there are a few worthy alternatives. From reliable yet brutish Toyotas to a more value-packed Jeep and a classic-vibing reincarnation of an iconic Ford nameplate, this list brings together eight enticing options that can help fill the mighty Wrangler’s void.
This list is organized in descending order of price, from the most expensive to the least costly alternatives to a Jeep Wrangler. It is to be noted that this list is a mix of base trim levels of SUVs and pickups that come close to the off-roading prowess of the standard Wrangler while being value-for-money.
2026 Toyota 4Runner
Starting Price: $41,570
The Toyota 4Runner is more expensive than the four-door Jeep Wrangler. But it makes up for the price increase with higher performance, greater comfort and convenience, improved reliability, and significantly higher towing capacity. Powering the new 4Runner is a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain system has a lot of notable features to help this SUV be composed, especially during off-road runs.
The gearbox includes a sequential shift mode and an uphill/downhill shift logic system. The rear-wheel-drive system is also equipped with an automatic, limited-slip differential for elevated levels of grip and control. This Toyota also includes a dedicated Tow/Haul drive mode. Matching and even surpassing the Jeep Wrangler’s off-roading finesse is its suspension setup. The 2026 4Runner gets independent suspension at both ends with stabilizer bars. This Toyota further surprises by offering a maximum standard towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, when the Wrangler is capped at 3,500 pounds with standard fitment.
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2026 Jeep Gladiator
Starting Price: $38,830
This stablemate offers more for a similar price to the Wrangler. Off the bat, the pickup layout adds significant practicality, with a large bed that can be converted into an enclosed luggage compartment. The Jeep Gladiator shares the same engine as the Wrangler with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. However, the Gladiator comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, which powers a four-wheel-drive system.
The Gladiator’s chassis is more rugged and robust than the Wrangler’s, as evidenced by its standard towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. Off-road capabilities are supported by features such as heavy-duty Dana front and rear solid axles and standard steel skid plates for protection. Suspension duties are taken care of by a leading link front layout and a trailing arm rear layout. Furthermore, like the Wrangler, the 2026 Gladiator offers open-air freedom with a removable roof, doors, and a fold-down windshield.
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2026 Subaru Outback
Starting Price: $34,995
This affordable alternative to the Jeep Wrangler might not be as hardcore in terms of off-roading capabilities. But the Subaru Outback offers exceptional value and broader appeal than the Jeep. Powering the Outback is a peppy 2.5-liter boxer-four cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The numbers are a lot lower than Jeep’s V6, but then again, it has a much lower curb weight at 3,741 pounds. That’s even lower than the two-door Wrangler.
This humble urban-ready SUV impresses further with the standard AWD system. This is supported by a four-wheel independent raised suspension system, electric power-assisted steering, active torque vectoring, and an off-road-focused X-Mode to enhance the 2026 Outback‘s off-road capability. Features such as Hill Descent Control, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and the Traction Control System contribute to Subaru’s stable off-road driving dynamics. Beyond all of this, the Outback offers a cozy cabin with a focus on comfort, convenience, and technology.
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2025 Ford Ranger
Starting Price: $33,350
Despite the current-gen Ford Ranger being just four years old, it has made a mark by packing enough punch to take on established rivals. Powering the Ranger is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. For a price tag below the two-door Wrangler, the base Ranger offers greater practicality with a four-door, four-seat cabin and a large bed.
Now, as standard, the base 2025 Ranger XL’s off-roading capabilities are not as compelling as its standard drive modes (which include Slippery, Mud, and Sand), and off-road-ready tires can only push it to a specific limit. However, an optional FX4 package can dial things up, notably. The best part? Even with the add-on package, the Ranger will still be cheaper than the Wrangler! The package includes off-road tuned shocks, an electronic locking rear differential, a steel bash plate, and superior all-terrain tires.
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2026 Chevrolet Colorado
Starting Price: $32,400
The Chevy Colorado is an affordable alternative to the Wrangler with a starting price of under $33,000 for the base WT model. This trim packs an energetic 2.7-liter turbocharged engine that produces 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It also features a 3.42 heavy-duty rear axle ratio for rugged duties.
Now, the WT trim might not be as off-road-ready as the Wrangler, but it makes up for this dearth with elevated practicality courtesy of its bed. But if one really wants to replace Jeep’s off-roading prowess, Chevy offers the 2026 Colorado Trail Boss trim starting at $40,500, with a premium of under $2,000. This trim adds 18-inch wheels wrapped with 32-inch all-terrain tires, a two-inch factory-installed lift kit, four selectable drive modes, an off-road performance display, and a two-speed auto transfer case and case shield. Additionally, with the right add-on kits, the Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds.
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2026 Nissan Frontier
Starting Price: $32,150
This is a rugged pickup truck that excels in both reliability and off-road capabilities. Powering the 2026 Nissan Frontier is a proven 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 that produces 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel-drive setup on the base King Cab S trim level. While it is not as athletic off-road as the Wrangler, the base trim makes up for it with a towing capacity of up to 7,160 pounds. The pickup configuration also gives this Nissan elevated practicality.
Furthermore, the Frontier offers an adult-sized, four-door, four-seat setup for less than the price of a two-door Wrangler. Also, for anyone very serious about off-roading with the Frontier pickup, Nissan offers the Crew Cab Pro-4X 4X4 trim, which starts at $41,870. This trim differs from the rest with features such as a rear stabilizer bar, all-terrain tires on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a switch-operated two-speed transfer case 4WD system, and a dedicated Terrain drive model.
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2026 Toyota Tacoma
Starting Price: $32,145
This has been Toyota’s coveted do-it-all pickup truck. The Tacoma has a storied history and is a formidable rival to iconic Ford and Chevy pickups today. It excels at offering flexibility with a variety of powertrain and capability options. The base trim levels are equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces up to 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2026 Tacoma‘s drivetrain is equipped with an automatic, limited-slip differential for added grip and driving stability.
The base XtraCab model gets a six-foot bed for added practicality. Shelling out a bit more, $38,735 to be precise, unlocks the TRD PreRunner trim level that adds a lot more off-roading capabilities to the well-rounded package. For a bump of $635 premium over the base four-door Wrangler, this souped-up Tacoma includes features such as an electronically controlled locking rear differential, 17-inch all-terrain wheels with 17-inch all-terrain tires, LED fog lamps, and a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds.
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2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Starting Price: $31,695
The Ford Bronco Sport fuses classic appeal with affordable go-anywhere capability. Powering this rugged SUV is a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. It can also be equipped with an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. In both cases, power is sent to a four-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The standard iteration is a solid all-rounder with a cozy interior, commendable technology, and comfort features. But dialing up its off-roading game is the popular Sasquatch package.
I was surprised by the baby Bronco’s composure. While my legs got a workout over the course of the day, my arms didn’t get punished. Steering effort remained low, and I didn’t have to constantly fight against it as the terrain imparted its own forces on the front wheels.
– John Beltz Snyder, TopSpeed Journalist
This adds a twin-clutch rear-drive unit that functions as a locker, a superior off-road suspension, more durable bumpers and skid plates, and all-terrain tires. It also offers advanced technology features, including Trail Control (cruise control for off-road use), Hill Descent Control, and a terrain management system with drive modes including Slippery, Sand, and Baja. Even the higher-up trim levels of the 2025 Bronco Sport are cheaper than the base four-door Wrangler. Only the Bronco Sport Badlands exceeds the limit, but its price increase is only $2,000. This off-road-ready Ford SUV is the most value-packed of this lot.
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Sources: Manufacturer reports, The EPA