Best for: Heading off the beaten track
If there’s one name that can trump Land Rover for off road cred then it’s Jeep – and the Wrangler its most roughty and toughty offering. However, the American firm is calling time on this iconic machine in Europe, with the last cars slated for sale in early 2026. So if you hanker after this rugged operator, then you’ll need to be quick.
Assuming you’ve managed to get your order in, then what can you expect? Well, the interior is spacious and less cheaply and sparsely finished than you might think, and that goes hand in hand with the improved efficiency of the car’s downsized engines and better road manners. (Everything is relative, mind).
More importantly, the Wrangler is still spectacular off the beaten track, especially in Rubicon trim with its ladder-frame, locking differentials, knobbly tyres, specialised articulating axles, underbody bracing and outstanding approach and departure angle statistics.
It isn’t as nice to live with every day as the Land Rover Defender, hence its second-place ranking. That’s partly down to on-road manners that are considerably less salubrious than those of its British rival, with far less accurate handling, a more hyperactive ride and ear-bashing levels of ‘refinement’.
Moreover, the only engine option (a 268bhp 2.0-litre petrol) lacks the aural drama you expect of typical America iron (where’s the V8?), plus its fairly thirsty.
Still, if you’re handy with a spanner, you can remove the Wrangler’s doors and sections of its roof for some wind-in-the-hair thrills.