Jeep Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited: Top Alternatives for 2023
John Goreham is a life-long car nut and recovering engineer. John’s focus areas are technology, safety, and green vehicles. In the 1990s, he was part of an academic team that built a solar-electric vehicle from scratch. His was the role of the battery thermal control designer. After earning his engineering degree, John also completed a marketing program at Northeastern University. For 20 years, he applied his engineering and sales talents in the worlds of semiconductor manufacturing, biopharmaceutical production, and automotive electronics supply chain. Always a writer, John has published numerous articles in technical journals such as Chemical Processing Magazine. In 2008 he retired from that career and dedicated himself to chasing his dream of being an auto writer. In addition to online publications such as Car Talk, John’s work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers, and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites.
Those looking for off-road adventure, or an all-weather SUV that can do it all, should really start with the Wrangler line.
The Wrangler line is so good and has evolved to such a degree that it is hard to find fault with the modern Jeep.
So, unlike some of our other lists, this one is more for those Jeep lovers who really just want to know what else is out there.
Table of Contents
Jeep Wrangler Weaknesses
The Takeaway: The Jeep Wrangler is the original. However, there are some worthy old and new competitors to this legend worth considering.
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The Wrangler comes in a huge variety of flavors with optional door and roof packages, with it all culminating in the Rubicon ultra-off road trim. Most recently, we tested the Wrangler 392 with its muscle-car V8 engine, and also the 4Xe plug-in hybrid. Both were fantastic examples of just how far Jeep is willing to go to make you whatever your heart desires.
In these times of shortages, dealer markups, and other oddities, some folks do want options, even if their first choice seems right. For those folks, we offer the following list of alternatives to the Jeep Wrangler.
What’s New for 2023?
The Jeep Wrangler gets a Freedom Edition model which adds a military-themed exterior including a steel front bumper and rock rails on the sides. Other additions include a new 17-inch wheel design for the Rubicon and two new paint colors called Earl and Reign.
Jeep’s Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited vs. Competitors
| Model | Consumer Reports Reliability Rating (5 is best) | Included Maintenance | Removable Roof Option | Price Range (Approximate) |
| Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited | ||||
| Ford Bronco | ||||
| Toyota 4Runner | ||||
| Land Rover Defender | ||||
| Jeep Gladiator |
1. New Ford Bronco
When Ford opted to challenge the Wranger line from Jeep, it didn’t use half-measures. The new Bronco line includes seven distinct trims, all with many options. Ford even added a smaller, more affordable sibling for the Bronco called Bronco Sport, which has become one of our all-stars in the “Best Of” series we create here.
If you want a direct competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco is the ticket. One unique aspect of the Wrangler Rubicon was its ability to disconnect the front sway bar for more suspension articulation in ridiculous situations. The Bronco has that, and it can be disconnected under load, not just ahead of obstacles.
Like the Wrangler, you can strip the Bronco to be a skeleton and it has the cool removable roofs. Ford even used the same roof material supplier. Want to take off the fenders too? Go right ahead. Ford makes it easy.
What’s New for 2023?
For 2023, the Bronco Heritage Edition has been added for both two- and four-door models. Thai special edition Bronco comes with a 2.3-liter 300-horsepower powertrain with either a seven-speed manual or available 10-speed automatic transmission. Exterior enhancements include a white grille, a white roof, and a set of 1960s-inspired wheels.
The Takeway: If you want a head-to-head competitor to the Jeep Wranger Line, the Bronco is it.
Current Ford Bronco Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Ford | Bronco |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Ford deals and average prices paid.
2. Toyota 4Runner
If there has been one area in which the Wrangler has demonstrated a need for improvement it is reliability. Check out Consumer Reports’ ratings for the Wrangler, and you will find only ⅕ and ⅖ ratings. One is the worst possible score. By contrast, the Toyota 4Runner earns only ⅘ and 5/5 scores year after year. If you want an off-road SUV that tops the field in reliability, start with the Toyota 4Runner.
The 4Runner also has enjoyed a long legacy of outstanding resale value. Jeep’s Wrangler and the 4Runner have traded the top spot for a decade. Both are highly valued in the used vehicle market. Presently, used versions are selling for as much or more than new ones.
The 4Runner is also very capable off-road. Its TRD Pro series is the one for the most enthusiastic off-roaders, but all of the 4Runners are rugged body-on-frame SUVs.
What’s New for 2023?
The Toyota 4Runner celebrates its 40th Anniversary. This special edition 4Runner includes a set of bronze 17-inch wheels and bronze stitching on the leatherette seats and shift knob.
The Takeaway: Like all Toyotas, the 4Runner is the value and reliability alternative.
Current Toyota 4Runner Deals & Incentives
You may qualify for deals and incentives, check out this month's Toyota deals and average prices paid.
3. Land Rover Defender
There was a time when comparing a Jeep Wrangler to a Land Rover was silly because the Land Rover was twice the cost. No more. The top trim Wrangler is now danger-close to $90K. Land Rover’s new Defender is priced right in line with the Wrangler today.
The Defender also offers similar engine options to the Jeep. Land Rover offers a supercharged V8 with more horsepower than the Jeep’s to give the Wrangler 392 owners something to aspire to. Land Rover even offers a green trim, just like Jeep does.
Like the Bronco, the Defender is reborn. And like the Bronco, it is much more expensive this time around. This is the toughest off-roader model from a brand known worldwide for making great off-roaders. If you want a Wrangler competitor that you won’t see parked two rows deep at every trailhead, start with Land Rover’s Defender.
What’s New for 2023?
The Land Rover Defender adds the third row to the 130 models. Also, the 130 model gets a larger 11.4-inch infotainment display. Additionally, the Defender gets a 30th Anniversary Edition with a 296 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Finally, Land Rover will offer a special edition Defender with 20-inch aluminum wheels, a fabric sunroof, Grasmere Green paint, and the P400 six-cylinder powertrain.
The Takeaway: Land Rover is one of the few brands with as much gravitas as Jeep off-road, and its Defender is the real deal.
Current Land Rover Defender Deals & Incentives
You may qualify for deals and incentives, check out this month's Land Rover deals and average prices paid.
4. Jeep Gladiator
What if you really want a Wrangler but need a pickup truck as well? Jeep has answered your prayers. The new Gladiator has been out for two years and is building legions of fans. In our testing, we found it to be so Wrangler-like, even Wrangler owners gave us the Jeep wave as we drove towards them.
Although the Gladiator is not identical in its construction to the Wrangler, only die-hard Wrangler fanatics will see the differences. This pickup has pretty much the same formula as the Wrangler does, but with a pickup bed. We could keep typing, but that’s the scoop.
What’s New for 2023
The Gladiator add the Capability Package wtth the High Altitude trim level. This package gives you a winch-capable steel front bumper, steel rock rails and an off-road camera that gives you a look at the front of the vehicle.
The Gladiator has also added High Velocity as an exterior paint option. This vibrant yellow color surely stands out. The Willys trim level now adds a 7-inch instrument cluster, remote start, a built-in garage door opener and proximity keyless entry as standard trim.
The Takeaway: If you really want a Wrangler but need a short pickup bed, you should buy a Gladiator.
Current Jeep Gladiator Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Jeep | Gladiator | ||||
| 2023 | Jeep | Gladiator | $3,000 | $559/month for 39 months, $3,995 due at signing | 5/31/23 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Jeep deals and average prices paid.
