Consumer Reports ranked the 2026 Toyota 4Runner as the top off-road SUV, followed by the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, based on reliability, satisfaction, and road test scores.
FCA US is recalling 1,076,999 model year 2021–2025 Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles because an electrical connection issue in the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring can overheat and ignite, even when the vehicle is off. NHTSA has logged 51 fires and one injury likely tied to the issue. Owners should park outside away from buildings and other vehicles until repaired; a remedy will be provided with owner notification letters starting July 9. VINs and license plates will be searchable on NHTSA.gov from June 11. For more information, contact FCA at 800-853-1403 or recalls.mopar.com, or call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236; the SaferCar app is recommended to stay informed on recalls.
Stellantis is recalling about 1.08 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models in the U.S. due to an electrical issue in the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring that could overheat and ignite a fire, even when the ignition is off. The company says a remedy is being prepared with the NHTSA, with notices mailed to owners and repairs expected no later than July; about 253,000 additional vehicles outside North America are also included in the recall.
Ford Bronco is the Wrangler’s closest new-look-alike for off-road capability, offering similar two- and four-door configurations, removable doors/roof, and comparable 4x4 prowess; its independent front suspension gives a better on-road ride while Wrangler offers more engine options including a V8. Other viable new picks include Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Defender, and Grenadier, while the used market expands to classics like Land Cruiser FJ40 and early 4Runners, each with its own trade-offs.
The 2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 will be approximately $20,000 cheaper than the 2025 Rubicon, dropping from around $102,000 to make the V8-powered model more accessible, as Jeep aims to increase sales and reduce prices across its range.
The author drove his 200,000-mile Jeep Wrangler to SEMA after receiving a full XPEL Paint Protection Film application, encountering car troubles along the way. At the event, he learned about XPEL's products, including Solar Window Film and protective film for bikes, and received a lesson in applying Paint Protection Film from an expert. He also experienced PPF's self-healing properties and attended an XPEL party for dealers and guests, before driving home with plans to put the PPF to the test during off-roading adventures.
The skilled team at Grind Hard Plumbing Co. transformed a Mini Cooper into a micro monster truck by placing its body on a Jeep Wrangler frame with a Jeep four-cylinder engine. They reworked the drivetrain, suspension, and various systems to make it functional for off-road adventures. The Mini now sits on 46-inch tires, providing great articulation and all-paw traction. Although it lacks difflocks for rock crawling, it can handle big obstacles. Some fine-tuning is still needed, but overall, it's a capable and impressive micro monster truck.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, with a starting price in the mid-$50,000 range, is set to compete against the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Land Rover Defender in the off-road SUV segment. While the Land Cruiser offers impressive specifications such as ground clearance and towing capacity, its rivals also have their own strengths. The Land Cruiser's turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four hybrid engine produces 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, and it comes with off-road features like hill descent control and low-speed crawl control. However, the Bronco, Wrangler, and Defender offer their own unique off-road capabilities and features. Ultimately, the winner in this segment will be determined by real-world performance and individual preferences.
The Jeep Wrangler, once known for its off-road capabilities, has transformed into a luxury SUV with modern features such as power adjustable seats, advanced safety features, and touchscreen displays. The high prices of the Wrangler have not deterred buyers, with corporate executives and wealthy families now purchasing the vehicle. The off-road focused Rubicon model accounts for nearly 25% of Wrangler sales in the U.S. and the vehicle has few incentives. Despite its faults, Americans overlook them for the unique experience of owning a Wrangler.
Ford has launched a new Bronco Trail App that provides directions to over 18,000 miles of off-pavement trails in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The app is free to use for Bronco owners and displays maps through the Bronco's infotainment system display. The app includes 1,200 different trails that have been professionally curated, and provides details including their length and difficulty. The app also allows users to drop their own pins for future reference, and the maps can be downloaded for offline use. The app is the latest salvo in the escalating Ford Bronco v Jeep Wrangler battle.