As far as we are concerned, the off-road market has long been divided into two classes - Land Rover Defender and the rest. The Defender dies on Friday, so as Britain’s iconic workhorse is laid to rest - is it still king of the hill against its arch-rival?
Land Rover fanatics operate with a heavy heart this week, burdened with sorrow as Jaguar Land Rover brings 67 years of heritage to a close on 29 January. This leaves us with only one real choice when searching for a brand new, practically indestructible old-school off-roader. The Jeep Wrangler.
The Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Defender have battled to claim the hearts of adventurers worldwide ever since the 1990s, with foundations laid by their predecessors, and enthusiasts falling in love with the basic charm and extreme off-road ability both vehicles offer. But which one is worthy of your attention? Time to don the wellie boots and find out.
The Looks
The Wrangler looks the part, with straight lines, muscular wheel arches and slab sides for squeezing through those tight canyon tracks. Yet, the Jeep isn’t a pretty sight. There is a shape there, somewhere, with a design clearly tailored to emphasise a rugged and practical lifestyle, but unless you can grasp these not-always-understood aspects the Wrangler simply appears too disproportioned. There is almost an air of awkwardness about its stance, looking ungainly on the road - often far too bling for most British settlements - while also sticking out a country mile when actually in the countryside.
The Land Rover, on the other hand, blends into rural settings with ease, appearing almost pretty with a swish mix of rugged looks and basic style, creating a vehicle with so much classlessness that it tells the world nothing about you - at all.
Looking the part no matter where you take it, the barrel sides make a Defender easy on the eye, while the detailing helps convey a sense of adventure. Whether down the family-run farm, outside Buckingham Palace or cruising the city fashion spots, the Defender looks glorious.
The Power
Neither of these ‘cars’ are about horsepower - it’s all about torque. Comparing these machines on paper is inconsequential; as it isn’t until you go out into the rough stuff that the winner becomes apparent. In essence, the Defender’s four wheel drive system is the best in the world, with low down grunt and mechanical prowess that leaves others stranded in its wake. It’s time for a demonstration: