Skip advert
Advertisement

Best American cars of all time - Jeep Wrangler

Need to go off-road? The Jeep Wrangler has you covered

The Jeep Wrangler is the US equivalent of the Land Rover Defender. Its looks might hark back to the Willys Jeep from World War II, but the latest iteration of the Wrangler is one of the most capable off-roaders in its class.

Whatever the terrain, the Wrangler’s four-wheel-drive will find grip, especially in top-spec Rubicon trim which features locking differentials in both axles. In addition to this, thanks to short overhangs, front and rear, steep slopes are no problem. You might expect the Wrangler to come with a honking V8 or V6 (at least), but the only engine available in the UK is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol. Don’t be put off by this though, because there’s more than enough grunt for when the going gets muddy.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon - off-road

But just like a Defender, the Wrangler’s off-road prowess comes at the expense of on-road manners – namely suffering from a slightly bouncy ride. That said, the latest Wrangler is easier than ever to live with, even if it trails big comfy SUVs like the Land Rover Discovery.  

Advertisement - Article continues below

Interior space isn’t great, either, although the design is an attractive blend of retro and utilitarian. The Wrangler is offered in two or four-door body styles, with a hard top or optional soft top roof. 

We don't rate the Wrangler as the best car to buy in its class (though for serious off-road use it might be worth a look), but the iconic styling that it shares with its WWII predecessor and the no-nonsense approach in its design mark it out as a great American car.

Best American Cars of all time:

  1. Ford Mustang
  2. Chevrolet Corvette
  3. Cadillac Eldorado
  4. Ford Model T
  5. Jeep Wrangler
  6. Tesla Model S
  7. Oldsmobile Curved Dash
  8. Cadillac Type 53
  9. Ford GT40
  10. Duesenberg Model J
Skip advert
Advertisement
Content editor

Ryan is responsible for looking after the day-to-day running of the Auto Express website and social media channels. Prior to joining Auto Express in 2023, he worked at a global OEM automotive manufacturer, as well as a specialist automotive PR and marketing agency.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best 4x4s and off-road cars to buy 2025
Best 4x4s and off-road cars - header image

Best 4x4s and off-road cars to buy 2025

After a four-wheel-drive vehicle with plenty of off-road clout? We have you covered
Best cars & vans
28 Apr 2025
Best used snow cars 2025
Best used snow cars - header image

Best used snow cars 2025

Don’t have the budget for a new car? These 10 great-value used buys also excel in the worst of the weather
Best cars & vans
11 Feb 2025
New Jeep Compass all set for November reveal, and 2025 launch
Jeep Compass - exclusive image

New Jeep Compass all set for November reveal, and 2025 launch

The next-generation Jeep Compass will spearhead massive model blitz, doubling the company’s zero-emission portfolio
News
5 Aug 2024

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025