Take Command of Your Commute

When cruising down the highway, you’ll be the star of the show. The Defender and the Jeep Wrangler were built to deliver a unique driving experience, thanks to their potent engines. Standardly outfitted, these SUVs deliver at least 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately for the Wrangler, this is where the similarities begin and end.

While the Wrangler has three engines, the Defender offers nearly twice as many configurations, each one more powerful than the last. How do the top-of-the-line engines of these rugged SUVs compare?

The Defender continues to impress beyond its robust capabilities. It features an expansive color palette in a solid, metallic, gloss, or optional matte finish. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the Jeep Wrangler, which is distinguishing itself by offering eccentric exterior shades in bold neon colors.

Who Needs Roads Anyway?

You were never meant to be contained. Where others see the end of the road as a cue to turn back, you dare to venture into the unknown. The Defender and the Wrangler are the perfect adventure companions, thanks to their impressive all-terrain capabilities.

The Wrangler comes with a 4X4 drivetrain, while the Defender comes standard with All Wheel Drive. For enhanced traction on low-friction surfaces, the Terrain Response® system of the Defender allows you to select one of several terrain modes, each of which delivers a fine-tuned response to optimize traction.

When dirt roads vanish and flooded trails or shallow creeks await, the Wrangler and the Defender excel. However, while the Wrangler can navigate depths of up to 35 inches with an optional package, the Defender boasts a max wading depth of 35.4 inches across all trim levels, except for the OCTA, which increases that capability to 39.3 inches.

Tested for Life’s Harshest Conditions

Off-road adventures aren’t always sunshine and lollipops. Sometimes, you’re faced with treacherous conditions. Many others will shy away from harsh conditions, but you’ll feel confident in your Defender or Jeep Wrangler. But the question remains: Are these rugged SUVs built the same?

When building the Defender, the goal was to create the strongest model. Going beyond its usual tests, the Defender OCTA was pushed far past the breaking point of other vehicles. With more than 13,000 tests performed in the most extreme testing and development program, the Defender passed these trials with flying colors.

The Wrangler has its own set of Trail Rated® tests, but they aren’t as extreme as the tests performed on the Defender, so we cannot comment on how well it will perform in extreme environments.

Do More Than Drive

When off-roading, you’re not looking for the limited excitement of a pre-destined course driven at low speeds. You’re looking to forge your path, create your thrills, and become the ruler of the land. The Defender and the Jeep Wrangler are strong enough to carry all your essential travel gear, ensuring that every off-roading adventure is a fully immersive and unforgettable experience.

While the Wrangler brings something to the table, its off-roading durability doesn’t hold a candle to the capabilities of the Defender.

Immersive, Intuitive Experience

Infotainment is at the heart of any commute. Both the Defender and the Jeep Wrangler have recognizable infotainment suites that make it easy to access various digital features. For a personalized experience, connect your smartphone via Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ and watch as the central touchscreen display transforms into your phone’s interface.

Once you queue up your favorite off-roading playlist, sit back and experience an immersive audio experience with the standard Meridian™ Surround Sound System of the Defender. This high-quality speaker system provides concert-quality audio right to your cabin. This speaker system includes up to 14 speakers for rich, crystal-clear audio. While the Wrangler comes optionally with a premium audio system, its nine speakers pale in comparison.

Unobstructed Views

You must stay aware of your surroundings, regardless of whether you're traversing highways or unpaved roads. The Defender and the Jeep Wrangler each have features like Blind Spot Assist and a Rear Traffic Monitor to help with lane changes and reversing out of congested parking lots. However, these features are only standard on the Defender.

The Defender also comes equipped with the following standard and available features for enhanced visibility:

• 3D Surround Camera
• Head-up Display
• ClearSight interior rearview mirror

The Wrangler offers none of the above features.