JEEP WRANGLER

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LANDROVER DEFENDER 110

What is required of an off-road vehicle: rough road performance or comfort?

Since the two vehicles are in different price ranges, we will compare the Jeep Wrangler’s top-of-the-line “Unlimited Rubicon” and the Defender’s lowest-priced “110 X-Dynamic SE.” The current Defender has a monocoque body and is available in three body sizes: 90, 110, and 130. The Defender 110 shares the same platform as the Wrangler’s four-door model.

Compared to the Wrangler, which still retains its off-roader look, the Defender stands out for its stylish and modern look. Comparing the interiors, the Wrangler is specialized for functionality when driving off-road, while the Defender retains its off-roader look while being designed with an SUV-like atmosphere, making it a perfect family car.

The Wrangler has a structure where the roof and doors can be removed, but the roll cage that runs throughout the interior of the car puts pressure on the occupants, and the base of the roll cage protrudes into the luggage compartment, so it cannot be said to be very comfortable. In addition, the interior lining is simple, so it is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. If anything, the Defender is definitely more comfortable.

Instead, the Wrangler combines a ladder frame with front and rear rigid axles, which makes the ride less comfortable than the Defender, but there are roads that can only be driven on with this configuration.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

Body size = Total length 4870mm x Total width 1930mm x Total height 1855mm

Wheelbase = 3010mm

Vehicle weight = 2110kg

Tire size = LT255/75R17

Land Rover Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE P300

Body size = Length 4945mm x Width 1995mm x Height 1970mm

Wheelbase = 3020mm

Vehicle weight = 2270kg

Tire size = 255/60R20

The engine specs are comparable! The big difference is the AWD system

The basic configuration and specifications of the powertrains are almost the same. An inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine is combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission with an auxiliary gearbox, and both are electronically controlled full-time AWD. However, the Defender has the advantage in terms of the advanced AWD system.

The Wrangler is equipped with front and rear differential locks, as well as a “sway bar disconnect system” that releases the front stabilizer when driving on rough roads, ensuring more suspension stroke, but using each function requires the driver’s own judgment and operation.

In contrast, the Defender’s AWD control system, Terrain Response, optimally controls many settings, such as engine output and differential lock rate, according to road conditions, and each setting can be individually adjusted to suit the driver’s needs.

There’s no doubt that both vehicles have off-road performance that is incomparable to average SUVs, but the Wrangler has absolute off-road capability in localized areas, while the Defender is designed to perform well in a wide range of locations.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine

Displacement = 1995cc

Maximum output = 272PS/5250rpm

Maximum torque = 400Nm/3000rpm

Transmission = 8-speed AT

Drive system = AWD

Land Rover Defender X Dynamic SE P300

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine

Displacement = 1995cc

Maximum output = 300PS/5500rpm

Maximum torque = 400Nm/2000rpm

Transmission = 8-speed AT

Drive system = AWD

The price difference is only 340,000 yen! It’s best to choose based on your preference.

The Defender is more expensive overall and offers more equipment and features. The Defender also offers a more comfortable ride and interior. As a result, the most expensive and high-performance Wrangler, the Unlimited Rubicon, and the least expensive Defender, the 110 XDynamic SE P300, are in the same price range.

If you plan to use it actively off-road, the Wrangler would be more suitable. However, as a passenger car, the Defender is overwhelmingly easier to use. However, even if you accept the inconvenience, driving the Wrangler, which has a more off-road-like appearance, on a daily basis is also an attractive choice. When it comes to these two cars, it’s best to choose the one that catches your eye, without worrying about the specs or other details.