It’s a difficult task for a vehicle to earn status as an icon, but the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator’s repeat win as the Best Vehicle for Adventure in the 2024 AutoTrader Awards makes it look easy.
Our team of over 20 automotive experts confidently recommends these boxy off-roaders to Canadians in search of a vehicle built to perform daily while powering years of family fun and adventure to come. After considering every vehicle in this segment available to Canadians, including the Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover Defender, and more, our jury has voted the Jeeps as the best of the best for venturing off the beaten path.
The Wrangler and Gladiator are our top recommendations for various reasons, but their rugged capability right from the factory has always been impressive. This platform’s availability in three body styles and with multiple driveline options, including newly available plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power in the Wrangler, makes the lineup even more well-rounded. It’s easy to build your ideal machine after selecting the body style and driveline you like and then choosing from a long list of model trims and accessories to make it your own.
The 2024 model year brings styling updates to both models and a major update for the Wrangler, which now comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and availability of the 4xe PHEV powertrain on more models. New PowerBox technology turns your Wrangler into a mobile generator that uses the engine’s hybrid battery to power up to four 120-volt accessories simultaneously. It’s clever new tech adapted to some of the segment’s most proven platforms and engines.
The Wrangler and Gladiator are built on similar platforms that feature tough truck-like construction with off-road-optimized suspensions. Whether you choose the almighty Rubicon, with its trick new Dana axle for 2024, or a more modest version, you’re supported for adventure by a machine built for off-road use first and foremost, instead of it being an afterthought. Durable construction, tough tires, and a complete arsenal of the latest off-road hardware and software help drivers of all skill levels to enjoy new scenery as the machine does the tough work beneath them.
A common sight on Canadian roads, the Wrangler and Gladiator are popular picks for drivers who frequently travel rougher and more remote roads and highways, venture off-road regularly, or are active in outdoor sports all year round. I commonly recommend it to shoppers and friends seeking a long-term relationship with a machine that offers plenty of capability and builds confidence along the way.
A barebones unit starts from the mid-$40,000s, with specialized models priced well over $65,000. Jeep’s most capable models don’t come cheap, but a familiar face and strong reputation backed by decades of proven capability make it a solid return on your investment, paying dividends in more quality time outdoors – roof optional.
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