2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

In 2022, the Jeep Wrangler remained a beloved symbol of ruggedness and adventure. Buyers had to first decide between the traditional two-door model or the more practical four-door variant. Depending on this choice, they could then select from an array of powertrains including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a gasoline V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or a plug-in hybrid. Most engines came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, though an eight-speed automatic was available. The Wrangler boasted standard four-wheel drive with multiple system options depending on the trim level.

Trim selections ranged from the core Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon models to numerous special editions. These editions offered varied features like fabric soft tops, black hardtops, body-color hardtops, and the innovative Sky One-Touch Power-Top. Prices ranged from approximately $30,000 to $80,000, not including the destination charge, with numerous options that could easily push costs higher.

Our test model was the High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Wrangler Unlimited Sport S. It featured LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, a Gorilla Glass windshield, and High Tide or Beach hood decals. The standout feature was the standard Xtreme Recon package, which included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio among other enhancements.

Our High Tide model had a gasoline V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid electrification, Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, and an array of features from various option groups, bringing the total cost to $58,845, including the $1,595 destination charge.

Despite its nearly $60,000 price tag, the interior was quite basic, reflecting its off-road-centric design. The new air filtration system and minor equipment modifications were notable updates for 2022.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender combined iconic design with modern accents. Since its reintroduction in 2020, it outsold the Land Rover Discovery by more than four to one, thanks to its boxy, classic truck design. The Defender's square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail evoked the original 1980s Defender, enhanced with tastefully nostalgic details like dome step plates and skylights.

The Defender boasted unparalleled flexibility with available configurations including the two-door 90, four-door 110, and extended four-door 130, each offering unique body styling and space. The 90 even had an optional jump seat for six-passenger seating, while the 130 included a standard third row.

Despite its rugged roots, the Defender's interior impressed with its blend of durability and functionality. The use of leather was minimal, with most surfaces featuring rubber and plastic designed for resilience. Exposed screws and straightforward design elements underscored its rugged sophistication.

Nevertheless, for its lofty pricing—like the $120,000 MSRP of our 110 V8 Carpathian Edition test model—the Defender's interior could seem sparse compared to similarly priced luxury SUVs. Yet, its build quality and functional design held a unique charm that distinguished it from plushier Land Rover models.

Our 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine augmented with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification. This setup delivered 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The 48-volt electrical system also aided fuel economy. Equipped with the optional $4,000 eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, the Wrangler was ready for varied terrain.

EPA ratings suggested 21 mpg in combined driving for a Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6, though the Xtreme Recon Package led us to an actual average of 16.8 mpg over a week of testing. Driving a Wrangler required frequent stops at gas stations, and it’s known for its loud cabin, vague steering, rough ride, and touchy brakes—traits that enthusiasts cherished for their raw, immersive driving experience. Open-top driving amplified the sensory connection to the environment, making each journey an adventure. The Wrangler’s design was all about off-road capability and the unique driving joy it inspired.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender shared the Wrangler's off-road prowess, but with more refined powertrains. Off-road, the Defender excelled with incredible grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. The air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system adjusted to various surfaces seamlessly.

However, on-road performance was less impressive. The Defender exhibited significant body roll, wind noise, slow steering, and dive-prone braking—traits acceptable for off-road performance but lackluster on pavement. Notably, the V8 model's 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque provided thrilling straight-line speed, comparable to a Jaguar F-Type, albeit in a tall, heavy vehicle.

The six-cylinder engine offered a balanced performance with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, part of a mild hybrid system. This helped with seamless engine restarts and low-speed response. The base four-cylinder engine, with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, felt underwhelming for highway driving, while the turbo-six on the Defender 130 S, despite higher torque, was not much better.

Fuel economy ratings varied, with the mild-hybrid six-cylinder delivering a respectable 20 mpg combined, while the V8's 16 mpg combined was a trade-off for its power punch.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler’s form followed its function as an off-road beast, with its high suspension making ingress and egress a challenge, especially for less agile individuals. The lever for height adjustment often needed resetting due to constant slips during entry and exit.

Inside, the Wrangler's seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery seemed durable. The driving position required acclimation with a close proximity to the steering wheel and dashboard. Visibility had its quirks, with challenges at intersections and obstructions from the 35-inch spare tire.

Rear passengers faced entry difficulties, compounded by rear wheel wells and narrow doors. However, once inside, they enjoyed reasonable comfort and amenities like air conditioning vents and cupholders.

Cargo capacity was fairly generous: 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.4 cubic feet with them folded. However, the tailgate with the hefty spare tire was cumbersome on hills and in tight parking.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in everyday utility. Its varied seating configurations set it apart. The two-door 90 could accommodate six with a front jump seat, while the larger 110 offered an optional third row. The 130 seated eight comfortably, complete with a second moonroof, dedicated climate control, and cupholders.

Cargo capacity was also impressive: the 130 had up to 77 cubic feet with rows folded, compared to the Wrangler’s 72.4 cubic feet. The 110 provided up to 79 cubic feet, with the two-door 90 offering a more modest 58 cubic feet with seats down.

Buyers could opt for all-season or off-road tires, and the 130’s metal roof rack supported significant weight, ideal for camping setups. The Defender offered a wide range of practical features, from a console refrigerator to a grille-mounted winch.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was based on Sport S trim and featured relatively basic technology. Its 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto sufficed for most needs. The optional 8.4-inch Uconnect system provided satellite radio, WiFi hotspot, navigation, and an Alpine premium sound system—but our test model functioned well without it, streaming music and navigation via CarPlay.

Additional conveniences included remote starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, single-zone automatic climate control with air filtration, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel—extending the comfort during open-air driving in colder weather.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender boasted two Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment systems, offering either a standard 10-inch wide-format screen or an optional 11.4-inch square screen. Both were quick and easy to use, though the larger screen was more legible. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, connected apps, and navigation.

Starting at the base, the Defender 110 had manual fabric seats and a basic stereo, while trims like the S and SE added heated power seats, leather, a Meridian stereo, fog lights, surround sound, auto-dimming mirrors, and more. Higher trims offered even more luxury, such as adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and ambient lighting.

Safety in the 2022 Jeep Wrangler was bolstered by optional packages. The Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, important given the Wrangler's large spare tire. The Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams.

Crash-test ratings were less favorable. The NHTSA did not provide comprehensive ratings, but gave a mediocre three-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS rated the Wrangler Marginal in protection for the small overlap crash-test and Poor for standard headlight performance.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but earned five stars in Euro NCAP testing, praised for its solid structure. It included six airbags, lacking knee or rear side thorax airbags.

Advanced safety features were comprehensive: a digital instrument panel showing full-screen maps, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system with under-vehicle view, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. It also included trailer-steering assist, though self-steering highway assist was not available.