Jeep Wrangler vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was offered in XLE and Limited trims, with options for single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) or dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), and two battery sizes. Models with the larger battery were priced higher but provided enhanced power, performance, and range, with prices ranging from $36,495 to $46,895, including the destination charge. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus for an additional $3,000. The total MSRP, including options like Heavy Metal paint and various mats, was $40,468. The 2026 bZ had a more appealing design with body-color trim, especially in colors like Blueprint or Supersonic Red. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, and the fabric seats had an upscale pattern. The center touchscreen was increased to 14 inches, integrating climate control with user-friendly dials and buttons. However, the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic look with an upright, military-style stance and a seven-slot grille. The vehicle offered numerous customization options, from basic to luxurious trims. The Willys ’41 test model featured a special army green color with matching wheels and a ’41 hood graphic. The Wrangler's interior was utilitarian, with rugged materials and easy-to-clean surfaces. The Willys ’41 had weather-proof floor mats and tan cloth seats, with hard buttons and dials for the HVAC system. Jeep designers added fun Easter eggs throughout the vehicle, like the old-school Wrangler climbing up the windshield. The Wrangler's design prioritized functionality and capability, making it suitable for both off-road adventures and urban environments.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrain options. The XLE with FWD came with a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models, available only with the larger battery, produced 338 hp and offered varying ranges depending on the trim. The bZ could be recharged using a DC fast charger or a Level 2 home charger, with different charging times based on the battery size. In efficiency tests, the XLE Plus performed better than the EPA estimate in Eco mode but slightly underperformed in Normal mode. The bZ was noted for its agreeable city driving, though it struggled with mid-range passing power on the highway and handling on winding roads.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of powertrains, including the 3.6-liter V6, a 2.0-liter turbo, and a 6.4-liter Hemi V8. The Willys ’41 test vehicle featured the V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an automatic transmission. The engine provided ample power for daily driving and off-road crawling. The Wrangler's maneuverability was praised, making it suitable for both off-road trails and urban environments. However, the off-road tires and upright stance contributed to a noisy cabin at highway speeds, requiring higher volume levels for phone calls and audio.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it easy to enter and exit. The front seats featured standard height adjustment and eight-way power adjustment, providing comfort and support. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a tray beneath the console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, though foot space was limited. The cargo area offered 27.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler boasted 9.7 inches of ground clearance, making it practical for off-road and urban environments. The four-door model provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The swing-out tailgate and lift-up rear glass facilitated easy cargo access. However, the Wrangler's interior space was limited, with tight rear seats and narrow front seats. The vehicle lacked amenities like multiple cupholders and storage cubbies, making it less practical for regular back-seat passengers.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display was criticized for its placement and readability, while the infotainment system was generally user-friendly. However, it lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display and had low-contrast colors in daytime mode. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with various connected service plans available. The Drive Connect system powered navigation and voice assistant features, which performed well in tests.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. A two-year free trial of the Trails Offroad app was included, allowing drivers to explore trails via the infotainment screen. Optional tech features included a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a forward-facing TrailCam. The Willys ’41 test vehicle had many of these optional features, enhancing the driving experience with digital trip information and quality audio.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included features like high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs for extra safety. The Limited trim offered additional features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control's response was inconsistent, and the driver monitoring system was overly sensitive. The bZ received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with high marks for front-crash avoidance but poor ratings for headlights.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler offered limited standard safety features, with most advanced tech available as options. Starting from the Sport S trim, features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitors became available. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with good ratings in some crash tests but poor scores for headlights.