Finally, competition for the Jeep Wrangler?

For decades, nothing has really competed with the Jeep Wrangler. Sure, you have the Toyota 4Runner if you aren’t focused on maximum off-road ability nor the ability to remove the roof and doors. Not to mention, the 4Runner is in desperate need of a refresh - it still feels like it’s a 2009 model. Probably because it hasn’t been significantly updated since then. You can go for a Mercedes G-Wagon if you have that kind of cash (starting at $124,000!)… or want one used. The G-Wagon also doesn’t offer a removable roof/doors nor is it available with a manual transmission. You can look for some kind of used Range Rover Defender, maybe. Prices on those, even used, are outrageous. Not to mention reliability concerns. What’s left? A 1989 Suzuki Samurai??

Many consumers are looking to walk into a dealership and purchase a top-down, stick shift, 4x4 that can be used off road and still be comfortable on the highway… there’s really only one legitimate option. And that’s the Jeep Wrangler. They can be configured in 2 or 4 doors, and they can be built on both ends of the budget spectrum. A low cost, 2 door Sport model starts at just $28,000 while a fully loaded, 4 door, Sahara/Rubicon model can run you well over the $50,000 mark. The Wrangler just does it all. Which makes sense as to why Jeep sold more than 1 million new Wranglers in the last 5 years! That’s impressive.

I am not sure why it has taken the competition so long to decide they want a piece of this market segment. Especially now that consumers are moving toward SUV’s as their primary vehicle. Well, Ford might be the first. There isn’t a whole lot of information about the upcoming 2020 Ford Bronco. Much of the information available is speculation. It’s rumored to be available in 2 or 4 doors, have removable doors and roof, be rugged enough for off-road yet refined enough to daily drive… oh and it may even have a manual transmission! I can’t wait for the official reveal, possible as early as later this year.

For more rumors, speculation and leaks, check out this article from Road and Track.