Defender vs. Wrangler vs. G-Class: The Top Off-Road SUVs of 2024

Jeep Wrangler, Mercedes G-Wagon, and others
remain unfazed in harsh environments. The
best off-road SUVs of 2024 are

With the recent surge in outdoor activities, more people are seeking off-road SUVs. While it’s common for vehicles to take a beating when traversing valleys, deserts, fields, and forests, there are off-road vehicles that can handle these challenging terrains without a hitch.

Various brands have launched off-road SUVs, from the off-road icon Jeep to the luxurious Mercedes. Among them, a few models stand out. Let’s take a look at the best off-road SUVs of 2024.

Land Rover’s flagship Defender can drive in up to 35.4 inches of water

The Land Rover Defender is renowned for its exceptional off-road capabilities, such as mud resistance, waterproofing, slope scaling, and axle twisting. It is powered by a standard turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, there’s an option for a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that uses an electric motor and a 48V hybrid system.

All Defender models have a 4-wheel drive and locking differentials for navigating treacherous terrains. It can also drive in approximately 35.4 inches of water. Unlike previous models, the Defender now features a monocoque structure, replacing the traditional solid axles with fully independent suspension.

Jeep Wrangler, the off-road icon, offers 4-wheel drive across all models

Jeep is a leading brand in off-road SUV manufacturing and the
Wrangler is a vehicle with exceptional off-road capabilities. It provides over 10 new wheel designs, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display comes standard. Jeep has integrated robust active noise canceling technology into the Wrangler to ensure a quiet cabin even in rough off-road conditions.

The Wrangler offers five different powertrains, including a prominent 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower. It can be paired with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. The base 2-door Wrangler Sport model, equipped with the above powertrain and a 6-speed manual transmission, can accelerate to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. Since the Wrangler is designed for off-road use, 4-wheel drive is standard across all models and can be controlled via a lever on the center console.

The long-established Mercedes G-Class is equipped with a triple differential lock.

The Mercedes G-Class is a long-standing SUV that has remained unchanged since its initial launch in 1979. The new G-Class has a fully independent suspension, partially developed by Mercedes AMG. As a result, the G-Class has become an SUV with astounding off-road capabilities, featuring a triple differential lock (front, center, and rear) and a higher ground clearance.

The new Mercedes G-Class has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that delivers 443 horsepower and 61kgf.m of torque. The powertrain’s power is delivered to the 4-wheel drive through a 9-speed automatic transmission. The steering has also been improved, significantly enhancing the ride quality.