2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a classic two-door or a more practical four-door body style. Buyers could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive was standard across all models. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the Willys and Willys Sport, Sahara High Altitude, and Wrangler Rubicon 392. The High Tide model, a US-market special edition, was based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim and included options like LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. Despite its price nearing $60,000, the Wrangler Sport S interior remained basic, with durable cloth upholstery and practical features like floor drain plugs.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design, focusing on clean and simple aesthetics. While not flashy, it offered options like Firenze Red paint and diamond-turned 23-inch wheels. Our test vehicle featured Eiger Grey paint, silver 23-inch wheels, and a Black Exterior Pack, exuding understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim created a luxurious atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, Autobiography, and the sold-out SV Edition One specifications. The Dynamic SE test vehicle included features like heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and leather upholstery, with an MSRP exceeding $120,000. The Range Rover Sport boasted premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights, along with excellent aerodynamics. Inside, it featured sustainable Ultrafabrics and Windsor leather upholstery, creating a high-tech and luxurious environment.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, it was well-suited for slippery conditions. Natural Resources Canada estimated fuel consumption at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 14.0 L/100 km over 700 kilometres. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with its open-top design and rugged character, but it required frequent fuel stops and had a noisy cabin, vague steering, and a rough ride. Despite these traits, the Wrangler offered an immersive and adventurous driving experience, perfect for escaping the daily grind and exploring off-road.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography trim, offering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. The Range Rover Sport could accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and tow up to 3,500 kilograms. Fuel efficiency averaged 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the evaluation route. The SUV's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension provided a comfortable ride. However, it struggled to match the performance of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled, with advanced suspension and technology ensuring a smooth ride over challenging terrain.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The interior featured comfortable seats with durable cloth upholstery, but the driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring adjustments for better sightlines. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry difficulties, but once inside, they enjoyed agreeable accommodations. Storage options were limited, with netting on door panels and small compartments. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with Windsor leather upholstery and 20-way power adjustments. The rear seat, while improved, remained tight for taller passengers, and narrow door openings hindered access. The back seat provided excellent support but had a reclined angle. Storage space was decent, with a deep bin under the centre armrest and a second bin under the cupholder tray. The power liftgate revealed a 903-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While basic, it provided essential functions. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and single-zone automatic climate control. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport boasted a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating to use. The SUV's native digital assistant struggled with basic commands, and the automatic driver exit assist feature was inconvenient. The Range Rover Sport featured impressive Meridian audio systems and an Active Noise Cancellation system.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, offering features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, its crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required careful driving.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also had a surround-view camera system and Wade Sensing for water crossings. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less responsive than expected, and the steering assist struggled on curves and with wonky lane lines.