2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

In Canada, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a popular choice, outselling the Land Rover Discovery by a significant margin. Despite being similar in size and price, the Defender's boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4 appealed more to customers than the Discovery's Ford-like appearance. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail, all of which contributed to its classic truck aesthetic. Tasteful accents like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and the body-colour square separating the side glass paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. The vehicle was available in three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, offering a range of choices for consumers.

Inside, the Defender focused on function and durability, with most of the interior coated in rubbers and plastics designed to resist moisture and stains. Despite its high price, the interior was basic, with exposed screws and plain-looking air vents, maintaining the Defender's hardcore character. The build quality and fit were excellent, but the Defender's price tag, especially for the 110 V8 Carpathian Edition, was considered excessive by some. Nevertheless, the Defender continued to sell well in Canada, indicating that not everyone shared this sentiment.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, offered a rugged, no-nonsense design with its fourth-generation JL model. The Wrangler's design was characterized by its solid axles, wide fenders, iconic seven-slot grille, and round headlights. The vehicle was available in two-door and four-door models, with the option to remove the doors for an open-air experience. The Wrangler's windshield could fold down, and there were various top options for open-air exploring. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted up for easy access to the cargo area. The Wrangler also introduced new paint colours, including the limited-edition "Reign" purple and the "Earl" grey with aquamarine highlights.

Inside, the Wrangler focused on practicality, with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats. The interior featured straight lines and a body-coloured dash, with chunky HVAC controls and a manual transfer case shifter. While the Wrangler lacked some luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats, it provided a functional and straightforward interior. The Wrangler's cargo space was limited, but the vehicle offered various top options for an open-air experience, including the Sky One-Touch power soft top. The Wrangler also provided ample charging points, with USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet in the centre console.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road performance, with its uncanny grip, incredible wheel articulation, and generous clearance. The vehicle's air suspension allowed it to tackle almost any path, and the Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to the chosen surface. However, most Defender owners were unlikely to use these features extensively. On the road, the Defender's performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The vehicle's turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, while the turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning poor ratings of 16.4/12.7/14.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options for off-road enthusiasts. The standard Wrangler came with a Pentastar V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Wrangler also offered a 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, and the high-performance Rubicon 392 with a 6.4-litre V8 engine, delivering 470 hp and 470 lb-ft. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid provided an electric range of 35 kilometres. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its solid axles, optional differential lockers, and various off-road transfer cases. The Rubicon 392, with its Xtreme Recon package, offered a crawl ratio of 58:1, making it a formidable off-road vehicle. However, the 392's on-road performance was hampered by inadequate brakes and vague steering.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility as an everyday SUV, with unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with an optional jump seat, while the 110 offered an optional third row for two extra seats. The 130 model had a standard third row, accommodating up to eight passengers. The Defender's large glass areas, including alpine lights and a panoramic moonroof, provided excellent visibility. The vehicle's cargo space varied, with the 130 offering 2,180 litres with the third row and second row folded. The Defender also offered various off-road and all-season tire options, a metal roof rack, and a range of available features, including a console refrigerator, heated windshield, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, but rear seating was tight, especially in the four-door models. The Wrangler's storage options were limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The vehicle's cargo space was 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded. The Wrangler offered various top options, including a hard top, soft top, and the Sky One-Touch power soft top. The vehicle provided ample charging points, with USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet in the centre console.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was wide and integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen was larger and more legible. The Defender offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a voice assistant, and connected apps. Heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated power-folding mirrors were standard. Higher trims added features like air suspension, a locking rear differential, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Wrangler's off-road pages provided information about power distribution, temperatures, and GPS coordinates. The vehicle also featured a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, praised for its solid structure. The vehicle came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control as standard. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims or as part of an option package. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and a four-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA.