Adventure junkies and off-road enthusiasts always want to take the road less traveled to see stunning views and seek new experiences. These locations are often hard to reach with regular vehicles and can be challenging even for seasoned off-road cars. A popular choice among casual drivers and hobbyists is the Jeep. But what makes them excel on different terrain?
This blog shares nine reasons Jeep vehicles are some of the best off-road vehicles you can get.
11 Reasons Why Jeep is Best for Off-roading
Off-road Design
Jeeps have a historically robust design. The original Willys MB dubbed the “jeep,” was used by the US Army in the 1940s during World War II.
The Willys MB was extremely versatile on the battlefield since it was an agile vehicle for a 4x4. Soldiers can easily outfit it with tarps, machine guns, and other accessories and utilities that will make it suitable anywhere.
The success of the Willys Jeep carried over after the war. The mass-produced Jeeps still had that iconic grill face but now included farm trucks, station wagons, and other models for the mass market. These Jeeps were all capable of going through off-road terrain on their own or with the help of a few modifications.
The truck company has built an image of reliable military-grade quality and sturdy off-road trucks, which is still evident in their vehicles today, especially with the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator lines.
Remarkable Hauling Capacity
Jeep engines have a powerful hauling capacity, with modern Wranglers having towing capacities of up to 3,500 lbs, depending on their model and trim level.
Easy to Maintain
Jeep vehicles have consistently received good reliability ratings, giving you peace of mind that they rarely break down. They have a fairly simple design, resulting in easier repairs and maintenance compared to other modern automobiles.
The Jeep’s “tried and true” nature uses the same parts, engines, and transmissions for many of its makes and models.
Various Engine Choices
Jeep provides consumers with various engine options depending on their budget and needs. For instance, there is the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 for fuel efficiency and the 6.4L HEMI SRT V8 for selectable dual-mode exhaust systems. You can also choose a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 if you’re looking for a more affordable but still capable option for a Jeep.
Smooth Rides
Enjoy the smoothest ride, even on the toughest pavements, when you travel on a Jeep. The transmission and suspension setups of most Jeeps can traverse almost any obstacle on the road with ease, whether you need to cross flooded roads and rivers or go over huge rocks and boulders. The stock wheels offer plenty of traction and can easily be replaced with beefier tires if needed without having to worry about wheel clearance.
Short Wheelbase
Jeeps have a short wheelbase. Their front and rear wheels are closer together, making the frame sturdier. Jeep models have a wide array of wheelbase sizes. For instance, the Wrangler has a wheelbase of 96.8 to 118.5 inches depending on whether it is a 2 door Wrangler or a 4 door model.
But how does a shorter wheelbase contribute to better road performance? Most SUVs have wheelbases that are four feet longer than your average Jeep. The shorter wheelbase makes Jeeps much more stable, especially when going through uneven terrain.
Higher Ground Clearance
The frame of most Jeep vehicles sits much higher off the ground than other SUVs. This increased ground clearance or ride height lets your vehicle go over more obstacles with ease without risking damage on its underside.
Most standard Jeep trims have a minimum ground clearance of 9.7 inches, with some premium trims having as much as 10.8 inches. The additional height also lets your Jeep be more suitable for larger tires and allows it to support heavier loads or cargo easier.
Water Fording
Jeeps can reliably go through streamers, floods, ponds, rivers, and other trails that might hinder other cars. The internal components of Jeeps can withstand flooding and moisture, so you won’t have to worry about them whenever you decide to brave floods and other bodies of water.
Jeeps have sealed electrical connections and higher-positioned air intakes, allowing you to go through up to 19 inches of water. This will still depend on the current ground clearance and tire size of your ride.
Versatility on Any Road
If you like bringing your everyday driver to off-road trails regularly, Jeeps are the ideal ride for you. Jeeps are designed to go on city roads and rocky terrain with ease, allowing you to do trail driving without needing additional accessories and modifications. The versatility of Jeeps lets you drive them for errands every day and go off-roading on the weekends. Also, with the right accessories, you can customize your Jeep for your preferred driving specifications for different roads.
Ready for On-the-go Travels
Are you planning for recreational off-roading but are concerned if you need to install specific components or modify your vehicle?
While you can alter your vehicle to boost its performance and improve your driving experience, it’s already set to hit the road and take you to your destination. What sets Jeep apart from other vehicles is its soft or hard tops that are easy to deploy and remove. You can quickly switch from enjoying open-air summer driving to being protected from inclement weather conditions with your roof.
Useful Exterior Features
Make the most of your Jeep with these useful exterior features:
Large wheels: Jeeps flaunt wheels ranging between 17 to 18 inches, depending on your vehicle model.
Folded down front windshield: Feel the wind in your face on those shorter drives.
Modular roof assembly: As mentioned earlier, some Jeep models, notably the Wrangler line, have a modular roof that you can install and dismount as needed for your next trip.
Skid plates: A heavy-duty skid plate protects valuable components from hard hits from rocks and branches. They also help prevent expensive repairs on damaged parts and accessories.
Rock rails: Jeeps have rock rails affixed on their chassis to protect your door sills and bottoms from severe damage.
Take on Challenging Terrain with Ease in a Jeep
It’s easy to understand why Jeeps are best for off-roading and are the go-to vehicles for those who seek adventure. They are the ideal ride for conquering the less traveled road (and off-road). You can explore the great outdoors from the comfort of your vehicle without letting rough terrain or obstacles get in your way.
Planning your next journey will be more exciting with the Jeep’s robust exterior, powerful machinery, and durable exterior features. Visit our blog to know more about the power of a Jeep and its off-road capabilities or go to our website to check how we can help you make your next topless or soft top adventure easier than ever.
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