Competitor Showcase: The 2009 Jeep Wranger

Thinking about a 2009 Jeep Wrangler? Drive these SUVs before you buy!

As the SUV market’s original rough and tumble origins have gradually became diluted by a preponderance of family-oriented crossover vehicles and more refined sport-utilities, it has grown harder and harder to purchase a 4x4 vehicle that is more focused on what happens off the pavement than on. A notable exception to this rule is the 2009 Jeep Wrangler. Jeep has commendably never wavered in its commitment to providing trail-rated SUVs that can hold their own no matter what type of terrain might be thrown at them. Starting at $20,710, the Wrangler is the purest vehicle in the Jeep lineup. In entry-level trim, the Wrangler’s equipment list is fairly barebones – a soft top and a CD player are the only real highlights. A number of equipment packages can be ordered that upgrade the Wrangler’s amenities with features such as air conditioning, but trim levels and options are focused more on providing off-road capability than creature comforts. A limited-slip differential, standard four-wheel drive, a front sway bar which can be disconnected electronically and hardcore suspension all help to make the Wrangler a formidable off-road master.

All versions of the Wrangler make use of the same 3.8 liter V6 engine which generates a modest 202 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of torque. Geared for exploration rather than highway use, fuel mileage is rated at only 15 miles per gallon in city driving and 19 miles per gallon on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission is the best choice for careful power management while rock climbing, but a 4-speed automatic can also be ordered.

The 2009 Jeep Wrangler inherits a rich history of 4x4 competence, and as such it is often the number one choice amongst enthusiasts looking for a reasonably-sized SUV to take through the mud. However, there are a few other, equally appealing vehicles on the market which challenge the Wrangler for its off-road crowd. This article discusses 4 other SUVs that should be test driven prior to picking up the keys to a new Wrangler.

2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser – MSRP $23,320

Retro designs aren’t limited to muscle cars and New Beetles – Toyota jumped on the nostalgia bandwagon when they released the truck-like FJ Cruiser in 2007. With looks that approximate an updated version of the timeless Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, the FJ Cruiser also manages to evoke a Tonka truck thanks to its exaggerated body work and tall stance. In addition, it offers 2 rear-hinged doors behind the main doors in order to ease access to the rear compartment.

Like the Jeep, the 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser isn’t meant to coddle drivers and passengers but rather provide them with the rugged performance they need when the pavement is far behind them. That being said, with only one trim level available it is a little bit more civilized than the Wrangler right out of the box: air conditioning and power windows and door locks are standard equipment. Urban inhabitants will appreciate the availability of goodies like parking sonar, but those more inclined to get their FJ Cruiser dirty will be more drawn to the Off-Road and Trail Team Special Edition packages. These add items such as a locking differential, traction control, a special air cleaner, skid plates and exhaust upgrades.

The FJ’s approach and exit angles are quite good, and the vehicle never feels unwieldy on narrow trails. Unlike the two-door Wrangler, the 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser can be ordered in rear-wheel drive, but most vehicles will choose the four-wheel option, which can be either part of full-time. A 6-speed manual transmission is available with the latter, while the two other drivetrains are yoked to a 5-speed automatic. The SUVs 4.0 liter V6 provides a peppier 239 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, and sees fuel mileage in the range of 16 miles per gallon in stop and go traffic and 20 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a more modern and more livable off-road SUV that doesn’t give up much to the Jeep in terms of overall capabilities.

2009 HUMMER H3 – MSRP $33,390

Sometimes, off-road gems come in expensive packages. The 2009 HUMMER H3 is priced much higher than the vehicles it competes with when the roads disappear, but its focus on luxury doesn’t impede its ability to eat rocks with the best of them. The H3 looks very much like a slightly smaller version of the H2, and unlike the Toyota and the Jeep it comes strictly in a standard four-door version. This makes it a much better choice for anyone who needs to be able to easily haul the family around during the week after a long weekend of playing in the mud. The base model H3 is loaded up with a number of features, such as cruise control, air conditioning, OnStar, traction control and Stabilitrak stability control. Greater luxury and more impressive off-road necessities such as special differentials and lower-range gearboxes are just a pencil-tick away on the options list.

The 2009 Hummer H3 is powered by a 3.7 V6 that provides 239 ponies and 241 lb-ft of torque. Those who crave a more responsive ride can opt for the H3 Alpha’s 5.3 liter V8, which grinds out 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The smaller motor makes use of either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, while the Alpha is auto-only. Fuel mileage for the base engine comes in at a fairly painful 14 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the highway.

Fuel consumption aside, the 2009 Hummer H3 really does match up well with the Jeep when it comes to tackling difficult driving surfaces and conditions. A little bit larger than its competitor, the H3 is a better option for those seeking the features and passenger room that they just can’t get from the Wrangler.

2009 Nissan Xterra – MSRP $22,310

The 2009 Nissan Xterra stems from a very similar philosophy as the Wrangler. Although at first it looks like any other four-door small mid-size SUV, the intention behind the vehicle is to provide a basic template which can be used for a variety of outdoor activities, not the least of which is challenging a difficult wilderness trail. The entry-level Xterra S does offer power windows and door locks, and even an integrated first aid kit, but the SUV stops far short of weighing drivers down with unneeded luxuries. A roof rack, electronically-locking rear differential, hill descent control, Bilstein shocks and skid plates are some of the notable options for the Xterra, along with off-road tires, fog lights and four-wheel drive. The Xterra also shuns bulky bumpers, preferring to keep overhangs short and approach angles manageable.

A 261 horsepower, 4.0 liter V6 that also generates 281 lb-ft of torque is the only engine available in the 2009 Nissan Xterra. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the highest of trim levels, and a 5-speed automatic can also be installed. The Xterra’s fuel economy comes in at 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 20 miles per gallon during highway cruising – fairly standard for this segment of the market.

The 2009 Nissan Xterra doesn’t offer the same mystique as the Jeep Wrangler, but what it does lay down on the table are solid off-road credentials and good on-road driving manners at a very reasonable price. The larger passenger compartment and enclosed cargo area also help to make the Xterra more practical than the Wrangler when used on a daily basis.

2009 Land Rover LR2 – MSRP $35,375

The 2009 Land Rover LR2, like the H3, is a luxury SUV. However, it approaches the same problem – how to make a comfortable yet capable off-road warrior – from a very different perspective. Whereas the other vehicles on this list are essentially trucks, the LR2 is built off of a sedan platform and features not the typical heavy differentials found on these types of SUVs but as an alternative provides Haldex all-wheel drive. Despite this discrepancy, Land Rover’s extensive experience in building excellent Sahara-crossers and mountain pass navigators makes the LR2 worthy of being included in the same sentence as the Wrangler. Instead of basing the vehicle’s capabilities off of its chassis, a host of electronic driver’s aides get involved in order to keep the SUV pointed in the right direction with a solid grip on the ground. Hill descent control, traction control, gradient release control, Terrain Response (which sets the vehicle’s systems up for different surface types), and a great suspension work hard in concert with the driver’s right foot to keep all manner of driving conditions navigable.

In addition to a host of comfort features and electronic gadgets, the 2009 Land Rover LR2 also provides drivers with a very sophisticated 3.2 liter V6. This smooth-revving unit develops 230 horsepower and 234 lb-ft of torque on its way to returning fuel mileage of 15 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission is the sole gearbox option.

The 2009 Land Rover LR2 is a distinguished small SUV that fits in well at the upper spectrum of off-road-ready vehicles. Drivers will appreciate its tame highway feel and easy steering as well as its good ground clearance and willingness to fight hard when the going gets rough.