Winner: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Runner-Up: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
The Wrangler Rubicon keeps all of its legendary capability, but adds a new engine. Yes, the 3.6-liter V-6 is more refined than the 3.8-liter, but what matters here is that it provides 83 more hp and 23 lb-ft more torque. That means the Rubicon is still an incredible rock-crawler, but it's now more fun in soft sand. The Raptor has a Torsen front diff and cool front camera, making it better on the trail.
| Hard-core 4x4
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| Vehicle | Ford F-150 SVT Raptor | Jeep Wrangler/ Unlimited Rubicon | Land Rover LR4 (w/H-D pkg) | Mercedes-Benz G550 |
| Base price | $43,565 | $30,895/$34,470 | $50,500 | $108,850 |
| Wheelbase | 133.3 in | 95.4/116.0 in | 113.6 in | 112.2 in |
| Engine | 6.2L SOHC V-8 | 3.6L DOHC V-6 | 5.0L DOHC V-8 | 5.5L SOHC V-8 |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto | 6-speed man | 6-speed auto | 7-speed auto |
| Power, SAE | 411 hp | 285 hp | 375 hp | 382 hp |
| Torque, SAE | 434 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 375 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft |
| Axle ratio | 4.10:1 | 4.10:1 | 3.54:1 | 4.38:1 |
| Low range | 2.64:1 | 4.00:1 | 2.93:1 | 2.16:1 |
| Tires | 315/70R17 | 255/75R17 | 255/55R19 | 265/60R18 |
| Fuel cap | 26.0 gal | 18.6/22.5 gal | 22.8 gal | 25.4 gal |
| Fuel econ, city/hwy | 11/16 mpg | 16-17/20-21 mpg | 12/17 mpg | 12/15 mpg |
| Seating cap | 5 | 5-Apr | 7 | 5 |
| Curb weight | 6016 lb | 4104 lb | 5833 lb | 5622 lb |
| Max GVWR | 7000 lb | 5000 lb | 7143 lb | 5467 lb |
| Cargo cap | 67.0 cu ft | 56.5/86.8 cu ft | 90.3 cu ft | 79.5 cu ft |
| Max towing cap | 6000 lb | 3500 lb | 7716 lb | 3500 lb |
| Vehicle | Nissan Xterra PRO-4X | Ram Power Wagon | Toyota 4Runner Trail Teams | Toyota FJ Cruiser Trail Teams |
| Base price | $30,995 | $42,850 | $37,565 | $34,125 |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 148.9 in | 109.8 in | 105.9 in |
| Engine | 4.0L DOHC V-6 | 5.7L OHV V-8 | 4.0L DOHC V-6 | 4.0L DOHC V-6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed man | 6-speed auto | 5-speed auto | 6-speed man |
| Power, SAE | 261 hp | 383 hp | 270 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque, SAE | 281 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 271 lb-ft |
| Axle ratio | 3.69:1 | 4.56:1 | 3.73:1 | 3.91:1 |
| Low range | 2.63:1 | 2.72:1 | 2.57:1 | 2.57:1 |
| Tires | 265/75R16 | 285/70R17 | 265/70R17 | 265/70R17 |
| Fuel cap | 21.1 gal | 34.0 gal | 23.0 gal | 19.0 gal |
| Fuel econ, city/hwy | 16/20 mpg | N/A | 17/22 mpg | 15/19 mpg |
| Seating cap | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Curb weight | 4410 lb | 6626 lb | 4750 lb | 4300 lb |
| Max GVWR | 5399 lb | 9600 lb | 6300 lb | 5570 lb |
| Cargo cap | 65.7 cu ft | 60.9 cu ft | 89.7 cu ft | 66.8 cu ft |
| Max towing cap | 5000 lb | 10,200 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |