There is only one Jeep. However, there can be others that look as stylish or MORE stylish than a Jeep. Right? The Wrangler is a timeless off-road machine that has found a home in countless garages. Well, maybe you’re the type that wants something different?
Maybe you want to set yourself apart from the already unique group of Jeep aficionados? Take a look below where we pick our favorite cars that look like jeeps but aren’t. Are there many to choose from? Are they worth it? Can you customize them with readily available parts from aftermarket stores or even the junkyard?
Yes? No? Maybe.
Consequently, the following list includes our picks for the best cars that look like Jeeps but aren’t:
- Toyota FJ
- Toyota 4Runner
- Suzuki Samurai
- Suzuki Jimny
- Mercedes-Benz Unimog
- Land Rover 88
- Hummer H2
- Ford Bronco
- Mahindra Roxor
Toyota FJ
Debuting in 1963 and selling until 1984, the FJ40 needed only two years to become the best selling Toyota. It’s 135 horsepower inline 6 was a virtually indestructible engine but they were usually swapped out in favor of the small block Chevy that offered more power.
READ MORE: THE MOST AGGRESSIVE OFF-ROADING TRUCK TIRES
Nowadays you can pick one up for around a mere $50,000 fully rebuilt. There are many trucks that look like Jeeps and the FJ may be one of the few literals. It’s round headlights and open roll cage design are mirror images of Wrangler ancestors.
Toyota 4Runner
The 4runner is a staple in the truck community. It is an SUV built on a truck frame. It makes the ride on asphalt not as smooth as say the Landcruiser or Highlander but its off-road capabilities surpass any other vehicle with a Toyota badge.
With a removable fiberglass camper shell, it could become an open back summer cruiser. The original model came with a turbocharged V6 that worked great off-road. You can find the first and second generation 4Runners with a lot of wear starting around $3,000.
Newer models are more conventional but still have the off-roading spirit with the features to make a worthwhile day in the mud. The 4Runner has for decades been one of the most popular Toyota cars that look like Jeeps.
Suzuki SJ, Sidekick, X-90, Jimny…
The long-standing Japanese legend from Suzuki started out as something completely different than anything Suzuki has ever produced. Just look at it. The cute little boxy 4×4 coupe truck was in a league of its own. Less truck and more compact it may more cars like a jeep than trucks.
Nowadays Suzuki produces something completely different. From their humble beginnings, who knew Suzuki had it in them in 2020 to produce a small boxy 4×4 coupe truck?? I for one am shocked
All jokes aside Today’s Suzuki is a fun little machine. It starts at $23,990 with two trims options. It has all the off-roading capabilities with its ladder frame, low range gearing you would expect with modern additions like hill assist, brake assist, driver assist and soda drink assist (don’t ask for a source on that last one).
Mercedes-Benz Unimog
Sold under the Mercedes-Benz brand the Unimog is a Daimler manufactured long-standing post-WWII marvel. For cars that look like a Jeep but aren’t this “car” is the most aggressive on this list.
Designed as a cross between a tractor and truck it gets the best of both worlds. It designed to perform deep in the jungle and be able to be parked in your garage. It gets more ground clearance than other vehicles of its size and has a switchable front or rear or 4×4 wheel drive.
READ MORE: WHAT ARE THE MOST FUEL EFFICIENT JEEP WRANGLERS?
Today they are used in Europe for anything and everything. Snowplows, military vehicles, personnel carriers, and even in racing. The ultimate do-it-all will do it all for you as well. In the states, they’re hard to find but you would love them if you did get your hands on one.
Not known for their offroading nor 4×4 nor truck lines, we have included two Mercedes that looks like a Jeep. Two.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Probably the most expensive cars that look like jeeps on this list may also be the least practical. The G-Class is another Daimler made truck sold under the Mercedes brand (second longest-running after the Unimog).
Since its introduction in 1979 its always been a luxury truck. All the bells and whistles available were generally offered. That’s not to say it was only used this way. A filmmaker took a G-wagon 11,000 miles through Siberia through temperatures reaching -63 F and the thing didn’t break down once. #G-status.
The thing style-wise has been basically unchanged for over 40 years. New base models with 400+ horsepower start around $130,000. Look hard enough and you can find used models with the AMG package under 100,000 miles spitting out 500+ horsepower for around $45,000. #balleronabudget The G-Wagon is one of the most expensive cars that look like Jeeps but aren’t.
Land Rover Series II
Yeah, that’s a vintage post-WWII Range Rover Series 2 88. It came standard with 4×4. The model improved for a couple of decades shedding numerous names. The Truck is part Bronco, part Thing, part Willy, part FJ, and at the same time none of them as it predates all. Production started in 1958. Give the Brits credit for doing something stylish for a change.
Hummer H2
I thought long and hard about this one. Is it worth it to put this POS on this list? Yes. Yes, it is. The Hummer H2 was an eyesore then and a cold sore now. In the wake of gas price surges, the H2 was the soccer mom and rapper’s dream.
It didn’t handle or perform well and it was as reliable as that smashed up condom you had in your wallet since sophomore year. You couldn’t see out the sides or back worth a damn. They got about 2 gallons per mile and the base price was $49,395 (not including the $4,000 gas guzzler tax). The H2 is our choice for the worst cars that look like Jeeps but aren’t.
Neato.
Ford Bronco
Oh yeah. That is more like it. I apologize to anybody that got offended by my honest view of the H2 above. It’s just a real POS. Ford has a long history of classic and beautiful autos. They surely didn’t tarnish that history with the early Broncos.
This render is amazing. Yeah, yeah, yeah it’s too good to be true. But this COULD happen according to rumors. well, so much for safety concerns. Avoid freeways and you should be good?
Finally, after 25 years of hibernating Ford has done something smart. Maybe it has to do with the fact that they are waving the white flag and ceasing production of all cars not named Mustang. They woke the OG SUV from its hiatus and debuting it new and fresh for 2020 (2021?). It is a couple of decades too long. But it is most definitely worth the wait.
Mahindra Roxor
In a battle for cars, the looks like Jeep but aren’t this Indian car manufacturer Mahindra is joining the party. They came close, in fact, that they were sued and lost because the Mahindra looked TOO much like a Jeep so Mahindra had to redesign the front end before it could go to market. Well done. Or not.
Their take on the Jeep looks more like a Disneyland theme park ride than anything you would want to take seriously and it is exactly what they call it, a side by side. I didn’t think it could be done, but, this thing makes the Jimny look big.
The turbo diesel 62 horsepower seems impressive at first but given its curb weight of 3,035 lbs, it’s going to need all 144 ft/lbs of torque. Throw a couple of hefty linebackers in there and some gear you’re looking at 3,800 lbs out the door. Priced at a modest $16,599 all you have to do is decide whether you want yours in red, white, or blue.
Honorable Mentions
Ariel Nomad
Nissan Titan
Ford Explorer Sport
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet Suburban Sport
Ford Ranger
Ford Raptor
Have a good one and stay dirty.
