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Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Jeep is an automotive brand steeped in American history, having helped mobilize the American army during World War II, before then looking to revolutionize how the world sees four-wheel-drive vehicles. Many of the best Jeep models have enjoyed lengthy production runs that span decades with only minimal changes required, in order to keep them fresh and relevant.
Needless to say, then, there are many models that fight for contention when it comes to narrowing down a list of the very best Jeep models. The ten below are what we consider to be among the most influential models of this storied brand.
CarBuzz has collected specs and stats directly from Jeep, in addition to external sources, such as Bring A Trailer.
1 Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
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Key Facts
Production years
1983 to 2001 (2014 globally)
Key features
Largely credited for starting the lasting SUV craze Near 20-year US production run Rugged and simple 4×4 design
Vehicle type
Compact SUV
The importance of the XJ generation of Cherokee can not be understated, as many consider this the SUV that really kicked off the still ongoing SUV craze. Launched as a 1984 model, this second-generation Cherokee was a huge success at home in America, but through the 1990s, it would also prove a popular model across Europe, too.
The mighty XJ introduced many industry firsts, including: the first compact 4-door SUV, first UniFrame construction, and first full-time 4×4 system with shift-on-the-fly capability.
The XJ Cherokee was not phased out in major markets until the dawn of the new millennium, and although later generations have been more powerful, safer, and better-equipped, the XJ is still the Cherokee that many enthusiasts flock to. Prices are now on the rise, and with it being such an influential model for so many, it’s not hard to see why.
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2 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392
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Key Facts
Production years
2021 to present
Key features
6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine 35-inch all-terrain tires 8,000-pound front-mounted winch
Vehicle type
4×4 SUV
For so many, the Wrangler is the model that springs to mind when the name ‘Jeep’ is uttered. While some iterations of the Wrangler are better suited for local shopping trips and looking cool in, the Rubicon 392 has something altogether more purposeful in mind.
Powered by a monstrously powerful 6.4-liter (392ci) Hemi V8 engine, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is more at home powering across a wide range of tricky terrains. However, equipped with 35-inch all-terrain tires, most terrains can be crossed with relative ease. Simply put, this is the ultimate off-roading Jeep, and the best Jeep model to have if that’s your bag.
3 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
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Key Facts
Production years
2018 to 2021
Key features
707-horsepower Hellcat V8 One of the most powerful SUVs ever developed 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds
Vehicle type
Mid-size SUV
Despite making a name for itself on the rough stuff, not every Jeep is best-suited to being off-road. The Grand Cherokee is a smart and sophisticated SUV, well at home in urban areas, and arguably one of the best Jeep cars for daily driving.
The Trackhawk variant, though, is a touch more specialized than the comfortable SUV it finds itself based upon. Dipping into the spare parts bin at Stellantis, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk comes equipped with the 707-horsepower Hellcat engine under its hood, which makes for one of the most potent SUVs ever produced. It can dispatch with the 0 to 60 mph run in just 3.5 seconds, and will continue roaring ahead until it cracks 180 mph.
4 Jeep CJ-2A
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Key Facts
Production years
1945 to 1949
Key features
The first civilian-ready Jeep Folding windscreen Rugged and capable four-wheel drive
Vehicle type
Compact 4×4, developed from a small military 4×4
A far-cry from the luxury-clad Jeep models of the modern day, the CJ-2A is about as simple a car as one could ever imagine. Great things often come in uncomplicated and small packages, though, and the mighty CJ-2A certainly is just that – a ‘great thing’.
Derived from the globally loved and revered Willys MB Jeep of military fame, the CJ-2A was the first civilian model developed by the brand. Remarkably, the key design cues from this 1940s 4×4 can still be seen in Jeep’s design language to this day.
5 Jeep Wagoneer (SJ)
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Key Facts
Production years
1962 to 1991
Key features
Remarkable almost 30-year production run One of the earliest luxury SUVs The first 4×4 to be offered with an automatic transmission
Vehicle type
Luxury station wagon / SUV
For any car to have enjoyed almost 30 years of continuous production, it clearly must have had a significant impact upon the public. The original Jeep Wagoneer certainly did, as it blurred the lines between 4×4 vehicles and regular cars – something which changed the face of the modern automotive landscape forever.
Originally dubbed a station wagon, but what would typically now be classed as an SUV, the Wagoneer is essentially an early luxury vehicle, but based upon the rugged underpinnings of a capable off-roader. Leather interiors, an automatic transmission, and a powerful engine under the hood provided customers with an immensely appealing mix of strengths, which ensured the Wagoneer’s success. Clearly, it’s one of the best Jeep models ever produced, and, more importantly, it beat the Range Rover to showroom floors by several years.
6 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L
Jeep
Key Facts
Production years
2021 to present
Key features
Luxurious interior 510 horsepower Up to 112.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity (behind first row)
Vehicle type
Premium full-size luxury SUV
While the original Wagoneer created the premium SUV segment, the current Grand Wagoneer L looks to perfect it. Simply an extended wheelbase version of the Grand Wagoneer, this Jeep offers the best in terms of comfort and space, making it the most luxurious way to travel with a Jeep badge.
Dare to want more. With 12 extra inches in overall length, including five extra inches of rear overhang, the Grand Wagoneer L offers even more cargo room than the Grand Wagoneer.
Previously powered by a Hemi V8, the Grand Wagoneer L now sports the all-new Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engine, which not only kicks out 510 horsepower, but it’s more economical than the old V8, too.
7 Jeep Gladiator (SJ)
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Key Facts
Production years
1962 to 1988
Key features
Wide array of bodystyles for multiple applications Selection of capable V8 engines on offer 26-year production run
Vehicle type
Full-size pickup truck
Also known as a J-Series Jeep, the original Gladiator was a hugely important model for the brand, as it allowed them to challenge the likes of both Ford and Chevrolet, in a segment of the market with which Jeep were previously unfamiliar. Based upon the early Cherokee models, the Gladiator was a rough and ready full-size pickup, armed for work.
The Gladiator was available in numerous different body styles, which meant it was suited for a wide range of working applications. Unlike the Gladiator of today, this early full-size pickup was not well-equipped inside, and instead was solely focused on being a capable workhorse, which won it many fans over a 26-year production run.
8 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X
Jeep
Key Facts
Production years
2024 to present
Key features
High-performance Jeep, designed to excel in the desert 33-inch all-terrain tires Full-time transfer case
Vehicle type
Mid-size pickup truck
The Jeep Gladiator was revived in recent years, much to the joy of Jeep enthusiasts. While all trims are cool, it’s the Mojave and Mojave X that really stand out as the best here, and that’s because they transform the Gladiator into a capable desert racer. The 33-inch all-terrain tires can grip onto even the loosest of surfaces, while the 285-horsepower V6 provides enough motivation to see this Jeep storm up dunes and through deep sands.
To differentiate itself from the Mojave, the Mojave X sports steel front and rear heavy-duty bumpers, in addition to a full-time four-wheel drive transfer case, meaning the higher-spec Jeep is the ultimate toy for dune drifts and sliding across sand.
9 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
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Key Facts
Production years
2021 to present
Key features
Jeep’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle Maximum output of 375 horsepower Up to 21 miles of electric-only range
Vehicle type
Plug-in hybrid 4×4
The versatility of Jeep’s Wrangler is hard to beat, as the brand proved in 2021, with the launching of its first ever plug-in hybrid – the Wrangler 4xe. Combining a traditional gas engine with EV technology, the 4xe produces a total power output of 375 horsepower, meaning it’s no eco warrior, but instead quite a capable machine. For local guilt-free trips, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is capable of up to 21 miles on electric power only, which is ideal for urban commutes. It’s a far cry from the thirsty Jeep SUVs of old, yet the Wrangler 4xe loses none of Jeep’s time-honored off-roading abilities.
10 Jeep Willys MB
Key Facts
Production years
1941 to 1945
Key features
Developed to assist the US war effort The simple structure meant the Jeep was immensely capable off-road Powered by a 60-horsepower engine
Vehicle type
4×4 military off-road vehicle
There really can be no contest for the best Jeep model ever produced, and it has to be the original Willys. Dubbed the Willys MB, this diminutive 4×4 is responsible for mobilizing much of the American armed forces during World War II, and its success is owed to its ingenious design. The real success of the Willys MB was in its simplicity – the minimalist construction meant it was both immensely durable and impressively lightweight. This made it both easy to work on, and nimble enough to tackle a wide range of tough terrain.
Born in the heat of battle, the Go Anywhere, Do Anything, Jeep Brand 4×4 emerged a hero to thousands of Allied soldiers around the world.
Furthermore, the Willys MB sported a 60-horsepower engine, which was considerably more powerful than other options put forward at the time. From this initial design, the much loved CJ series of Jeep evolved.
Sources: Jeep