The name Jeep has become interchangeable with the Jeep Wrangler as well as the Jeep models that preceded it, like the CJ5 and CJ7. The Jeep Wrangler has also become synonymous with powerful off-road prowess. Why is the Wrangler still considered the GOAT off-road? Let’s take a look.

The Short Wheelbase Rules

Even though several Jeep models are considered good off-roaders, the original form was the two-door Wrangler. The two-door Wrangler and the models that came before it all have one major thing in common–a short wheelbase. What does that mean? It means that the rear and front wheels are closer together than on a regular vehicle. This allows it to make sharp, tight turns. It also allows it to boast superior approach, departure, and breakover angles.

You may have heard those terms in off-road spaces, but what do they mean in practical terms? The steeper the approach and departure angles of a vehicle, the better it is at crawling up hills and going over obstacles. To get an idea of how steep the two-door Wrangler’s approach angle is, take a pole and place the bottom at the base of the Wrangler’s front tires. Notice how the pole is still almost vertical? That means the Wrangler can climb up a nearly vertical hill without scraping.

To compare, perform the same test on any regular vehicle and you’ll notice that the pole quickly becomes slanted.

Solid Front Axle

Another major strength of the Wrangler’s off-road setup is its solid front axle. A solid axle runs in a straight line from each side of the vehicle and provides superior articulation. The solid axle is more durable and easier to fix if it breaks.

Many modern vehicles feature independent front suspensions (IFS) for the sole purpose of handling better on the pavement. In an off-road application, the solid front axle setup means whatever happens to the wheel on one side, the opposite happens on the other side.

For example, if the left front wheel moves up on a rock, the right wheel will be pushed down. This gives the Wrangler far more traction than a vehicle with an IFS.

Bulletproof Drivetrain

You’ve probably seen videos of a Jeep Wrangler apparently defying gravity by driving nearly vertically up a hill. As previously mentioned, its steep approach and departure angles are part of what allows it to do this, but the Wrangler also features an old-school durable transfer case. It’s designed to deliver heavy torque in the lower gears. Jeep Wranglers are really good at crawling slowly. Being able to go slow and still have plenty of power means you can crawl over almost anything.

Body-On-Frame Design

There are other SUVs out there with a body-on-frame design, but it’s become rare as automakers lean toward the unibody construction of crossovers. However, when it comes to rugged durability, the body-on-frame design is still superior for off-road applications. Why is this the case? Because a body-on-frame vehicle is built how it sounds–the body and frame are separate pieces. This allows it to handle the powerful twisting forces of off-road travel, whereas a unibody vehicle is one piece and can warp when subject to these forces.

In some ways, the Jeep Wrangler’s off-road ability can be summed up with the fact that most other vehicles are outfitted to be good off-road, while the Wrangler began as an off-road vehicle tamed to be better on the street.

2023 Jeep Wrangler: Unleash Your Off-Road Adventures With Versatility