Refined Adventure

TWO OFF-ROAD CHAMPS DEBATE RUGGED ELEGANCE

- MIGUEL CORTINA

World War II changed the world in many ways, including what we drive. SUVs and 4x4s were born on the front lines of Africa, Asia, and Europe. The vehicles that were engineered for use in war made such an impression on soldiers that even after V-J Day, those who returned home wanted to explore the outdoors in the same capable off-road vehicles they drove in the theater of battle.

Civilian Jeeps, which were built after the war, became so popular in America that, on the other side of the pond, a group of people was inspired to start a similar movement in Britain, leading to the creation of Land Rover in 1948.

With the two brands primarily developing 4x4 SUVs, the competition couldn’t be more real. Over the years, both have not only stayed true to developing off-road aces—from the Defender to the Wrangler—but also created family-oriented SUVs with elegant touches. In their hearts, though, these automakers have largely traversed the same path.

The Grand Cherokee has positioned itself as the flagship of the American brand, bringing luxury and capability to jeepers. The Discovery has become the unconditional family SUV, taking people places few vehicles can.

That mentality—in their “Above and Beyond” and “Do Anything” slogans—has set both brands on parallel roadways toward developing capable 4x4 SUVs. Jeep’s mainstream approach has given four-wheel-drive access to a great swath of humanity, and the brand has successfully satisfied those who want a more premium experience behind the wheel with the Grand Cherokee. Jeep’s efforts don’t stop there—a Grand Wagoneer is in the works, which will supplant the Grand Cherokee at the top of the Jeep lineup.