The ultimate Audi crossover is convincingly sporty and properly useful.
Pros Suave and tech-savvy cabin, sporty and comfy ride, more useful than Audi sedans.
Cons Pricier than the more pragmatic Q7, distracting touchscreens, less fun to drive than Audi sedans.
The Audi Q8 is a luxurious, comfortable SUV but it isn't as sporty as its looks suggest, nor is it as practical as a Q7.
Pros Imposing looks Indulgent interior Advanced technology
Cons Numb handling Limited versatility Unproven ride comfort
Audi's Q7 is undoubtedly a practical three-row SUV, but maybe you find it to be a bit plain Jane when compared against sleeker rivals such as the Land Rover Range Rover or Porsche Cayenne.
Pros Comes well-equipped with many standard features Comfortable ride and seats for all passengers High-quality cabin Front and rear seats offer all-day comfort
Cons Less practical than the related Q7 New infotainment system can be distracting to use Throttle response is too slow in the default driving mode Limited interior storage space
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler skips over the on-road part of the driving test, and heads straight for the hills.
Pros The undisputed off-road champion Singular style Smooth and strong V-6 A few concessions to modernity inside
Cons Rough-and-tumble ride Poor on-road handling Expensive high-end editions Remarkably poor safety scores Soft tops are fussy to use
The Jeep Wrangler is completely redesigned for 2018. Note that this review covers the new Wrangler. The previous-generation model, the Wrangler JK, is covered separately.
PROS Unrelentingly capable off-road Maintains the rugged Jeep character Increased capability and comfort compared to old models Extensive customization options from the factory and aftermarket
CONS Mild towing capability for an otherwise highly capable rig Less cargo space than some conventional crossovers Standard V6 engine is a little underwhelming
Pros There are few vehicles more capable off-road than the Wrangler JK. Equipped with removable doors, a removable roof, and a fold-down windshield, the four-wheel-drive Wrangler JK is one of the most fun and proficient ways to explore off the beaten path or to feel the wind in your hair. It’s also hard not to fall for the Wrangler JK’s charming and simple design, which can trace its roots back to the Willys MB Jeep of World War II fame.
Cons The Wrangler JK’s off-road capability comes at the cost of its on-road manners. Live front and rear axles do the Wrangler JK’s ride quality no favors. The body also rolls precariously in turns, and the stability-control system regularly cuts in to prevent the droptop SUV from actually rolling over. Wind noise is exceptionally loud at highway speeds, and this Jeep drinks gas like it’s at an open bar. The available touchscreen infotainment system also is slow to respond to inputs and suffers from poor ergonomics.