There is no better way for an SUV to prove its mettle than by completing a challenging off-road route. Modern off-roaders come preloaded with dozens of electronic aids and features their developers like to brag about, but do these paper specs translate well into real-life performance?
This is what a group of enthusiasts decided to find out when they took a Ford Bronco, a Jeep Wrangler and a Range Rover Sport (and also some lesser vehicles) to the Moab Desert for a comprehensive comparison of these 4WD monsters in their native element.
The first-gen Range Rover Sport proved quite capable, despite being the oldest out of the three. It climbed rocks with apparent ease thanks to having enough power and making use of smart electronic assists. Ground clearance and long overhangs were its only weak points.
The part-electric Wrangler 4xe did an even better job, although it also scrapped its belly against Moab rocks on several occasions. As for the Bronco, the resurrected legend breezed through the test day with as few incidents as you would expect from a vehicle its caliber. Judging by the video, it barely touched the ground with the bottom guards and cruised through the more challenging sections of the track on its first attempt.