Vehicle Tests > 2007 4WD of the Year

What we don't like about trail driving in the Jeep is the only-adequate vision and fact that you seem to be constantly up and down the gearbox just to keep things ticking along. The transfer case operation is also far from slick although not nearly as awkward as that of the Defender.

Touring
Highway touring is a mixed bag in the Jeep. The engine's power is adequate and provided you row it along with the six-speed 'box it gets along okay. The handling, at least on smooth roads, is also nice and neutral, even entertaining, although the electronic stability control is always there ready to slap you on the wrist if it thinks you're trying to have too much fun.

Not so good is the stability on bumpy roads and the way the gear shifter vibrates alarmingly on corrugations and the like. You also feel the radiant heat from the black plastic hard-top on hot days as there is no headliner to act as an insulator.

Finally, the Jeep has the shortest touring range of the seven short-listed vehicles.

Sand
Like the Hummer, the Jeep isn't bad in the sand but it doesn't feel all that convincing as it requires lots of revs to keep it in the action. Again like the Hummer, low-range is too low to be ever really useful on sand, so high-range first and second are generally the go.

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Inside
The Jeep feels quite old-fashioned inside and the driver could do with more lumber support and a footrest. The rear seat has the space to sit three adults but again isn't the most comfortable. Small luggage space as well, and the rollbar and rollbar-mounted speakers add to the closed-in feeling of the cabin.

Incidentals
Lots of kit for your money with the Rubicon and we do like the 'lifestyle flexibility' offered by the soft-top and optional hard-top. The hard-top has two easily removable panels above the driver and passenger, and even the doors can be removed without too much fuss.
What we don't like is the key-locked fuel cap, the non-lockable bonnet, the myriad of warning chimes, and the lack of door stays.

Summary
In terms of equipment specifically designed to enhance its offroad ability, its safety features and more general kit, the Rubicon is near unbelievable value at its asking price. For a showroom standard vehicle, it's extremely capable offroad yet it has the versatility to be a good everyday driver. And while it has a fair number of annoying aspects and would be a better all-rounder with the turbo-diesel engine offered elsewhere in the range, it's unlucky to have lobbed in this country in the same year as the 200 Series Toyotas. With better timing it could have been 4WDOTY.

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