Have you ever wondered what it would be like to check out the Jeep vs. Side by Side? Both vehicles are adventurous and rugged, but there are many other factors to consider.
Read on to see how this match plays out, and which one gets the prize!
The Brand
Jeep
The history of Jeep goes all the way back to the 1940s. It came out in a tough time, and that’s why it probably reflects that trait more than anything else. Its slogan of ‘Go anywhere. Do anything’ was adopted by a huge fan base, who made it a lifestyle and a credo.
Side by Side
There is no specific brand here, there’s a side by side vehicle type. The branding goes to the performance, rather than a single manufacturer’s name. Other than the Polaris RZR.
Verdict
Jeep gets this round fair and square
Off-Road Performance
Jeep
Armed with its motor power, momentum, frame, and massive wheels, the Jeep has no trouble at all going off-road. It has to go easy though. Braving a rocky trail, a sandy, or a muddy patch wouldn’t tax the Jeep too much.
It wouldn’t race through it though. You’d need to be calculating and careful while maneuvering your way on a rocky road. And if it’s brand new, your heart would get a little tug every time the broken branches scratch its paint!
Side by Side
The Side by Side was created to live dangerously. Running over pebbles, climbing up steep hills, braving mighty boulders, there’s no stopping these wild vehicles.
The suspension system in Side by Side vehicles is the secret of their success. It’s as powerful and innovative as they get. That’s also how these vehicles can absorb the bumps and burrows of the road with such ease.
The thing about these UTVs is that they jump around the rough trails with grace. They don’t seem to be bothered by twists and turns. They fly off just fine in a jungle or a desert. Would they be ruffled by the scraping and scratching? Absolutely not!
Verdict
Do I even have to spell it out?
On-Road Performance
Jeep
The Jeep is a lovely car on any road. It gives a feeling of total control, power, and distinction. The latter attribute has to do with the drive. If you’ve cruised around with a Jeep before, you’d know what I’m talking about.
You don’t feel what the mere mortals driving beside you are experiencing. A jeep has a rugged but safe vibe about it. Like a night out with your gang as opposed to having a business dinner with work colleagues.
Side by Side
The side by side isn’t even legit on the road most of the time. You need to tow it all the way to its wild habitat, then let it go.
Some roads would allow it though, and it constantly feels like a giant spider crawling over the asphalt. Pathetic. Maybe, a specific model or two can pull off the on-road trip. But that would be the exception rather than the rule.
Also, it’s a bit awkward to have a car that’s open from all directions, and missing that metal structure that should be over your head, otherwise known as the roof.
Verdict
Jeeps are a unique experience on the road.
Comfort
Jeep
A Jeep is ultimately a car. It has most of the amenities that provide a laid back experience. There are proper seats with actual padding, functioning windows, a windshield, signaling lights, in addition to an air conditioner.
Jeep users are known to add all sorts of embellishments to their vehicles. Some of these are added for the sole reason of extra pampering. The Jeep is not an Alfa Romeo, but it can be ambitious and go for some luxurious extras.
Side by Side
There’s very little room for luxury in a Side by Side. I wouldn’t even try to find any. In all fairness, this would be asking a fish to climb up a tree. Folks, these vehicles were not made for comfort al all.
Verdict
Nothing more to add here! Jeep rules, of course.
Safety
Jeep
Safety is not the same as comfort. The former deserves far more consideration than the latter. The jeep is known for its sturdy frame and reasonable safety measures. Speeding on the road, or braving a grumpy trail off-road, are relatively safe in a Jeep.
Side by Side
The balance and suspension system of the Side by Side, provide far more safety than meets the eye. At first sight, you might get the impression that this tiny vehicle would fall off, become unhinged, or rear backward, at the drop of hat.
This couldn’t be farther from the truth. The design of these vehicles is quite meticulous. It’s fully focused on keeping it afloat despite the harshness of the trail.
Verdict
There are many points that work for the Jeep when it comes to safety. But, the stability and poise of the speeding Side by Side, in the middle of a rough trail, are admirable.
Versatility
Jeep
A jeep can be used inside the city, on a long drive, and off-road. It’s a car that can easily suit a corporate job in the morning and a fishing trip at night.
The exact same way that it befriends the smooth roads, and flirts with the rocky trails.
Side by Side
This is a vehicle you can use for sports, work, and leisure. You can’t take it to work, or travel interstate with it though.
Verdict
Versatility has two very different meanings for each one of these cars. They both extend their services to a wide range of applications. I’d say this is a tie. Of sorts.
Community
Jeep
Jeep and Harley (for example in the motorcycle world) have an undeniable community. The culture of these two brands is so powerful and widespread. The loyalists of Jeep have an extremely strong presence both online and physically in the real world.
If you’re a jeep owner, you constantly feel that you’re a part of a dynasty.
Side by Side
The culture surrounding these cars is not as strong as that of the Jeep. there’s a lot of excitement and pride associated with the ownership of a Side by Side, but that’s it.
Verdict
The Jeep gets this round as well.
Fun Factor
Jeep
No, there’s not a whole lot of fun in the Jeep. Only if you’ve been driving a Passat all your life, then shift to a Jeep, would you feel that joyful rush of having fun.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t describe being in a jeep as a fun experience.
Side by Side
This one definitely has a surplus of fun! It just doesn’t feel like you’re driving a car. The whole vibe is like playing with a toy or being inside a video game.
Verdict
The Side by Side wins by a large sweep!
Price
Jeep
Buying a brand new Jeep could go from $30,000 – $50,000. You would probably modify it and add a few luxuries, so it’s not surprising to reach north of $60,000.
Used Jeeps are a true budget buy. And you could go much lower than the above prices, and still land a good car.
Side by Side
These cars hover around the $20,000 mark when they’re brand new.
Verdict
Getting a Side by Side is clearly much cheaper than getting a Jeep. But all things considered, I’d say, the Jeep is a pricey car, but the Side by Side is an expensive toy.
The Final Verdict
The jeep wins this match, but not really hands down. It’s exceptional in every category, except for the fun-factor and the off-road adventure.
The Side by Side is a worthy opponent it appears!