Cars · Top 10
Top 10 Retro SUVs in 2027
Direct answer
The 2026 Ford Bronco is the best retro SUV, from $41,295 MSRP with a 300 hp 2.3L EcoBoost, with the 2026 Jeep Wrangler at #2 from $36,035 and the 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser at #3 from $58,180. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, from $31,845, is the lowest U.S. price here.
At a glance
| # | Pick | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026 Ford Bronco | Ford lists the 2026 Bronco from $41,295 MSRP | Buyers who want the most direct modern echo of a 1960s SUV |
| 2 | 2026 Jeep Wrangler | Jeep lists the 2026 Wrangler from $36,035 MSRP | Buyers who want the original open-air 4x4 look at a lower price than the Bronco |
| 3 | 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser (J250) | Toyota lists the 2027 Land Cruiser 1958 trim from $58,180 base MSRP; the Land Cruiser trim is $64,255 | Buyers who want Land Cruiser heritage with a hybrid powertrain |
| 4 | 2026 Land Rover Defender 90 (L663) | Land Rover lists the Defender 90 from $61,000 | Buyers who want a compact two-door with 1948 heritage |
| 5 | 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (W465) | Mercedes-Benz lists the G-Class SUV from $153,900 | Buyers who want the boxy original in luxury form |
| 6 | Ineos Grenadier Station Wagon | Not published | Buyers who want a Defender-style design with a BMW engine |
| 7 | Suzuki Jimny (JB64, Japan) | Suzuki Japan lists the Jimny from ¥1,918,400 including 10% tax (XG) | Buyers in Japan who want the smallest retro 4x4 |
| 8 | 2026 Ford Bronco Sport | Ford lists the 2026 Bronco Sport from $31,845 MSRP | Buyers who want Bronco looks at the lowest U.S. price here |
| 9 | 2026 Jeep Recon | Jeep lists the 2026 Recon from $66,995 MSRP | Buyers who want Wrangler styling in an electric SUV |
| 10 | Toyota Land Cruiser 70 (Japan) | Toyota Japan lists the Land Cruiser 70 AX diesel at ¥4,800,000 including tax | Buyers in Japan who want the original workhorse shape |
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2026 Ford Bronco
Best value
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Best luxury
2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (W465)
Best electric
2026 Jeep Recon
Best heritage hybrid
2027 Toyota Land Cruiser (J250)
The ranking
1
2026 Ford Bronco
Answrs VerdictThe retro SUV to beat.
Starting price: Ford lists the 2026 Bronco from $41,295 MSRPRetro cues: Ford calls out Classic Bronco Headlamps, and the Bronco Heritage Edition adds 60s-inspired shades, squared fenders and bodyside graphicsEngine: 300 hp 2.3L EcoBoost standard; a 330 hp twin-turbo 2.7L EcoBoost V6 is availableHeritage: Wikipedia says the Bronco styling recalls many elements from the 1966-1977 series, and the removable doors and roof recall the original Bronco Roadster
The 2026 Bronco starts at $41,295 with a 300 hp 2.3L EcoBoost, and Ford sells Classic Bronco Headlamps and a Heritage Edition with 60s-inspired shades.
Go ifBuyers who want the most direct modern echo of a 1960s SUV
Skip ifYou want a sub-$40,000 price
Why #1 over #2: Its 1966-1977 styling and 330 hp V6 option beat the Wrangler for power.
2
2026 Jeep Wrangler
Answrs VerdictThe classic, for less.
Starting price: Jeep lists the 2026 Wrangler from $36,035 MSRPRetro cues: Wikipedia says the Wrangler JL has a raked grille with seven vertical slots and round headlamps reminiscent of the 1997 through 2006 Wrangler (TJ)Engine: The 3.6 L Pentastar V6 makes 285 hp and 260 lb-ftInterior: The JL cabin is inspired by the 1954-1983 Jeep CJ-5 and has a retro-inspired steering wheel
The 2026 Wrangler starts at $36,035, and its seven-slot grille and round headlamps recall the 1997 through 2006 Wrangler (TJ).
Go ifBuyers who want the original open-air 4x4 look at a lower price than the Bronco
Skip ifYou want the most power as standard
Why #2 over #3: Its $36,035 price undercuts the Land Cruiser’s $58,180.
3
2027 Toyota Land Cruiser (J250)
Answrs VerdictRetro vibe, modern drive.
Starting price: Toyota lists the 2027 Land Cruiser 1958 trim from $58,180 base MSRP; the Land Cruiser trim is $64,255Retro cues: Toyota calls the design heritage-inspired, with a classic TOYOTA grille, and describes the Land Cruiser 1958 as a back-to-basics homage to the original FJ25 with round headlightsPowertrain: 2.4L i-FORCE MAX turbo hybrid with 326 net combined horsepowerDesign source: Wikipedia describes retro-inspired, boxy exterior styling inspired by the J60
The 2027 Land Cruiser 1958 trim starts at $58,180 and Toyota calls it an homage to the original FJ25, with round headlights and 326 net combined horsepower.
Go ifBuyers who want Land Cruiser heritage with a hybrid powertrain
Skip ifYou want to spend under $50,000
Why #3 over #4: Its hybrid 326 hp beats the Defender 90 on the road.
4
2026 Land Rover Defender 90 (L663)
Answrs VerdictThe short-wheelbase icon.
Starting price: Land Rover lists the Defender 90 from $61,000Engine: Up to 395 hp on the Defender 90 and 110 cardsBody: A three-door SUV on a 101.9 in wheelbaseHeritage: Wikipedia calls it a descendant of the original Series Land Rovers of 1948, and Land Rover brands its Defender page Since 1948
The Defender 90 starts at $61,000 and is a three-door descendant of the original 1948 Series Land Rovers, with up to 395 hp.
Go ifBuyers who want a compact two-door with 1948 heritage
Skip ifYou need a large rear seat
Why #4 over #5: Its 1948 lineage gives it more history than the G-Class.
5
2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (W465)
Answrs VerdictThe boxy luxury original.
Starting price: Mercedes-Benz lists the G-Class SUV from $153,900Retro cues: Mercedes says its style comes from round headlamps and upright linesEngine: G 550: 443 hp; Mercedes-AMG G 63: 577 hpHeritage: Wikipedia says the G-Class has boxy styling and body-on-frame construction, with three fully locking differentials
The G-Class starts at $153,900 with 443 hp in the G 550 and 577 hp in the AMG G 63, and Mercedes cites its round headlamps and upright lines.
Go ifBuyers who want the boxy original in luxury form
Skip ifYou want a price under $100,000
Why #5 over #6: Its three locking differentials give it more capability than the Grenadier at a far higher price.
6
Ineos Grenadier Station Wagon
Answrs VerdictThe Defender spiritual successor.
Starting price: Not publishedEngine: BMW B58 3.0L inline-six petrol: 282 hp; B57 diesel: 245 hpDesign: Wikipedia says the Grenadier was designed as a modern replacement for the original Land Rover Defender, with boxy bodywork and a steel ladder chassisBuild: Box-section ladder frame and Carraro beam axles at each end
The Ineos Grenadier was designed as a modern replacement for the original Land Rover Defender, with a ladder chassis and a 282 hp BMW petrol six; its price is not published.
Go ifBuyers who want a Defender-style design with a BMW engine
Skip ifYou want a published price
Why #6 over #7: Its Defender-style box beats the Jimny for size.
7
Suzuki Jimny (JB64, Japan)
Answrs VerdictThe pocket-sized retro 4x4.
Starting price: Suzuki Japan lists the Jimny from ¥1,918,400 including 10% tax (XG)Retro cues: Suzuki Japan lists a five-slot grille, round lamps and a clamshell hoodEngine: 658 cc three-cylinder turbo petrol in the Japanese JimnyHeritage: Wikipedia says the fourth generation launched in Japan on 5 July 2018 with styling reminiscent of the earlier LJ and SJ generations
The Suzuki Jimny starts at ¥1,918,400 in Japan with a five-slot grille, round lamps and a clamshell hood.
Go ifBuyers in Japan who want the smallest retro 4x4
Skip ifYou need a U.S. price
Why #7 over #8: Its small size gives it more charm than the Bronco Sport.
8
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Answrs VerdictBronco style, smaller bill.
Starting price: Ford lists the 2026 Bronco Sport from $31,845 MSRPEngine: The base engine has 180 horsepower and 200 lb-ft; the 2.0L EcoBoost has 250 horsepowerRetro cues: Wikipedia says it shares retro and off-road styling with the sixth-generation Bronco in a smaller footprintHeritage trim: Ford sells a Bronco Sport Heritage trim
The 2026 Bronco Sport starts at $31,845 and shares retro styling with the Bronco in a smaller body.
Go ifBuyers who want Bronco looks at the lowest U.S. price here
Skip ifYou want body-on-frame construction
Why #8 over #9: Its $31,845 price is lower than the Recon’s $66,995.
9
2026 Jeep Recon
Answrs VerdictThe electric Wrangler cousin.
Starting price: Jeep lists the 2026 Recon from $66,995 MSRPPower: Up to 670 horsepowerRetro cues: Wikipedia says the Recon has an illuminated seven-slot grille and is heavily inspired by the WranglerDoors: Removable doors and a swing-out tailgate with a full-size spare
The 2026 Jeep Recon starts at $66,995 with up to 670 horsepower and an illuminated seven-slot grille inspired by the Wrangler.
Go ifBuyers who want Wrangler styling in an electric SUV
Skip ifYou want gas power
Why #9 over #10: Its 670 hp beats the Land Cruiser 70 for speed.
10
Toyota Land Cruiser 70 (Japan)
Answrs VerdictThe old-school workhorse.
Starting price: Toyota Japan lists the Land Cruiser 70 AX diesel at ¥4,800,000 including taxEngine: 2.8L dieselFrame: Toyota Japan says it carries over the traditional ladder frameHeritage color: Toyota Japan says its Beige color debuted in 1980 with the Land Cruiser 60 and is a Land Cruiser heritage color
The Land Cruiser 70 AX diesel is ¥4,800,000 in Japan with a traditional ladder frame and a 2.8L diesel.
Go ifBuyers in Japan who want the original workhorse shape
Skip ifYou need a U.S. price
How we ranked these
We ranked each SUV on how clearly it echoes a classic design, then on capability, price and availability. Prices are manufacturer-listed starting prices; Japan models are in yen. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best retro SUV?
The 2026 Ford Bronco, from $41,295 MSRP, with Classic Bronco Headlamps and a Heritage Edition.
What is the cheapest retro SUV on this list in the U.S.?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, from $31,845 MSRP.
Which retro SUV costs the most?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, from $153,900.
What is the Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 trim?
Toyota describes the Land Cruiser 1958 as a back-to-basics homage to the original FJ25 with round headlights, from $58,180 base MSRP.
Horsepower (as published) at a glance
2026 Ford Bronco Sport180 hp
Ineos Grenadier Station Wagon282 hp
2026 Jeep Wrangler285 hp
2026 Ford Bronco300 hp
2027 Toyota Land Cruiser (J250)326 hp
2026 Land Rover Defender 90 (L663)395 hp
2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (W465)443 hp
2026 Jeep Recon670 hp
Official sites
- 2026 Ford Bronco · ford.com
- 2026 Jeep Wrangler · jeep.com
- 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser (J250) · toyota.com
- 2026 Land Rover Defender 90 (L663) · landroverusa.com
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (W465) · mbusa.com
- Ineos Grenadier Station Wagon · en.wikipedia.org
- Suzuki Jimny (JB64, Japan) · suzuki.co.jp
- 2026 Ford Bronco Sport · ford.com
- 2026 Jeep Recon · jeep.com
- Toyota Land Cruiser 70 (Japan) · toyota.jp
Sources
- ford.com
- en.wikipedia.org
- en.wikipedia.org
- en.wikipedia.org
- en.wikipedia.org
- en.wikipedia.org
- en.wikipedia.org
- en.wikipedia.org
- en.wikipedia.org
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.