These hard-core off-road machines may place an emphasis on dirt, rocks and mud but the truth is that they will primarily be used on the roads. When you're on the roads, you encounter traffic and that's never a fun time. Thankfully these high-end offerings still include an infotainment system to ensure that you have something to listen to while you sit in the bumper-to-bumper stuff.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator doesn't have many natural competitors, but the Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota Land Cruiser 79 certainly fit the bill when it comes to serious off-road double cabs. As at home on the gravel roads as they are traversing a river, these 4x4 vehicles don't place their emphasis on tech and creature comforts and you will find that their infotainment systems are rather rudimentary by today's standards. They've deliberately been kept simple and intuitive to allow for easy use on the go without having to fiddle with a million and one different menus and screens.
Let's see how they stack up on features.
Jeep Gladiator
The Gladiator is fitted with a 4th generation Uconnect system that will be familiar to anyone who has owned or driven in an FCA offering (Fiat/Alfa Romeo/Chrysler/Jeep). This unit uses an 8.4-inch touchscreen with physical volume control and shortcuts positioned below it. Jeep claims that this latest generation has a faster bootup time and greater resolution than the units preceding it.
The Gladiator has two USB ports up front with a USB-C as well as two USB-C ports accessible from the back seats. The unit is equipped with onboard navigation but also allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity so that you can mirror the screen of your phone and access approved in-car apps.
As an optional extra, you can specify your Gladiator with a subwoofer and a removable Bluetooth speaker so that the party can continue while you sit on the peak or down by the lakeside.
Ford Ranger Raptor
The Ranger Raptor uses Ford's SYNC3 infotainment system which is well-travelled and well-known. This system utilises an 8-inch touchscreen with a bespoke startup screen. Tactile interfaces include a multifunction steering wheel and a bank of controls below the screen. SYNC voice control is also available to help you control the unit with simple commands. This unit is also bundled with navigation and in the Raptor it is capable of leaving 'breadcrumbs' on off-road trails to help you find your way back.
This system allows for smartphone tethering with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and SYNC3 Applink allows for Waze to display current information. Ford Pass connectivity allows you to monitor your Raptor from a distance, checking its fuel level, lock status and service requirements (as well as make service bookings) from the comfort of your smartphone.
The Raptor also features a handy USB port in the rearview mirror that allows you to connect a dashcam or external device without having the power cables interfere with the vehicle controls.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser has Toyota's widescreen Display Audio infotainment system with a colour touchscreen and tiled home page display. This unit is bundled with navigation and will also accept USB inputs and Bluetooth connections for audio playback and hands-free telephony. These units have Apple CarPlay and Mirracast and Auto Plus Show for Android devices.
It's a simple system but functions well and keeps things simple in this legendary machine.
