The Defender bests the Wrangler in completely stock form in approach and departure angles when it is set to it's highest ride height, the problem is in how it does it. In order to attain these numbers the Defender uses airbags which are historically known to come with many problems- especially in LRs and especially if you plan to actually use them off-road in harsh conditions
https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/buying-used-range-rover-everything-you-need-know-239295 The Jeep's numbers come from technology that has been proven over decades- solid axles, beefy suspension. The 2nd problem with this set up is that when it's set to it's highest ride height it will likely lose considerable articulation- a key factor in riding comfort and retaining traction when off-roading. The 3rd problem with this set up is the old adage what goes up, must come down- even when you air the LR up to it's highest setting- you can't install increased tires and stay there; you are still stuck with the same tires it needs to ride at it's lowest setting! The Jeep JL can fit 35" tires from the factory! I guess if you plan to just run up and down some wet gravel roads as is displayed in these pictures and only occasionally need actual ground clearance the air bag set up isn't terrible.
Form follows function- meaning you can look at the form of something and determine for what purpose it was designed (it's function) Who is building something meant to be used in harsh conditions across rugged terrain with simple and time-proven technology? Who is building into their vehicles the characteristics that off-roaders need such as articulation and traction? Who is looking down the road and taking account for what off-roaders want long-term- the ability to modify and tailor the vehicle to their specifications? There's only one brand taking this no-comprise approach. LR has to build some aspect of off-roading into their vehicles for marketing purposes, but they don't go as far as they could because they don't really care about off-roading- they care about appearing as if they care about off-roading- they need it to sell these things. The Form Follows the Function- LR cares about using our passion as a means to sell the same old vanilla cross-overs everyone else is making with a slight nod to off-roading. Jeep is moving the needle- pushing the boundaries with each new iteration. I'd really hoped LR would choose to do the same with the Defender.
