I’ve owned crossover SUVs for the past 5 years or so. never had to have the metal “serviced.”
What makes you think the Jeep has thicker metal? Are you talking about the body or the frame?
_________________
Right, you are fortunate enough to own a five year old car. The showroom models are atrocious. I am even reading that the old standards of Toyota and Subaru have been compromised by new EPA standards. That is why I am looking at a 2 to 5 year old Jeep.
Actually I got a new one in April. Not sure what you mean. Are you talking about the sheet metal for the body, or what?
Here’s my opinion. I drive AWD vehicles for use when it snows, or other situations where traction is questionable. I don’t go off-roading on trails.
The Wrangler, as others have told you, is designed for off-road capability. It is truly unique. A class by itself.
But if what you’re looking for is something to ride on the road and handle the snow, a modern AWD system would be better than the true 4 wheel drive that the Wrangler has.
If you come around a bend and there is a patch of ice, my AWD vehicle will sense the wheel slipping and apply power to the rear wheels.
The Wrangler, if you are driving in 2WD mode will stay in 2WD unless you can quickly shift it into 4WD. Which isn’t going to happen in time to prevent the slide.
And with the true 4WD, you can’t leave it in 4WD mode while driving on flat, dry pavement. You’ll damage the system components.