While the LC300 is hip-hop, the less tech and less sophistication LC79 is heavy metal. It oozes rock-solid indestructibility and adventure. With everything you need: front & rear diff locks, low range gears, snorkel and massive front bumper, that can easily accommodate a winch. The only driver assist program is ABS. But despite the bovine-friendly, agricultural approach you can find a smartphone-sized touch screen in the dash.

The Gladiator is much different in this regard. Despite the old school rugged looks it is very digital, with all kinds of USB ports and push buttons for everything. And even Driver assist programs, with electronic warning systems, such as blind-spot\ assist, rear cross traffic assist (quite helpful when you consider the Gladiator is 20cm longer than the Wrangler) and a sharp reverse-view camera.

When you live by the motto ‘reason is boring’, you are in the right target group for this absolute fun car. Jeep finally brought their iconic truck back to market, almost three decades after the last Gladiator. And South Africa is getting it in only one configuration, with the 3.6-l. V6 petrol engine and in the fully equipped, top-of-the-range Rubicon version, with all the off-road features: Dana 44 axles, rear & front diff locks, low-range gears and sway bar disconnect. All initiated by, yes, push buttons.

The Gladiator is South Africa’s only convertible bakkie (all four doors can be taken of) and the only car with a fold-down windshield in the market. But your valuables are still safe, despite being totally topless. There are lockable storage spaces under the seats in the rear. And if you should get stuck and you are in a Wifi area, you can take out the portable weather- and dustproof blue tooth speaker, behind the rear seat, which automatically charges during driving. And can also be used to charge your electronic devices.

I spent a week each with the two bakkies and took them both to my favourite off-road track in the Cape: Gear up 4x4. As you can imagine they are both incredibly capable off road, only restricted by their long wheelbase. So sometimes you need a bit of forward momentum to get you through the obstacles. And don’t worry the underbellies are very well protected by numerous solid steel plates and rock rails.

So which one would I choose. Well, I am definitely not a farmer…