This Cheaper, Uglier, Less Capable Jeep Is Now Available In The US

The American car industry has traditionally been shielded from the majority of foreign imports, but more international competitors are starting to make inroads into our market. The Chinese are already plotting an EV takeover, and India has been exporting the oddball Mahindra Roxor, a Jeep Wrangler knockoff. Americans are very particular about off-road vehicles, so it will be interesting to see what the market makes of the latest arrival: the 2022 Bremach 4×4 SUV. This Russian mid-sized off-roader made its debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show last week with an MSRP of only $26,405. The Bremach is being imported by a Southern California-based company, and seems to have dropped the “Taos” name, which could have caused a serious headache since the Volkswagen Taos is also new on the scene.

More than just a rebranded Russian product, Bremach says that its SUV has been “uniquely engineered and homologated for the American market”. The Bremach SUV will soon be followed by other body styles including a truck and other commercial vehicles. Many have and will continue to compare this Russian newcomer to the Wrangler due to both cars sharing very similar dimensions, although we suspect that the Jeep will have more to offer in terms of comfort, tech, and general off-road capability – albeit at a higher price. Standard equipment for 2022 includes 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/60R18 tires, LED daytime running lights, a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen with a six-speaker audio system, and heated seats. Options include an off-road body kit and 17-inch Raceline wheels with Goodyear A/T tires.

Under the hood, this unusual SUV is powered by a 2.7-liter 16-valve four-cylinder gas engine developing 150 horsepower. Power is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, a two-speed transfer case with high and low range, and a solid rear axle. If this sounds like a good time to you, Bremach is already accepting pre-orders at $100 a pop and offers a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, as well as a 10-year/120,000-mile powertrain warranty. We don’t expect the world from this little foreigner, but we’re excited about some simple, fresh, and affordable new blood. If enough of these cheapies are embraced by the US market, mainstream automakers may be forced to consider offering their products at more attractive price levels. We live in hope.