I've watched it several times now, and I think they're stero typing the Rover with breakdowns. I owned 5 Rover's and I never had the issues he's having. I mean come on Jeep's bend tie rods all the time due to the location of it and how thin it is. Rover's are mounted behind the axle and while you can still bend them you've got a much lower chance vs a Jeep config...
Also he came in 5th due to having to swap out his part of his rear shaft, I dunno what he was doing, but 4 bolts, slide out the bad yoke, tighten the 4 bolts, and be on your way..
It's a good thing to see an off roading adventure show (I saw a clip with a Range Rover Classic which isn't in this adventure so I'm guessing they've already got another season in the works).
The Jeep is downright Fugly, but he knows every end of that rig which is key to keeping it going. He might want to learn what a snorkel is really designed for (keeping out water) his raised intake is 100% exposed and needs a shield along with his wimpy thin front cage/bumper design. Oh and his copilot needs a HAT!!!
The mullet dude is annoying, and I'm surprised the bumps haven't split that rust bucket in half. The 4 banger 4Runner crew with the dog are also creepy. The slow couple are okay, but sometimes you gotta go for it vs creep along.....
I do agree bashing thru the tree's was a bit much, but the tree's were already laying over. They should have just cut them cleanly and moved on, but at the same time it's a race.
Our H3's could do that route properly prepared. As long as you pick the right line a lift isn't as important as having the rig setup for the terrain. You'd need a snorkel, armor underneath, rear diff guard, winch, front/rear bumpers, and I'd go with a set of beadlocks for easier tire repairs. Make sure you've water proofed the PCM/Transmission PCM as good as possible, carry spare parts like CV's and fluids. I'd also probably strip my H3's carpet and cover the seats lol since you know at one point or another you're going to get dirty either winching , get water inside from a crossing, or repairing something.