JEEP WRANGLER – RANKINGS, COMPARISONS AND INFORMATION SHEETS

Updated January 14, 2022

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The Jeep Wrangler is a series of compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road SUVs manufactured by Jeep since 1986, and currently in its fourth generation. The Wrangler JL, the most recent generation, was unveiled in late 2017 and is produced at Jeep’s Toledo Complex.

The Wrangler is arguably an indirect progression from the World War II Jeep, through the CJ (Civilian Jeeps) produced by Willys, Kaiser-Jeep and American Motors Corporation (AMC) from the mid-1940s through 1980s. Although neither AMC nor Chrysler (after its purchase of AMC in 1987) have claimed that the Wrangler was a direct descendant of the original military model — both the CJ Jeeps and the conceptually consistent Wrangler, with their solid axles and open top, have been called the Jeep model as central to Jeep’s brand identity as the rear-engined 911 is to Porsche.[1]

Similar to the Willys MB and the CJ Jeeps before it, all Wrangler models continue to use a separate body and frame, rigid live axles both front and rear, a tapering nose design with flared fenders, a fold-flat windshield, and can be driven without doors. Also, with few exceptions, they have part-time four-wheel drive systems, with the choice of high and low gearing, and standard are open bodies with removable hard- or soft-tops. However, the Wrangler series was specifically redesigned to be safer and more comfortable on-road, to attract more daily drivers,[2] by upgrading its suspension, drivetrain, and interior, compared to the CJ line. The suspension on all Wranglers included trackbars and anti-roll bars, and, from the 1997 TJ onwards, front and rear coil springs instead of the previous leaf-springs.[3]

From 2004 on, the Wrangler has been complemented with long-wheelbase versions, called Wrangler Unlimited. 2004-2006 models were longer versions with 2 doors. In 2004 only automatic transmission-equipped “Unlimited” versions were sold. In 2005 both an automatic and manual 6-speed (NSG-370) were offered. Since 2007, the long-wheelbase Wranglers were four-door models, offering over 20 in (508 mm) more room. By mid 2017 the four-door models represented three-quarters of all new Wranglers on the market.[4]

— Source Wikipedia

  • Official Page – Jeep Wrangler
  • Price: Starts at $28,475 US
  • Comparable to:  Volvo XC40, Land Rover Defender
  • Maintenance costs:  Approximately $10,397 over 10 years.

REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS

We have put together as many Audi e-tron reviews and impressions as we could find.   Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed.  If you are serious about the e-tron then these videos are worth the time.

OUR SCORE

You can view the overall Compact SUV Rankings here and the Luxury Compact SUV Rankings here.

SCORES BY PUBLICATION:

Kelley Blue Book: 3.9 / 5

USNews: 7.7 / 10

Edmunds: 7.7 / 10

J.D. Power: 80 / 100

Car and Driver: 7.5 / 10

Motortrend: 8.6 / 10

What the critics have to say…

The Wrangler is the original go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle that still has the spirit of the original military Jeep of World War II. In an era when SUVs have become the de facto family vehicle, the Wrangler is a throwback to rougher and more rugged off-road vehicles. It’s not as comfortable as rival SUVs such as the Toyota 4Runner or Land Rover Defender, but in return it provides excellent off-road capability, two-door and four-door configurations, and a removable top.

Edmunds

HOW DOES IT DRIVE?

There’s no doubt the Wrangler is a beast when it comes to off-road prowess. That’s especially the case with the Rubicon trim and its 33-inch tires and lockable differentials. But everyday steering and handling suffer because of the traditional body-on-frame construction, solid-axle suspension and old-school steering. The brake pedal travel is long, which is great for modulation off-road but not ideal for everyday driving.

Edmunds

IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?

Is the Jeep Wrangler Reliable?

The 2021 Wrangler has a predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

Jeep Wrangler Warranty

Jeep covers the Wrangler with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?

The Wrangler doesn’t place a great importance on passenger comfort, but there are a few highlights here. The front seats are well shaped and remain livable on long trips. The rear bench is flatter and firmer, but it reclines a bit. We like the effective climate system, which also features rear air vents.

Edmunds

WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?

It’s not the most spacious or accommodating SUV available, but the Wrangler provides a seamless blend of vintage and modern Jeep character. A commanding view of the road—or trail—makes for easy maneuverability, but the view rearward is obscured by thick roof pillars, roll bars, and various grab handles. Need a better view? Just pop the top and remove the doors. Seated close to the upright windshield, the driver and front-seat passenger face a narrow, squared-off dashboard punctuated by round air vents and chunky switchgear for the climate-control system, power windows (if equipped), and infotainment.

Car and Driver

WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?

The Jeep Wrangler is surprisingly modern when it comes to infotainment and smartphone integration. The optional 8.4-inch Uconnect system offers sharp graphics, quick responses, and one of the best infotainment interfaces in the industry. Plenty of charging ports (USB and USB-C) are available. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with the Wrangler’s 7- and 8.4-inch touchscreens.

Edmunds

WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?

As an errand runner, the Wrangler offers enough room for groceries and gear, but be aware that its rear seats don’t fold flush with the floor. As you might expect, there’s a significant cargo-hauling tradeoff for going with the classic two-door Wrangler versus the larger Unlimited four-door model. Fitting just two of our carry-on cases behind the two-door’s back seat—versus 10 for the four-door—means packing light if you’re adventuring with friends.

Car and Driver

IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?

The Wrangler looks like Jeep put real effort into the interior. Much of the switchgear looks distinct and is satisfying to use. The dash and seat materials are attractive and have a good tactile feel. The Wrangler’s price tag is a little high, but the improved materials and design feel worth the cost. Jeep’s warranty coverage is average.

Edmunds

IS THE Wrangler A GOOD SUV?

The Jeep Wrangler is an OK SUV, but its specialized nature means it’s likely to be either your first buying choice or your last. The Wrangler is a supremely good off-road machine, and it offers some capable powertrains, including a new-for-2021 plug-in hybrid and a Hemi V8.

USNews

SHOULD I BUY THE Wrangler?

Unless you plan to go off-roading frequently, you’re probably better off with almost any other SUV in the class. The Wrangler is the king of its niche, but that comes at the expense of everyday comfort and practicality. What’s more, this Jeep has a much higher starting price than most class rivals, so it doesn’t provide much bang for your buck.

USNews

THE FINAL WORD

The iconic Jeep Wrangler is a love / hate relationship. What it does well, it does better than any other vehicle, period, stop. The off-road prowess is balanced by comfort, tech, etc. being a bit less than you can get for the price in just about any other vehicle in this class.