Needing no introduction, the Jeep Wrangler enters its 75th year of service.
Offering back-to-basics thrills, the Jeep Wrangler is tough and immensely capable off-the-road. Since the original Willys Jeep, its focus has always been about getting you from point A to point B, regardless of what’s in the way.
The Jeep Wrangler is the authority in this unique segment; however over the years a number of companies have tried to dethrone it. The closest challengers today are the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Xterra and Land Rover LR2, but all lack the Jeep’s special qualities that make it the leader. Previously, the Toyota FJ Cruiser was the closest competitor but due to low demand, Toyota cancelled it a few years ago.
For 2016, the Wrangler doesn’t see any significant changes but the most notable addition is the special 75th Anniversary Edition model.
Design
There’s no mistaking a Jeep Wrangler for any other SUV. Even though Jeep is now owned by Italy’s Fiat group, there’s no chance the parent company would ever change the iconic box-on-wheels shape or design.
And why would they? Fiat-Chrysler-Automobile group’s (FCA) plant in Toledo, Ohio has pumped out more than one million Wranglers since 2007.
Despite common perception, the Jeep Wrangler is not a direct descendant of the Second World War Willys MB. Obviously, it still outwardly resembles the original, but the Wrangler started with a different design philosophy. Currently, the Jeep Wrangler is in its third generation.
Just like the Willys of the past, Wranglers still use body-on-frame construction, rigid live axles front and rear, a fold-flat windshield and removable doors. However, its suspension, drivetrain and interior were redesigned to attract more on-road drivers.
The interior’s primary focus is still durability – the Jeep Wrangler actually has a drain plug so it can be cleaned with a hose.
Thanks to years of testing in the harshest conditions, it has built a solid reputation for durability and strength.
Performance
Sticking with the tried and tested theme, all Jeep Wranglers come with the same engine that was available in half of former Chrysler Group’s North American lineup.
The 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 replaced the famed 4.0-litre PowerTech straight-six in this generation Wrangler. Some may mourn that change, but this engine with its 285 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque is the most refined motor to ever power a Jeep.
A six-speed manual is standard, but a five-speed automatic is available as an option. Both transmissions work well with the various axle and gear ratios on and off the road.
Everyone knows that the Jeep Wrangler is most comfortable off-road. With its wheels pushed out to the corners, it has unmatched approach and departure angles.
While the Wrangler is nearly unstoppable off-road, and this generation is better than its predecessors, it can become tiresome as a daily driver. On the highway, the Wrangler is very loud, the ride is bumpy, and its brick-like shape causes it to use a lot of gas.
The steering is also mushy and vague, though no one seems to care about this – Jeep Wrangler owners are notorious for loyalty and high satisfaction with the vehicle.
Instead of complaining about the on-road feel, get away from the beaten path and drive to places few other vehicles can go to fully enjoy the Jeep Wrangler.
Environment
Compared to its modern competitors, the Jeep is still spartan and somewhat crude inside.
Leather seating surfaces are available, but most Wranglers will come with cloth seats. Designed for easy entry and egress, the seats are flat and don’t have a lot of side bolsters.
The Wrangler’s dash can’t be called stylish and it’s made from hard plastic, but the instrument panel has an efficient and functional design with all controls within easy reach. All but the base model come with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, with higher trim levels getting a navigation system.
Being available in two and four-door versions gives the Wrangler good versatility. The four-door Unlimited models can sit three in the rear seats and the additional doors allow for easier access.
Also, cargo space jumps from 142 litres in two-door models to 498 with four-doors. The rear seats fold 60:40 and the split tailgate makes loading easier, too.
Panoramic sunroofs are all the rage these days, but the Jeep Wrangler merely scoffs at those as it can be transformed into a four-door, four-seat convertible. It can be a tricky and time-consuming process, but nothing compares with driving off-road with an open top.
Features
Prices start at $25,495 for the base Sport model, and range up to $42,490 for the Unlimited 75th Anniversary Edition.
Standard features are very basic as few notable items come on the base Sport model.
Additional features, available as options or standard on higher trim levels, include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto headlights, and Bluetooth.
Fuel economy numbers (litres/100 kilometres) for two-door, manual transmission models are 14.2 city and 11.0 highway. Four-door, manuals return 15.0 city and 11.4 highway.
Thumbs up
The Jeep Wrangler offers commanding off-road capability. Also, the Pentastar V-6 is the perfect fit for this vehicle.
Thumbs down
If you are not going to use the Wrangler’s off-road prowess often, it can be tiring to drive in the city.
The bottom line
If you want to go where others can’t, the Jeep Wrangler will always get you there and back again.
Competitors
Toyota 4Runner: The 4Runner provides a good combination of capability, longevity, and resale value. It is designed to take a pounding and tackle the toughest off-road obstacles while still offering numerous interior amenities.
The 4Runner is available in five-passenger and seven-passenger configurations with starting prices ranging from $44,090 to $50,790.
Nissan Xterra: While the Xterra may not have all the features of a pure off-roader, it is every bit as rugged, yet more livable as a daily driver. The Xterra is also more reliable and safer than classic Jeeps.
The Xterra is available in two models and has a starting price of $34,013.
Land Rover LR2: The LR2 has historic Land Rover DNA and is therefore equally at home on a forest trail as it is in the urban jungle. Land Rovers are for people who want to go everywhere in comfort.
Land Rover LR2 starting prices range from $39,990 to $48,190.
