The Jeep Wrangler is a range of compact and mid-size off-road SUVs manufactured and marketed by Jeep since 1986. Jeep's Toledo Complex is where the latest model of the Wrangler, the JL, has been manufactured since its debut in late 2017. The Jeep Wrangler has always had a solid history to tell, deriving motivation from the wartime Willys Jeeps that were crucial to the Allies' victory in World War II. Since then, the Wrangler has been transformed into its civilian version, earning it a pair of tires in the high-end market in terms of cost and equipment.
History of the Jeep Wrangler
First Generation Jeep Wrangler (YJ; 1986–1995)
While Jeeps with removable tops date back to World War II, the first generation Wrangler (as the YJ) didn't hit the market until 1986. This sport utility vehicle swept the nation after its introduction at the Chicago Auto Show. Everyone who drives was eager to get their hands on one. The original Jeep Wrangler was outstanding because of its wide track and other components borrowed from the Jeep CJ-7. The CJ-7's anti-roll bars, higher-quality springs, and a plusher interior were some of the other improvements. However, the Wrangler differed from the CJ because it had square headlights, a reduced center of gravity, and substantial roller protection around the sides. Both the 2.5L 4-cylinder and the 4.2L inline-6 engines were paired with a standard 5-speed manual gearbox in the Wrangler.
Second Generation Jeep Wrangler (TJ; 1996–2006)
The 1997 Jeep Wrangler was a significant update over the 1996 TJ model that had been available since 1996. The second generation Wrangler debuted in 1997 and brought back the iconic round headlamps first seen on earlier Jeep vehicles. The AMC 242 featured a 4.0L inline-6 as its primary powerplant. Beginning with the TJ model year, Jeep moved the automatic transmission to the floor, and coil springs became standard on all Wranglers. The Jeep Wrangler saw no major updates or redesigns before 2004. The Wrangler Unlimited was introduced to the second-generation lineup only two years before the third-generation lineup debuted. This iteration of the Wrangler was among the most adaptable cars on the market due to the wide variety of available packages. Two speakers played AM/FM radio in the Wrangler SE. The drivetrain received the most attention, with several components coming directly from the Grand Cherokee. It retained the steering box, suspension, and 4.0L inline-6 engine. The standard model, however, came equipped with a 2.5L gasoline engine, which was adequate for commuting around town. All Wranglers included a 4x4 system with a two-speed transfer case, allowing on-the-fly gear changes.
Third Generation Jeep Wrangler (JK; 2006–2018)
The 2007 model year saw the debut of the third-generation Wrangler. During DaimlerChrysler's supervision, Jeep's first Wrangler, the JK, was conceived, and it had an all-new body, frame, and suspension. In addition to the standard 2-door model, a 4-door "Unlimited" variant was introduced, with a wheelbase that was 508 mm (20 in) longer, providing a great deal more inside space. These ended up being quite popular purchases by customers. Nearly three-quarters of the Wranglers sold in the middle of 2017 were the four-door variants. For the second year in a row, Jeep and Activision have joined up to produce a limited-edition Wrangler Rubicon–based Modern Warfare 3 Jeep. The announcement was made on September 2, 2011. The Jeep's exterior and interior are both styled and inspired by Modern Warfare 3. In November 2011, this Jeep model became available at local dealerships.
Fourth Generation Jeep Wrangler (JL; 2018–Present)
Late in 2017, Jeep debuted the fourth-generation 2018 Wrangler. A second-hand Jeep Wrangler from the fourth generation might also be available. Since this series hit showroom floors in 2018, you may be able to locate a used 2018 or 2019 model, and maybe even a used 2020, but they'll be extremely rare. A plug-in hybrid model was added to Jeep's iconic off-road vehicle, the Wrangler, even though buyers could choose between diesel and gasoline engines. The most challenging aspect was making it eco-friendly without sacrificing its famed off-road capabilities. A bank of nickel–manganese–cobalt batteries housed in an aluminum enclosure was installed beneath the back seats. The car's dual-motor drivetrain was the centerpiece. The inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine was turbocharged, and a starter generator assisted it under the hood. Jeep included ZF's eight-speed automatic transmission with an auxiliary electric motor. The hybrid technology then transferred the torque to the wheels using the standard Jeep 4x4 setup. The 4xe, like its relatives, had a solid front and solid rear axle.
Price
For the 2022 model year, Jeep retails the 2022 Wrangler with a starting MSRP of $29,995 for the base Sport trim, rising to $42,000 for the Rubicon trim.
- Sport - $29,995
- Willys Sport - $29,995
- Willys - $29,995
- Sport S - $29,995
- Rubicon - $42,000
Features of the Jeep Wrangler
Exterior Features
No one else could have predicted that the fundamentals of the first Willys Jeep, which designers instead of stylists developed, would still be appealing and important 80 years later. It served its intended role admirably and was designed with utility rather than aesthetics in mind. In modern times, the Wrangler has gained a soft top with a sunroof that you can remove, in addition to its two detachable doors. You can reduce the outside noise coming into the interior by installing an optional three-piece Freedom hard top with a rear wiper, washer, and defroster. Black 17-inch steel wheels are standard on the base model, while higher trim levels get alloy wheels and tires of various sizes optimized for their purposes. Furthermore, all models come equipped with fog lights, while LED lights are an available upgrade from the base model upwards. Finally, the limited-edition variants come with unique touches like black grilles and model-specific stickers.
Interior Features
The Wrangler may not be the most practical SUV, but it successfully marries Jeep's classic and contemporary styles. Although the driver has a clear view of the highway or trail ahead, the view behind them is blocked by roof pillars, roll bars, and grab handles. Power windows (if equipped), a thin, square dashboard with round air vents and bulky buttons for the temperature control system, and infotainment are in front of the driver and front-seat passenger. Regarding chores, the Wrangler has sufficient cargo space for food and gear, but keep in mind that the rear seats do not fold completely flat. You should expect a significant decrease in load capacity when choosing the traditional two-door Wrangler over the larger four-door Unlimited.
Standard Features
- Push-Button Start
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Down Windshield
- Removable Doors and Roof
- Manual Air Conditioning (base)
- Manual Windows (base)
Upper Trims
- Power Windows
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Automatic Headlights
- Heated Side Mirrors
- Heated Seats
- Keyless Entry
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Park Sensors
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Forward-Collision Warning
Infotainment Features
- Five-Inch Infotainment
- Bluetooth
- USB Port
Base with Optional Air-Conditioning
- Seven-Inch
- Apple Carplay
- Android Auto
Sport S and Willys
- Seven-Inch
- Apple Carplay
- Android Auto
- 8.4-Inch Infotainment (Option)
- Eight-Speaker Premium Alpine Sound System (option)
Rubicon
- Above Features
- HD Radio
- SiriusXM
- Navigation
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Eight-Speaker Sound System
- Eight-Speaker Premium Alpine Sound System
- Eight-Speaker Premium Alpine Sound System
Safety Features
- ABS
- Traction and Stability Control
- Hill-Start Assist
- Rearview Camera
- Dual-Front and Side Airbags
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Forward Collision Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
Specs and Performance of the Jeep Wrangler
Even if a new Wrangler customer didn't investigate engine options beyond the base 3.6L V6, they would be fine. This powerplant, which you can find in many Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler cars and which gives the 2022 Wrangler 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, is often recognized as among the best in its class.
Transmission options include a standard 6-speed manual. For maximum efficiency, get the 8-speed automatic transmission with a mild-hybrid system. An alternate choice is a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine. It generates 270 horsepower, 15 fewer than the V6, but it makes 295 pound-feet of torque, 35 more than the larger engine. The four-cylinder engine is only compatible with an automatic transmission. Which one you choose will depend on your preferences. True believers will still go with the V6, while new buyers and those only mildly concerned about climate change will likely go with the 2.0L or the mild-hybrid. Both engines are extremely capable off-road, providing more than enough low-end torque to haul the Wrangler's 4,000-pound frame over any obstacle. The 2.0L engine accelerates from 0–60 mph (0–97 kph ) in 5.5 seconds, while the 3.6L accelerates in 7.7 seconds. The latter has a top speed of 100 mph (160 kph), which is 3 mph (5 kph) faster than the other. Dimension-wise, the Jeep Wrangler four-door version measures 4,785 mm (188.4 in) long, while the 2-door version measures 4,237 mm (166.8 in) long, 1,875 mm (73.8 in) wide, and 1,801 mm (70.9 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 3,007 mm (118.4 in) for the 4-door and 2,459 mm (96.8 in) for the 2-door version, with a curb weight of 4,439 lbs (2,013 kg).
Release Date
Jeep has been producing the Jeep Wrangler since its introduction in 1986. The model is currently in its 2022 model year. Is still to be announced a release date for the 2023 Wrangler.