2021 Jeep Wrangler Road Test and Review

2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited ・ Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Crossovers and SUVs are more popular now than ever before, leading many automakers to forgo cars completely in favor of the profitable and quick-selling utility vehicles. Jeep never had a problem, as its focus has been on SUVs and off-roaders the entire time. The Jeep catalog is packed with capable vehicles, many of which have been recently improved with the latest tech and safety features.

The Wrangler is among Jeep’s recently updated vehicles, though it’s hard to tell with a quick glance. The legendary off-roader looks much the same today as it did 30 years ago, but the refinements made under the sheet metal are where things get exciting with the Wrangler. Jeep has made improvements to the suspension and chassis to make the Wrangler more comfortable and behaved. Let’s dive in and take a closer look.

Styling

Few vehicles are as immediately recognizable or as iconic as the Jeep Wrangler. The boxy, rugged SUV has been a part of the American vehicle landscape for decades, and the fact that its shape hasn’t changed much in that entire time means that there aren’t many people who can’t pick a Wrangler out of a lineup.

Jeep offers a variety of wheel/tire sizes, removable top options, and color schemes for the Wrangler, including a bright pink hue called Tuscadero. Depending on the trim, the SUV may feature bold graphics packages and various hood designs to accommodate powertrain options. Wide fender arches and round headlights remain a defining factor of Wrangler styling, and though the SUV’s size has changed, even the larger four-door Unlimited models still carry the classic proportions.

Photo by Jeep

Interior

The Wrangler has an upright and boxy interior shape. The dash sits at nearly a 90-degree angle to the rest of the cabin, which is a bit jarring at first. The new Wrangler is available with several tech and feature upgrades, so the degree of clutter depends on the options it has been outfitted with. The front seats are deep and well-padded, but could use better bolstering and support, especially considering the Wrangler’s ability to tackle serious terrain.

The four-door Wrangler Unlimited offers better back seat space and an easier way to access the seats. Two-door Wranglers have a serviceable back seat, but most adults will find the space too cramped and the bench under-padded for anything beyond short in-town trips. Parents hoping to use the Wrangler as a daily driver should opt for an Unlimited model, as the SUV’s ride height and small back seat make it difficult to load car seats.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Features and Tech

Depending on your goals, the Wrangler can be decked out or ordered as a stripped-down off-roader, or anything in between. The base Wrangler Sport gets a 5.0-inch display running Uconnect 3 infotainment software. Two larger touchscreens are available, including a 7.0- and an 8.4-inch unit. Both upgraded screens run Uconnect 4, an updated version of the software with more connectivity features and a refined interface. The standard audio system is an eight-speaker setup, but Jeep offers a nine-speaker Alpine system with a 552-watt amplifier.

Uconnect is easily one of the most intuitive and feature-rich infotainment systems today. Used in Stellantis vehicles that include Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, and more, the software offers an easy way to interact with the vehicle that does not require more than a tap or two to accomplish most tasks.

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Powertrains

The standard Wrangler is available with three engine choices. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine is available that produces 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A diesel V6 is also available that delivers 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque.

Two other versions of the Wrangler are available with special powertrains. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe features a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four and an electric motor that combine to produce 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Rubicon 392 gets a 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) V8 with 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

The base Wrangler can be had with a six-speed manual transmission, but all other Wranglers come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

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Plug-In Hybrid Wrangler 4xe

The world is going electric, so it’s no surprise to see that even Jeep is offering a plug-in version of its most iconic model. The Wrangler 4xe offers up to 21 miles of all-electric driving before the gas engine is needed, and the added torque from its electric motor bolsters its off-road capability.

The 4xe is expensive, however, and its hybrid powertrain doesn’t always operate with the highest degree of smoothness. There’s a bit of fumbling during the handoff between gas and electric powertrains, and the electric motor feels underpowered when driving the Wrangler in pure-electric mode.

Photo by Jeep

Ride and Comfort

The Wrangler is one of the most capable vehicles on sale today when it comes to off-road driving. Its beefy tires and rugged suspension make it ideal for rock crawling or tackling a muddy pit in the woods. Tradeoffs come in the form of on-road behavior, where the Wrangler feels more like a clunky truck than an SUV. Jeep has improved the vehicle’s ride and manners in recent years, but it’s still painfully obvious that you’re in a rugged SUV. The Wrangler feels jittery and unsettled over broken pavement, and soft-top models let in plenty of road and wind noise.

Inside, the Wrangler offers a surprisingly plush and comfortable experience, especially in higher trims with nicer upholstery. The front seats are decently adjustable, and the Jeep’s commanding ride height offers great visibility in most directions. The rear bench is under-padded and could use more support, but Unlimited models do offer reasonable head and legroom, even for adults.

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Pricing

The base Jeep Wrangler Sport starts at $30,965, and pricing stretches to over $76,000 for the Rubicon 392. Buyers wanting a Wrangler 4xe model will have to shell out at least $53,000 and can spend over $60,000 with options. Those are big numbers for a vehicle whose best qualities are experienced off the pavement. The good news is that the Wrangler is more livable and daily-drivable than ever before, so it’s more than possible for the SUV to be an only vehicle.

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Competitors

The Jeep Wrangler enjoyed many years without a ton of direct competition, but that’s all changed in 2021. Ford released the Bronco, a direct and very serious rival to the Wrangler that does many things better, including behaving normally on the road. The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged off-roader with more interior space and is a more friendly SUV experience. The Land Rover Defender offers a luxurious experience with plenty of off-road capability, but its price tag extends deep into luxury territory.

That said, the Wrangler’s biggest rivals come from within the Jeep stable. The Cherokee, Gladiator, and Grand Cherokee are great alternatives to the Wrangler and offer a different experience. The Gladiator is a Wrangler pickup truck in all but name, and the Cherokee/Grand Cherokee both bring a decent amount of off-road capability with a friendlier SUV shape. It’s also important to remember that unless you need the Wrangler’s trail-rated chops, an all- or four-wheel drive SUV will be more comfortable and will likely offer as much capability as you’ll ever need.

Photo by Ford

Final Thoughts

There was a time when the Wrangler was really the only option for people who wanted a rugged SUV, but times have changed. The Ford Bronco’s tech and comfort, combined with its on-road manners, make it a more compelling vehicle for many people. The Jeep community is strong, however, and the pull will be enough to keep the Wrangler at or near the top of many shoppers’ lists.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles