Jeep Wrangler (US) review

It’s the Jeep Wrangler, one of the most recognisable and capable off-roaders in the world, with over five million sold worldwide since it was first unveiled way back in 1986 – though of course, its lineage traces back as far as World War Two. 

Jeep claims that more than 80 per cent of those are still on the road – further proof, if it were needed, that the Wrangler has always been one tough cookie. Last year saw the introduction of the facelifted fourth-generation Wrangler (codenamed JL), Jeep promising greater capability, better technology and improved safety features. 

Rivals include the like of the Ford Bronco, Land Rover Defender, Subaru Forester and Toyota 4Runner – you know the type, any of those rufty-tufty 4x4 fares that favour all-round capability, particularly off the beaten track, over on-road refinement.

SO, WHAT’S NEW?

Well, this fourth generation Wrangler was first introduced back in 2017, and at first glance the mid-life facelift hasn’t changed… much. The eagle eyed will have spotted the new grille, integrated windshield antenna and new wheel designs, while upper spec Rubicon variants get a full-float rear axle allowing for bigger tyres and up to 5,000lb towing capability, plus an optional 8,000lb capacity winch. Big numbers, big statement.

Inside, the biggest difference is the new 12.3in infotainment display, up from 8.4in, complete with Jeep's latest and claimed five times faster operating system, plus built-in off-road adventure trail guides. There's also standard fit side curtain airbags in the first and second rows, and additional creature comforts (such as 12-way power adjustable front seats) and safety features as you climb the range. Nice.

SPEAKING OF, WHAT VARIANTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Deep breath. The Wrangler is available in Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, Rubicon, Rubicon X and Rubicon 392 models. As you’d expect, the higher the spec, the more off-road ready it is.

Powertrain options include a 3.6-liter V6, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder, a 6.4-liter V8, and the electrified Wrangler 4xe, which, despite only being introduced back in 2021, has been the best-selling PHEV in America for the past two years. Guess you could say it’s kind of a big deal, then.

It’s also the one we’ve spent the most time in. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, two electric motors and a 17.3kWh battery pack for a claimed 21 miles of all-electric range and up to 49mpg. See the Driving tab for more.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Prices start from $31,995 for the two-door or $36,595 for the four-door in entry-level Sport trim, rising to $92,140 for the full bells ‘n’ whistles four-door only V8 powered Rubicon 392 (both excluding $1,795 destination fee). 

If you want the plug-in hybrid, which comes in four-door guise only, you’re looking at a cheaper entry price post-facelift of $50,695 in Sport S trim, and peaking at $70,990 in Rubicon X trim. Full breakdown on the Buying tab.

The Jeep Wrangler is a loveable thing no doubt, with its formidable road presence, go-anywhere attitude and devoted fanbase, as you discover when you’re behind the wheel and can’t fail to notice just how many of these things there are on the roads.

And four generations in, Jeep has sacrificed precisely none of the original Wrangler’s authenticity in an attempt to broaden its appeal. Few will scratch the surface of its true capability, for which it sacrifices some on road refinement, nor does it quite compare to a Land Rover Defender in the luxury stakes, but we applaud it for that. 

Make no mistake either, this remains an entirely desirable object. You’ll love driving it. Your kids will love being in it. And it’ll handle everything you can throw at it – from the school run to the weekly Walmart trip – and much, much more besides.