Jeep Wrangler (US) review

You'll need at least $31,995 to get into a two-door Wrangler, or $36,595 for the four-door, excluding $1,795 destination fee, which gets you an entry-level model in Sport trim and either the 3.6-liter V6 or 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder.

On lease, you’re looking at a starting figure of $400 and $425 respectively, on a four-year agreement with a 10 per cent down payment and 10,000 yearly mileage allowance, through Jeep’s own finance scheme.

The hugely popular PHEV now has a lower entry price of $50,695 thanks to a new Sport S trim, while the V8 powered fully loaded Rubicon 392 starts from $92,140, again both excluding $1,795 destination fee. More on the kit list below.

There on lease, you’re looking at $650 and $1,185, on the same terms above. And just for reference, the starting price of one of these in four-door guise is still cheaper than a Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner, both of which start at around $40k.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KIT?

Well, the first thing to note is that two new variants have been introduced in line with the mid-life facelift, Sport S and Rubicon X. But let’s start from the top…

Opening the batting is the Sport trim, which gets 17in wheels with 32in tyres, solid front and rear axles, and a 12.3in infotainment display. Sport S, your new (cheaper) entry point to PHEV ownership, brings keyless entry, a full-time transfer case, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning.

Sahara trim models get all of the above plus additional creature comforts such a heated front seats and steering wheel, while Willys trim brings more off-road capability with larger 33in tires, 10.8in of ground clearance, high-clearance fender flares and rear locking differential for improved traction.

Rubicon trim builds on the Willys trim and adds yet more off-roading nous, including the Dana full-float rear axle allowing for bigger tyres and up to 5,000lb towing capability plus optional 8,000lb capacity winch, while the new Rubicon X elevates that yet further with 35in tires, off-road cameras and steel bumpers.

Top of the tree is the Rubicon 392, essentially a fully kitted Rubicon X with a 6.4-liter V8 providing muscle car power. But for all the brawn you're asked to part with nearly $100k. Ouch.

WHAT’S PEAK WRANGLER?

We’ll have to wait to answer that question till we’ve tried other variants, but based on our experience to date we reckon that if you’re considering the 2.0-liter powertrain you want the plug-in hybrid variant, which adds yet another string to the Wrangler’s bow and a handy helping of power/torque besides. 

If it’s the V8 you’re after, and this being Top Gear, we imagine it’s crossed your mind at least once, you’ll need to act fast, with Jeep having announced a limited edition ‘Final Edition’ as it prepares it for retirement. Be quick now, people…