Jeep Wrangler

The current Jeep Wrangler has gotten bigger in more ways than one, with more space, more tech, more options, and a heap of available engines. It remains an off-road-focused vehicle, so while it’s the most refined Wrangler to date, it requires some trade-offs compared to conventional SUVs.

The current Jeep Wrangler (known as the JL) debuted for the 2018 model year, offering more passenger space than its predecessor. But the big differences relate to everyday livability, with improvements in comfort, technology, interior materials, and ride quality.

The Wrangler is available as either a two-door or a four-door, the Wrangler Unlimited. Both two- and four-door models come with either a soft-top convertible or a removable hard top.

The standard drivetrain is a gasoline V6 paired with a six-speed manual transmission. An eight-speed automatic is available. A turbocharged four-cylinder is also offered with an eight-speed automatic. 

For 2020, Jeep added an optional turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine, and in 2021 Jeep introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain called the 4xe and the Rubicon 392, with a 470-horsepower V8.

With tons of optional equipment, a Wrangler’s trim level doesn’t necessarily dictate its features. But the Wrangler carried over the same basic trim level structure from the older generation.

The base Sport trim level starts with more features than previous Wranglers but is still pretty sparse, even coming with manual crank windows. Starting for 2022, a seven-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity is also standard. The Sport S gets you more convenience features, including keyless entry and power windows. The midlevel Sahara adds more standard technology and comfort features. As always, the off-road-focused Rubicon remains the flagship Wrangler.

The third-generation Jeep Wrangler (also referred to as the Wrangler JK) grew significantly for its 2007 redesign, offering a roomier two-door model and introducing the first four-door model with the Wrangler Unlimited. Key changes included a stiffer structure and more insulation for a quieter ride, although the Wrangler is still noisy compared to other SUVs. There was also the introduction of a four-door long-wheelbase variant known as the Wrangler Unlimited and more power under the hood.

At launch, the Wrangler JK came with a 202-horsepower V6 and available four-speed automatic. In 2012, Jeep upgraded the Wrangler with a new 285-hp V6 and a new five-speed automatic. Jeep also made four-wheel drive standard on all Wranglers for 2012.

Both the standard Wrangler and the larger Unlimited models came in three primary trims: the bare-bones Sport, midlevel Sahara, or off-road-ready Rubicon trim. Numerous packages and stand-alone options allow for extensive customization.