The Jeep Wrangler has been around since the 1950s and has retained the rugged appeal it has been known for. And although its iconic design has stood the test of time, the vehicle hasn’t exactly been a hit with the UK market. Customers consider first the incredible price and the too thirsty engines. There’s also the inconvenience of just three doors in this model. Thankfully the company has caught on; the latest Wrangler model includes two-door configuration, a four-door Unlimited that’s the first to feature sport rear doors, and a traditional short wheelbase. The four-door model is still able to retain the same classic design but offers more features in terms of off-road performance.

Pros

The Jeep Wrangler comes with two engines: a 2.8-litre turbodiesel at 197bhp and 339lb ft and a 3.6-litre V6 Petrol at 256lb ft and 280 bhp. The former is known for pulling well and comes with a five-speed automatic. The 2.8-litre unit can also cover the 62mph sprint in just 10.6 seconds; its top speed is at 107mph. The turbodiesel is a good choice for off road conditions but tends to be heavy for everyday driving. The latter, however, is more refined and a better bet for a higher performance.

Obviously meant for off-road conditions, the Wrangler is able to drive through sudden descents and difficult inclines. Drivers won’t face any particular challenges when having to drive through particularly tough terrains. But since the Wrangler was built only for this purpose, it doesn’t perform as well on regular road conditions.

The Jeep Wrangler comes in three trim levels. The mid-level Overland trim and base spec Sahara come with the 2.8-litre diesel unit, while one can get the 3.6-litre V6 petrol with any of these trims. All models include anti-roll mitigation to prevent the vehicle from toppling over and four airbags for extra safety. The entry-level Sahara trim includes wind-up windows, side steps, automatic headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a removable hard top. The five-door Saharas also include a driver’s seat height adjustment, air conditioning, and reclining front seats.

Cons

The Wrangler fails to deliver on regular roadways, making it only appropriate for difficult terrains and not much else. The entry-level Sport model tends to be wieldy when taken around town and tends to be unstable at certain speeds. You’ll have to get used to the steering that tends to be unpredictable; expect to put in the extra effort more often than expected. Brakes also offer very little feedback and depend on the rate at which you brake. The overall ride offers little comfort as it tends to crash over small bumps and lumps along the road.

Despite the Wrangler’s frame, it offers little space in its interior. There’s little leg and shoulder room for the driver and front seat passenger. The floor isn’t flat and sloped so expect even your feet to experience discomfort on the road. Wind, engine, and road noise are also heard throughout the journey. The ride isn’t comfortable at all so passengers won’t be enjoying long journeys in the Wrangler. 

The Jeep Wrangler is one of American automaker Chrysler’s most popular vehicles to date. Iconic and popular among off-roaders, the Wrangler has already gone through four generations in production. The Wrangler brand has also been handled by various auto manufacturers, including American Motors Corporation, Arab American Vehicles of Egypt and the Iranian auto manufacturer Pars Khodro.

The Wrangler was first introduced in1987 as a four-wheel drive compact SUV and convertible with emphasis on its off-road capabilities. It was designed after the World War II Willys CJ Jeeps.

The first Wrangler was the YJ which was marketed from 1987 to 1995, replacing the CJ jeeps in the segment. Slight changes were made to the YJ’s look, engine and transmissions between the years 1992 to 1996.

The TJ replaced the YJ in 1997, which reintroduced the round headlamps made famous by the original CJ. Various interior and exterior changes were made throughout the production of this version, most prominent of which include updates to the suspension system and engines.

In 2004, the TJ Wrangler Unlimited was announced. This version had a bigger wheelbase than its predecessors. The present JK version introduced in 2007 is a complete restyling of the previous generations. A longer JK Wrangler Unlimited was also introduced in 2007.