Jeep Wrangler

The Wrangler received a major revamp for the interior styling, welcoming more sleek and contemporary design features. The dashboard has the most noticeable changes with a now more balanced and straightforward design. The main changes involve the central controls which were rearranged to look more organized as well as provide better access for both the driver and front passenger. In addition to that, the air conditioning vents positioned in the center were leveled with the Uconnect 3 touchscreen display. The dashboard now also sports the same color as the vehicle’s body. Meanwhile, the steering wheel received an updated three-spoke wheel design that features a hollow vertical spoke on the bottom area as well as a leather covering for the entire thing.

This large off-road vehicle can accommodate up to five adult passengers. For the seats, all received leather-trimmed upholstery. The front seats also have a special heating feature. The rear bench seats include a head restraint and are both foldable and removable for flexible seating configurations when more space is needed. The vehicle also offers an automatic air conditioning control system as well as removable ashtray slots with a lighter. The steering wheel still includes multi-function controls for features such as speed control.

The Wrangler is outfitted with the Jeep’s fourth-generation touchscreen Uconnect system display which provides entertainment, navigation, as well as other essential convenience features. This includes Bluetooth connectivity, USB, AUX, FM/AM radio, a CD player, and a dedicated navigation system. Other interior features that can be found in the vehicle include power windows for the front and rear, automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, an engine start/stop button, electric folding mirrors, accessory power outlets, a central console armrest, a rear seat headrest, cup holders for both the driver and front passenger, keyless entry, and an on-board computer.

Comfort & Entertainment

The Wrangler cabin’s leather is comfortable enough for long drives while the new molded plastics on the dashboard are now more robust and inoffensive to the touch. The larger controls installed by Jeep also make them feel more accessible and easier to navigate. The central mounted fourth-generation Uconnect 3 infotainment system now has a larger display compared to previous versions and offers smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android, a user-configurable home menu screen, and factory navigation. The vehicle is also outfitted with convenience features such as automatic climate control, a heater, front cup holders, a center console armrest, and rear headrests.

The latest Wrangler may now have a sleeker and modern exterior, but it still offers the legendary hallmarks of a classic Jeep vehicle. Jeep retained the iconic seven-slot grille on the front fascia that is flanked by automatic headlamps and fog lamps. However, the grille slats do now have much sharper corners. The most notable changes on the fourth-generation model would have to be the bumper’s new fender-mounted indicator lights. The vehicle comes with either two or four full metal removable doors, diamond-patterned side steps, heavy-duty rock rails, deep-tinted rear and quarter glass, accent-colored fender flares. However, the main highlight would have to be the new forward-folding windshield which was specially designed to improve the off-roading experience.

Besides being a powerful off-roader, one of the unique features of the Wrangler is that it can also transform into a convertible. This is thanks to a premium sunrider which can be either soft or hard top depending on the variant. The fourth-generation Wrangler is available as a short-wheelbase 2-door (4-seater) and the long-wheelbase 4-door Unlimited (5-seater). The Wrangler Unlimited Sport variants still have the most muscled and larger bodies thanks to their bigger dimensions. For the wheels, the Wrangler off-roader sits on either a set of 16-inch to 18-inch aluminum wheels depending on the variant.

The Wrangler is definitely a versatile vehicle without all the fuss. While some may say the latest generation still looks a lot like the previous one, the new updates prove Jeep’s focus towards providing relevant ergonomic and performance enhancements. Though that doesn’t mean it’s completely compromised on design and the fourth-generation model proves that it’s definitely capable of exuding a premium and modern style. The vehicle comes in a variety of colors such as Punk’n Metallic, Firecracker Red, Ocean Blue Metallic, Billet Silver Metallic, Sting-Gray, Granite Crystal Metallic, Bright White, Black, Mojito!, Hellayella, and Bikini.

Passenger & Boot space

The Wrangler is capable of seating up to five adult passengers. Thanks to its large dimensions, be it the Rubicon or Unlimited Sport variant, both the driver and passengers can expect ample head, leg, and elbow room. Though some might feel that the layout is somewhat tighter compared to average medium-sized SUVs. The second row is broad enough for comfortable seating while the rear seats can are capable of folding flat for additional cargo capacity when going on off-road trips. The seats are also mounted high, giving all occupants a commanding view of the road. When in four-seat mode, the Wrangler four-door can provide 548 liters of luggage space.

One of the things that made the Wrangler so notorious in the off-roading segment is its ability to provide maximum comfort even on the roughest terrains. The vehicle is capable of traversing the most challenging of obstacles and environments with ease. As stated by enthusiasts themselves, “it practically drives itself.” The Rubicon variant boasts incredibly strong axles while the transfer case offers deep ratios for slower off-road crawling. Be it a muddy hillside or the open road, the Wrangler manages to deliver a powerful driving experience without always needing to resort to punching down on the accelerator every single time.

On the road or highway, drivers might be able to hear a tiny bit of road noise but nothing as bad as what other off-roaders are usually infamous for. The new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in particular has less noise while providing more miles per gallon. The vehicle’s tall suspension and two-tonne mass might be a bit challenging for those transitioning from traditional hatchback models. Since it already delivers a significant amount of power, drivers don’t need to exert too much effort when driving the Wrangler. The off-road-ready steering gearbox and power steering are excellent partners, especially when trying to get out of a deep rut during an off-road adventure.

Due to the Wrangler’s rugged personality, the body-on-frame construction is built using high-strength steel for maximum protection during off-road driving. For the performance suspension, Jeep included tunable valves as well as high-pressure monotube shocks to ensure a smooth driving experience. The car company retained both the original front and rear suspension which is equipped with a live axle.

Meanwhile, the rear brakes utilize discs. The Wrangler Rubicon has slightly smaller dimensions compared to the Wrangler Unlimited Sport. The Rubicon is 4,683 mm in length, 1,877 mm in width, 1,800 mm in height, and has a wheelbase measuring 2,946mm. On the other hand, the Unlimited Sport variant is 4,785 mm in length, 1,877 mm in width, 1,869 mm in height, and has a wheelbase measuring 2,947 mm.

The vehicle comes with two powertrain options. The Sport models now run using a 2.0-liter I4 DOHC DI Turbo eTorque engine that produces 268 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the original 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine can also be availed which generates 286 hp and 353 Nm of torque. Both can be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission which was swapped with the original 6-speed automatic transmission from previous generation models.

Fuel consumption

Despite its size and powerful engine, the Wrangler manages to deliver excellent fuel economy numbers compared to other off-road models. In light traffic, the vehicle’s on board computer registers 8 liters per 100 kilometers which is roughly 12.5 kilometers per liter. Even when idle in heavier traffic, the Wrangler pulls around 7.7 kilometers per liter. These figures are with the Unlimited Sport 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. When running on the V6, the fuel economy is around half of what the boosted 2.0-liter can achieve. The Rubicon consumes even less at around 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers.

The powerful off-roader is equipped with various safety features to ensure maximum protection, especially when dealing with harsh environments. The vehicle’s body construction is built with high-strength steel for protection against sudden impact. The Wrangler has a total of four airbags including a driver airbag and a front passenger airbag as well as other features including an anti-lock brake system with electronic stability control (ESC) and brake assist, an immobilizer, security alarm, vehicle stability control, a crash sensor, parking sensors traction control, hill start assist, rear seat belts, front impact beams, side impact beams, speed sensing door locks, a tyre pressure monitor, and engine check warning.

Is Jeep Wrangler a Good Car?

Jeep Wrangler Price Philippines 2022:

• Wrangler Sport 2.0-₱3,390,000
• Wrangler Unlimited Sport 2.0 4x4-₱3,590,000
• Wrangler Rubicon 2.0 4x4-₱4,090,000
• Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 2.0 4x4-₱4,490,000

The latest generation Wrangler received a large price increase after its release. The Unlimited Sport is currently priced at ₱3,590,000 which is almost double the 2016 Unlimited Sport’s ₱1,990,000. This is primarily due to the engineering overhaul for the new model. Buyers can expect to be paying more for the re-engineering than the features or appearance. Due to its price point, the Wrangler is more ideal for serious off-roaders.

Final Words

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most iconic vehicles on the market thanks to its impressive off-road capabilities and signature look. Besides its hallmark design and reputation for being a status symbol, it’s an incredibly practical vehicle and is capable of delivering a comfortable ride experience in any kind of terrain or environment.

The latest generation has definitely exceeded and defied expectations thanks to its new engineering while also managing to make it a friendlier vehicle to drive on the road. The Wrangler certainly offers a unique driving experience thanks to its versatility for cruising be it on the highway or against the harshest obstacles.