While the 2-door model is beloved by many enthusiasts, potential buyers often have questions about its cargo space.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the trunk space of the 2-door Jeep Wrangler, providing official measurements, comparisons to other vehicles, and real-world examples to help you understand the practical implications of its cargo capacity.
Quick Answer Section
The 2-door Jeep Wrangler provides 12.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats upright and 31.7 cubic feet with them folded down. While relatively small for a compact SUV, this is a trade-off for the classic two-door design. The unusually shaped cargo area may limit the types of items that can be easily accommodated.s.
Cargo Space Measurements
The official cargo space measurements for the 2-door Jeep Wrangler are as follows:
| Configuration | Cargo Space (cubic feet) |
|---|---|
| Rear seats upright | 12.9 |
| Rear seats folded down | 31.7 |
While these numbers provide a general idea of the available space, they don’t tell the whole story. The shape of the cargo area and the presence of intrusive elements like door latches and roof pillars can impact the usability of the space.
Real-World Dimensions
To better understand what these cubic feet measurements mean in practice, let’s look at the actual dimensions of the cargo area in inches, as provided by a YouTube video:
- Rear door opening height: 36 inches
- Width at lower portion: 41 inches
- Width at upper portion: 43.5 inches (slightly limited by struts that hold the glass up)
- Maximum height inside (at roofline): 42 inches
- Height closer to rear seats: 36 inches
- Length from back door to top of upright rear seats:
- At bottom: 36 inches
- At top (due to seat angle): 29 inches
- Length from back door to folded-down front seat: 65 inches
These dimensions suggest that while the 2-door Wrangler can accommodate some luggage and gear, space is limited, especially with the rear seats in the upright position. The angled rear seats and intrusive elements in the cargo area may make it challenging to fit larger, boxier items.
Comparison to Other Compact SUVs
To put the 2-door Jeep Wrangler’s cargo space into perspective, let’s compare it to some other popular compact SUVs:
| Vehicle | Cargo Space (cubic feet) |
|---|---|
| 2-door Jeep Wrangler | 12.9 / 31.7 |
| Honda CR-V | 39.2 / 75.8 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 37.6 / 69.8 |
| Ford Escape | 37.5 / 65.4 |
As you can see, the 2-door Wrangler’s cargo space is significantly smaller than that of other compact SUVs, both with the rear seats up and down. However, it’s important to remember that the Wrangler’s unique design and off-road capabilities are its main selling points, and the smaller cargo area is a trade-off for these features.
Maximizing Cargo Space
Despite the limited cargo space in the 2-door Jeep Wrangler, there are several ways to maximize the available space and make the most of your vehicle’s storage capabilities.
Folding the Rear Seats
The most obvious way to increase cargo space in the 2-door Wrangler is to fold down the rear seats. This nearly triples the available space, from 12.9 cubic feet to 31.7 cubic feet. When folded, the rear seats create a flat, extended load floor that can accommodate larger items.
Roof Racks and Cargo Carriers
For those who frequently need to transport larger items or extra gear, investing in a roof rack or cargo carrier can be a smart solution. Jeep offers a variety of official accessories designed specifically for the Wrangler, including:
- Hard-shell roof-top cargo carriers
- Soft-sided roof-top cargo bags
- Bike racks
- Kayak carriers
- Ski and snowboard racks
These accessories allow you to store additional items on the roof of your Wrangler, freeing up valuable space inside the vehicle.
Rear Seat Organizers
When using the rear seats for passengers, rear seat organizers can help make the most of the limited space. These organizers typically attach to the back of the front seats and provide pockets and compartments for storing smaller items like maps, snacks, and personal devices.
Trailer Hitches and Towing
For those who need to transport even larger items, the 2-door Jeep Wrangler can be equipped with a trailer hitch. When properly equipped, the Wrangler can tow up to 2,000 pounds, which opens up the possibility of using small trailers or cargo carriers for additional storage space.
Real-World Experiences
To get a better understanding of how the 2-door Jeep Wrangler’s cargo space performs in real-world situations, we reached out to several owners for their insights and experiences.
“I’ve had my 2-door Wrangler for about a year now, and I’ve learned to pack smart. It’s not the most spacious SUV out there, but with some strategic planning, I can fit everything I need for a weekend camping trip. The key is to use soft-sided bags and take advantage of every nook and cranny.”
– John D., Colorado Springs, CO
“As a photographer, I often need to transport a lot of gear to shoots. I’ve found that the 2-door Wrangler’s cargo space is sufficient for my needs, but I did invest in a roof rack for those times when I need to carry extra equipment. It’s a bit of a climb to get things up there, but it’s worth it for the added storage.”
– Sarah P., Portland, OR
“I love my 2-door Wrangler, but I’ll admit that the cargo space can be a bit challenging at times. I’ve learned to pack light and prioritize what I really need. For longer trips or when I’m traveling with friends, I often end up using a small trailer for extra storage.”
– Mike R., San Diego, CA
These experiences highlight the importance of realistic expectations and creative problem-solving when it comes to managing cargo space in the 2-door Jeep Wrangler.
Conclusion
The 2-door Jeep Wrangler’s cargo space is undeniably smaller than that of other compact SUVs, with 12.9 cubic feet available with the rear seats up and 31.7 cubic feet with them folded down. The unusually shaped cargo area and intrusive elements like door latches and roof pillars can further limit the usability of the space.
However, for many Wrangler owners, the trade-off in cargo space is worth it for the vehicle’s iconic design, off-road capabilities, and unique driving experience. By folding the rear seats, utilizing roof racks and cargo carriers, and employing smart packing strategies, it is possible to make the most of the available space and enjoy all that the 2-door Jeep Wrangler has to offer.
