Jeep Wrangler as a Family Car: The Ultimate Guide

The Jeep Wrangler has long been an icon of rugged adventure, but can this off-road warrior also serve as a practical family vehicle?

As someone who’s owned multiple Wranglers over the years and raised two kids along the way, I’ve experienced firsthand the joys and challenges of using a Wrangler as a daily family hauler.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of choosing a Wrangler as your family car, examining key factors like safety, comfort, practicality, and fun factor.

The Wrangler’s Family-Friendly Evolution

While early Wranglers were decidedly spartan, the current JL generation (2018-present) has made significant strides in refinement and family-friendliness. Key improvements include:

• More interior space, especially in 4-door Unlimited models
• Easier-to-use removable tops
• Improved on-road ride quality and handling
• More advanced safety and convenience features
• Wider range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid

That said, the Wrangler remains a purpose-built off-roader at heart. Let’s dive deeper into how it fares as a family vehicle across several key categories.

Comfort and Ride Quality

Comfort has never been the Wrangler’s strong suit, but the latest generation has made noticeable strides:

On-Road Manners

• Improved suspension tuning for a smoother ride
• Less wind noise (though still more than typical SUVs)
• Better steering feel and on-center stability

Seating

• More supportive seats with better padding
• Increased legroom, especially in 4-door models
• Optional heated seats and steering wheel

Climate Control

• More powerful HVAC system
• Available dual-zone automatic climate control

That said, the Wrangler still can’t match the plush ride of a unibody crossover. Long highway trips can be tiring, especially with the standard soft top.

Practicality for Family Use

How well does the Wrangler handle day-to-day family duties? Let’s break it down:

Cargo Space

• 2-door: 31.7 cubic feet behind rear seats, 72.4 cu ft max
•  4-door: 31.7 cubic feet behind rear seats, 72.4 cu ft max

The 4-door Unlimited offers comparable cargo space to midsize crossovers, but the boxy shape can make loading awkward items challenging.

Car Seat Installation

• LATCH anchors in outboard rear seats
• Tether anchors for all rear seating positions
• High step-in height can make loading kids challenging

Ease of Entry/Exit

• Tall ride height requires a big step up
• Grab handles help, but can be a struggle for smaller kids or older adults
• Removable doors are fun but impractical for daily use with children

Visibility

• Large windows and high seating position offer good forward visibility
• Spare tire on tailgate creates significant rear blind spot

Safety: A Mixed Bag

Safety is understandably a top priority for family buyers. The Wrangler presents some unique considerations in this area:

Crash Test Performance

The Wrangler has historically struggled in crash tests, partly due to its removable doors and roof. The current JL generation has made improvements, but still lags behind many crossover SUVs:

• IIHS ratings: Marginal for small overlap front crash test, Good for other crashworthiness tests
• NHTSA ratings: 4 stars overall (out of 5)

Rollover Risk

The Wrangler’s high center of gravity increases rollover risk compared to lower-riding vehicles. This is especially true for lifted Wranglers with oversized tires.

Advanced Safety Features

Higher trim Wranglers now offer modern driver assistance features like:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Forward collision warning
• Adaptive cruise control

However, many of these are optional extras not available on base models.

Off-Road Capability as a Safety Asset

While not reflected in crash tests, the Wrangler’s go-anywhere capability can be a real safety asset in severe weather or emergency situations. I’ve personally used my Wrangler to safely navigate flooded roads and heavy snowfall that stranded other vehicles.

Fun Factor and Lifestyle Fit

This is where the Wrangler truly shines as a family vehicle. Few cars can match its ability to create lasting memories and foster a sense of adventure:

Convertible Experience

• Removable roof panels for open-air driving
• Full soft top or hardtop removal for the ultimate outdoor experience

Off-Road Adventures

• Unmatched off-road capability opens up new family destinations
• Trail-rated models can tackle serious obstacles

Customization

• Vast aftermarket allows you to personalize your Wrangler
• Kids love being involved in choosing upgrades and accessories

Community

• Strong Jeep owner community provides a sense of belonging
• Local Jeep clubs often organize family-friendly events and trail rides

Powertrain Options for Families

The current Wrangler offers a wide range of engines to suit different family needs:

For most families, the standard V6 or 2.0L turbo offer a good balance of power and efficiency. The 4xe plug-in hybrid is intriguing for its ability to handle short commutes on electric power alone.

Real-World Family Experiences

To provide a broader perspective, I reached out to several Wrangler-owning families to share their experiences:

The Good

• “Our kids absolutely love the Jeep. Taking the top off on summer weekends is always a highlight.” – Sarah M., mother of two
• “The 4-door has plenty of space for our family of four plus our dog. We use it for everything from school runs to camping trips.” – Mike L., father of two
• “It’s been great in the snow. I feel much safer driving the kids to school in bad weather.” – Emily R., mother of three

The Challenges

• “The fuel economy isn’t great, especially with a lift and bigger tires. It’s our weekend car now.” – John D., father of one
•  “Getting our toddler into the car seat can be a workout. We’re thinking of adding running boards.” – Lisa T., mother of two
• “Highway trips over 2 hours get tiring. The road noise makes it hard to talk to the kids in back.” – Mark S., father of three

Tips for Making a Wrangler Work for Your Family

If you’re set on a Wrangler as your family vehicle, here are some tips to maximize its practicality:

• Opt for the 4-door Unlimited model for more interior space
• Consider aftermarket steps or running boards for easier entry/exit
• Invest in a quality hardtop for better noise insulation on long trips
• Use a rooftop cargo carrier or hitch-mounted cargo box for extra storage on trips
• Take advantage of the fold-flat rear seats for large cargo items
• Install all-weather floor mats to protect against inevitable messes
•  Use the optional tow package for family toys like small boats or camper
• Alternatives to Consider

If you love the Wrangler’s rugged style but need more family-friendly features, consider these alternatives:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee: More refined on-road manners with good off-road capability
• Ford Bronco: Similar open-air experience with more modern amenities
• Toyota 4Runner: Legendary reliability with better on-road comfort

The Verdict: A Unique Family Choice

The Jeep Wrangler isn’t the most practical or comfortable choice for a family vehicle, but it offers an unmatched sense of adventure and fun that can create lasting memories. It’s best suited for families who:

• Prioritize off-road capability and outdoor lifestyle
• Don’t mind sacrificing some comfort for character
• Have another vehicle for long highway trips
• Want to stand out from the sea of crossovers in the school pickup line

Ultimately, choosing a Wrangler as your family car requires embracing its quirks and compromises. But for the right family, the tradeoffs are more than worth it for the unique experiences and joy it can bring to everyday life.

Remember, the best family car is the one that fits your specific needs and lifestyle. Take multiple test drives, bring the whole family along, and carefully consider how the Wrangler will fit into your daily routines before making a decision.