The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-road SUV that has been around for decades. With its rugged design, impressive off-road capabilities, and open-air driving experience, the Wrangler appeals to adventurous drivers who want to take on the toughest terrains.
However, the Wrangler does have some drawbacks that should be considered before purchasing. In this comprehensive review, we will examine the Jeep Wrangler’s pros and cons so you can determine if it’s the right vehicle for your needs.
Jeep Wrangler’s Off-Road Performance
Pro: Exceptional Off-Road Capabilities
Without a doubt, one of the biggest advantages of the Jeep Wrangler is its off-road performance. The Wrangler is engineered to handle tough terrain and challenging conditions. Key features that enable its impressive off-road abilities include:
- Solid front and rear axles for superior articulation over obstacles
- High ground clearance (up to 10.8 inches) to clear rocks, ruts, and other impediments
- Four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing for maximized traction
- Heavy-duty Dana axles front and rear
- Protective skid plates to shield vital components from damage
- Steep approach, breakover, and departure angles allowing the Wrangler to climb hills and clear crests
With these capabilities, the Wrangler can traverse muddy trails, rivers, steep inclines, and rocky terrain that would stop most other vehicles in their tracks. For those who take their off-roading seriously, the Wrangler is hard to beat.
Related: Jeep Wrangler Ground Clearance
Con: On-Road Handling and Comfort
The flip side of the Wrangler’s off-road mastery is that it doesn’t have the most refined on-road manners. The solid axles and off-road suspension that enable it to flex and articulate so well off-road also mean a rougher ride on pavement. Compared to other SUVs, the Wrangler transmits more road bumps and vibration to passengers. The ride quality can be especially jarring on broken or uneven surfaces.
The Wrangler’s high center of gravity and boxy shape also make it more prone to body roll in turns than some other SUVs. And while aerodynamic improvements have been made in recent years, the Wrangler is still impacted by wind noise at highway speeds.
For all-around daily driving and commuting, the Wrangler lags behind crossover SUVs designed primarily for on-road use. If you do a lot of highway driving, the Wrangler’s lack of refinement may start to wear on you.
Pro: Ability to Customize and Upgrade
One of the Wrangler’s biggest strengths is how easily it can be customized and upgraded for specialized off-road use. There is a massive aftermarket parts catalogue available from which Wrangler owners can build their ideal off-roader. Some popular upgrades include:
- Lift kits to increase ground clearance
- Bigger, more aggressive tires for traction
- Enhanced skid plates, bumpers, winches and other protection
- Performance modifications like re-gearing differentials
- Suspension upgrades for greater wheel travel
- Additional exterior lights for off-road visibility
- Interior storage solutions and other accessories
With the right upgrades, you can transform a stock Wrangler into a highly capable rock crawler, overlanding rig, or whatever flavor of custom off-roader you have in mind. The options are nearly endless thanks to the Wrangler’s popularity in the off-road community.
Jeep Wrangler Design and Styling
Pro: Iconic, Rugged Design
One of the Wrangler’s biggest appeals is its iconic design language. The modern Wrangler carries forward styling cues that have defined Jeep models since World War II, including:
- Seven vertical grille slots
- Round headlights
- Square-edged wheel flares
- Folding windshield
- Removable doors and roof panels
The Wrangler stakes its claim as the legitimate heir to the original military Jeep. It has an unmistakable look that stands out from the crossover crowd. For traditionalists who appreciate heritage over flash, the Wrangler nails the classic Jeep aesthetic.
Con: Barebones Interior
The Wrangler’s exterior may be macho and stylish, but its interior is far more basic and utilitarian. You won’t find the same premium features and plush detailing offered in other SUVs at this price point. Hard plastic surfaces dominate the cabin.
Comfort and convenience amenities are also lacking compared to on-road rivals. There’s minimal sound insulation, so the cabin is noisy at speed. Seat comfort falls short of the best in class. And tech features don’t match up to the latest infotainment and driver aids available.
The simple, barebones interior matches the Wrangler’s rugged personality but fails to provide a pampered driving experience. For buyers who want more luxury, the interior falls a bit flat.
Pro: Open Air Freedom
For driving excitement, few vehicles can match the Wrangler’s available open-air configurations. Both two and four-door models offer a standard Sunrider soft top that folds back for an open-cockpit feel. Higher trims offer more premium soft, hardtop, and hybrid roof choices. And of course, the doors can be removed for the ultimate al fresco adventure.
Driving the Wrangler with the top down lets you fully experience the great outdoors. The open-air freedom adds to the fun, especially on backroads or the trail. It’s a liberating feeling you can only get in a true convertible like the Wrangler.
Jeep Wrangler Powertrain Options
Pro: Capable V6 and Turbo 4-Cylinder Engines
The Wrangler offers two compelling engine choices: a 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder.
The V6 puts out a healthy 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This muscular engine provides strong acceleration and easily handles the Wrangler’s weight. There’s plenty of power for highway merging, passing, and towing up to 3,500 pounds.
For even more performance, the turbo-four generates 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The increased torque lands lower in the rev band, so the turbo feels punchier off the line. Fuel economy is also better with this engine.
Both engines are mated to either a 6-speed manual or smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic. With two great engine options, the Wrangler offers a nice blend of power and efficiency.
Con: Mediocre Fuel Economy
Given its brick-like aerodynamics and hefty curb weight, the Wrangler will never be a mileage champion. Expect fuel economy to be mediocre at best.
EPA estimates for the V6 with auto transmission come in at:
- 17 mpg city
- 25 mpg highway
- 20 mpg combined
The turbo-four does slightly better:
- 21 mpg city
- 24 mpg highway
- 22 mpg combined
These numbers are quite a bit lower than what you’ll see from car-based crossovers. Count on making frequent gas station stops with the Wrangler, especially if you do a lot of off-roading and towing. Poor fuel economy is one trade-off for its capabilities.
Jeep Wrangler Safety and Technology
Pro: Good Standard Safety Features
The Wrangler provides a decent array of standard safety equipment:
- Electronic stability control
- Traction control
- Hill start assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross path detection
- LED tail lights
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Parkview backup camera
Available active safety features include:
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Automatic high beams
The Wrangler also performs well in crash testing, earning a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS (with LED headlights). For an off-road SUV, the Wrangler offers good protection.
Related: 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Configurations
Con: Outdated Infotainment System
One area where the Wrangler lags behind is infotainment technology. The standard Uconnect system has a small 5-inch screen, low resolution, and dated graphics. Even the optional 8.4-inch Uconnect system lacks the sharpness and functionality seen in newer SUVs.
Smartphone integration is also hit-or-miss. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto still aren’t offered. The voice controls and interface aren’t as polished as rivals either. And there are no high-tech features like digital gauges or head-up display.
The Wrangler’s infotainment feels dated compared to the latest systems. Given its price tag, the tech offerings are disappointing.
Pro: Useful Off-Road Technology
While it’s weak on creature comfort tech, one area where the Wrangler excels is off-road technology. It offers a range of advanced systems tailored for the trail:
- Selec-Trac and Rock-Trac 4WD systems with full-time 4WD capability
- Tru-Lok locking differentials to maximize traction
- Off-road pages with data like wheel articulation and drivetrain temperature
- Hill descent control for steep downhill maneuvers
- Heavy-duty electrical components protected against water/debris
This purpose-built technology gives Wrangler owners an edge over tough terrain. The off-road tech works seamlessly together to expand the Wrangler’s capabilities beyond what the average driver needs.
Jeep Wrangler Interior Space and Cargo Capacity
Pro: Roomy Seating for Passengers
One strength of the four-door Wrangler Unlimited is its roomy interior. There is ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats to accommodate adults. The front seats also offer sufficient space for larger frames.
Getting in and out is easier than in the prior generation, thanks to larger door openings and lowered beltlines. Overall, passenger room is a highlight in the four-door Unlimited models.
Con: Less Cargo Space Than Rivals
Cargo capacity is a weak point, especially in two-door models. With the rear seats up, you only get 12.9 cubic feet of storage. The Unlimited has 31.7 cubic feet, which lags behind competitors offering 40+ cubic feet.
The two-door models also have a prohibitively small rear cargo area. And even in Unlimited models, the cargo floor is higher and liftover height larger than ideal.
For outdoor gear, luggage, and other hauling needs, the Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee SUVs offer more usable space. Cargo utility is limited in the Wrangler.
Jeep Wrangler Ownership Costs
Pro: Strong Resale Value
A major advantage of the Wrangler is that it holds its value incredibly well. According to Kelly Blue Book, the Wrangler has better resale value than other SUVs by a significant margin. After 5 years of ownership, it retains around 50% of its original price.
The combination of the Jeep brand appeal and Wrangler’s iconic status make it highly sought after in the used market. Strong demand allows owners to recoup more money when it comes time to sell.
Con: Expensive to Insure
On the downside, Wrangler insurance costs tend to be high. As an off-road vehicle, insurers classify it as high-risk compared to mainstream crossovers. Removing the doors and roof also increases your premiums.
Expect to pay around 15-30% above average for Wrangler insurance coverage. And collision repairs can be expensive with its body-on-frame construction. Make sure to get quotes before buying to understand potential insurance costs.
Con: Above Average Maintenance Costs
The Wrangler’s simple design and rugged components are durable. But since it’s built for off-roading, certain service costs are higher. Frequent suspension, steering, and driveline component replacements should be expected along with wear items like brakes.
Tires also wear more quickly, both from off-road use and the Wrangler’s weight. And its complex removable roof adds unique servicing costs as well over time. Factor in above average maintenance fees.
Jeep Wrangler: Who It’s For
The Wrangler’s strengths make it best suited for certain buyers:
- Off-roading aficionados – The Wrangler is designed first and foremost for serious off-road use. It excels beyond any other production 4×4 for extreme trails.
- Outdoor adventurers – The open-air design and ruggedness let you explore the outdoors with confidence. It’s perfect for camping, hiking, and backcountry trips.
- Jeep traditionalists – Loyal fans who love the distinctive Wrangler look and heritage will appreciate its pedigree.
- Second vehicle owners – Many use the Wrangler as a weekender and complement it with a more comfortable daily driver.
Alternatives to Consider
The Wrangler isn’t ideal for everyone. Those needing more refinement, seating capacity, towing ability or fuel efficiency may want to look at:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee – Much nicer interior with better road manners and technology. A good choice if you still want Jeep 4×4 capability.
- Toyota 4Runner – Toyota’s body-on-frame SUV alternative with renowned reliability and available off-road packages.
- Ford Bronco – Similar concept and capabilities to the Wrangler in Ford’s retro-styled new Bronco. A highly customizable 4×4.
- Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 – For serious off-roading, this small pickup has impressive credentials thanks to front and rear locking differentials.
- Toyota Highlander – A top-rated crossover SUV with a luxury interior, lots of room, and high predicted reliability.
Jeep Wrangler: Pros vs Cons
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Conclusion
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most unique and capable 4x4s you can buy. Its legendary off-road performance is second-to-none. The iconic Wrangler design oozes personality. And open-air fans will love its available roof and door removal.
However, there are some significant downsides like its unrefined on-road manners, mediocre fuel economy, dated interior tech and limited cargo space. As a specialized off-roader, the Wrangler also has higher ownership costs.
For hardcore off-roaders, adventure-seekers and Wrangler purists, the pros easily outweigh the cons. But other buyers needing a more well-rounded SUV may be happier looking at alternatives like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner or Ford Bronco.
