Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler at a glance

The Wrangler replaced the CJ series, which had been built in various forms for more than four decades. American Motors developed the YJ in the early 1980s; Chrysler took over AMC in 1987 and continued it, and today the Wrangler belongs to Stellantis. Its formula has barely changed: a ladder frame, live axles front and rear, a two-speed transfer case and a body that can be opened up. The brand's story is told in the history of Jeep, and the range, including the Jeep Cherokee, is in the Jeep catalogue.

First generation YJ (1987–1995)

Announced in February 1986 and introduced on 13 May 1986 as a 1987 model, the YJ was built first at Brampton, Canada, and then in Toledo. Its rectangular headlights upset traditionalists, but it sold well, from about 16,000 in the first year to about 93,000 by 1995. It used leaf springs with track bars and anti-roll bars, 2.5-litre four-cylinder and 4.0 and 4.2-litre six-cylinder engines, and a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. It is about 3.9 m long on a 2,373 mm wheelbase, with about 228 mm of ground clearance.

Second generation TJ (1997–2006)

The TJ, introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model, brought back round headlights and replaced the leaf springs with coil springs, which greatly improved ride comfort and axle articulation. Engines included 2.4 and 2.5-litre fours and the 4.0 straight-six, with a 5-speed and later 6-speed manual or a 3-speed and, from 2003, 4-speed automatic. Part-time Command-Trac 4WD was standard, and the Rubicon added locking differentials and a lower-geared transfer case. A long-wheelbase Unlimited, about 250 mm longer, followed in 2004.

Third generation JK (2007–2018)

The JK was a clean-sheet design built at Toledo from 2006. It introduced the four-door Wrangler Unlimited, with a wheelbase more than 500 mm longer, which by 2017 accounted for about three-quarters of sales. It offered power windows, remote locking, navigation and, on the Rubicon, an electronically disconnecting front anti-roll bar. From 2012 the 3.6 Pentastar V6 replaced the 3.8, producing about 209 kW (284 PS); Europe also had a 2.8 CRD diesel with 147 kW (200 PS) and 410 Nm. The JK has a ladder frame with closed box sections, five-link coil-sprung axles with a Panhard rod and a Dana 44 rear axle. Approach and departure angles of the two-door are 35° and 28°.

Fourth generation JL (2018 to today)

Design and body

Unveiled in Los Angeles in late November 2017, the JL keeps the seven-slot grille, round headlights and upright body but uses aluminium for the bonnet, doors, tailgate and windscreen frame to save weight. The windscreen now folds after removing four bolts instead of 28, the doors with full glass are still removable, and buyers can choose a soft top, a three-piece hard top or a power-folding fabric roof. LED lights are available, and the bumpers have removable end caps to clear large tyres.

Engines and gearboxes

Gearboxes are a 6-speed manual (in some markets) and an 8-speed automatic. The 4×4 systems include part-time Command-Trac with a 2.72:1 low range, Rock-Trac on the Rubicon with a lower crawl ratio and lockers, and Selec-Trac with a full-time mode.

JL interior and technology

The cabin is far better finished than in earlier Wranglers, with a redesigned dashboard, a 7-inch driver display (3.5 inches on base cars) and touchscreens of up to 8.4 inches with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which can also display off-road data such as pitch and roll angles. The front seats have lumbar adjustment, and push-button start is available. Visibility to the rear is limited by the head restraints and spare wheel, and rear legroom in the two-door is tight.

Safety

When Euro NCAP tested the JL in 2018 it received just one star, mainly because it lacked autonomous emergency braking, lane assistance and other driver aids; it had four airbags. The manufacturer announced standard AEB from 2019. Blind-spot monitoring and a reversing camera are offered.

Rivals: how the Wrangler compares

The Wrangler competes with the Land Rover Defender, Ford Bronco, Toyota Land Cruiser, Suzuki Jimny and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and with practical SUVs such as the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Its strengths are outstanding off-road ability, open-air driving and a huge accessory market; its weaknesses are on-road refinement, fuel consumption, a small boot in two-door form and a weak Euro NCAP score. The Wrangler-based Gladiator pickup has been built since 2019. More off-roaders are listed among 4x4 vehicles.