It's been 34 years since Jeep first introduced the Wrangler, and it's still going. It's a popular pick for many that like to mod their Jeeps to be "pavement pussies". Many know these Jeeps are not made of plastic, they've used Jeeps in the Army since the 1940s. Now in it's fifth generation, the Wrangler JL has been tweaked with new styling, new technology, as well as improved on-road and off-road manners.
Obviously, nothing looks like its drastically changed from the outgoing JK Wrangler, am I right? That's where you are wrong. It doesn't look much different, but there's a lot that is changed. The Wrangler is totally redesigned, but still has its characteristic Jeep face. LED headlights are a part of an option package but they are only available on the higher trims. Its a shame they aren't standard. The grille is also redesigned, with a slight upward curve instead of the flat face of the JK. Purposeful and functional is the entire theme of this Wrangler.
Available in 2 and 4-door configurations (the latter being called JLU), the Wrangler measures in at 167 and 188 inches long, with wheelbases at 97 and 118 respectively. Two things Jeep changed. One is the fake vent in behind the fender. That's fake, but Jeep says that it cut down a lot on the hood flapping issues the JK Wrangler owners were having. Second, the windshield is more raked than the JK. Jeep says the windshield was raked a couple degrees back for improved aerodynamics. On Rubicon trims, the front fenders get moved upward to accommodate 33-inch tires. Jeep even says you can fit up to 37-inch tires without making modifications.
Around back of the Wrangler, there's not really too much different back here either. It still requires you to open the side-hinged gate and the upper glass to get back into the cargo area, and you still have that spare tire mounted on the back. The taillights are new, and again are available as an option package on higher trims. Boo, hoo! Also, they stick out a bit past the body because Jeep added blind spot monitoring for the first time to the Wrangler.
The biggest change of the JL Wrangler is the interior. It's all-new with improved materials, technology, and comfort.
Manual front seats are standard on all Wranglers. I'd like power seats, but people like to take their Jeeps off road, so they don't want to have a ton of electronics get shorted out and potentially start a fire if they get all muddy. Jeep also notes that the interior is 100% waterproof, so if you go out and have a little too much fun in the dirt and get your interior completely drenched in mud, you can just hose it down and not have to worry about any electronics dying in the process.
The Wrangler is once again offered in a 2-door and 4-door configuration, but for sure the 4-door is going to be the one that sells the most. Honestly, I'm not sure why people buy the 2-door Wranglers, as I have probably only seen as many as I can count the fingers on one of my hands.
Front seat comfort is reserved until after filming the review.
Rear seat comfort is reserved until after filming the review.
The Wrangler is still true to its roots, with it's main focus being an off-road king, so advanced safety technology does come short compared to rivals, and the Gladiator is no different.
For 2020, Jeep promised that automatic emergency braking would be available on the Wrangler. There's multiple safety packages available, as listed below.
Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection
ParkSense Rear Park-Assist System
Advanced Brake Assist (it is not AEB!)
Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop
I will post driving impressions of the Wrangler when I review it.
The Wrangler has almost every single powertrain option you can think of. They have a naturally-aspirated V6, a turbocharged I4, and a turbodiesel V6. FCA is developing a plug-in hybrid version of the Wrangler and they say it IS coming, but don't expect a full electric powertrain to make it's way into the Wrangler any time soon. Manual fans rejoice, a manual transmission is still offered!
The base engine in the Wrangler is a carryover 3.6L Pentastar V6 that makes 285 horsepower and 260 lb/ft of torque. It's also available with a 6-speed manual or a brand-new 8-speed ZF automatic.
The middle engine in the lineup is all-new and never before seen in a Wrangler. It is a 2.0L turbocharged I4 making an impressive 270 horsepower and 295 lb/ft of torque. It is only available with the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. We sampled this engine in a Sahara trim and found that it was (reserved). In addition, the 2.0L is the only engine to get eTorque, a 48V mild-hybrid assistance system. It can provide up to 22 horsepower and 71 lb/ft of torque to give you a little boost off the line, in addition to smoothing out the automatic start-stop system. Jeep also says that you can also just let off the brake and the electric component will help you crawl, very useful when off-roading.
Most recently, FCA brought out their second-generation 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, and it will find its way into the Gladiator and Wrangler for amazing low-end torque, strong fuel economy, and stout towing power. The 3.0L turbodiesel V6 makes a modest 260 horsepower and a rich 442 lb/ft of torque, hooked up to only an 8-speed automatic.
Every Wrangler can tow a maximum of 3,500 pounds. I thought the diesel option would increase the towing capacity of the Wrangler, but it doesn't, and that makes me sigh a little. If they increased the towing capacity, it could be a way for more people to buy the diesel if they want a strong towing SUV that can also climb its way up rocks and boulders, but 3,500 pounds is still very strong for an SUV that loves life off the pavement.
2.0L turbocharged I4 w/ Engine Start-Stop and 48V mild-hybrid system
Reviewing this weekend!
Coming soon.