Vehicles don't come much more iconic than the Jeep Wrangler. Throughout the decades, the Wrangler has lost none of its rugged appeal or capabilities, but thanks to modern in-car tech it's more user-friendly than ever. And with two body styles, a multitude of powertrains to choose from, including a plug-in hybrid, and loads of available options, the Wrangler can be tailored to just about any adventure. While Jeep is unlikely to mess with the Wrangler for 2025, there are rumors of an upgrade coming to the 4xe plug-in hybrid version of the Wrangler. We think it might mean an increase in all-electric range, but only time will tell.
The Wrangler has been the go-to for off-road enthusiasts since, well, forever and the newest generation happily carries on that tradition. Even in its relatively basic trim levels, the Wrangler has a surprising amount of off-road prowess. Add on packages for beefier axles, uprated shocks and locking differentials, and you've got some formidable and proven hardware at your disposal. And everything from the low and narrow hood to the placement of interior controls has been refined over the years to make the quintessential Jeep even easier to drive off-road.
There really is only one Jeep, but Ford's Bronco does a pretty good impression. Equally as rugged, better to drive on the pavement, and offering its fair share of trim levels and options for buyers, the Bronco is the closest and toughest competitor to the Wrangler. If you want something with a non-detachable roof over your head, the Toyota 4Runner offers nearly the same go-anywhere capability as the Jeep so long as you get the most expensive off-road packages. Read on below to see why we love the Wrangler's off-road capability so much and get a comprehensive overview of the SUV.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Wrangler is a tried-and-true Jeep, which means it prioritizes off-road performance and top-off fun above on-road comfort. If you're a fan of the Jeep formula and are primarily focused on enjoying yourself when the pavement runs out, there simply isn't a better tool for the job.
Rated for you by America's best test team.How does the Wrangler drive? The Wrangler prioritizes off-road capability, and that's why so many love it. Off-road capability is particularly impressive with the Rubicon trim. Our test Wrangler even had the optional Xtreme off-road package that includes meaty 37-inch tires and extra ground clearance. Whether you're on a rocky trail or heading out on sand dunes, there's very little this SUV can't handle. The on-road experience is a different story, however. The Wrangler's steering is vague and often requires constant adjustments on the highway to keep the vehicle going within its lane. Acceleration is lackadaisical with the V6 engine, and emergency stopping distances are long.
How comfortable is the Wrangler? One upside of driving the Wrangler on the street is that its off-road suspension and tires absorb ruts, bumps and potholes with ease. The ride is firm but ultimately you can just cruise around town with little concern about what you're driving over. Beyond that, however, the Wrangler does little to make daily driving comfortable. The front seats are flat and firm and don't support you much. Long drives can get tiresome, especially because of the Wrangler's infamous cacophony of wind noise and tire roar.
How’s the interior? The Wrangler sits high off the ground. Because of that, shorter drivers will likely have to rely on the pillar-mounted grab handle to get in. Once inside, you'll notice the narrow cabin and close proximity of the upright windshield. In contrast, the Ford Bronco's cabin is noticeably more spacious. But we do like the Wrangler's commanding driving position and easy-to-use controls.
How’s the tech? The Wrangler's big center touchscreen is easy to see in all lighting conditions and responds quickly to your touches. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, and there are plenty of off-road apps to make your experience on the trails even more delightful. But the Wrangler falters when it comes to advanced driver assist systems. Jeep offers the basics, such as blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control, but these are optional for nearly every Wrangler trim level.
How’s the storage? The Jeep's narrow body is an advantage on tight trails, but it does limit ultimate cargo capacity. There's a decent amount of cargo space — the Wrangler's boxy shape is a definite bonus — but the Ford Bronco ultimately offers a bit more. Up front, there aren't many places to store small items, and the door pockets are nothing more than shallow nets. Child safety seats are easy to fit in the four-door Unlimited so long as they're not too bulky — you might have to move the front seat forward to fit a rear-facing seat. The Wrangler can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and can be flat-towed behind a motorhome.
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates that the four-door Wrangler will get up to 20 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's for both the V6 and four-cylinder engine with the automatic transmission. Versions such as the Rubicon drop down to about 17 mpg. In general, the Wrangler's fuel economy is on par with the figures for other off-road SUVs such as the Ford Bronco. We've found the EPA's estimates to be realistic in our own real-world testing.
Is the Wrangler a good value? Part of the appeal of the Wrangler is its wide price range. From a stripped-down Wrangler Sport to a loaded Rubicon 392, odds are you'll find a Wrangler that fits your budget. Overall, we think you're getting your money's worth. Much of the switchgear looks distinct and is satisfying to use, and the dash and seat materials are attractive and have a good tactile feel. Jeep's warranty coverage is average.
There are very few vehicles like the Wrangler on the road. The Bronco, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and, to a lesser extent, the Land Rover Defender all occupy this segment in some form or another, but none defines it quite like the Wrangler. It's a distinctive SUV with decades of heritage and a huge community of enthusiasts behind it.
Jeep hasn't released official information on the 2025 Wrangler as of this writing. We'll update our recommendation if anything changes, but based on last year's Wrangler, we think that the Willys strikes a good balance of features and cost. It also brings some off-road capability thanks to an upgraded all-terrain tire and a locking rear differential. But if your plan is to take your Wrangler far into the great unknown, springing for a Rubicon or Rubicon X could be worth your while.
[Editor's note: The following unofficial information is based on last year's Wrangler. We expect the 2025 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Jeep Wrangler is available as a two-door model or as a four-door model called the Unlimited. Main trim levels include the Sport, Sport S, Rubicon, Sahara, High Altitude and Rubicon 392. There are also a few subtrims, such as the Willys, that are based on one of the main trims. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid is reviewed separately on Edmunds. Keep reading for a full rundown of the Wrangler's engine lineup and features.
Depending on the trim level, there are four engines to choose from:
- 3.6-liter V6 (285 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque) paired with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (270 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque); automatic transmission only
- 6.4-liter V8 called the 392 (470 hp, 470 lb-ft of torque); automatic-equipped four-door Rubicon only
- Plug-in hybrid powertrain called the 4xe (375 hp, 470 lb-ft of torque); see separate review on Edmunds for more detail
Most Wranglers come with a part-time four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing. A full-time 4WD system is available.
Sport
Starts you off with the basics, such as:
- Foglights
- Tow hooks
- Skid plates
- Air conditioning
- 17-inch steel wheels
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Crank windows and manual door locks
Sport S
Adds a few creature comforts such as:
- Alloy wheels
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power windows and door locks
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
- Forward collision warning (warns you of an impending collision)
Willys
The Willys is based on the four-door Sport S and gains:
- 17-inch wheels with 32-inch all-terrain tires
- Heavy-duty front and rear axles with shorter gearing
- Rock rails (protect underbody when off-roading)
- Electronic locking rear differential (provides extra traction when off-roading)
- LED headlights
Sahara
A more plush and stylish Wrangler with:
- Body-color grille and fender flares
- 18-inch wheels
- LED headlights
- Full-time 4WD
- Keyless entry
- Upgraded driver information display
- Automatic climate control
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
Rubicon
Increases the Wrangler's off-road capability by way of:
- 17-inch wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires
- Heavy-duty front and rear axles with shorter gearing
- 4:1 low-range gearing (provides extra traction when off-roading)
- Electronic locking front and rear differentials (provide extra traction when off-roading)
- Electronic disconnecting front stabilizer bar (enhances wheel articulation when off-roading)
- Rock rails (protect underbody when off-roading)
- Adaptive cruise control
Rubicon X
A more luxurious and capable Rubicon thanks to:
- Steel bumpers
- Integrated front Warn winch
- Xtreme 35 package (see below; with automatic transmission)
- Three-piece hardtop
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Leather upholstery
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning
- Rear parking sensors
- Integrated navigation system
- Alpine premium stereo system
High Altitude
This well-equipped Wrangler is available for the 4xe powertrain only. In addition to the Sahara's features, it also has:
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning
- Rear parking sensors
- Integrated navigation system
- Alpine premium stereo system
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Rubicon 392
The top-dog Wrangler, the Rubicon 392 takes the luxury and tech features of the High Altitude and blends in some Rubicon features, including:
- V8 engine
- High-performance brakes
- 2-inch suspension lift
- Fox shock absorbers
- Steel bumpers
- Xtreme 35 package (see below)
Many of the standard features found on the higher trim levels are available on the other Wrangler trims as part of the subtrim packages or other bundled option packages. Depending on the Wrangler's trim and configuration, other key options to look out for:
- Forward-facing camera (to help better spot terrain when off-roading)
- Trailer Tow and HD Electrical Group
- Class II hitch and seven-pin wiring harness
- Upgraded alternator
- Auxiliary switches
- Sky One-Touch power top (combines hardtop sides with a retractable fabric roof-length cover)
- Xtreme 35 package
- 35-inch tires on bead-lock capable wheels
- Fender extensions
- 4.56:1 axle gearing
- 1.5-inch suspension lift
- Reinforced hinge gate for the heavier spare tire