Jeep Wrangler – An SUV You Know…or Maybe You Don’t

0 Comments

The latest lineup of Jeep Wrangler models that you’ll see at your local dealer has some new additions to the mix.

If you thought the Wrangler would always be the naturally aspirated, solid-axle, off-road brute you’ve known all your life, think again. This off-road champion already has a turbocharged engine, and now you can have more of the items that you might have never expected to be included.

Of course, you’ll still have the solid axles that give this vehicle the impressive capability needed to tackle the toughest trails in your path.

What’s New for the Wrangler?

Rather than hinting about and keeping you in suspense, we’ll tell you what’s new for this Jeep. You can now find a 4xe plug-in hybrid model and the “more than hardcore” Rubicon 392 version. A new optional TrailCam setup is offered, and the Off-Road Plus drive parameters have become standard for the Rubicon version. The Xtreme Recon package has a set of 35-inch tires and a lifted chassis to give you the ride height you’re looking for. As you can see, most of what’s new are off-road-ready equipment that will make your adventures more fun.

Let’s Go Extreme

We’re going to go Xtreme Recon, a new package that adds more capability to the Jeep Wrangler. The tires are a set of 35-inch BFGoodrich K02 All-terrain models, and the wheels are beadlock-capable models that give you the ride you need. The suspension is lifted 1.5 inches, the shocks are specially tuned, and a new axle ratio of 4.56: 1 is added.
The result of this package is the best-in-class off-road qualities for your drive. The approach angle is 47.4 degrees, breakover angle is 26.7 degrees, and the departure angle is 40.4 degrees. You’ll also have 12.9 inches of ground clearance and the capability to ford through 33.6 inches of water when you have the Xtreme Recon package.

So Many Power Options for the Wrangler

It wasn’t that long ago that the Jeep Wrangler was only offered with one powertrain, but now you have five engines to choose from. The base setup is still a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. You can opt for an eight-speed automatic transmission if you desire. This lauded engine has the additional benefits of the eTorque system, a mild hybrid system that enhances fuel mileage.
This powertrain gives you 285 horsepower, 260 lb.-ft. Of torque, and up to 25 mpg on the highway.
The next powertrain in the lineup is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission to give you 270 horsepower, 295 lb.-ft. Of torque and 24 mpg on the highway.
The diesel engine uses the same transmission and is a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. Of torque. You’ll be glad to have up to 29 mpg when you take this powertrain on the highway.
The most powerful engine you’ll find for the Jeep Wrangler is the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine under the hood of the Rubicon 392 model. This engine gives you 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. Of torque.
If you choose the hybrid 4xe model, you’ll have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine plus two electric motors to bring you 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. Of torque.
You can drive 21 miles on electric power in this SUV and enjoy excellent overall fuel mileage.

Adding Blue to Your Jeep

The color blue has been associated with hybrid and electric driving for several years. The Wrangler 4xe models are distinguished from the rest with some subtle blue exterior graphics. If you have the Rubicon or High Altitude 4xe models, you’ll enjoy Electric Blue front and rear tow hooks, blue-highlighted badging, and blue graphics on the hood and fenders.

The Biggest Grunt in the Bunch

When the most power you can have in a Jeep Wrangler is attractive to you, the Rubicon 392 model is what you’re looking for. This package is only offered in the Unlimited four-door trim, but it brings you more hardcore items than any other model. You’ll benefit from the inclusion of front and rear locking differentials, a disconnecting sway bar, a taller suspension, 33-inch tires, and a new Hydro-Guide cold-air intake which helps with a stream crossing. If you want the Wrangler that can go deeper into the wilderness than any other, the Rubicon 392 is right for you.

Going Back to the basics

We’ve highlighted a special package, the various powertrains, and a couple of special trims.
Now, we’re going to look at what you have at various trims that have been around for a long time.

Sport Trim (base model)

  • 4WD Command-Trac System
  • Fog lights
  • Underbody skidplates
  • Push-button starting
  • Sunrider roof
  • 5-inch touchscreen
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • USB port

Sport S Trim

  • Air conditioning
  • Power windows
  • Power door locks
  • Keyless entry
  • Available upgrade options

Sahara Trim

  • Four-door Unlimited build
  • 7-inch touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • 18-inch wheels
  • Dual-zone climate controls

Rubicon Trim

  • Low-range crawl ratio
  • Front and rear locking differentials
  • Electronically disconnecting sway bar
  • Rock rails

Do You Want More for Your Jeep Wrangler?

While you know the four primary trims of this SUV, you can add more variety to the mix. Other than the models we’ve discussed, you can have the Willys, Islander, Altitude, or High Altitude models of this impressive off-roader. Many of the options revolve around the powertrain. Still, you can add some stand-alone options, including a locking rear differential, a forward-facing off-road camera, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an Alpine audio system, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen.
Safety features that can be added to the mix include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a navigation system.

Now You Know the Jeep Wrangler

As the automotive world has become more complicated, so has the Wrangler become more complicated.

Thankfully, the added items and qualities you’ll find in this SUV are made to give you more of what you want.

Find the model that’s right for you at your local Jeep dealer and start your off-road adventures today.

Related Posts