Autodom's original SUV, the Jeep Wrangler looks like nothing else, goes anywhere, and is priced within reach of those spry enough to truly enjoy it. Of course, the Wrangler has been refined over the years to make it a suitable everyday companion, but the basic formula carries on undiluted.
What's New for 2015
The Wrangler gets audible improvements to its standard and optional sounds systems.
Choosing Your Jeep Wrangler
All Wranglers are powered by a 3.6-liter liter V6 that develops 285 horsepower. You have a choice a of six-speed manual transmission with hill-start assist or a six-speed automatic with both hill-start assist and hill-descent control. Of course, four-wheel drive with low-range gearing is standard.
Bodies come standard with full-frame metal doors and a black soft top. A hard top (complete with defogger and wiper) is available in place of, or in addition to, the soft top. The tops, doors and windshield are all removable with the correct tools and patience. Foglamps and front and rear tow hooks complete the exterior setup.
Other features are determined by trim level:
Sport
Starts out in an austere way with 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, and manual everything. The Power Convenience Group adds power window and locks, heated power mirrors, keyless entry and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Air conditioning is a standalone option, as are 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite radio and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Sahara
Provides a more civilized driving experience with an upgraded suspension system, engine compartment insulation, side steps, body-color fender flares, a premium Alpine sound system and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Sport's comfort and convenience options come standard here.
Rubicon
Designed for maximum off-road performance, the Rubicon gets 32-inch tires on specific 17-inch wheels, heavy-duty axles and transfer case, electronic front and rear locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar and rock rails. Air conditioning, satellite radio and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are standard, but the Power Convenience Group reverts to optional status.
The Sahara and Rubicon can be equipped with upscale features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control and a navigation system with real-time traffic data. You can also a get body-color hard top, whereas the Sport's is only available in black. Purists might go for the half-doors with plastic windows, which are available at no cost on the Sport and Rubicon. All trims can get a premium soft top with full headlining, as well as the Connect Group with Bluetooth, a USB interface, a tire pressure monitor and an upgraded trip computer.
All Wranglers are tough, but the Rubicon is the natural choice if off-roading is integral to your lifestyle. If you want a Wrangler you can live with every day, the more pavement-friendly Sahara is your ticket. The Sport's main draw is affordability, which we suspect matters a great deal to younger buyers and those looking for a pleasure-only vehicle.