Two different soft tops are available. One is a conventional convertible top that fits quite tightly. Owners of previous convertible Jeeps frustrated by the zippers needed to remove the clear panels adjacent to the cargo area will be pleased that the zippers have been replaced by solid glazed panels that slip into channels built into the body. In addition to the conventional soft top, Jeep also offers what they call the Sky One-Touch roof, which features fixed roof rails and a retractable canvas roof like the “transformable” top on the discontinued Fiat 500 cabrio. Both body styles are equipped with what Jeeps calls a Sport Bar, essentially a stout hoop that extends from the floor, through the A-pillar, over the passengers and then returning to the floor in the mid-point of the cargo area. As a result of this, the fold down windshield, a traditional Wrangler feature, is now merely a weather shield rather than a structural element. The windshield is said to be much easier to fold than on previous Wranglers. Following Wrangler tradition, doors are removable and a wide variety of door configurations are available.

The cabin of the current Wrangler looks more professionally designed than before; with its gauges and minor controls looking less rustic than previously. Rear seat legroom and access are still compromised on the short wheelbase Jeeps. The four-door, sold as the Unlimited, offers good rear legroom but access to both rows of seats is hampered by the high step-in height of the vehicle as well as very small door apertures. The driving position of the Wrangler is very much like that of a car from the early 1930s.

FCA’s ubiquitous 3.6L V6 is the main engine for the Wrangler but a 2L turbo four from the Fiat side of the business is optional most models but is standard on the high-volume Sahara Unlimited model. A plug-in hybrid, called the 4xe, was introduced during the 2021 model year. It employs the Fiat-derived 2L turbo four as well as electric motors to deliver 375 total system horsepower. The 4xe’s 17 kWh battery pack can take the car 36 kilometres in pure-electric mode. A six-speed manual transmission is available but most buyers will opt for the available eight-speed automatic.

The Wrangler retains its traditional live axle suspension front and rear.

Driven with a 3.6L V6 sending power to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, the JL accelerates with some authority but the powertrain is noisy, which sums up the whole vehicle. Noise from the wind, road and suspension are all excessive. The JL’s tremendous off-road capabilities easily dismissed a challenging off-road course experienced during the drive, but its on-road ride, handling and steering reflect the focused off-road nature of the vehicle. Given the way it drives when performing day-to-day duties, it is surprising that this vehicle has proved to be such a popular choice as everyday transport for typical families. The similar-looking but different-under-the-skin Jeep Gladiator is a more refined vehicle and demonstrates better ride and handling characteristics than a Wrangler Unlimited.

The Wrangler offers a vast array of trims, some of which overlap one another needlessly. Compared with a Sport S Unlimited, the Sahara Unlimited. which swaps a soft top for a hard top, deep-tint glass, dual-zone auto climate control, a 115 volt power point and numerous comfort and convenience items but is hampered by the 2L turbo four that can’t match the V6 for refinement. The V6 is a $1000 option on the Sahara Unlimited. The Sahara Unlimited 4xe is priced $5290 higher than the conventional model but no longer has a government rebate to reduce the gap between the two drivetrains. The Rubicon offers exceptional off-road capabilities by simply ticking a single box on the order form.

Active safety gear is a weak point. A forward collision warning is standard on the Unlimited Sport S and higher models. Blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors are optional and active cruise control is not mentioned in the spec. tables.

Not rated. Newish model with insufficient data available. Newly launched Stellantis products generally develop some initial teething problems. The base 3.6L-V6 appears reliable though it can develop valve train issues as it ages. Though very expensive, purchasing a Stellantis extended warranty is recommended if you plan to keep your Wrangler past the three year/60,000 km basic warranty.