Jeep Wrangler

Overall, the Jeep Wrangler is an iconic vehicle that lives in the hearts and minds of people everywhere, and will continue to do so for years. It is one of, if not the best choice of vehicle for adventurers and explorers. On the flip side, if you are a first time driver, or are just looking at this for your family, stay away! You can do better. However, if your heart is set, you won’t be disappointed. Big, intimidating, and absolutely awesome, the Wrangler will excite the inner child in just about anyone. Ultimately, the allure of the Wrangler is not what most use it for. The allure is what it can do. It’s about the image and how it makes you feel when you drive it. Every short trip to the store, every visit to a friend can feel like an adventure, and conjures up images of you driving through a swamp or cresting a sand dune - even if you don’t stray outside the white and yellow lines. Wrangler owners might find themselves thinking that the grass is greener on the other side, and that maybe they should have gone with the more responsible choice, but I encourage them to remember: Can you cruise around with the doors off and the roof down on a RAV4 and take it through the mud or use it to summit a mountain? I don’t think so.

The Wrangler is excellent at what it was made for - the outdoors. It has years of history and hours of footage flexing its off-road muscle. However, even with a pedigree to back it up as a rough and tough machine, it is not enough to disprove that its function as a “car” is secondary to off-roading and noticeably so. Pros - Highly capable off-road vehicle - Excellent resale value - Iconic design and cult following - Great cargo capacity ( specifically on the 4-door Unlimited trim) - Significant customization options - You can really make it your own! Is it comfortable? Interior comfort and quality are less than stellar, with loads of plastic and uninspiring design. The ride on normal roads is poor, and exterior design and lack of sound deadening contribute to significant cabin noise at higher speeds. Is it fun to drive and have a decent engine? If you’re driving for its primary purpose- off-roading and rock crawling, it is absolutely fun to drive. If you are expecting a smooth ride on pavement- not so much. The standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine does its job, but the available 3.0L Ecodiesel V6 engine is a much better choice for the vehicle - providing more oomph, towing capacity, and better fuel economy. Is it good value for money? As a family hauler, no. For less than even $40k, there are far better options. As a capable off-road vehicle, it is one of the best out there. And the entry price is better than other direct competitors for the offroad market. Is it reliable? Jeeps have been subject to poor reliability ratings for some time, and the Wrangler is no exception, with above-average annual ownership costs. Many Wranglers are also modified, and the quality of parts and workmanship can have a lasting impact on long-term reliability. Is it safe? The Wrangler has a “marginal” rating from the IIHS and has sacrificed modern safety features like large crumple zones and side curtain airbags to stay true to the spirit of the design of the original Willys Jeep. However, it is still significantly better than cars of years past - I’d take that over a Pinto! How does it perform against its next peer/category leader? The Toyota RAV4 is the best seller in the Compact SUV Segment. How does it compare? Both vehicles are excellent at what they do; however, I would not judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree. They are built with very different philosophies in mind. The Jeep aims to be an extremely capable off-road vehicle that happens to be street-legal. The RAV4, on the other hand is the dependable swiss army knife of cars that can do everything but does not shine in any one category. Does it come with a good manufacturer’s warranty? The Jeep Wrangler's warranty is average for the market, with three-year/60,000km basic and five-year/100,000km powertrain warranties. Why is it one step ahead or behind? To meet general consumer demands, it is a step behind, but this is a deliberate decision by Jeep to maintain its cult following and world-renowned reputation. The sales numbers speak for themselves! Year after year, over 200,000 Jeep Wrangler units are purchased across North America [GoodcarBadcar Automotive sales data and statistics].

Absolutely. This is far from the perfect vehicle, if such a thing exists. The Wrangler is not for the faint of heart, and if you are going to be using this as your daily driver, you are going to have to make sacrifices. Cons - Poor reputation for reliability (*FCA Quality Control) - Sub-standard safety ratings and features - High barrier of entry at over $40k starting price for the 2 door model. - Ride quality, wind and road noise, and plastic interior make for a less than average driver and passenger experience - It is not versatile. It fills the “Adventure Vehicle” niche very well but does not have many other strengths. - Below average fuel economy - Unless you have $57k lying around to pony up for the Wrangler 4xe PHEV, expect to be at the pump more than usual. - Modifications can often significantly increase wear and tear if not done correctly. - Leaky roofs, and a wobbly steering wheel are common among Wranglers.

The Jeep Wrangler is an ideal choice for Adventurers and pet owners alike. Its off-road capability, reasonable towing capacity, and good cargo volume make it an ideal vehicle for the weekend warrior. Its cargo space, removable doors and roof to feel the wind, and ease of access make it a favourite amongst pet friends.

If you want to live a lifestyle of adventure, or at least feel adventurous everytime you go for a ride, this weekend warrior vehicle will provide great satisfaction. The Jeep Wrangler has been setting the bar since it first hit public roads in 1945.