The Pros And Cons Of Owning A Wrangler
The Pros and Cons of Owning a Wrangler. Owning a Jeep Wrangler is more than just driving a vehicle, it’s about embracing a lifestyle of adventure, freedom, and rugged capability. With its iconic design and off-road prowess, the Wrangler has long been a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a ride that can handle any terrain. However, this legendary SUV comes with its own set of challenges. From the thrill of off-roading to the realities of daily driving, understanding the pros and cons of owning a Wrangler is crucial for anyone considering adding this American classic to their garage.
Pros
Unrivaled Off-Road Capability
It’s no secret the Wrangler’s off-road performance is unmatched by many SUVs in the same price range. There is no real competition to the Wrangler. With a Command-Trac 4×4 System, Dana axles, and skid plates, even the most basic Wrangler can tackle the trails without issue or further modifications. Although any Wrangler is built to go off-road, Jeep’s most capable model is the Rubicon. Here are a few features that come standard on the Rubicon.
- Locking front and rear Dana 44 heavy-duty axles
- Electronic sway bar disconnect
- Rock-Trac 4:1 transfer case with a crawl ratio of up to 84:1
- 33-inch all-terrain tires
- Steel off-road rock rails and skid plates
- A vented power dome hood
The Rubicon is great for experienced off-roaders or those who are interested in doing more extreme trail riding. But you don’t have to spend extra on added features or an upgraded model if you want to do some light to moderate off-roading.
Available as a Two-Door or Four-Door Model
Another unique feature of the Wrangler is that it comes in both two-door and four-door options. The four-door model is known as the Wrangler Unlimited. It was introduced in 2007 for the release of the third-generation JK Wrangler. Older Wranglers were only available as a two-door. If you’re looking to purchase a vehicle for off-roading, then the two-door Wrangler is your best bet. With a shorter wheelbase, it’s got a better breakover angle, more maneuverability, and a tighter turning radius.
The four-door Wrangler is more suitable for those who are looking for a family vehicle or need extra space. But don’t be fooled. You can still do plenty of off-roading in a four-door model. The increased stability of the longer wheelbase allows the four-door to climb effortlessly over hills. It just won’t be as nimble on the trails.
Open-Air Experience
How many other SUVs have removable doors and tops? Not many. Although Toyota tried to bring back the FJ Cruiser, it didn’t have a removable roof or doors. That’s probably one of the reasons it had such a short production run, only lasting from 2006 to 2014.
Jeep knows the market well and has made sure to keep the open-air capability of the Wrangler. Off-roading with an open-air SUV allows you to connect more with your surroundings. It’s also just really fun and looks cool, too.
Four-Wheel Drive Capability
For a Wrangler to take you anywhere and everywhere, it’s got to have a good four-wheel-drive system. Jeep actually offers three different 4WD systems for the Wrangler. First, there’s the Command-Trac 4×4 System. This part-time, shift-on-the-fly system can switch easily from 2WD to 4WD at speeds up to 45 mph.
The Selec-Trac Full-Time 4×4 System features an active 4WD transfer case. This smart system will analyze the road conditions and send torque to the wheels that are producing the most grip. With continual traction, you can easily conquer the snow, mud, or rocks. Smart Lock capabilities ensure your 4WD will stay intact when tackling challenging terrain. Finally, there’s the Rock-Trac 4×4 System. Not surprisingly, this is the most extreme system Jeep offers. A 4:1 low-gear ratio grants an incredible amount of torque and will help you maintain control when crawling over rocks at a lower speed.
Jeep Enthusiast Community
When you buy a Wrangler, you aren’t just getting a vehicle. You become part of the Jeep Family. The Jeep community is tight-knit and welcoming to all, especially off-roading beginners. There are tons of online forums, the Jeep Wave and local Jeep clubs that you could join. You’ll never feel alone on the open road. Just don’t forget to do the Jeep wave when you pass by a fellow Jeeper!
Cons
Poor Fuel Economy
Jeep Wranglers are notorious for their poor fuel economy. Of course, this has gotten better over the years as Jeep has worked to improve it. Even so, the Wrangler still doesn’t get great gas mileage. The standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine gets up to 17 city and 25 highway mpg. Modern Wranglers come equipped with an auto start-stop function, which is designed to save on gas, but some drivers find the feature frustrating and choose to disable the auto-stop feature on their Jeep.
When Jeep released the JL Wrangler, they added a more fuel-efficient 3.0L EcoDiesel to the engine lineup. The EcoDiesel can get up to 22 city or 29 highway mpg. Jeep has announced plans for a full plug-in hybrid Wrangler, which would make it much more competitive in terms of fuel economy.
Expensive
Despite maintaining their value, Jeep Wranglers don’t come cheap. People often ask why Jeep Wranglers are so expensive. We already know they maintain their value, so that could be one reason. Prices tend to increase as vehicles add more modern technology and design features. Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi functionality, large touch screens, navigation systems, premium audio, and LED lights are just a few things that drive the price up.
As one of the few off-road centric SUVs on the market, there’s also not much competition for the Wrangler. Other than the Toyota 4Runner, the main Wrangler alternatives are the pricier Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and Range Rover. The Wrangler actually has a lower starting cost than any of those vehicles. The price of a Wrangler starts at around $28,000 for a basic two-door model and can go upwards of nearly $47,000 for a limited edition. Buying used is always an option as well, but even used Wranglers can go for a hefty price.
Lack of Cargo Space
The lack of cargo space is one of the Wrangler’s biggest issues. The two-door, of course, has much less cargo space than the four-door Wrangler. The JL offers the best cargo specs of any Wrangler made so far. Previous generations will have even less cargo space. The two-door JL Wrangler has 12.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats down. The four-door JL offers a much larger amount of cargo space at 31.7 cubic feet with the seats up and 72.4 cubic feet with the seats down. If you know you’ll need the extra cargo space, the Wrangler Unlimited is the way to go.
Less Comfortable on the Road
Wranglers are not known for their on-road comfort. Expect a bumpier ride in comparison to SUVs with longer wheelbases. The shorter wheelbase results in less time between the front and rear wheels hitting bumps in the road. This causes an overall clunkier driving experience. The four-door Wranglers have a longer wheelbase and will ride smoother.
The type of tires you’re running also play a role in ride comfort. A good pair of tires that are suited for both on- and off-road use can make a huge difference.
Road Noise
Road noise has always been an issue for Jeeps due to their lack of insulation and boxy design. Wind noise is especially loud because of the lack of aerodynamics. There are steps you can take to soundproof a Wrangler that help lessen road noise though. This usually involves installing headliners along with window and door insulation.
Lack of Engine Options
For years, the lone engine option available for the Wrangler was the 3.6L Pentastar V6. When the JL Wrangler was released, Jeep added a few new engine options. Along with the staple Pentastar engine, there’s the four-cylinder 2.0L Turbo and 3.0L EcoDiesel V6.
If those choices don’t suit your fancy, you can always do an engine swap on the JL Wrangler. I mean, what’s cooler than a Wrangler with a HEMI?
Why Buy a Jeep Wrangler?
The Jeep Wrangler is celebrated for its unmatched versatility and off-road capabilities, making it the ideal choice for adventurers who love to explore beyond the beaten path. With its rugged design and ability to handle challenging terrains, the Wrangler is perfect for those who want to experience open-air driving in the great outdoors.
However, it’s important to note that the Wrangler may not suit everyone. It has lower fuel efficiency, a rougher ride on highways, and can be less reliable than other SUVs. If you prioritize adventure and ruggedness over comfort and efficiency, the Wrangler could be the perfect fit. But if you value a smoother, more economical ride, you might want to consider other options.
