Few cars can compete with the Jeep Wrangler, an icon of ruggedness beloved by off-roading fans for decades. Here’s what you should know about the newest Jeep Wrangler models.
A Long History of Quality Rugged Vehicles
The modern Jeep Wrangler is the descendant of 70 years of rugged all-terrain military SUVs. Since the 1940s, “Jeep” has been practically synonymous with off-roading, durability and versatility. The 2017 Jeep Wrangler is no different, and its multiple trim packages provide a variety of options for every consumer. If you’re in the market for a new Jeep this year, it’s worth taking some time to review the different trim options to find the best fit for your needs.
Unlike in years past, something that won’t change between trim options in 2017 is the engine. Since 2012, all Wranglers are equipped with the Pentastar V6, which offers ample power at the expense of some of the fuel economy of the old V4 models. You can also choose between manual and automatic transmission at any trim level, ensuring you’re able to get your preference for exactly the car you want.
Jeep Wrangler Sport
The Wrangler Sport is the most affordable basic trim option, and it’s plenty of car for the average driver. This 4WD off-roader starts at $23,995 MSRP and comes with fairly utilitarian features including cloth seats, plastic fenders and bumpers, as well as a durable black soft-top.
The Sport has the same interior space as other Wrangler models, but it’s a bit lighter, translating to slightly superior gas mileage. It also has smaller tires and a lower clearance, making it less than ideal for heavy-duty off-roading, but it’s still got enough power to get you through tough weather and some muddy terrain.
Features:
- 4:1 Rock-Trac Part-Time 4WD System
- 21 Front/Rear Axle Ratio
- Normal Duty Suspension
- Manual Door Locks and Windows
- 16-Inch x 7-Inch Styled Steel Wheels
- P225/75$16 BSW On/Off-Road Tires
Optional Features:
- Air Conditioning
- Sirius XM Radio
For a rugged, affordable no-frills Jeep option, the Wrangler Sport might be the perfect choice.
Jeep Wrangler Sahara
If the Wrangler Sport is the no-frills option, the Sahara is the more luxurious trim option. The MSRP starts at $30,445, and the higher price primarily reflects interior features for greater driver comfort as well as a few options for the exterior.
There are numerous options available to customize the Sahara, primarily allowing you to personalize its appearance. However, it’s worth noting that the differences between the Sahara and Sport are primarily aesthetic; if you’re looking for better performance in off-road capabilities, you’d be better off looking at the Rubicon.
Features:
- Command-Track Shift-on-the-Fly Part-Time 4WD
- 21 Front/Rear Axle Ratio
- Heavy Duty Suspension with Gas Shocks
- Bright Interior Accents
- Chrome/Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob
- Power Door Locks and Windows
- 1-Year SiriusXM Radio Service
- 18″ x 7.5″ Polished Wheels with Granite Crystal Pockets
- P255/70R18 OWL On/Off-Road Tires
- Deep Tint Sunscreen Windows
- Power Heated Mirrors
- Remote Keyless Entry and Security Alarm
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Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the most heavy-duty trim option, and it packs more power than the average driver needs. In order to make it rugged and trail-ready, the Rubicon sacrifices some comforts; it’s great for navigating rough terrain, but it’s wasted on city streets. If you’re looking for a day-to-day commuter vehicle, the Rubicon is probably a waste of money for you; if you need a heavy-duty 4WD workhorse to go off-roading, the Rubicon is the right choice.
With an MSRP starting at $33,645, the Rubicon is quite a bit more expensive than the Sport. It’s also significantly heavier, with a curb weight nearly 300 pounds higher than the Sport model. This heft, coupled with the higher clearance, gives the Rubicon an advantage on tough terrain.
Features:
- 4:1 Rock-Trac Part-Time 4WD System
- 10 Front/Rear Axle Ratio
- Next Generation Dana 44 Heavy Duty Front Axle
- Tru-Lok Differential Front and Rear Axles
- Performance Suspension
- Manual Door Locks and Windows
- 17-Inch x 7.5-Inch Polished Mineral Gray Wheels
- LT255/75R17C BSW Off-Road Tires
- Electronic Front Sway Bar Disconnect
- Rock Rails
Optional Features:
- Dual Top (Hard/Soft Cover)
- Heated Front Seating
- Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats
- Rear Window Defroster
- Tinted Rear Quarter and Liftgate Windows
- Remote Keyless Entry and Start System
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
In addition to the above trim types, you can also purchase a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. This is a four-door style Jeep that otherwise shares the specs of the trim of your choice. In other words, you can choose a Sport Unlimited, Sahara Unlimited or Rubicon Unlimited.
Jeep Concept Vehicle: The Jeep Crew Chief 715
Jeep enthusiasts will be excited for a glimpse at the 715 Crew Chief, a concept car that brings Jeep back to its military roots while offering many modern touches. The 715 is a four-door SUV with a short truck bed in the back, providing hauling space without sacrificing the classic Jeep appearance.
This retro-militarized vehicle is inspired by the 1960s Kaiser M715, from its harsh angles to the Tactical Green paint job. The chassis is essentially a Wrangler Unlimited with the addition of 40-inch-tall non-directional-tread tires and Dana 60 axles, lifting the body an additional four inches.
Although the exterior of the 715 Crew Chief features utilitarian retro-military stylings, the interior is plush and luxurious enough for any modern driver.
Features on the Crew Chief concept car included:
- Steel front and rear bumpers
- 20-inch beadlock wheels
- 40-inch NDT military tires
- 6-liter Pentaster V-6 engine
- Five-speed automatic transmission
- Off-road rock rails
- Rear and front mounted winch
- Dana 60 front and rear axles
- 4-inch lift kit
The effect would be to produce a vehicle with the cargo capacity of a small pickup, the size and seating capacity of a Wrangler Unlimited and the trim to rival a Rubicon. Considering these features, it’s little wonder that Jeep enthusiasts are excited about its possible debut. For the moment, however, you’ll have to wait; there has been no mass production of this vehicle yet, and it may not appear on the market looking quite the same as its concept design.
The Crew Chief 715 concept debuted at the 2016 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, and as of right now it remains a concept teaser. However, Jeep’s Chief Designer, Mark Allen, has suggested that a Jeep Wrangler Pickup is on its way, so the Crew Chief or something like it may soon be available for the public.
