All You Need To Know About The All-New Jeep Wrangler
It's here at last, the undisputed off-road champion, (proclaim Jeep).
Yes, the all-new Jeep Wrangler is about to hit European showrooms from September and as 4x4 enthusiasts I think we should all be excited, even if you're a Land Rover owner.
Jeep say that it was with a clear objective that the Wrangler has been completely renewed while remaining true to itself, with legendary off-road capabilities, authentic Jeep styling and advanced technology features.
The fourth generation Jeep Wrangler is offered in three different trim levels: Sport, Sahara and Rubicon – all available in two- or four-door configuration, and in an all-new Overland pack, exclusively on the Sahara version, ensuring a more up-scale appearance - I think that means 'rugged'.
The result, they say, is the most capable Wrangler ever, courtesy of unmatched technical contents, which, depending on the trim, include two advanced four-wheel drive, active, on-demand full time systems - Command-Trac and Rock Trac, plus Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited slip differential and electronic front sway-bar disconnect.
In details, Command-Trac four-wheel drive system features a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, heavy-duty next-generation Dana front and rear axles with 3.45 rear axle ratio for the petrol version, and 3.73 for the diesel versions.
The system operates in 4 driving modes (plus Neutral):
- 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range)
- 4H AUTO (Full-Time Active On-Demand High Drive)
- 4H Part-Time (Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive High Range)
- N (Neutral)
- 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range)
The new Wrangler features shift on the fly technology which allows for shifting between 2WD and 4WD High range at speed up to 72km/h.
In normal driving conditions, Command-Trac operates in two-wheel drive (2WD) and transfers 100 percent of engine torque to the rear axle.
By shifting the dedicated lever to the 4WD High position, the driver can switch to four-wheel drive mode ideal when driving on slippery surfaces, such as sand, mud, snow or ice. 4H mode can be selected to operate either in the new Auto mode - ideal for a confident and comfortable use in any driving condition thanks to the continuous monitoring and management of the torque and the automatic engagement and disengagement of the 4WD as needed to maintain traction, or in the 4H Part Time mode that ensures the torque is always evenly distributed between front and rear axles. To tackle extremely challenging and demanding off-road tracks, drivers can use the 4WD Low mode with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio that multiplies the engine torque.
An available Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential provides extra torque and grip during slippery, low-traction situations, such as driving over sand, gravel, snow or ice.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon models provide additional off-road prowess and are equipped with the Rock-Trac 4x4 system, featuring a two-speed transfer case with 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio and front and rear heavy-duty next-generation Dana 44 axles and Tru-Lok electric front- and rear-axle lockers to tackle the most extreme off-road trails.
The standard equipment also includes a front and rear axle ratio of 4.10 for the petrol models and 3.73 for the diesel versions, Tru-Lok electric front- and rear-axle lockers to tackle the most extreme off-road trails.
Rubicon models also offer added articulation and total suspension travel with help from an electronic sway-bar disconnect. This system allows drivers to disconnect the front sway bar to deliver additional wheel travel for traversing the toughest trails. Wrangler Rubicon petrol models have a maximum and improved crawl ratio of 77.2:1 and of 70.3 on the Rubicon diesel versions – both of which makes scaling any obstacle on the trail easy.
Every Wrangler receives a "Trail Rated" badge that proves its legendary 4x4 capabilities. Trail Rated performance is the result of a series of heavy tests performed in the following areas: TRACTION, WATER FORDING, MANOEUVRABILITY, ARTICULATION and GROUND CLEARANCE.
On the all-new Jeep Wrangler, the Trail Rated badge includes the following features:
- Command-Trac 4x4 system with 2.72:1 crawl ratio standard on the Sport and Sahara models;
- Rock-Trac 4x4 system with "4LO" ratio of 4:1 and Tru-Lok locking differentials standard on Rubicon models;
- Skid plates and rear tow hooks;
- Benchmark approach angle (2-door Rubicon) of 36.4 degrees, breakover angle of 25.8 degrees, departure angle of 30.8 degrees and ground clearance of more than 25 cm;
- Up to 76 cm of water fording
- Up to 1,500 kg of towing capacity (2-door models) and 2,500 kg (4-door models).
Modern, authentic Wrangler design
What I really like about Jeep is that their heritage is important to them, and so the all-new Wrangler builds on a sculptural design aesthetic that is immediately recognisable, from the round headlights, seven-slot grille to the visible hinges and folding windscreen.
In the Sahara and Rubicon versions, the available headlights and LED fog lights feature crisp white lighting and add to the Wrangler’s distinctive look. The daytime running lights are positioned on the front of the trapezoidal wheel flares. From behind, traditional square tail lamps feature available LED lighting.
The windscreen is tilted to an optimal degree to improve aerodynamics, and features a new four bolt design at the top of the windscreen's frame to allow it to fold down quickly and easily. The new header bar now connects the A-pillars and remains in place even when the windscreen is folded down. This allows the rear-view mirror to remain in place even when the windscreen has been folded away.
Jeep say, as the only authentic full open-air 4x4 SUV available on the market (I think they discounted the Evoque convertible), the all-new Jeep Wrangler offers various top combinations to ensure even more open-air freedom.
The all-new, easy-to-use Sky One-Touch powertop strengthens Wrangler’s promise of utility and adventure by allowing occupants to retract the full-length open canvas roof with a push of a button.
It will join two additional roof configurations available on the all-new Wrangler: a new Zipperless Premium Sunrider soft top and a lighter and easy-to-use Freedom Top, a removable, three-panel hard top.
Specifically, the Zipperless Premium Sunrider soft top has been improved by adding two additional bows to manage the fabric. This new design helps to quieten wind noise and allows for easier access to partial and full open top positions.
The modular Freedom Top hard top features an easy to use three-piece structure and has been improved with the introduction of lighter Freedom panels and improved latches that enable a quicker removal and installation of the hard top. Depending on the version, Freedom Top is available either as a body-colour or black hard top.
Last but not least, the position of the spare wheel support on the rear of the Wrangler is also new, as it has been lowered by approximately 300 mm, for better visibility of both driver and passengers.
An exclusive Overland pack is available to provide a more upscale appearance to the Sahara trim. It offers unique 18-inch aluminium wheels, body colour grille with Bright accent throats and headlamp bezels, body colour hard spare tyre cover and Overland logo. The unique exterior of the Overland pack is complemented by dedicated leather interior and LED lights.
A wide variety of wheels designs is available on the all-new Wrangler. The Sport version rides on standard 17” polished painted aluminium wheels and two optional 17” aluminium wheel designs – with models outside Europe featuring standard fully painted 17” steel wheels. The Sahara version rides on standard 18” aluminium wheels and optional 18” wheels featuring the unique finish available with the sophisticated Overland Pack. The all-capable Rubicon sports standard 17” painted polished aluminium wheels with 32-inch BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain tyres and optional 17” aluminium wheels with dedicated design and a black polished finish. These configurations may change according to markets needs and specifics.
The all-new Jeep Wrangler will be available in 10 different exterior colours: Black, Firecracker Red, Billet Silver Metallic, Bright White, Granite Crystal Metallic, Hellayella, Ocean Blue, Punk’n Metallic, Mojito and Sting Gray.
New interiors offering comfort and functionality
The interior of the new Jeep Wrangler combines authentic styling, versatility, functionality and intuitive feature use, in addition to a more stylish and comfortable cabin, thanks to the use of high-quality materials and finishes.
The heritage-inspired centre stack features a clean, sculpted form that compliments the horizontal dashboard design and sports a finish dictated by the model choice. A hand-wrapped instrument panel features a soft-touch surface with accent stitching on Wrangler Sahara models.
Functional features, including climate and volume control knobs, Engine Stop Start (ESS) control and media charging and connectivity ports are all sculpted for quick recognition and are easily within reach of the front-seat occupants. Inboard and outboard circular HVAC vents are surrounded by a platinum chrome bezel for a precise and premium yet rugged appearance.
Making its debut on the all-new Jeep Wrangler, a push-button starter, featuring a weather-proof surround is easily located within the driver’s reach. The fabric or leather upholstered seats feature accent stitching, and now offer adjustable bolster and lumbar support. Available comfort options include heated front seats and steering wheel.
The driver and front passenger vinyl-wrapped door trim panels are soft to the touch, and feature lengthened arm rests for better comfort.
The instrument cluster features a 3.5-inch or 7-inc thin-film transistor (TFT) information LED display. The 7-inch LED display, offered as standard on the Sahara and Rubicon versions, is full-colour and allows the driver to configure information in more than 100 ways. Integrated buttons on the steering wheel control audio, voice, and speed functions and allow the driver to keep their hands on the wheel at all times.
The central console also features a 7.0-inch or an available 8.4-inch touchscreens (both with Android auto Car Play connectivity). The fourth-generation UconnectTM system enhances the user interface and system performance with quicker start up times and improved screen resolution. A 5.0-inch touchscreen is offered as standard on Wrangler Sport, for markets outside Europe. Directly below the touchscreen are functional features such as climate and volume control knobs and media connectivity ports.
Two USB ports up front and two in reach of occupants in the back seat connect to the media center. Standard 12-volt accessory outlets are located throughout the all-new Wrangler and a 230-volt AC outlet is also available.
Jeep Wrangler has always stood out for its functionality and the ability to grant his customers the possibility to enjoy any adventure in the utmost ease. The all-new Wrangler makes no exception, and offers a host of clever storage solutions, durable mesh pockets that extend the entire length of the doors, cup holders and numerous phone storage areas. The glove box is now damped and like the centre console, can be locked to safely secure valuables when the top is down. An under-floor storage area behind the rear seat provides room to secure small items out of sight. The available all-new Trail Rail cargo management system allows easy access to the contents in the cargo area and provides additional storage options to organize and secure cargo. There is also a functional new screws and bolts organizer at the bottom of the trunk, to store away individual screws, and a tool kit with instructions inside the central armrest. Both tool kit and organizer were designed to stock screws and bolts of the Wrangler’s tops, doors and foldable windshield when driving open-air, and underline how everything onboard the iconic Jeep has been engineered for easy, practical usage.
One of Wrangler's unique characteristics are the entirely washable interiors and the protective rubber cover for the infotainment system screen, that allows easy clean up in complete peace of mind.
New powertrains for the all-new Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler engine range is enhanced with the introduction of two new engines – the 2.2-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel and the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder petrol engine that are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, an absolute new for this model.
New 2.2-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel engine: featuring second-generation MultiJet technology, the new, efficient 2.2-litre diesel engine features four valves per cylinder, a belt-driven Double Over Head Camshafts (DOHC), 2,000-bar Common Rail injection system, solenoid injectors and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). Mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine delivers 200 horsepower at 3,500 rpm and a torque of 450 Nm at 2,000 rpm.
New 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine: the new 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine delivers 272 horsepower @ 5,250 rpm and 400 Nm of torque @ 3,000 rpm and features engine Stop-Start (ESS). Mated to the new eight-speed automatic gearbox, this engine is part of the Global Medium Engine architecture family and features Double Over Head Camshafts (DOHC), dual independent camshaft timing and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (C-EGR) system.
New eight-speed automatic transmission: all Jeep Wrangler engine options are mated to the new eight-speed automatic transmission enabling the vehicle to optimize engine output while on the trails or enjoying smooth, efficient power delivery at highway speeds. Uniquely suited to the requirements of the all-new Wrangler, the new automatic gearbox delivers unmatched off-road capabilities.
Earlier on this year I had the outgoing Wrangler, as you can about here, and I thoroughly enjoyed living with it for a week. From what I've read so far about the new version, I simply can't wait to get my hands on one and go exploring!
To date UK prices haven't been released, but as soon as they are I'll update this post.