Pros: Virtually unmatched off-road prowess; unmistakable Jeep character and rugged personality; Unlimited model retains desirable traits of original Wrangler but adds much needed versatility
Cons: Poor value for the money; noisier and less refined that most every class competitor; subpar on-road handling and fuel economy; lack of creature comforts
2017 Wrangler
CG Says: For 2017, Jeep Wrangler gets some new options. LED headlights and fog lights are now available. Also newly available is a Cold Weather Group that includes heated seats, remote engine start, engine-block heater, and special tires. Jeep Wrangler is an off-road oriented compact SUV that comes in two lengths. The base Wrangler has two doors and seats four, while the longer Unlimited version has four doors and seats five. A folding fabric top is standard and a removable hardtop is optional. A 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine mates to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is standard. In addition to some of the usual comfort and convenience features, Wrangler also offers off-road aids such as locking differentials, disconnecting sway bars, and 32-inch tires. Despite major improvements to its interior over the years, this Jeep remains a limited-purpose machine. Off road, it’s a finely honed tool. On road, it’s best considered a fun-in-the-sun runabout. The Unlimited’s design provides additional passenger and cargo room, albeit at a stiff price premium over the smaller 2-door Wrangler. A judiciously equipped Sport is the best value in this lineup. The top-line Rubicon can get very expensive.
| Class | Compact SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 2-door convertible, 4-door convertible |
| Passenger Count | 4 (Wrangler) or 5 (Wrangler Unlimited) |
| Drive Wheels | 4-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Jeep |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA |
| Base Prices | Sport: $23,995 Sahara: $30,445 Rubicon: $33,645 Unlimited Sport: $27,895 Unlimited Sahara: $34,245 Unlimited Rubicon: $37,445 |
| Base Engine 3.6-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 285 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 5-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16-17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 20-21 |
