2019 Jeep Wrangler

Pros: Outstanding off-road prowess; unmistakable Jeep character and rugged personality

Cons: Poor value for money; noisier and less refined than most every class competitor; subpar on-road handling

CG Says: The 2019 Jeep Wrangler gains available forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Jeep’s iconic off-roader was redesigned last year on an all-new body-on-frame platform and gained fresh-but-familiar styling, an available turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and a host of new features. The standard 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 is carried over from the previous-generation Wrangler, but it now has a fuel-saving stop/start feature and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission in place of the previous 5-speed (a 6-speed manual transmission is available). The turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder puts out 270 hp and comes only with the 8-speed automatic; it features 48-volt “eTorque” mild-hybrid technology that includes regenerative braking, intelligent battery charging, electric power assist, and auto stop/start. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 is slated to join the lineup for 2020. A plug-in hybrid model is also scheduled for 2020. Full-time 4-wheel-drive is available; previous-generation Wranglers only offered a part-time system that needed to be engaged by the driver. Other available features include a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-path alert, rearview camera, push-button starting, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality, and a Sky One-Touch power-folding canvas roof. This generation Jeep Wrangler delivers better all-around comfort, refinement, and economy than its predecessor while sacrificing none of its renowned rugged-terrain capabilities. Most any other compact-SUV competitor is a better dollar value and is more refined in everyday driving, but the Wrangler’s one-of-a-kind personality and off-road prowess make it a must-have for large numbers of adventure-seeking buyers.