Pros: Virtually unmatched off-road prowess; unmistakable Jeep character and rugged personality; four-door model retains desirable traits of original Wrangler but adds much needed versatility
Cons: Noisier and less refined that most every class competitor; subpar on-road handling and fuel economy; lack of creature comforts
CG Says: In addition to the all-new redesigned 2018 Jeep Wrangler (see separate report), the previous-generation Wrangler continues for 2018 as the Wrangler JK. The Wrangler JK is an off-road oriented compact SUV that comes in two lengths. The base Wrangler JK has two doors and seats four, while the longer 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, the Wrangler JK 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 four-door’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 (2-door) or 5 (4-door) |
| Drive Wheels | 4-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Jeep |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA |
| Base Prices | Sport 2-door: $25,090 Sport 4-door: $28,990 Sport S: $28,090 Sport S 4-door: $32,190 Willys Wheeler 2-door: $29,390 Willys Wheeler 4-door: $33,290 Golden Eagle 2-door: $30,290 Golden Eagle 4-door: $34,190 Freedom Edition 2-door: $30,790 Freedom Edition 4-door: $34,690 Willys Wheeler W 2-door: $31,490 Willys Wheeler W 4-door: $35,390 Sahara 2-door: $31,540 Sahara 4-door: $35,340 Altitude 2-door: $34,540 Altitude 4-door: $38,340 Rubicon 2-door: $34,740 Rubicon 4-door: $38,540 Rubicon Recon 2-door: $40,240 Rubicon Recon 4-door: $44,040 |
| 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 |
