The Jeep Wrangler has been mastering rocky trails and sandy dunes for decades. But is it comfortable to drive over thousands of miles?
Like many drivers across America, you love the classic rugged looks of the Jeep Wrangler and respect it for its off-road capability. But is it really the right SUV for an epic road trip? You can get quick feedback from other Jeep Wrangler owners in the Q&A feature at Vehicle History, but if you need a more in-depth review, we’ve dug out all the answers you need in a comprehensive report.
When mapping out a trek across the Colorado Rockies or the Badlands, the Jeep Wrangler should be on your shortlist. If the family is going to visit as many amusement parks as possible while cruising the lower 48 states, you might want to look for a roomier SUV engineered to master highway driving.
Should your needs lie between the two ends of the spectrum, let’s learn a little more about the Jeep Wrangler, so you can make a more informed decision.
Jeep Wrangler: Engine Options & Fuel Economy
Your Jeep Wrangler JL or JK is likely equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine which produces a reasonable 285 horsepower–more than enough to accelerate through traffic while exploring the Interstates.
The entry-level Sport trim comes with an automatic transmission, but the six-speed manual is found on many machines built for outdoor adventure.
The new 2.0L turbocharged ESS four-cylinder engine available on the 2020 and 2021 Wrangler drops you to 270 horsepower but increases torque which makes towing easier. Either one will do the job for cross-country cruising, but the V6 is the one you will want for crawling through ditches and over rocks.
Expect to find an 18.6 or 22.5-gallon gas tank on board, and you can roll up to 400 miles before stopping at the station.
Fuel economy-wise, the 2018 V6 will earn an EPA-estimated 20 mpg highway on the two-door Wrangler with the automatic transmission. The four-door manages just an 18 mpg highway with the same engine and a five-speed transmission.
Jeep Wrangler: Geared for Off-road Fun
If you are planning on exploring back roads, mountain passes, and endless dunes, the Jeep Wrangler is built for you. Even the base Sport trim has a suspension designed to tackle graveled trails without blinking.
For those looking to leave all signs of civilization behind, the Rubicon features the upgrades required for breathtaking climbs. It can even ford streams up to 30 inches deep. The electronic disconnect sway bar gives you the added flexibility to clamber through a rock-strewn landscape.
However, the tall stance and short wheelbase of the two-door Wrangler create one major drawback for highway driving. You will feel all the bumps and grooves in the road. That suspension that handles rocky roads also translates into a stiffer ride.
Soft Top, Freedom Top, or Power Sky One-touch
What about fresh air? Every Wrangler features a removable top, doors, and windshield. While none of these are push-button easy, it does feed that fresh air fiend inside you.
The soft Sunrider top is the standard roof. It uses a combination of flexible windows, clips, and a tough woven fabric to create a top that can be folded back or completely removed. It takes about 30 minutes to take it off, so only plan on that open-top experience in good weather.
The Freedom Top is a three-panel hardtop system that is faster to take down and gives the Wrangler a more urban appearance. Just pop a few clips inside and stow the panels in the storage bag.
Finally, Jeep answered the demand for a true convertible driving experience with the power Sky One-Touch roof. It cannot be completely removed but opens and closes with the touch of a button. It is a soft top and was introduced in the 2018 model year.
If you can’t decide which roof is right for your lifestyle, check out how easy it is to handle each type of roof in the above video by The Fast Lane Car.
Jeep Wrangler Cargo Space: Two- vs. Four-Door
Are you planning for a coast-to-coast trip? Then you might want to bring more than a duffle bag worth of clothes and camping supplies. The four-door Wrangler is much better equipped to handle a pile of luggage. You might want to leave some extra stuff behind if you are piloting a two-door version.
The two-door Wrangler has just 12.8 cu. ft. of space behind its back seats. But when folded down, it does open up to an ample 56.5. That is more than enough for a tent, cooler, clothes, and sleeping bags for two.
The four-door barely doubles the cargo space to just 31.5 cu. ft., which if you have got the kids with you, that is not going to cut it. Tuck away the split rear seats, and you now have 70.6 cu. ft.
What about a roof rack? The Wrangler is not designed to accept any kind of OEM roof luggage rack. There are external bolt-on racks available that will make your ride look like it is ready to cross the Sahara desert. It may inhibit your use of the removable roof.
Also, if you have a soft-top Wrangler, then the security of your gear will always be a concern on the road. While the fabric is tough, the windows can be sliced open with the right knife. You will also want to add a cargo cover to help conceal your stuff from the curious criminal. If you are trail riding with a group, it is impossible to properly secure your gear without putting the top back up.
Jeep Wrangler: Towing Capacity Explained
So, you can’t really pack in enough gear for your family of four, but can you tow it? Maybe.
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler two-door can tow a trailer up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. You can find an ultra-lightweight pop-up or travel trailer camper under the weight limit, but it won’t be roomy.
If you are driving a four-door, then you can tow up to 3,500 pounds which greatly expands the options for a family-friendly camper.
Jeep Wrangler: Room for the Whole Family?
Is this your graduation year road trip with your college roommates? While the two-door Wrangler specs insist that it has seating for four, that back seat is not designed for long drives if you are over four-foot six. The outer roll bars reduce the shoulder width and the legroom leaves no space for stretching out. Add the bouncy ride to your considerations, and you will be subjecting your best friend to a less than memorable experience.
The four-door back row is designed to seat up to three across and gives you two more inches in legroom compared to the two-door.
However, the back row is four cu. ft. smaller than the front row. It’s just not spacious. If you are rolling with the kids, they will be fine. For the college road trip, stick to a total of four passengers including the driver to save everybody’s sanity.
Do you need to see the dimensions for yourself? In the video above, The Fast Lane Car gave their review of a new two-door Wrangler and shows you how easy it is to get in and out and where to put all your gear in this quick video.
Jeep Wrangler: Reliability & Repair Costs
One of your big questions will be just how reliable is your Jeep Wrangler for an extended trip?
Repair Pal gives the Jeep Wrangler an above-average reliability rating. Owners can expect to spend about $694 a year on repairs and 16% of the time, the repair will be severe. You can minimize the chance of getting stranded in remote locations by having your mechanic do a complete inspection before you leave. Make sure that your belts, tires, oil, and filters are all in good condition. Have the alignment checked and your wheels balanced.
Leave room in your luggage for an emergency kit stocked with your lug wrench, basic tool kit, jack, a gallon of water, a jug of oil, flares, and air compressor.
If you do end up needing a repair, the Jeep Wrangler is one of the most popular Jeep models on the road. You will have no problem sourcing the needed part in any region of the country, whether you prefer OEM or aftermarket.
Other Jeep Models to Consider for an Epic Adventure
If you are more into a laid-back ride over well-paved roads, you may want to consider a different Jeep for a more comfortable road trip.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: Room for the Whole Family
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the mid-size SUV loaded with all the extras needed to see to your family’s total comfort. The cockpit can feature luxury upgrades such as a power driver’s seat with memory, heat, and ventilation. The kids have more elbow room in the second row and the ample cargo space is easily expanded using the roof rails. Towing? Bring your camper weighing up to 7,200 pounds.
Jeep Compass: Something Sporty for a Ride to the Beach
The compact Jeep Compass is comparable in size to the Wrangler with a little more space in the back for people and packages. Designed as a fun grocery-getter, you can find them with front or four-wheel drive. Its powertrain and suspension deliver a comfortable ride for epic road trips or cruising along the coast.
Jeep Renegade: Suitable for the City Explorer
For those that want to keep an eye on the fuel budget while exploring more of America, think about the Jeep Renegade. The 2018 loaded with the 1.4L turbo engine and automatic transmission earns an EPA-estimated 31 mpg highway.
When equipped with the tow package, it can even tow up to 2,000 pounds. Available with four-wheel drive, it is more than capable of parking at your favorite campground without getting stuck on their dirt roads.
Is there a question about the Jeep Wrangler that we missed? Check back at Vehicle History and search thousands of common questions to learn how other drivers are using their favorite off-road SUV
Photos: Stellantis