The go-anywhere Jeep Wrangler has continued to improve across four generations. So, which is the best Jeep Wrangler overall?
In a world of crossovers that are all starting to look the same, the Jeep Wrangler stands out in the crowd. It’s hard to believe that the Wrangler has only been manufactured since 1986. It’s a clear ancestor of the original World War II Jeep, as well as the CJ (Civilian Jeeps) that were built by companies like Jeep, Willys, American Motors Corporation (AMC), and Kaiser-Jeep.
The solid axle and drop-top format of the Wrangler has evolved over four generations under the watchful eye of a variety of parent companies. To say that it’s amazing that the Wrangler still exists is an understatement.
The fact that it has continued in the same drop-top layout with removable doors and go-anywhere 4WD is even more impressive. Even odder is that it doesn’t really have much competition.
Aside from a few off-road-focused SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner and the upcoming Ford Bronco, there isn’t much to even compare a Jeep to. If you are out hunting for a new or pre-owned Jeep, the variety of trim levels and options can be daunting. Never fear, we are here to pick the best overall Jeep Wrangler out there.
First-generation Wrangler: YJ (’87–’95)
The first generation of Jeep’s new 4WD was a clear continuation of the Civilian Jeeps, aka “CJ”, that were built between 1971-1986. The Jeep CJ-7 was replaced in 1987 by the new “Wrangler” which used the shortened internal “YJ” designation code. Ever since Jeep enthusiasts have used this two-letter shorthand to talk about their Jeeps. Even though it was based on the same overall wheelbase as the CJ-7, the Wrangler featured updated styling inside and out.
The first generation is the only one to feature square headlights, so it’s easy to spot. Of note, it features the iconic seven-slot grille that continues to this day. Production initially began in Canada for the 1987 model year, but was soon moved to Toledo, Ohio, where the Wrangler was built in the same plant that built Willys Jeeps during World War II.
The YJ was powered by AMC engines, including a 117 horsepower 2.5L inline-four, or an optional 4.2L inline-six. Starting in 1991, a new fuel-injected 180 horsepower High Output 4.0L engine replaced the original 4.2L. The now popular Sahara model debuted in 1988 and for the 1990 model year, trim levels included the Base, S, Islander, Laredo, and Sahara.
The original MSRP for a 1990 Wrangler was $9,393 to $11,599. In 1991 the Renegade made its debut, which added mostly graphics and a few upgraded features. 1995 was the last year of the YJ, leaving a gap for the 1996 Wrangler model year. There were 685,071 YJs produced.
First-gen. Wrangler: Problem Areas
Generally, it’s best to avoid the first year YJ (1987) with the 4.2L engine. While it was mostly bulletproof, it was mated to a sketchy Peugeot BA 10/5 transmission and a poor carburetor. The 2.5L four-cylinder isn’t a bad engine, however, it is a bit underpowered for serious off-roading. Find one of the 1991 or newer 4.0L-equipped YJ Wranglers if you want to do some real off-roading with higher reliability.
Even the four-cylinder was upgraded with multi-port fuel injection which gave it a bit more power. Off-roaders have noted that the Renegade’s larger fiberglass bumpers and fenders end up being a liability off of the tarmac.
Generally speaking, the newer the YJ, the more likely it is to have some of the early problems sorted. As always, get a good pre-purchase inspection done by a reputable shop, and check the service records of the YJ ahead of signing any papers.
First-gen. Wrangler: Yearly Updates
- 1988 – The Islander and Sahara packages are launched. The Islander included body-colored wheel flares and side steps, trim-specific sunset graphics on the lower body and hood, as well as the Islander logo on the front fenders and spare tire cover, plus additional trim and packaging updates. The Sahara included most of the Wrangler’s optional features including body-color fender flares and wheels, unique green trail-cloth seats with pockets, front bumper mounted fog lamps, and a bunch more.
- 1990 – The Renegade trim is introduced, which came with the larger engine as standard, special alloy wheels, exclusive body flares, and several other features.
- 1991 – The new fuel-injected 180 horsepower High Output 4.0L engine replaced the original 4.2L engine.
- 1992 – The YJs roll cage was extended to allow for rear three-point safety shoulder belts.
- 1993 – Anti-lock brakes were added as an option.
- 1994 – An automatic transmission was added as an option for four-cylinder models.
- 1995 – Some of the last YJs produced during its last model year oddly enough started getting parts from the new TJ. Updated bump stops on the hood and stronger tailgate hinges found their way onto the YJ. You can even find a rear TJ bumper on some production YJs. The strangest bit is that some even got the brand new straight-six engine that was designed for the TJ.
Second-generation Wrangler: TJ (’96–’06)
Generally speaking, each new generation of Jeep Wrangler is a bit better than the one that preceded it. The newly updated TJ (1997–2006) was no different, and thankfully saw a return to the round headlights that have been on the Wrangler ever since. Even though the TJ wasn’t a dramatic update over the YJ, it had some other key upgrades. Gone were the aging leaf springs, replaced with new coil-spring suspension both front and rear. Power basically carried over from the YJ.
Upon launch, you could get a 181 horsepower 4.0L straight-six engine, while an entry-level 120 horsepower 2.5L inline-four engine was also available until the 2002 model year when one of the Chrysler family’s 2.4L four-cylinder engines replaced it for 2003.
Also in 2003, a four-speed automatic replaced the old three-speed unit which was a worthy upgrade. Early 1997 models are pretty inexpensive, with a Kelley Blue Book price range of $6,202 – $9,573, available in SE, Sport, and Sahara trim levels.
Second-gen. Wrangler: Problem Areas
Just like with the YJ, skip the 2.5L four-cylinder in favor of the larger 4.0L engine. It’s not that the four-cylinder is unreliable, it’s just that the more powerful AMC engine has become legendary, and there is a lot of support for it in the aftermarket Jeep world. The 4.0L engines aren’t perfect, they are known to leak oil at times. It’s an easy fix, make sure you inspect the valve cover gasket as well as the rear main seal.
The 1997 to 2000 model years can suffer from a cracked exhaust manifold and some TJs had radiator leakage problems, which is easy to diagnose and pretty cheap to fix. Overall, the TJ is known as a pretty mechanically reliable Jeep. On the off-road side, look for the larger Dana 44 axle (over the 35), but don’t stress over it, since there are so many off-road goodies available at the click of a mouse.
Second-gen. Wrangler: Yearly Updates
- 1998 – The TJ received a larger 19-gallon fuel tank.
- 2001 – 60th Anniversary Edition added.
- 2002 – Apex Edition.
- 2003 – Jeep unleashes the Rubicon off-road-focused Wrangler, it’s definitely the one to get if you plan to get your Jeep dirty. Also in 2003, a new 2.4L four-cylinder engine replaced the old 2.5L and a new four-speed automatic replaced the old-and-busted three-speed unit. You could also get the Tomb Raider Edition and Rocky Mountain Edition for 2003.
- 2004 – The long-wheelbase Unlimited model was introduced and was 10-inches longer than the regular Wrangler (not to be confused with the eventual JK Unlimited four-door Wrangler). The Willys and Columbia Editions were also added.
- 2006 – Golden Eagle edition and 66th Anniversary Edition were added.
Third-generation Wrangler: JK (’07–’17)
If you see a Jeep Wrangler on the road today, it’s statistically most likely to be a Jeep Wrangler JK (2007 – 2018). The JK marked the entry of what has gone on to be one of the most successful Wrangler variants ever, the Unlimited. In 2007, you could buy both a two-door Wrangler or a long-wheelbase Unlimited four-door, both in X, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels.
The new JK was significantly wider than the outgoing TJ and offered standard kits such as off-road-focused anti-lock brakes and traction control, plus an electronic limited-slip differential. Power came from a 3.8L V6 with 202 horsepower and 237 lb.-ft. of torque for the 2007 to 2011 model years.
Available transmissions included a standard five-speed or optional four-speed automatic. The 2012 JK saw a newly updated and improved Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar VVT V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The Wrangler was sold through the 2018 model year, alongside the newly released Wrangler JL.
Third-gen. Wrangler: Problem Areas
If you are shopping for a JK Wrangler, it’s worth looking at 2012 and newer options. The new 3.6L engine is not only more powerful, but it’s also more efficient. The Wrangler’s basic drivetrain components are shared across other Chrysler options and do not typically have significant issues. Some Fiat Chrysler vehicles from 2007 to 2015 suffer from totally integrated power module (TIPM) failure, but a recall was issued, starting with the 2007 Wrangler. So, as always, check for open recalls.
Also, some owners report something they have termed the “death wobble,” which occurs when steering components come loose or become damaged. Always ensure that there are no bent or broken bits in the front suspension.
Take a look at the Repair Pal assessment of the Wrangler. They rate the overall cost as “inexpensive” and specifically state “the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Jeep Wrangler is $694, compared to an average of $521 for compact SUVs and a total of $652 for all vehicle models.”
Third-gen. Wrangler: Yearly Updates
- 2009 – The JK added standard Hill Start Assist (HSA) as well as a Rocky Mountain Edition.
- 2010 – New easer to use soft top plus updated UConnect infotainment systems added as well as the addition of the Islander Edition and Mountain Edition.
- 2011 – 4×2 was no longer available for the Unlimited and 4×4 became standard for the 2011 model year. Jeep also added a 70th Anniversary Edition for 2011.
- 2012 – New 3.6L engine with 285 horsepower added, plus Artic Special Edition and the video-game focused Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition.
- 2013 – Added the Moab Edition and Overland Edition.
- 2014 – More special editions including the Rubicon (X) Edition, Dragon Edition, Polar Edition, Freedom Edition, and more.
Fourth-generation Wrangler: JL (’18–Present)
The Jeep Wrangler continues to build on the heritage of its first three generations with the new JL. The new Wrangler is more versatile than ever, with a host of new engines. For 2018 you can opt for a 3.6L V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, a 2.0L turbo-four with 270 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft., a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 (2020+) with 260 horsepower, and a mountainous 442 lb.-ft. of torque.
The new Wrangler is slightly more aerodynamic (well, slightly less brick-shaped), which helps improve fuel economy as well. It was launched with Sport, Sport S, Moab, Sahara, and Rubicon trim levels.
Plus, even though it’s not technically a Wrangler, the new Jeep Gladiator is here in case you want your Wrangler with a truck bed.
Fourth-gen. Wrangler: Problem Areas
As of this writing, the latest Wrangler is too new to have charted any problem areas.
Fourth-gen. Wrangler: Yearly Updates
- 2019 – Advanced Safety group package adds adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning.
- 2020 – 3.0L turbodiesel available, plus a new trick eTorque mild hybrid added to the V6 (Sahara Unlimited only). Additionally the Willys Edition, Freedom Edition, and Black and Tan packages are available.
- 2021 – The wild Wrangler 392 joins the lineup featuring a 6.4L Hemi engine with 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, the new 4xe plug-in hybrid model introduced with a turbocharged 2.0L engine and two electric motors. Finally, the Islander and 80th Anniversary special edition trims are now offered.
So, What’s the Best Wrangler?
Your patience is commendable, we’ve reached the end of our rundown of all four Jeep Wrangler generations. While it’s hard to deny that each new model year of the Wrangler is better than the last, our top pick for best Jeep Wrangler overall is the 2018 Wrangler JL Rubicon. Prices range from $26,527 to $43,703 on the used market, which is a bargain for an out-of-the-box off-road legend.
The latest 2021 Rubi will run you $38,695 – $42,195, which isn’t cheap. Look at the used market for the 2018 Rubicon and you’ll get the most off-road capable Wrangler you can buy. You’ll get Dana 44 solid front and rear heavy-duty axles, an upgraded four-wheel-drive system with a 4:1 low gear ratio, electronically locking front and rear differentials, plus unique fender flares, and 17-inch allow wheels shod with even better all-terrain tires. Even if you don’t need to go off-road, you’ll know you can go just about anywhere in the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon!
Photos: Jeep
