The 2020 Jeep Wrangler lasts around 250,000 miles with some steering and rear axle issues reported. At $29,875 to $43,400, it’s expensive, but worth the money for one of the best off-road focused SUVs on the market.
Is the 2020 Jeep Wrangler a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Jeep Wrangler, although it’s solely focused on off-road performance. Owner reviews praise the strong engines, fun driving experience, along with the stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are okay for an SUV offering improvements from earlier years, the seats are supportive, cargo space is low though.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Jeep Wrangler. Models from 2013 through 2021 are all dependable choices.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from all of the engine choices which focus more on driving off-road rather than on-road racing.
- Safety 6/10 – The 2020 Wrangler gets four out of five stars in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera, while adaptive cruise control is optional.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 25 MPG, giving 437 miles of range out of the 17.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $17 more than average at $225 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is expensive, but it holds its value better than nearly any other SUV on the market, giving it a high score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Wrangler?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Jeep Wrangler offers improved powertrain choices along with new technology, while also getting high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Wrangler at 3.6/5, praising the very responsive engines, but don’t like the slow steering.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Wrangler a 4.3/5, enjoying the off-road capabilities, but owners don’t like the noisy cabin.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Jeep Wrangler include loose steering, a damaged rear differential, along with check engine lights. Overall, these problems are worse than other midsize SUVs on the market, making them more expensive to fix, although they are similar to some other off-road focused SUVs.
Loose steering is the most widespread complaint on the 2020 Wrangler, showing up in the first 1,500 miles. There are some reports from owners of having the steering gear replaced for free under warranty, which fixed the problem. When loose steering shows up later in the ownership experience, it’s usually a suspension and alignment issue.
A damaged rear differential has also been reported by 2020 Wrangler owners in the first 10,000 miles. If you take your Wrangler off-roading a lot and wind up slipping or spinning tires, it can cause premature wear to the differential. Replacing the gearset in the differential costs around $1,100, depending on local labor rates.
Check engine lights are another common issue with the 2020 Wrangler. There are hundreds of reasons a check engine light may turn on, but the most likely sources are damaged sensors or a loose gas cap. If you get a check engine light, you will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the code, then fix the issues from there.
There are eight recalls on the 2020 Wrangler, which is worse than other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall is for a fuel pump failure which can cause the engine to stall while driving. Other important recalls cover a fuel supply line connection, the clutch pressure plate, along with the lower control arm separating from the axle. Jeep will replace the parts on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Jeep Wrangler can last around 250,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $645 per year.
As a used 2020 Wrangler reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the blower motor for $385, fuel evaporative canister costing $275, along with the starter motor which costs around $400.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very basic in the 2020 Jeep Wrangler with a standard 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity. Optional upgrades include larger 7-inch or 8.4-inch touch screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard safety technology is worse than other SUVs, only offering a standard rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Rear parking sensors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Blind spot monitoring
Is the 2020 Jeep Wrangler a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler is a good value since it depreciates slowly while also being reasonably reliable. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $29,875 to $43,400, making it more expensive than a Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $28,295 to $42,195. Depreciation for the Wrangler is non-existent in current market conditions, but in normal times expect it to drop about 4% each year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Wrangler?
There are three main models of the 2020 Jeep Wrangler offered, from the base Sport to the more off-road focused Rubicon. The Wrangler is also offered in either a standard two-door model or the larger four-door Wrangler Unlimited model. All Wrangler models come standard with four-wheel drive.
There are also several special edition models in the lineup which add different colors, wheels, and badges.
Sport is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Air Conditioning
- Cloth Seats
- Skid Plates
- Tow Hooks
- Steel Bumpers
- Fog Lights
- Removable Metal Doors
- Manual Windows
- Fold-Down Windshield
- Manual Mirrors and Locks
- Cruise Control
- Push-Button Start
- Height-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- Rearview Camera
- Eight-Speaker Sound System
Sahara is a step up, adding:
- Painted Exterior Trim
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Satellite Radio
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Technology Package
- Power Windows
- Larger Brakes
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Roof Rails
Rubicon is the flagship model which has:
- Unique 17-Inch Wheels
- Off-Road Tires
- Larger Heavy-Duty Axles
- Low Range Gearing
- Electronic Front and Rear Locking Differentials
- 4-Inch Touchscreen Display
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Heated Seats
What Engines Come In the Jeep Wrangler?
- The base engine in the 2020 Wrangler is an average 3.6L V6 which makes 285 horsepower at up to 20 MPG. There’s a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance is decent, taking 6.6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
- An available upgrade is the more efficient turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, which produces 270 horsepower while getting 23 MPG. This engine only has an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- There’s also a turbo diesel available with a 3.0L V6 which generates 260 horsepower and gets up to 25 MPG. It only has an eight-speed automatic transmission.
What Colors Does the Jeep Wrangler Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Wrangler?
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler offers a comfortable ride for its class, but it may not be as plush as some other SUVs on the market. The seats are supportive and offer plenty of cushioning, and they can be adjusted to fit a variety of body types. However, some taller passengers may find the legroom to be a bit tight in the back seat.
The ride is generally smooth on paved roads, but the suspension is designed for off-roading, which can lead to a bumpy ride on uneven surfaces. The noise level inside the cabin is also higher than in some other vehicles, due to the Wrangler’s open-air design and rugged construction. Overall, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler strikes a good balance between comfort and capability, making it a great choice for drivers who prioritize off-road adventures and don’t mind sacrificing some luxury features for a rugged, versatile vehicle.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Wrangler Have?
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is a versatile and rugged vehicle that offers plenty of storage space for your gear and equipment. One of the primary storage areas in the Wrangler is the cargo space behind the rear seat, which provides 31.7 cubic feet of storage. This area is perfect for hauling large items like camping gear, sports equipment, or luggage.
Additionally, the Wrangler features several smaller storage compartments throughout the vehicle, including a center console with a lockable storage bin and cup holders, as well as a glove box, mesh storage pockets, and more.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Jeep Wrangler, known as the JL, was launched for the 2018 model year.
2015: Upgraded tool kit with tools needed to remove doors, more powerful stereo system.
2016: New exterior color choices offered, special edition models added.
2017: Optional remote start, heated seats, and LED headlights available.
2018: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new technology, styling, and engines.
2019: New forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control added.
2020: Optional V6 diesel engine available, Moab model removed from the lineup.
2021: New 4xe Hybrid and Rubicon 392 high-performance models introduced.
How Does the Jeep Wrangler Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is an excellent choice if you’re in the market for an off-road focused SUV, but you sacrifice a lot of safety and reliability for the capabilities and styling.
The Jeep Gladiator is another vehicle offered by Jeep which costs around $3,000 more. Both the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator are built on the same platform, but the Jeep Gladiator offers a truck bed. Ultimately, the choice between the two Jeeps comes down to personal preferences and needs, making both worth a test drive if you’re in the market for a capable off-road vehicle.
The Toyota 4Runner is another midsize SUV which costs around $4,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Toyota 4Runner, while the Jeep Wrangler does handle extreme off-road conditions better. We recommend the Toyota 4Runner for a daily driver since it’s more reliable, while the Jeep Wrangler is a better choice if you only plan on going off-road.
