The 2021 Jeep Wrangler lasts around 250,000 miles with some hybrid battery system and steering wobble issues reported. At $29,070 to $119,000, it’s expensive, but worth the money if you’re in the market for a serious off-roader.
Is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a very good year for the Jeep Wrangler, although you sacrifice some on-road comfort for off-road performance. Owner reviews praise the powerful engines, fun driving experience as well as the stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are more utilitarian rather than luxurious, the seats are supportive, cargo space is also lower than some competitors.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread mechanical problems reported on the 2021 Wrangler. In general models from 2013 through 2021 are all reasonably reliable.
- Performance 8/10 – The base engines are reasonably powerful, while the optional Rubicon 392 is one of the most powerful midsize SUVs on the market.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2021 Wrangler is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 25 MPG, giving 430 miles of range out of the 17.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $48 higher than average at $298 per month.
- Value 9/10 – Depreciation is slower than nearly any other SUV on the market, making a 2021 Jeep Wrangler a fantastic value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Wrangler?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Jeep Wrangler exists in a class of its own with outstanding off-road performance with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2021 Wrangler at 4.4/5, praising the large range of customization options, but they don’t like the slow steering.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Wrangler a 4.1/5, enjoying the excellent resale value as they age, but owners don’t like the relatively noisy interior.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler include the hybrid battery overheating, steering wobble, along with a thumping noise in the rear end. Overall, these problems are a bit worse than other midsize SUVs, although you wind up trading some of the reliability for outstanding off-road performance.
The hybrid battery overheating is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler in the first 5,000 miles. The battery gets heavily taxed when driving off-road and using a lot of torque. The only way to fix the issue is by letting the battery system cool down, which can take several hours depending on ambient air temperature.
Steering wobble is another common problem on the 2021 Wrangler, showing up at around 10,000 miles. Jeep Wranglers are notorious for loose steering, which has been termed the “death wobble” over the years. The only way to fix the problem is by replacing various steering components as they wear out, costing around $800.
A thumping noise from the rear end has also been reported on some Wrangler models in the first 20,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by damage to the rear differential. Diagnosing the source of the problem costs around $50, while fixing it can cost $250 to $500 depending on the issue.
There are eight recalls on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, which is worse than other midsize SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers the high pressure fuel pump, which can fail and cause a loss of engine power. Jeep will replace the fuel pump in affected models for free. Other recalls include damaged frame studs, ECU problems, as well as the clutch pressure plate overheating.
How Long Will the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Jeep Wrangler can last around 250,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Toyota 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than other midsize SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $645 per year.
As a used 2021 Jeep Wrangler reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history owners should be prepared to replace the tie rods for $400, the transmission oil cooler costing $500, along with the steering knuckle which costs $850.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is okay offering a standard 5-inch touchscreen display. Optional upgrades include larger 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens along with a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is basic, only offering a rearview camera.
Optional advanced driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Forward collision warning
- Adaptive cruise control
Is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler is a good value since it depreciates slowly and is one of the only vehicles which is built to handle rough off-road terrain. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $29,070 to $119,000, with the most expensive being the special Wrangler 392 models. When new, the price range was $29,370 to $74,795. Depreciation is nearly nonexistent in current market conditions, but in normal times we expect it to lose under 5% per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Wrangler?
There are five main versions of the Jeep Wrangler offered for the 2021 model year. There are also special edition versions available which have unique exterior and interior trims. The Wrangler is offered as a standard 2-door Wrangler model or larger 4-door Wrangler Unlimited. All Wranglers come standard with four-wheel drive.
Sport is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Skid Plates
- Tow Hooks
- Crank Windows
- Manual Door Locks
- 5-Inch Central Display
Sport S adds features such as:
- Alloy Wheels
- Air Conditioning
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Power Windows and Door Locks
- Tinted Windows
Sahara is next in the lineup, adding:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Body-Colored Fender Flares
- Automatic Climate Control
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
4xe is the hybrid model which has:
- More-Efficient Engine
- Unique Exterior Trim
- Upgraded Interior Driver Information Display
Rubicon is the flagship model with:
- 17-Inch Wheels With All Terrain Tires
- Dana 44 Front and Rear Axles
- Electronic Locking Differentials
- Rock Rails
- Electronic Disconnecting Font Stabilizer Bar
- LED Headlights
- 4-Inch Touchscreen
- Alpine Stereo System
- Optional 392 V8 engine
What Engines Come In the Jeep Wrangler?
- The base engine is a 3.6L V6 which makes 285 horsepower while getting up to 21 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission or optional eight-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the more efficient 2.0L 4-cylinder, which produces 270 horsepower while getting up to 22 MPG. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- The efficient choice is the 3.0L V6 diesel, which generates 260 horsepower and gets up to 25 MPG. It comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission as well.
- The 4xe comes with a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder gasoline engine which is paired with two electric motors which generate 375 horsepower and gets up to 20 miles of all-electric range and a 49 MPGe.
- The Rubicon 392 offers a very strong 6.4L V8 which makes 470 horsepower at up to 14 MPG. It also features an eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance is great, taking 4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Jeep Wrangler Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Wrangler?
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is designed with a focus on ruggedness and off-road capabilities, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in comfort. While the ride may be firmer compared to other SUVs, the Wrangler offers a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for both the front and rear seat. Upholstery options range from durable cloth to premium leather, and available features such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel enhance the overall comfort experience.
The Wrangler’s interior design is straightforward and user-friendly, with controls that are easy to operate even while wearing gloves. The available Uconnect infotainment system provides a responsive touchscreen interface with smartphone integration, making it simple to stay connected and entertained on the go. Additionally, the Wrangler’s removable doors and roof panels offer an open-air driving experience that is unique in the SUV segment. Overall, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler delivers a comfortable ride for those who appreciate its rugged charm and off-road prowess.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Wrangler Have?
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-road vehicle that offers versatile storage space to accommodate the needs of adventurers and families alike. In its two-door configuration, the Wrangler provides a total of 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. With the rear seats up, it offers 12.9 cubic feet of space. On the four-door Wrangler Unlimited model, cargo capacity increases significantly, offering up to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down and 31.7 cubic feet when they are in place.
This ample storage space allows you to fit various items, such as camping gear, luggage, or sports equipment, making the Wrangler an ideal choice for weekend getaways or daily errands. With its combination of utility, off-road capability, and iconic styling, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler is well-equipped to handle any adventure that comes its way.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Wrangler, known as the JL, was introduced for the 2018 model year.
2015: Updated tool kit with all the pieces needed to remove doors, upgraded stereo system.
2016: More exterior color choices available, special edition models introduced.
2017: Optional remote start system, heated seats, and LED lighting available.
2018: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new styling, technology, and engines.
2019: Forward collision warning system and adaptive cruise control added.
2020: Optional V6 diesel engine offered, Moab model discontinued.
2021: New 4xe Hybrid and high-performance Rubicon 392 models introduced.
How Does the Jeep Wrangler Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is a good SUV if you’re looking for something to take off-road on the weekends, although you trade some long-term reliability for the capable four-wheel-drive system.
The Jeep Gladiator is a popular competitor from Jeep which is available in the same price range. Both the Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler are built on the same platform, although the Jeep Gladiator offers a truck bed for added practicality. We recommend the Jeep Wrangler since the cabin is more spacious, although both are very similar.
The Ford Bronco is another off-road focused SUV, which is about $2,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Ford Bronco, although the Jeep Wrangler offers better off-road performance with its narrower wheelbase. We recommend the Jeep Wrangler, although both are very fun off-road focused SUVs to drive.
