Reviewing the 2021 Jeep Wrangler

The iconic Jeep Wrangler is a staple in American culture. There is nothing more freeing than riding with the doors removed and blasting your favorite tunes during the hot summer months. However, this article is designed to help you assess all aspects of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler to determine if this is exactly what you need.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392

While you are able to purchase the typical models with every new release such as the Sport, Rubicon, and Unlimited editions, the 2021 is unique. Jeep has released the 80th Anniversary Edition Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and the 4XE Plug-in Hybrid. 

What is so special about these two special edition models? Well, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has a 470 horsepower 6.4 liter V-8 engine with 470 pound-feet of torque. Considering that the standard models have between 260 to 285 horsepower, the Rubicon 392 has the horsepower and torque needed for all of your off-roading adventures. With 10.3 inches of ground clearance and 32.5 inches of water fording ability, no terrain or obstacle will be too much for the Wrangler to handle. 

Image source: moparinsiders.com

What’s the Cost?

Name your price and it is very likely that there is a Jeep Wrangler within your price range. The base price for each model are as follows:

• Sport ($27,900)
• Unlimited Sport ($32,400)
• Rubicon ($38,300)

And Unlimited:

• Sport RHD ($38,925)
• Sahara ($39,250)
• Rubicon ($41,800)

When evaluating cost, gas mileage is also important to consider. Depending on the engine determines the gas mileage. The least efficient being the four-door four wheel drive 8 cylinder 6.4 liter at 13 city and 17 mpg highway and the four-door four wheel drive 6 cylinder 3.6 liter at 17 city and 23 mpg highway. The more fuel efficient options are the two-door four wheel drive 4 cylinder 2.0 liter at 22 mpg city and 24 highway. The best option, however, is the four door 4xe hybrid option at 49 mpg.  

What’s under the hood of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler?

One of the great features of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler is that there are several customization options regarding engines. Whether you are looking for an everyday driver or a vehicle with more power and off-roading capabilities, the Wrangler’s got you covered. Drivers who purchase the standard 285-hp 3.6 liter v-6 are able to drive either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. 

There are also several options for eco-friendly and fuel-efficient drivers as well: 4-cylinder hybrids, 3.6 liter v-6 hybrid assist, and the new 375-hp plug-in hybrid 4xe powertrain 6.4 liter v-8 engine. As if the standard and hybrid options are not enough, the Wrangler is also available in the 3.0 liter diesel V-6 as well. 

The Hybrid 4xe

If you are wanting to be able to enjoy the unique off-roading features of the Jeep Wrangler while still being eco-friendly, Jeep also has the 2021 Hybrid 4xe option. This specific model has a 375 horsepower 2.0 liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain. This unique feature enables drivers to enjoy the off-roading features, while also taking advantage of the 50 mpg, 

It has a 25 mile electric driving range without sacrificing the horsepower. If you are worried that the hybrid feature will prevent you from having the same driving experience as the other models, no need to worry. Jeep has placed the battery pack under the rear seat so it will not be a hindrance when water fording, mudding, or exploring. 

Other Special Features

Even if water-fording and off-roading is your main incentive for driving a Wrangler, technological components are important to consider. If connectivity is a priority for you, there are options for both Apple Car Play and Android Audio. For those seeking guidance on their adventures, navigation options are also available. For instance, an enhanced trail camera which is placed on the front of the Wrangler allows you to see ahead. 

While the safety features are not in abundance, the Jeep Wrangler has blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. 

If you are looking for a way to upgrade your Jeep, the Sport model has a 2-speed transfer case. The Rubicon also has a Rock-Trac four-wheel drive system. 

Cons

While the 2021 Jeep Wrangler is perfect for off-roading adventures with friends, there are a few setbacks. Drivers note that the new 2021 Jeep Wrangler is a bumpy and noisy ride. This may not be problematic if you are driving all-terrain. However, if this is going to be a daily driver, noise and discomfort is not desirable during a long commute to work. 

Another potential issue is that both the two-door and four-door models are limited in cargo space. While the Jeep Wrangler is great for utility, this is not the ideal, spacious car to transport family and friends. Even with the four-door option, the back seats do not go down all of the way. This further limits cargo space if you are making a grocery trip or a road trip. 

Another concern is that for the price of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, the bonus features and equipment are limited. For such a recent model, the upgrades and technological features are not abundant. Especially for the price and in comparison to similar vehicles.

Summing up the 2021 Jeep Wrangler

One of the main allures of the Jeep Wrangler is the iconic, sporty look. The ability to enjoy the breeze when taking the hood and doors off, and the classic design specifically made for off-road experiences. With the multitude of options for engine types, two-door vs four-door, and add-on packages, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler is definitely an option to consider if you want to take off-roading experience to another level.