2020 Jeep Wrangler Review

　　

2020 Jeep Wrangler Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Crossovers utilize a car-like unibody construction that reduces weight and greatly improves handling and road comfort. However, this comes at the cost of ruggedness and off-road performance. For buyers enamored with the idea of a go-anywhere and do-anything SUV, the shopping process can pretty much start and stop with the 2020 Jeep Wrangler.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sport 2dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$184/mo  for Wrangler Sport

　　Wrangler Sport

　　Sport 2dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $28,295 MSRPWillys Sport 2dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $29,995 MSRPSport S 2dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $31,495 MSRPUnlimited Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $31,795 MSRPBlack and Tan 2dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $33,190 MSRPUnlimited Willys Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $33,495 MSRPWillys 2dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $33,990 MSRPFreedom 2dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $34,190 MSRPUnlimited Sport S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $34,995 MSRPUnlimited Sport Altitude 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $36,690 MSRPUnlimited Black and Tan 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $36,690 MSRPUnlimited Willys 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $37,490 MSRPUnlimited Freedom 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $37,690 MSRPUnlimited Sahara 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $38,645 MSRPRubicon 2dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $38,695 MSRPUnlimited Sahara Altitude 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) - $41,940 MSRPUnlimited Rubicon 4dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) (Most Popular) - $42,195 MSRPRubicon Recon 2dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $43,450 MSRPUnlimited North Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $44,465 MSRPUnlimited Rubicon Recon 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $46,950 MSRPUnlimited High Altitude 4dr SUV 4WD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $49,750 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　The Wrangler has long been the darling of off-road enthusiasts thanks to its rugged design and considerable aftermarket support. Jeep even offers the popular off-road-focused Rubicon trim level that comes straight from the factory with features such as big all-terrain tires, lockable differentials and a front electronically disconnecting stabilizer bar.

　　This latest generation JL Wrangler is appealing in other ways besides just rock-crawling ability. Though it employs traditional body-on-frame construction, the Wrangler is still perfectly livable even if you never venture off pavement. The seats are supportive, the driving position is comfortable, and the cabin materials are substantially nicer than in previous-generation Wranglers. Finally, there's the Wrangler's iconic style and removable top, which no other SUV can match.

　　Certainly, the Wrangler isn't for everyone. It's noiser, stiffer-riding and less utilitarian than other similarly priced crossovers and SUVs. But if you want capability and personality, the Jeep Wrangler is the best there is.

　　

What's it like to live with the Wrangler?

The zzdcar editorial team purchased a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and then tested it out for two years and about 50,000 miles. Want to know about what it's like to live with a Wrangler day to day, or how reliable ours was? You can find those answers and more by reading our long-term test. Note: We tested a 2018 Wrangler. The 2020 is of the same generation, though, so most of our observations still apply.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Wrangler drive? There's no doubt the Wrangler is a beast when it comes to off-road prowess. No stock vehicle is better, especially the Rubicon trim and its 33-inch tires and lockable differentials. But everyday steering and handling suffer because of the traditional body-on-frame construction, solid-axle suspension and old-school steering. The brake pedal travel is long, which is great for modulation off-road but not ideal for everyday driving.

　　The 3.6-liter V6 is stout and makes plenty of power — our four-door Sahara test Wrangler scooted to 60 mph in a respectable 7.6 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and always seems to be in the right gear.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Wrangler? The Wrangler doesn't place a great importance on passenger comfort, but there are a few highlights here. The front seats are well-shaped and remain livable on long trips. The rear bench is flatter and firmer, but it reclines a bit. We like the effective climate system, which also features rear air vents.

　　But the body-on-frame construction that gives the Wrangler its ready-for-anything personality also contributes to a brittle ride on anything but the smoothest road surfaces. The boxy design and large tires create a heap of wind and road noise, though the cabin is quieter than in previous Wranglers. The hardtop is significantly quieter than the soft top.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Though there are many controls (especially in the Rubicon and its numerous adjustments for off-road driving), the layout is refreshingly intuitive. Slender pillars and square windows greatly reduce blind spots. The driving position is fairly upright, but there's a useful range of adjustment from the seat and steering wheel. The soft top's new design makes it easier to remove than the previous Wrangler's.

　　Because of the Wrangler's high stance, most people will need to use the grab handles to help get inside. We're also unimpressed by the amount of interior room — there's less shoulder and legroom compared to rivals.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The Jeep Wrangler is surprisingly modern when it comes to infotainment and smartphone integration. The optional 8.4-inch Uconnect system offers sharp graphics, quick responses, and one of the best infotainment interfaces in the industry. Plenty of charging ports (USB and USB-C) are available. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with the Wrangler's 7- and 8.4-inch touchscreens.

　　The Wrangler falters when it comes to advanced driving systems. You can get some features, such as blind-spot monitoring, but you won't find high-tech aids such as automatic emergency braking or lane keeping assist.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The Jeep's narrow body is an off-road strength, but it does limit ultimate cargo capacity. There's a decent amount of cargo space, but it's a bit smaller than what competitors offer. Even so, the rear seats fold neatly into the floor if you want to carry extra stuff. And there are even six rugged tie-down points and an underfloor compartment. Up front, there aren't many places to store small items, and the door pockets are nothing more than shallow nets.

　　Car seats are easy to fit in the Unlimited so long as they're not too bulky — you might have to move the front seat forward to fit a rear-facing seat. The Wrangler can tow up to 3,500 pounds and can be flat-towed behind a motorhome.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? At 20 mpg combined, the Wrangler Unlimited with 4WD and the V6 is 2 mpg better than the Toyota 4Runner, its closest SUV competitor. However, we've struggled to meet these estimates in traffic-clogged Los Angeles; our average fuel economy over 30,000 miles in a long-term Rubicon was 17.6 mpg. The optional 2.0-liter turbo is rated at 22 combined (22 city/24 highway), which nearly matches mainstream crossovers such as the Toyota Highlander and Ford Edge.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the Wrangler a good value? The Wrangler looks like Jeep put real effort into the interior. Much of the switchgear looks distinct and is satisfying to use. The dash and seat materials are attractive and have a good tactile feel. The price tag is a little high, but the improved materials and design feel like it's worth the cost. Jeep's warranty coverage is average.

　　

Wildcard

10.0/10

　　There is nothing like a Jeep Wrangler, and that distinction gets more sharply defined as each off-road SUV nameplate (ahem, Blazer) gets watered down and turned into a city-friendly SUV. This is one of the few no-compromise off-road vehicles left. And it happens to be an iconic convertible! Forget about steering and handling because, after all, these things are forgettable. You can go anywhere with one of these.

　　

Which Wrangler does zzdcar recommend?

We think the new Black and Tan model represents a happy medium for those who want both off-road capability and modern tech features. It costs a little bit more than the Sport S trim, but you get the larger touchscreen, all-terrain tires, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. If its price tag is too high, make sure you at least get the Sport S — it adds desirable features such as air conditioning, power mirrors, and remote locking and unlocking.

　　

2020 Jeep Wrangler models

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is a truck-based midsize SUV available in a pair of body styles: the two-door and four-door Unlimited. It is sold in three primary trim levels: Sport, Sahara (Unlimited only) and Rubicon. There are also several sublevels throughout the lineup: The Sport has Sport S and Black and Tan variants, and Unlimited models have an additional Altitude variant on Sport and Sahara trim levels.

　　Both body styles are available with a soft-top convertible or a hardtop. The Sport has a very basic set of features that provide a good starting point, but most savvy buyers will want features afforded by its sublevels or the Sahara. The Rubicon is the most capable off-road thanks to its special features, including shorter axle gearing and an electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar.

　　Several powertrains are available, starting with the standard 3.6-liter V6 (285 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque). By default, it's paired to a six-speed manual transmission, though an eight-speed automatic is optional.

　　A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (270 hp, 295 lb-ft) is optional, and it's mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic. Versions of both engines with the mild hybrid eTorque system are available on Sahara models. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 is also available (late availability). It makes 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque.

　　The Sport trim level is somewhat basic, with standard features that include 17-inch steel wheels, skid plates and tow hooks. It also has foglights, removable full metal doors with crank windows, a fold-down windshield, manual mirrors and locks, cruise control, push-button start, a height-adjustable driver's seat with two-way lumbar adjustment, and a one-piece folding rear seat.

　　Also included are a 5-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker sound system, and a USB port. Besides its two extra doors, the Unlimited version also has a bigger gas tank, air conditioning and a 60/40-split folding rear seat.

　　The Sport S is less spartan, with alloy wheels, air conditioning, automatic headlights, remote locking and unlocking, heated power mirrors, power windows and locks, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and sun visors. The Unlimited-only Altitude further adds 18-inch wheels, heavy-duty brakes and suspension, a hardtop, and a rear window defroster and washer.

　　There are three special-edition Wrangler models that build off the Sport S. The Black and Tan model equips the Sport S with all-terrain tires, side rails, a larger driver information display, a 7-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Willys adds off-road equipment in the form of a limited-slip rear differential, heavy-duty brakes, rails and shocks lifted from the Rubicon trim, and 32-inch all-terrain tires. You also get a handful of unique appearance upgrades. Finally, the Freedom package pads on military-themed graphics, a soft top, tinted windows and all-terrain tires.

　　The midlevel Sahara is only available in the four-door configuration and adds most of the features from the above Altitude and Black and Tan models, in addition to painted exterior body panels and trim. A full-time four-wheel-drive system with a lockable center differential is optional. Its Altitude trim includes the hardtop and rear window washer and defroster, plus leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped shifter.

　　The most off-road-capable of the Wranglers is the Rubicon. It gets Sahara equipment plus 17-inch wheels, special tires, heavy-duty axles with shorter gearing, 4.0-to-1 low-range gearing (other trims come with a 2.72 ratio), electronic front and rear lockable differentials, an electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar, rock rails, and upgraded cloth upholstery.

　　Much of the upper-level equipment is available in groups or as stand-alone options for lower trim levels. Other options include remote start, keyless entry, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, an 8.4-inch display with navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system.

　　All trims are also available with a higher-quality soft top as well as a black or a body-colored hardtop. If you're looking for additional safety features, the Safety Group package adds a blind-spot monitor and front and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group package includes adaptive cruise control and a forward collision warning system.

　　zzdcar Latest Jeep Wrangler News

　　You Can Now Order a 2-Door Jeep Wrangler With 35-Inch Tires

　　

2020 Wrangler Highlights

Trim: SportWillys SportSport SUnlimited SportBlack and TanUnlimited Willys SportWillysFreedomUnlimited Sport SUnlimited Black and TanUnlimited Sport AltitudeUnlimited WillysUnlimited FreedomUnlimited SaharaRubiconUnlimited Sahara AltitudeUnlimited RubiconRubicon ReconUnlimited North EditionUnlimited Rubicon ReconUnlimited High AltitudeSport

　　

Base MSRP	$28,295
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$184/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	four wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles