The Wrangler comes in three trim levels and its 4-door sibling, the Wrangler Unlimited, comes in four trim levels for 2017, all with a 3.6L V6 engine. The engine makes 285 hp at 5,200 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque. All Wrangler models have a 6-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, while a 5-speed automatic is optional.
All Wrangler models also come with electronic stability control, a full-size spare tire and shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive; the Sahara and Rubicon models add traction control. All models also share Dana solid front axles and heavy-duty rear axles, ensuring that the Wrangler will keep moving over obstacles that would stop other off-roaders.
Every 2017 Wrangler's interior features cloth-wrapped bucket seats with driver height-adjustment, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, temperature and compass gauge, cruise control and an anti-theft engine immobilizer.
The Sahara trim receives heated power mirrors, power windows and remote keyless entry. The suspension is a heavy-duty type and the wheels are 18-inch aluminum. A standard 3-piece hard top is also included that comes with a rear wiper, defroster and tinted windows.
The Sahara Wrangler gets performance suspension, 18-inch aluminum wheels, fender flares, a leather steering wheel, side steps, satellite radio with a one year subscription and remote keyless entry.
The Rubicon is the Wrangler's factory-built hard-core off-roader. Mechanically, the Rubicon is fitted with Tru-Lok front and rear axles, Dana heavy-duty axles, an electronic sway bar disconnect and 4:1 Rock-Trac 4-wheel drive system. Inside and out, the Rubicon is subdued, and the interior is intended to be more functional than luxurious, with cloth seat trim and a basic AM/FM/CD stereo.
The options list however is broad enough to configure Wranglers any way the buyer wants, ranging from a 30GB media center stereo that includes a 6.5-inch touch screen, navigation and a USB port, Katzkin 2-tone leather seats, remote start and a trailering upgrade package.
Iconic Styling
Impressive Off-road Prowess
2- And 4-door Configurations Available
Moving into the 2017 model year the Wrangler will only see minor changes such as LED head- and fog lamps as standard equipment on Sahara and Rubicon trims and optional on Wrangler Sport and Sport S. Sport S and Rubicon models will also have an optional cold-weather package that includes 17-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO2 tires, an engine-coolant heater, heated seats, a Power Convenience Group (heated power mirrors, one-touch power windows, power locks, keyless remote entry) and heavy-duty all-weather floor mats.
With prices starting at a little under $23,000 with standard 4-wheel drive, the classic Wrangler is one of the best SUV values available. The 6-speed manual transmission helps the Wrangler achieve a decent 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway rating. Jeep considers the Wrangler's off-road prowess integral to the brand and they continue to make one of the most capable 4-wheel drive vehicles available.