JEEP: GRAND CHEROKEE AND WRANGLER

COLORS: Coming Soon!

Although it’s behind the times as far as tech goes, the 2017 Jeep Wrangler is still one of the best go-anywhere, do-anything vehicles that money can buy. From the stripped-out Sport model all the way up to the hardcore Rubicon, there’s a Jeep for every off-road scenario.

• All but unstoppable on the trail
• Unique rugged character
• There’s a Wrangler for a variety of tastes
• Extensive factory and aftermarket parts support
• Fun to drive in its own special way.

what’s new

For the 2017 Wrangler, Jeep has added new optional LED headlights and fog lights, as well as a Cold Weather package that includes remote start, heated seats and all-weather floor mats.

vehicle overview

Of all the new vehicles on sale for 2017 you’d be hard-pressed to find one that’s more of a throwback than the 2017 Jeep Wrangler. It adheres to its original design more than probably anything else on the road, and for Jeep purists, that’s just the way they like it. The Wrangler is a two- or four-door off-road-friendly SUV that makes very few compromises for comfort. Sure, it can connect your iPhone via Bluetooth or tune you into satellite radio if you please, but the Wrangler’s main mission in life is to get you places that standard crossovers or SUVs just can’t go.

Though the Wrangler’s old-school approach might be appealing, there are some significant drawbacks to note. It has a rough ride, middling fuel economy and some of the lowest safety ratings on the road today. What’s more, the seats aren’t very comfortable, the infotainment system isn’t as appealing as more updated versions from Jeep, and it’s just plain loud on the highway, making it tough to take on long road trips.

With all that said, somehow, we’d still recommend the Wrangler. It has undeniable charm and is one of the few vehicles left that won’t nickel and dime you with creature comforts you might not want. It also holds its value surprisingly well, even many years later. If you’re looking for other options, though, you could check out the Toyota 4Runner. It also has a high resale value and is a much more versatile and livable SUV, though it’s not as capable off-road. Jeep also offers the off-road-ready Trailhawk trim level for its Renegade, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee crossover SUVs. But for a throwback vehicle that stays true to its past, there’s still only one Jeep Wrangler.

trim levels & features

The 2017 Jeep Wrangler is available in a pair of body styles: the two-door, four-passenger Wrangler and the four-door, five-passenger Wrangler Unlimited. Each is available in three core trim levels — Sport, Sahara and Rubicon — with additional special models that are based on those trims. A vinyl convertible roof is standard on both, but a hardtop with easily removable panels above the front seats is available.

Don’t expect many creature comforts in the base Sport trim level. It includes 16-inch steel wheels, on/off-road tires, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, foglights, removable doors, a fold-down windshield, manual mirrors and locks, full metal doors with crank windows, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, cloth upholstery, a tilt-only steering wheel, a one-piece folding, tumble-forward backseat, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Unlimited version gets a bigger gas tank, air-conditioning and a 60/40-split folding, tumble-forward seat.

The Power Convenience Group adds power windows and locks, keyless entry, heated power mirrors, a security alarm and an auto-dimming mirror. The Cold Weather package adds the Power Convenience Group’s equipment plus remote start and heated seats. Also available for the Sport are 17-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning (for the two-door) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Sahara adds the Power Convenience Group items, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED foglights, additional painted exterior body panels and trim, hood insulation for reduced noise, air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and satellite radio. The Unlimited differs only with tubular side steps and grab handles for rear passengers.

Instead of adding a bunch of luxurious items, the Rubicon Wrangler gets a host of off-road goodies. It starts with the basic Sport equipment and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, special tires, a heavy-duty Dana 44 front axle (matching the standard-spec Dana 44 rear axle), shorter 4.10 axle gearing (standard with the manual transmission; optional with the automatic), an upgraded transfer case with a lower crawl ratio, electronic front and rear locking differentials, an electronically disconnecting front sway bar, rock rails, automatic LED headlamps and the under-hood insulation. Inside, you get standard air-conditioning plus the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a 115-volt outlet and satellite radio. The above-mentioned Power Convenience Group is an optional extra on the two-door Rubicon, but it’s standard on the Rubicon Unlimited.