Review: Jeep JK Wrangler (2007-18)

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• Responsive 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine
• Willing 3.6-litre V6 ‘Pentastar’ petrol engine
• Off-road capability

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• Unsupportive front seats
• Vague steering
• Suspension lacks compliance
• Poor dynamics
• Large turning circle
• Low-tech 3.8-litre V6 engine is noisy and underpowered

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Review: Jeep JK.I Wrangler (2007-11)

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Overview

Released in March 2007, the Jeep JK Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited were two- and four-door 4WDs, respectively. Manufactured in Ohio, USA, the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited were available with either a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine or 3.8-litre V6 petrol engines. As per the table below, the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited were available in price-leading Sport, off-roading Rubicon and range-topping Renegade editions; all models were offered as two-door soft-tops, though the Renegade was also available with a hardtop roof.

Engines

Of the engines,

• the 2.8-litre VM Motori turbo-diesel engine had common-rail direct fuel injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 17.5:1; and,
• the 3.8-litre pushrod V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block, aluminium heads, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.6:1.

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4WD systems

The Wrangler Sport and Renegade editions were equipped with Jeep’s ‘Command-Trac’ part-time four-wheel drive system which had a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range ratio. The Rubicon, however, used Jeep’s ‘Off-Road Rock-Trac’ system that included a two-speed transfer case, Dana front and rear solid axles, electric axle lockers, an electronic-disconnecting front sway bar, and 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio.

Dimensions

Compared to the Jeep TJ Wrangler , the JK Wrangler was 340 mm longer (at 4223 mm), 133 mm wider (1873 mm), 117 mm taller (1865 mm) and had a 51 mm longer wheelbase (2424 mm). Furthermore, the JK chassis achieved a 100 per cent increase in bending rigidity and a 50 per cent increase in torsional rigidity. Relative to the standard Wrangler, the JK Wrangler Unlimited was 528 mm longer (at 4751 mm) and had a 523 mm longer wheelbase (2947 mm).

Suspension

The Jeep JK Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited had five-link coil suspension front and rear with hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Jeep JK Wrangler included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, electronic roll mitigation and front seatbelt pretensioners.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2012 Jeep JK.II Wrangler received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 27.51 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the front occupants. In the side impact test, a default maximum score was applied.

Features: Wrangler Sport, Rubicon and Renegade

Standard features for the Wrangler Sport included 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, a six speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary inputs, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, cruise control, fog lamps, keyless entry, power front windows, soft-top, skid plates for transfer case and fuel tank, tip and slide seats, height adjustable driver’s seat, folding rear seat, 12-volt power outlet, compass and temperature gauge.

In addition to the Off-Road Rock-Trac 4WD system, the Wrangler Rubicon was further equipped with 17-inch aluminium wheels, premium Infinity sound system with a subwoofer and stain- and odour-resistant seats.

Relative to the Sport, Wrangler Renegade featured a six-disc CD/DVD player and Infinity sound system with a subwoofer, tubular side steps, darker tinted windows and ‘Sunrider’ soft-top and ‘Freedom’ three-piece modular hard-top.

Related links

• Specifications: Jeep JK.I Wrangler (March 2007)
• Brochure: Jeep JK.I Wrangler (June 2010)

Review: Jeep JK.II Wrangler (2011-18)

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Overview

Released in February 2011, the Jeep JK Series II (JK.II) Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited introduced an upgraded 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine which was fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel Wrangler Unlimited with six-speed manual transmission also featured ‘idle-stop’ technology, shutting down the engine when stationary.

Inside, the JK.II Wrangler featured a new interior with higher quality materials, chrome-ringed instruments, centre armrest with lockable storage compartment and new USB interface with Bluetooth audio streaming. Furthermore, the redesigned leather-wrapped steering wheel featured audio and cruise control buttons.

In March 2012, the 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine was replaced by the 3.6-litre ‘Pentastar’ V6 engine . The Pentastar V6 engine had an aluminium cylinder block, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and had a compression ratio of 10.2:1. Furthermore, the four-speed automatic transmission was also replaced by the five-speed W5A580 unit which had a lower first gear ratio that was better suited to off-road use. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Features

Features for the Jeep JK.II Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited were substantially the same as their JK.I predecessors, although 17-inch wheels with tyre pressure monitoring were now standard across the range. The optional three-piece hardtop roof also had larger rear windows.

From March 2012, climate control air conditioning was fitted as standard.

Features: Wrangler Overland

Released in December 2012, the Wrangler Overland editions were solely available with the V6 Pentastar engine and five-speed automatic transmissions. Relative to the entry-level Sport editions, the Overland featured 18-inch polished silver alloy wheels with Bridgestone Dueler tyres, Jeep’s Uconnect Media Centre and navigation system, leather seat trim, heated front seats, automatic headlights and a reversing camera. The Overland had a black ‘Sunrider’ soft top roof and a body-coloured three-piece hard top roof; Overland editions could also be identified by their ‘Overland’ badges and body-coloured flares. 

2011 Wrangler 70th Anniversary edition

In May 2011, 70th Anniversary editions were released of the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. Based on the Renegade, the 70th Anniversary editions were distinguished by their stainless steel mesh grilles and black leather seats with ’70th Anniversary’ logos. 

2013 Wrangler Rubicon 10th AnniversaryEdition

In August 2013, the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon variants were released in 10th Anniversary Edition models. Powered by the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, the Rubicon 10th Anniversary Editions had greater off-road capability than their standard counterparts due to:

• Dana 44 front and rear axles;
• A half-inch higher ride height;
• An Electronic Front Sway Bar Disconnect system for greaer wheel articulation;
• A low-range (4.0:1) Rock-Trac transfer case; and,
• A crawl ratio of 73.1:1 for models with manual transmissions and 53.5:1 for automatic transmissions).

The Rubicon 10th Anniversary Editions were sold with a three-piece body-colour hard top as standard, with the soft top included in the vehicle.

The Rubicon 10th Anniversary Editions could be identified by their 17-inch Rubicon aluminium wheels (finished in satin black with polished faces), dual-intake ‘Power Dome’ bonnet, Mopar accessories (rock rails, black fuel filler door and tail-lamp guards) and’10th Anniversary’ badges on the front quarter panels.

Inside, there was a GPS navigation system with a 6.4-inch touchscreen, ‘Anniversary Red’ leather seats with ‘Rubicon 10th Anniversary’ embroidered into the front seat backrests, matching red stitching for the leather-wrapped steering wheel and centre console, a reversing camera, dash tray-mounted plaque with technical data and Mopar slush mats, axle locker and sway-bar disconnect switches. Safety equipment for the Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition was also extended to include front seat-mounted side airbags. 

Wrangler Unlimited Overland: Dragon styling package

In December 2013, the Wrangler Unlimited Overland was available with a Dragon styling package. Solely available with a black paint finish, exterior highlights for the Dragon package included:

• Dragon bronze satin gloss finishes for the 18-inch alloy wheels, grille, headlight accents, front and rear ‘Jeep’ badges;
• Dark charcoal metallic Dragon logos for the bonnet, front fender, passenger-side B-pillar and front and rear doors;
• A hard spare wheel cover with a Dragon graphic in dark charcoal metallic;
• A Mopar fuel filler door with Dragon bronze bolts; and,
• A three-piece, body-coloured hardtop and black sun rider soft top.

Inside, the Dragon models features:

• Black Nappa leather upholstery facings with Dragon bronze contrast stitching;
• Embroidered front seats with a laser-etched embossed pattern;
• A leather-wrapped steering wheel with Dragon bronze spoke accents;
• Dragon bronze door grab handles;
• Piano black air vent rings;
• A ‘Dragon’ appliqué on the grab handle and instrument cluster; and,
• A boot floor mat with an embroidered pattern in accent stitching.

2014 Wrangler Freedom Special Edition

In January 2014, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 3.6L V6 Freedom Special Edition models were released. Compared to the Sport editions, the Freedom Special Edition could be identified by its:

• Freedom Star decal on the bonnet and rear flank;
• ‘Oscar Mike’ badging;
• Mineral Grey painted grille;
• Wrangler Rubicon Rock Rails;
• Mopar black fuel flap; and,
• Body-coloured wheel arch flares.

Inside, the Freedom Special Edition featured:

• Front and rear seat upholstery in combination black McKinley leather, vinyl and fabric with embroidered Freedom Star logos on the front seats;
• Black upholstery with silver accent stitching for the centre console;
• Silver accented stitching for the seats, steering wheel and floor console;
• Quicksilver finish air vent rings;
• Front door armrest finished in McKinley vinyl upholstery with silver accent stitching;
• Mopar black slush floor mats;
• Steering wheel finished in black leather with silver accent stitching; and,
• Quicksilver painted door grab handles.

2014 Wrangler Polar edition

In April 2014, limited-run Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 3.6L V6 Polar editions were released. Based on the Overland editions, the Polar editions could be identified by their 18-inch polished alloy wheels with gloss black accents, gloss black front and rear bumper appliqu�s, a body-coloured grille with black accents, Mopar ‘power dome’ bonnet, a Mopar black fuel flap and a Polar edition badge (with the Vostok coordinates 78° S and 106° E). Furthermore, the Polar editions were available in Hydro (blue), Billet Silver and Bright White paint finishes.

Inside, the Polar editions featured ‘Polar’ embroidered seatbacks, a ceramic accent grab handle with Polar logo, pearl accent stitching on the front seats and front door armrests, and accent colour finishes on the front and rear door grab handles and vent rings.

2014 Wrangler Blackhawk

Released in July 2014, the limited edition Wrangler Blackhawk was based on the Wrangler Overland but further equipped with black leather seats, heated front seats, piano black interior accents, floor mats and Berber cargo mat. Visual cues for the Wrangler Blackhawk included 18-inch black painted alloy wheels with black centre caps, a body-coloured three-piece hard top, matt black hood decal, Blackhawk edition grille with black accents, deep tint windows, gloss black ‘Jeep’ and ‘Blackhawk’ badging, a black ‘Wrangler’ decal on the wheel arch, a fuel filler door with black/chrome screws and a black gloss spare tyre cover.

2014 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon X

The limited edition Wrangler Unlimited 3.6L V6 Rubicon X was released in September 2014. Compared to the standard Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, the Rubicon X was fitted with:

• Front and rear Dana 44 axles (with 4.10 axle ratios); and,
• Electronic-locking Tru-Lok differentials front and rear.

Visually, the Rubicon X could be identified by its 17-inch Rubicon aluminium wheels painted satin black, a dual-intake Power Dome bonnet, Mopar rock rails, a Mopar black fuel filler door and red-silhouette ‘Rubicon’ decal.

Inside, the Rubicon X featured black leather seats, heated front seats and a unique gauge instrument cluster with an ‘Electronic Vehicle Information Center’ (EVIC) which included oil pressure, transmission and coolant temperatures, a digital speed display and tyre pressure.

2015 Wrangler Freedom Edition

The Wrangler Freedom Edition was released in March 2015. Available in three- and five-door bodies, the Wrangler Freedom Edition was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Compared to the Sport edition, the Freedom Edition could be identified by its:

• ‘Freedom Star’ bonnet decal;
• ‘Freedom Star’ driver’s side rear quarter panel decal;
• ‘Oscar Mike’ badging on front driver and passenger fenders;
• Body-coloured fender flares;
• High-gloss mineral grey grille; and,
• Black side steps.

Inside, the Freedom Edition featured:

• Uconnect Media Centre with 16.5 cm touch screen, 40GB storage, satellite navigation and reversing camera;
• Front and rear seat upholstery in combination with black McKinley leather, vinyl and fabric completed with silver accent stitching;
• ‘Freedom Star’ logos across the front seat backs;
• Embroidered ‘Jeep’ logos on the inboard side of each front seat headrest;
• Front door armrests and central glovebox lid finished in McKinley vinyl leather upholstery with silver accent stitching;
• Black leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver accent stitching;
• Door grab handles and air vent rings with Quick Silver painted accents; and,
• Mopar black slush floor mats (replacing carpet mats).

2015 Jeep Wrangler X

TIn April 2015, seventy (70) Jeep Wrangler X models were released in Australia. Powered by the 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, the Wrangler X was based on the Wrangler Overland and available in two- and four-door models. Visually, the Wrangler X could be identified by its:

• 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels;
• Power Dome bonnet with ‘Wrangler X’ decal;
• Black accents for the headlamp rings and grill throats;
• A body-coloured three-piece hard top;
• Body-coloured fender flares and grille;
• A black Mopar fuel filler door; and,
• ‘Wrangler X’ decals.

Inside, features were extended to include:

• McKinley black leather and vinyl trimmed seats with mesh fabric inserts and light grey stitching;
• Embroidered ‘Wrangler X’ logos on the front seat backs;
• Glossy ceramic white inserts on the door grab handles and air vent surrounds;
• A leather-wrapped steering wheel with black accent stitching and Ceramic White switch bezels; and,
• Mopar all-weather floor mats.

According to Jeep, the Wrangler X was inspired by the X-Games. Furthermore, the Wrangler X was available in four paint finishes: Bright White, Black, Firecracker Red and Baja Yellow.

2016 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 75^thAnniversary edition

Released in 2016, the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 75^thAnniversary edition was based on the Overland but could be identified by its low gloss bronze treatment for the 17-inch wheels, tow hooks, Jeep badge and bumpers, and body-colour grille with low gloss bronze grille throats and headlamp rings. The Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 75^thAnniversary edition was available in Sarge Green, Black, Rhino, Mojave Sand, Bright White, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal paint finishes.

Inside, the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 75^thAnniversary edition featured leather-trimmed seats with accent sport mesh inserts, heated front seats and ’75^thAnniversary’ grab handles.

2018 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition

Released in April 2018, the Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition was based on the Wrangler Sport, powered by the 3.6-litre ‘Pentastar’ V6 engine (mated to a five-speed automatic transmission) and available in two- and four-door bodies. Visually, the Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition could be identified by its 18-inch ‘Granite Crystal’ painted alloy wheels and grille, black grille throats and headlamp rings, body-coloured fender flares, rock rails, ‘Premium Black Sunrider’ soft top, ‘Freedom Star’ bonnet decal and green ‘Oscar Mike’ badge.

Insider, the Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition featured black McKinley leather, vinyl and cloth interior trim with silver accent stitching. Beyond this, the Wrangler Freedom Edition had embossed ‘Oscar Mike’ logos, silver accent stitching for the vinyl front door armrests and centre console lid, ‘Iron Grey’ painted interior accents, Mopar all-weather slush mats and satin chrome painted steering wheel bezels.

Australian deliveries of the Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition were limited to 150 vehicles.

2018 Jeep Wrangler Golden Eagle Edition

Released in April 2018, the Jeep Wrangler Golden Eagle was based on the Wrangler Sport, powered by the 3.6-litre ‘Pentastar’ V6 engine and available in two- and four-door bodies. Visually, the Wrangler Eagle could be identified by its 18-inch bronze painted aluminium wheels, black painted grille, bronze accented grille throats and headlamp rings, Eagle bonnet decal, ‘Tan Sunrider’ soft top, body-coloured three-piece hard top, body coloured fender flares, rock rails, rear privacy glass and bronze accepted ‘Jeep’ badge.

Inside, the Jeep Wrangler Golden Eagle Edition featured the Uconnect infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Alpine speakers, black cloth upholstery with light bronze accent stitching, embroidered ‘Gold Eagle’ logos for the front seats, bronze accent stitching for the vinyl front door armrests and centre console lid, Mopar all-weather slush mats and ‘Moroccan Sun’ painted interior accents.

Australian deliveries of the Jeep Wrangler Golden Eagle Edition were limited to 120 vehicles.

Related links

• Specifications: Jeep JK.II Wrangler (January 2013)
• Buyer’s Guide: Jeep JK.II Wragler (January 2016)
• Jeep Australia: Jeep Wrangler
• Jeep Australia: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Wikipedia.org: Jeep JK Wrangler