The Jeep Wrangler can trace its roots all the way back to the Willys military jeep of World War 2. For many years it was America’s equivalent to the Land Rover Defender – a basic, tough and almost unstoppable off-road machine that offered few creature comforts, but which could also go places few other cars could. The latest generation arrived in 2018 and is more civilised and efficient 4x4, while also being no less capable than before. It boasts unmistakable, timeless looks and some of the most extensive off-road capability of any vehicle that’s also suitable for on-road use.
The 2-door version can feel a little snug and boot space and cabin storage are limited, however, opt for the longer-wheelbase 4-door and it fares much better. 548-litre boot capacity is the same as you’ll find in a Mercedes GLC or BMW X3, but you can lower the rear seats to free up slightly more than 1000 litres.
No bones about it, there are cheaper SUVs to run than the Jeep Wrangler. That 2.0-litre petrol engine will deliver mpg figures in the mid-20s at best, and likely less if you’re using the car for proper off-road driving or long-distance motorway runs. But that’s the price you pay for the power and capability of a genuine 4x4 off-roader like the Wrangler, as opposed to something that only looks like it could get you to the top of a mountain. The good news is that a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid version of the Wrangler is in the works for the near future, and this should be much more efficient.
Models Available
Jeep Wrangler Trim Levels
The Jeep Wrangler Vs Competitors
The Wrangler is a difficult car to pigeonhole. While on paper the 4-door is a similar size to (and costs a similar amount to lease as) something like an Audi Q5, the Wrangler’s more rough-and-ready nature instead ranges it against 4-seater pick-up trucks and other hard-working off-roaders like the Toyota Land Cruiser. Then there’s the similarly retro-inspired Land Rover Defender, which is also offered in short and long-wheelbase forms.
The Jeep Wrangler has been designed to take on tough and hostile environments without breaking down, and many of its components are well-proven across the wider Fiat-Chrysler group, so there should be no worries here.
In 2-door form, there are just 203 litres (598 if you lose the back seats). But that expands to a more reasonable 548 litres in the 4-door – or more than 1000 litres when you drop its rear seats.
There are 3 basic ones – Sahara, Overland and Rubicon – plus the occasional special edition, such as the 80th Anniversary. The Rubicon has even more formidable off-road ability than the other 3.
Yes, all-round sensors and a camera are standard on every version.
It’s practical in terms of where it can go and the conditions it can deal with, but not really more practical than a more luxurious premium SUV in terms of luggage and passenger space.
The Wrangler has an iconic image – it’s associated with both the WW2 Willys jeep and the adventurous, sporty activities made possible by more recent versions. If you love all things big, brash and American, you’ll love the Wrangler.
With Vanarama you get a fantastic price with no hidden fees throughout our Jeep Wrangler range. You can also enjoy free 30-day returns if you’re not completely satisfied with your new vehicle.
Take a look at our excellent Trustpilot reviews to see what other customers are saying about Vanarama or get in touch with our friendly team of advisors for more information about leasing a Jeep Wrangler.
Leasing a car comes with many benefits. First, you don’t have to worry about depreciation. When your contract is over, simply return the vehicle to Vanarama and that’s it, no more worrying about the hassle of selling! Also, the contracts are flexible and you can tailor the terms of your lease to your budget and timeline, with low monthly rates and the option of leasing for 2 to 5 years.
Previously, if you wanted to lease a Jeep Wrangler, you had to overlook a fair few compromises in order to enjoy its superb off-road capability and distinctive looks. But that’s no longer the case with the latest version, which sees formerly poor areas like interior quality and on-road manners greatly improved, without losing any of the individual character that makes the Wrangler so loved. Other off-roaders are a bit cheaper to lease than the Wrangler, but they don’t boast the head-turning looks and peerless brand heritage of the all-American Jeep. Find out what our car experts thought of the Rubicon trim in our in-depth Jeep Wrangler Rubicon review.
As mentioned above, interior style and quality were not strong suits of previous Wrangler generations, but since 2018 the latest model has stepped up the game considerably. The dashboard still has a utilitarian, slab-sided appearance, but it’s finished in soft-touch materials and boasts the latest touchscreen technology so you won’t feel like you’re driving a museum piece. One truly unique aspect of the Wrangler is that the roof, doors and windscreen can be removed for an open-air experience – although it’s fair to say this feature was definitely designed more with Californian or Australian climates in mind than typical UK weather.
The latest Jeep Wrangler deals with on-road driving much better than its rather agricultural predecessor, although it’s still short of the large family SUV class best when it comes to handling and comfort. But it could be argued that those cars aren’t the Wrangler’s true rivals. Rather it takes on ‘double cab’ pick-up trucks like the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok – as well as other rugged 4x4s like the Toyota Land Cruiser and the reborn Land Rover Defender. Ranged against that competition, it offers a perfectly acceptable driving experience on tarmac and world-beating capability off it.
Regardless of trim level or body style, the Wrangler comes with a 2.0-litre, 272hp 4-cylinder petrol engine with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. That makes it pretty quick – with 0-62mph coming up in 7.3 seconds in the 2-door, and 7.6 seconds in the heavier 4-door. This car isn’t well suited to charging down twisty lanes, though – the power is better put to use towing a trailer, hauling you up a slippery forest track or getting to a great surf spot.
Jeep Wrangler 2-door
The 2-door Wrangler feels most like a ‘classic’ Jeep – especially if you’ve got the roof and doors off and a surfboard sticking out of the back seats. But it’s rather impractical for use as your only car.
Jeep Wrangler 4-door
The 4-door Wrangler is a more conventional choice, particularly for family motoring, as it’s both more comfortable and accessible for rear-seat passengers and has a greater boot capacity.
High Performance Models
While the Jeep Wrangler is available in its US homeland with huge V8 engines, in the UK it’s only offered with the one 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder option. It’s pretty quick for a big SUV, but not really ‘high-performance’ as such.
Trim levels available: Sahara, Overland, 80th Anniversary, Rubicon.
As standard, all Wranglers come with adaptive cruise control, parking sensors plus a reversing camera, power-adjustable and heated mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearstick, climate control, alloy wheels, and a full satnav and infotainment system.
