Open-aircockpit; great off-road ability; wide variety of trims and prices; it's a Jeep
Poor fuel economy; subpar crash-test scores; uncomfortable rear seat
The 2014 Wrangler is basically unchanged
It doesn't come cheap, but we love the Sahara. Its body-colorfenders and matching hardtop make it look like a miniature Mercedes-BenzG-Class, and it comes with enough standard features to keep us happy. But the beauty of the Wrangler is that you can have one built just about any way you like. Don't forget to specify those side airbags, though.
The 2014 Jeep Wrangler is offered with two or four doors (Unlimited) in three trim levels: Sport, Sahara and Rubicon.
The Sport($23,390) starts with 16-inch steel wheels, a black convertible soft-top, fog lights, manual accessories, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, a height-adjustabledriver seat and a 6-speaker audio system with steering-wheel-mounted controls and an auxiliary audio jack. The Sport Unlimited ($27,190) adds the larger 4-door body and air conditioning.
The Sahara($29,090) boasts 18-in alloy wheels, a heavy-dutysuspension with gas shocks, tubular side steps, automatic headlights, body-colorfender flares, silver bumper trim, heated exterior mirrors, an auto-dimmingrearviewmirror, air conditioning, 115-volt household-stylepower outlet, power accessories, heated mirrors, a premium Alpine sound system with satellite radio and an optional body-color hardtop (the lesser trims offer only a black hardtop). The Sahara Unlimited ($32,790) is similarly equipped.
The hardcore Rubicon($31,990) features 17-in alloy wheels, a performance suspension, a special Rock-Trac 4-wheel-drive system with an electronically disconnecting front sway bar, a heavy-duty front axle, front and rear locking differentials, rock rails, the Alpine stereo and manual accessories. The Rubicon Unlimited ($35,690) is similarly equipped.
Options are extensive and include many items that may be standard on other trims. If you want a Rubicon with power accessories, for example, Jeep will be happy to oblige. Bluetooth/USB connectivity is optional across the lineup, as is a touchscreen interface for the dashboard, while the Sahara and Rubicon can be outfitted with an upgraded touchscreen that includes navigation. Extensive customization options can be explored on the Jeep website or at your local dealer.
| Sport Utility | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrangler 4WD 2dr Altitude | $28,295 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler 4WD 2dr Freedom Edition *Ltd Avail* | $22,395 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler 4WD 2dr Polar Edition *Ltd Avail* | $28,295 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler 4WD 2dr Rubicon | $31,195 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler 4WD 2dr Rubicon X | $31,195 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler 4WD 2dr Sahara | $28,295 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler 4WD 2dr Sport | $22,395 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler 4WD 2dr Willys Wheeler | $22,395 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD 4dr Altitude | $32,095 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD 4dr Dragon Edition *Ltd Avail* | $32,095 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD 4dr Freedom Edition *Ltd Avail* | $26,195 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD 4dr Polar Edition *Ltd Avail* | $32,095 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD 4dr Rubicon | $34,995 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD 4dr Rubicon X | $34,995 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD 4dr Sahara | $32,095 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD 4dr Sport | $26,195 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD 4dr Willys Wheeler | $26,195 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 285 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic | AWD4WD |
The 2014 Wrangler comes with just the basics on the safety front, including dual front airbags, anti-lockdisc brakes, traction control and roll bars. Front side airbags are an extra-cost option.
The government has not crash-tested the Wrangler, but the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2-door Wrangler a worrisome report card, including Poor (the worst score of four) in the side-impacttest and Marginal (second worst) in both the small overlap front test and the head restraints/seats test. The Wrangler Unlimited improved to Marginal in the side-impact test. Both models were deemed Good (the best score) in the moderate overlap front test.
Note that IIHS tested only Wranglers without the optional side airbags.
| Basic | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 5 Years/100,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 5 Years/100,000 Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 Years/100,000 Miles |
Toyota FJ Cruiser-- The FJCruiser is a competent off-road vehicle with more creature comforts, but its fixed roof produces more than its share of blind spots.
Nissan Xterra-- Like the FJCruiser, the Xterra is a more civilized SUV that can nonetheless conquer some pretty tough trails.
Jeep Grand Cherokee-- If you're looking for great off-roadability in a vehicle that carries the legendary Jeep name but offers better safety and a more carlike ride and interior, you'll be happier in a Grand Cherokee.
With its open-air cabin, rugged off-road ability and cult-like following, a used Jeep Wrangler may b...