• Review
• Prices
• Specs
• Performance
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Jeep Wrangler Review - What the Auto Press Says

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler ranks 12 out of 21 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 82 published reviews and test drives of the Jeep Wrangler, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Combined with last year’s interior upgrades and a new engine, reviewers say the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is the best Wrangler yet. 

The automotive press has always drooled over the Jeep Wrangler’s rock climbing and trail crawling abilities, calling it the most capable, affordable off-road SUV on the market. But with a new V6 engine, reviewers have fallen madly in love with the Jeep Wrangler all over again. It’s the most powerful, refined Wrangler yet, which earns it our Best Off-Road SUV for the Money award.

While test drivers are thoroughly impressed with the Wrangler’s brawny performance, they’re even more enthused with its on-road finesse. The V6 engine is more refined and allows for comfortable highway passing, which makes the Wrangler a lot more suitable for daily commutes.

Combined with interior upgrades for 2011 that included nicer materials and thoughtful upgrades like seat heaters, the automotive press says that shoppers in the market for an affordable off-road SUV that can tackle both the outback and metropolitan streets should look no further than the 2012 Jeep Wrangler.

Other Off-Road SUVs to Consider

The Jeep Wrangler has outstanding off-road abilities, but if you’re not a die-hard off-road enthusiast, consider the Jeep Patriot. It is less expensive and has higher fuel economy ratings than the Wrangler, and can handle a variety of terrain, though it doesn’t have as much off-road finesse as the Wrangler.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a lot like the Jeep Wrangler. It has stand-out exterior styling and is extremely capable off-road. One reason to pick the FJ Cruiser over the Wrangler is because it has more interior space, though reviewers say comfort will be an issue for tall passengers. The FJ Cruiser, however, has a lot of the same problems the Wrangler does: low fuel economy and truck-like performance. The FJ Cruiser hasn’t undergone many changes recently, so you should be able to save money on a new 2011 model or a used model. 

Details: Jeep Wrangler

For 2012, the Wrangler’s most significant change is its new V6 engine that is more powerful and fuel-efficient than the engine it replaces. The Wrangler and four-door Wrangler Unlimited are available in four models: Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon.

See the full list of 2012 Jeep Wrangler specs.

• "This completes a two-year makeover that saw the interior redone for the 2011 model year, transforming the Wrangler into a rather premium entry that maintains its still affordable $22,845 base price - despite the gains in power and fuel economy." -- AutoWeek
• "Really, the difference is just the way this dash looks and feels over the previous generation. Jeep underwent a small overhaul for the 2011 model year, but critics called it half-baked. Now, it's finished. The materials feel high-grade, and there's a completeness the previous model lacked." -- The Detroit News
• "The Jeep Wrangler has never been a refined road machine. But the new interior, combined with the revised powertrain, has made this 2012 model the most powerful, livable and quietest one yet. And as good as it is on the road, Jeep made sure the Wrangler remains the most capable off-road vehicle you can buy." -- Popular Mechanics 
• "After seven decades of hauling everything from farm implements to Daisy Duke, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is the most capable ever." -- Jalopnik 

Wrangler Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)

With a new engine, the automotive press says the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is the best Wrangler yet. "Driving the Wrangler, there's never a sense of sacrifice,” writes The Detroit News. “First, it can do everything, if not more, than all of the Wranglers from years gone by.” Read More

Wrangler Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)

Although it has a new engine and a nicer interior, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler still has the iconic exterior styling reviewers love. View Photos

Wrangler Interior - 6.4 (Mediocre)

Now that the interior and engine of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler have been updated, reviewers say the Wrangler’s cabin is upscale and comfortable. Read More

Wrangler Safety - 7.0 (Good)

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler doesn't receive very good scores from federal government and insurance industry. Read More

Wrangler Reliability - 2.5 of 5

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler has a three-year/36,000 mile basic limited warranty.  Read More