#17

in Affordable Compact SUVs

Based on analysis of 64 Wrangler reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $21,165 - $32,050
Invoice: $20,627 - $30,090
MPG: 15 City / 19 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.7
Performance:7.5
Exterior:8.3
Interior:6.1
Safety:NA
Reliability:NA

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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

The Wrangler's interior has long been a point of criticism due to its rugged -- rather than comfortable or luxurious -- nature. Even with some advances in quality, it still doesn't measure up to the competition and features almost nothing in the way of standard features. However, some reviewers appreciate the simplicity of the cabin amidst the technology overload in other modern SUVs. Like the Wrangler's exterior, the interior is design with off-roading in mind. It features stain-resistant materials and a plastic cargo area for easy cleaning.

  • "Though the cabin is devoid of padded surfaces, the weight and texture of most panels imparts a rugged, sporty ambiance." -- Consumer Guide
  • "We get that the Wrangler is supposed to be rugged, and we understand that the Rubicon's off-road talents mean that on-road comfort gets compromised, but we'd like a more inviting cabin. The Wrangler doesn't need leather seats or soft-touch materials, but comfortable seats, a better arm rest and more visual appeal than the inside of a tool box shouldn't be too much to ask." -- Autoblog
  • "The Wrangler's role as the rugged one makes a great excuse for de-emphasizing the details. Watch for the manual locks and crank-up windows, the tyranny of hard plastic, limp levers here and there, and doors that feel molded from petrified cardboard." -- Automotive.com
  • "The Unlimited's cabin is built for simplicity with big, easy-to-see, reach and use controls to adjust climate and audio systems along with power windows/mirrors. Missing are the dozens of buttons that tell the weather next week or the number of road barricades a mile ahead." -- Chicago Tribune

Seating

The Wrangler's front seats receive praise from reviewers, but test drivers find the two-door model's rear seats cramped and difficult to access. Even the back seat in the four-door Unlimited model gets a few complaints. On the plus side, Sahara and Rubicon models come with Stain Repel fabric which is stain and odor-resistant, antistatic, and easy to clean.

  • "The [rear] seat is hard, uncomfortably upright, and short of thigh support. Foot space is stingy in both body styles. Knee space is tight in the 2-door. Unlimiteds have 1.6 inches more rear legroom, but overall room is still not generous. Entry and exit is tough in the 2-door." -- Consumer Guide
  • "This is probably a good place to point out that although the Unlimited's rear seat, and access to it, is improved, no one will confuse it with a La-Z-Boy, especially if you sit back there during off-roading." -- Orlando Sentinel

Interior Features

In 2007, the Wrangler got some basic comfort features long standard on competitors in this class. But the base Sport is still one of the sparsest SUVs on the market and lacks such basics as air conditioning (an $895 option), and power door locks and windows.

For 2010, Jeep has added new features as standard, including a compass and outdoor temperature gauge. Despite these new offerings, the base model has very few options even available that would be standard in other SUVs. Trade up to the Sahara or Rubicon, and it's a different story; you can get remote keyless entry and a CD stereo system with GPS navigation. Of course, you'll be paying an extra $8,000 for the availability of these options.

  • "It's best to throw out any normal interior comfort or quality expectations when buying a Wrangler; otherwise, you might find yourself regretting your purchase." -- Edmunds
  • "The gauges are unobstructed, but some testers find them slightly undersized. Climate, audio, and navigation controls are easy to reach and use, though the switches for locking differentials and other off-road aids are set too low for easy operation." -- Consumer Guide
  • "Gauges should be larger, but aren't all that difficult to read. The dual front console cupholders are rather low. Headlights are average, but I had no problem locating key controls in the cockpit at night." -- MSN

Cargo

The Wrangler provides 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats for two-door models (61.2 cubic feet with the rear folded) and 46.4 cubic feet for four-door models. Since the two-door Wrangler is so small, its cargo capacity is much lower than many other compact SUVs, including the Toyota RAV4. There's also not much storage space for smaller items. Still, most people aren't buying a Wrangler for its cargo-carrying abilities.

  • "Swing-out tailgate's hinges lack detents to keep it open on slanted surfaces. Interior storage is limited to a somewhat large glovebox." -- Consumer Guide
  • "Even with adults in back, cargo room is ample for gear or groceries. Without passengers, the split rear seats, and headrests, fold to hold even more." -- Chicago Tribune
Review Last Updated: 9/30/09