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2012 Jeep Wrangler

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Overview

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2012 Jeep Wrangler Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.8

"Iconic" may be an overused descriptive, but the 2012 Jeep Wrangler SUV wears it well. Some 65 years after the end of World War II, civilians continue to embrace the same basic recipe of affordable four-wheel drive, despite the Jeep's increased size, capability and – at a base price of $23K and an equipped price that can touch (or exceed) $40K – wide-ranging window sticker. And while the original Willys MA and MB established their off-road credibility in some of the worst theaters of World War II, the Jeep Wrangler has never been more off-road capable or - over the road - more comfortable. That composure is heightened by an all-new SUV drivetrain, featuring a more responsive V6 and (available) five-speed automatic transmission.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you enjoy outdoor activities, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is your round-trip ticket to the trailhead, ski slope or beach. And if you enjoy the Jeep-specific pursuit of boulder hopping, this newest iteration of the Wrangler – and newish iteration of the four-door Unlimited SUV – won't disappoint.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler is engineered to deliver credible off-road SUV capability. To that end, its on-road demeanor is necessarily compromised. Both its separate frame and live axles (front and rear) enhance off-road performance, while compromising on-road stability (heavier unsprung weight from live axles) and performance (heavier curb weight – typically – with a separate frame) when compared to today's pavement-specific crossover SUVs.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.8
Driving Dynamics

6.4
Comfort & Convenience

5.6
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.4
Value

6.4
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#33

out of 33

MPG

#3

out of 33

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

8.7 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

The improvements found in the 2012 Jeep Wrangler can be summed up with one number: 285. That horsepower figure, from a new (for the Wrangler SUV) 3.6-liter V6, constitutes a 40-percent improvement as compared to its 202-horsepower predecessor. And when connected to the Wrangler's new five-speed automatic (a six-speed manual transmission is the standard gearbox), the powertrain produces both better performance (zero-to-60 times are improved by two to three seconds) and fuel efficiency.

Driving the Wrangler

2012 Jeep Wrangler Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The best part about the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is that it remains – in the end – a Jeep, with the aforementioned separate body-and-frame construction, live axles front and rear,...

and enough ground clearance to drive over a (large) sleeping dog without doing damage to dog or drivetrain. With that menu of perceived negatives for on-road performance, Jeep engineers have done a remarkable job of taming the beast within, endowing this newest Wrangler SUV with steering that actually steers, and a suspension that remains in regular contact with the paved surfaces beneath it. Off-road, the 2012 Wrangler is everything you want in a four-wheel-drive trail rig, given its ability to poke along at walking speed. And if the logging trail allows – or the evening's destination calls for it – you have the ability to get up-and-running in no time. Add real horsepower to the crawling, and favorable gearing for the hauling, and you arguably have the most competent Jeep Wrangler in the CJ's 70-year history.

Favorite Features

New 3.6-liter V6 Powertrain
The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is the final piece in the Jeep Wrangler puzzle. And the improvement is more than just the raw power listed in the specs. In every on-and-off-road discipline, the newest Jeep is an improvement over its predecessor. And when equipped with the available 5-speed automatic, refinement goes up while losing very little – if any – capability or efficiency.

Stone-Axe Simplicity
In a world of disposable consumer goods, or those with life expectancy that goes just beyond their warranty period, the essential goodness of a Jeep Wrangler, including the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, exists within its basic simplicity. Body-on-frame construction may add weight, but it also ensures longevity and aids in ease of repair. Add in elements such as easily replaceable fenders and removable doors, and you have both an off-road tool and urban warrior.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Details

2012 Jeep Wrangler Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The Jeep Wrangler interior was extensively upgraded for the 2011 model year. To that end, few changes have been necessary – or incorporated – for 2012. Our test Wrangler, a Sahara Unlimited SUV trimmed in Black/Dark Saddle leather, was just this side of sumptuous. Lower in the food chain is the base Sport, whose cloth-covered perches can best be described as functional. And although the Wrangler Unlimited's folding rear seat creates a spacious – and flat – load surface, the headrests don't detach for folding, which necessitates moving the front seats as far forward as possible. Jeep's interior design team should refer to Honda's subcompact Fit for an idea of how to add "convenience" to "functional."

Exterior

With each generation, the Jeep Wrangler engineering team increases its footprint. And that was never more evident than in the 2007 redesign, when the two-door Wrangler grew and the four-door Wrangler Unlimited was first introduced. In its Unlimited form, the Wrangler SUV stretches almost 15 feet, weighing almost 4,500 pounds. That said, the 2012 Wrangler's off-road intentions remain clear, with minimal overhangs front and rear. The exterior design retains a greenhouse that provides excellent visibility of both the trail and adjacent scenery. New for 2012 is a body-colored hardtop for both the two-door and four-door Wranglers (Sahara and Rubicon), creating a more unified – and upscale – appearance.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

We'd (again) mention the 2012 Jeep Wrangler SUV's 285 horsepower as most notable, but with additional power comes the need for enhanced control. Here, Jeep engineers have added a full menu of safety and security, including electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist, and Trailer-sway Control. Add the aggressive 4WD technology on the off-road-oriented Rubicon, and the most difficult trails become almost laughably easy.

Optional Equipment

The 2012 Wrangler's optional five-speed automatic transmission provides the driver with more efficiency, better access to the new V6's torque curve and, with a lower 1st-gear ratio, better ability to crawl those rocks. And Jeep is one of the few manufacturers providing you a choice of rear-end ratios (3.21, 3.73 or 4.10). That choice allows the owner to truly tailor the Wrangler to his or her specific driving needs.

Under the Hood

The 3.6-liter V6 in the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is truly a revelation. The new engine improves on the previous powerplant in both power (up by some 40 percent) and fuel efficiency (from 15/19 mpg (city/highway) in 2011 to as much as 17/21 in 2012). Featuring alloy construction, the 60-degree V6 is lighter and more compact than the 3.8-liter it replaces. And with 285 hp, the perceived need for a V8 is all but eliminated. With that, we continue to wish that Jeep would make available the diesel sold in many markets outside of the U.S. The diesel's uptick in torque, along with an upsurge in fuel economy, would be all the new EPA regulations – and Jeep consumers – might ask for.

3.6 liter DOHC V6
285 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
260 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17 City/21 Highway (Wrangler Manual/Automatic)
16 City/20 Highway (Wrangler Unlimited Automatic)
16 City/21 Highway (Wrangler Unlimited Manual)

Pricing Notes

Jeep's Wrangler continues to be the most democratic of off-road SUV choices, with a base price of under $23K (two-door, with destination) unchanged from 2011. That said, the Wrangler Unlimited is some $3,500 more expensive, and an upscale Sahara or Rubicon can easily approach – or exceed – $40,000. To the Wrangler's credit, it enjoys historically high resale value, with three-year-old examples projected to return almost 60 percent of their original window sticker. Should you consider a 2012 Jeep Wrangler for aggressive off-roading, the top-of-the-line Rubicon, even with a Monroney of $40,000, is an absolute steal when comparing its investment to that of upgrading a lesser Wrangler through the four-wheel-drive aftermarket. And all of the Rubicon's off-road capabilities make tackling the toughest trails remarkably easy, leaving the driver with little to do but stay awake.

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2012 Jeep Wrangler Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 612 Ratings for the 2007 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

9.2/10

Just what I was waiting for!! Awesome!!

By OCD man (MA) on Friday, July 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Go anywhere, upgrades are endless, all season vehi"

Cons: "None yet"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned three CJ-7'S prior to this wrangler and they were a blast. When I found out that Penstar made a 285 HP motor for JK I had to test drive.. After test drive it ended up in my driveway.after a few after market changes lift kit, rims, 33" nitto's, Gibson exhaust,and a cold air intake I'm done. I have driven a lot of cars from vettes to M3's and jeep is by far the most fun go anywhere vehicle I've owned!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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It's O.K., but would not buy again

By tishpit (FL) on Monday, June 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,800

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 4/10
Comfort: 4/10

Pros: "Goes anywhere, rugged build, iconic image"

Cons: "New engine/tranny still only 18 MPG, quality so-so"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I had a 2004 Jeep Liberty that I LOVED... but traded due to gas tank placement freaking me out (had been rear-ended 3x prior). That car was a total joy... NEVER a repair in over 70,000 miles, though it had a drinking problem... 18 MPG overall on level ground. After a few attempts at Ford products and nothing but misery, I opted to go for a new Wrangler with hopes of recapturing that Jeep fun. Well... it's a mixed bag. The "new and improved engine and transmission" started off decent, then descended into a rut of about 18 MPG, just like the Liberty but with less room and not as fun to drive. The Freedom top leaks in heavy rain. The height adjuster on the driver's seat lowers itself and needs re-pumped periodically. Also seat cushion is long and hits back of legs. The drive is busy, but yeah, it's a truck, and now that I no longer need a vehicle to maneuver down mud-river roads, the Wrangler just isn't as pleasurable to live with as the old Liberty. Reaching anything in the back is a chore (2-door) and had to remove back seats (another chore) to fit anything much in rear. The Freedom top panels are heavy and awkward to handle, especially replacing them in a hurry (rain!). So going topless is not without effort and time and some place to keep the top, especially if you remove the rear (with HELP). The lights are great, incl. fogs, and it has that iconic Jeep persona. I guess it's all in what you need and like. Suggest you rent one before buying."

8 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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Not bad, only a couple of issues

By Mongo228 (TX) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, reliable, tons of aftermarket mods"

Cons: "Soft top can be REALLY noisy at cruising speed"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I've owned this Jeep sinc Feb 2011. So far, for the most part, I really enjoy it! There are two detractors ... the chrome-painted plastic ring around the top of the shifter knob (the bezel) broke off about 6 months ago and the dealer has yet to replace it. My Jeep was one that was affected by a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) about the manual transmission popping out of 4th gear. The dealership is STILL waiting on parts five months after taking the vehicle in. Other than that, it's really a good vehicle. It hasn't left me stranded anywhere, I can fit in it (I'm 6' 4", 300+ pounds), even climbing into the back seat, though that takes some careful maneuvering, and it handles pretty well. This is a VAST improvement over the 1992 YJ I had in 1993-94. I would recommend the hard top; it's much quieter than the soft top. The ride, for a short wheelbase 4x4, is pretty smooth. It handles pretty well for a 4x4, too. With the new 285 BHP V6, it has respectable acceleration. I manage to average about 18+ MPG with combined highway and city street driving, but if I drive aggressively, that number can dip below 17. If you're looking for a vehicle that's fun to drive both on road and off, doesn't take up a lot of space, and has LOTS of aftermarket modification options, then I'd say this vehicle would be a good choice."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Jeep JK Sahara 2007

By Chico (NY) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 105,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, keeps its value."

Cons: "2 door Jeep is hard to get in the back."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought my Jeep JK 2Dr. Sahara 2007 in 2006 when the new model just first came out in the market. My jeep currently have 105000 miles on it. I haven't had any problems mechanically except for 2 recalls from the manufacturer. I changed my oil regularly with synthetic mobil oil, check all around fluids like the brake fluid, transmission fluid and changed the spark plugs at 102000 miles. The shock absorbers have not been changed and the ride is still good. Although the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler have a new powerful engine at 285 hp that is to claim an extra mile on the gas. But all in all, the Jeep Wrangler had came a long way. I love my Jeep and will not trade it for any other vehicle. I've always driven a Jeep Wrangler since early 1992. I guess thats why I can never let it go."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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A fun and sturdy vehicle

By Baseball Dad (TN) on Thursday, May 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 49,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun, sturdy, reliable, and looks great."

Cons: "You'll get tired of smiling."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We bought our Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as our third car. We've wanted a Jeep Wrangler for a long time, but with two boys in sports we needed more room for equipment. The four door with the trunk was perfect. We take the top down in April every year and leave it down until around November (park it in the garage for rainy days). It drives surprisingly well and has a ton of power. We are in our second year of ownership and smile ear to ear every time we pull out of the driveway, whether it is to a baseball tournament, football practice, or a run to a store or to eat. I've owned four other Jeeps (Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Liberty) and once again we are very pleased. Reliable and solid, plus it looks great. I would highly recommend. The only reason I didn't rate value as a "10" is the up front cost is high due to resale value being so high."

7 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Love my Jeep

By John (CA) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to Drive, Easy to remove hard top,"

Cons: "Wish the stereo was louder"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Special ordered a 2013 and couldn't be happier. It is exactly what I wanted. It's fun to drive around town, take the top off and enjoy the sun. The removable hardtop is the way to go. It's easy to use, a lot less wind noise then the soft top and it's 100% waterproof. The Jeep has been flawless and most of all, it's fun to drive."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 612 reviews