The Jeep Wrangler is a legend on four wheels. Instantly identifiable, it’s as at home climbing rocks as it is dropping the kids at school. With roots tracing back to World War II, its great grandfather, the Willys MB, has been credited with helping to win that war. WWII reporter Ernie Pyle once said about the Jeep, “It did everything. It went everywhere. Was a faithful as a dog, as strong as a mule, and as agile as a goat.”
Now three years into its latest generation, today’s Jeep Wrangler is a satisfying mix of classic design and real off-road chops with modern safety systems, amenities, and technology. Its classic body-on-frame design prioritizes off-road ability vs. on-road comfort and some may think its abundant road noise a bit off-putting.
Plenty of Power Choices
Power for the Jeep Wrangler comes in several flavors, beginning with the venerable Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 making 285 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. It is also available as the eTorque mild hybrid system. Next up is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 making 270 horses and 295 lb-ft of torque. An available 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel has everyone talking with its 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The hot-rod of the bunch is a 6.4-liter V8. Essentially an SRT-tuned 392 HEMI, it produces 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
Finally, a new Wrangler 4xe appears with a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 and electric motors. It offers a combined 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque and an all-electric range of 21 miles.
All Wranglers are equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission except for the Rubicon 392, which includes the 8-speed automatic transmission. All others can opt for the 8-speed automatic for an additional $1,500 upcharge. Four-wheel drive is standard throughout the range. All models are tow-rated up to 3,500 pounds.
The basic 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport comes with a 3.6-liter V6, 6-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel drive, cloth seating, removable doors and roof, Uconnect 3 infotainment 5-inch display, Bluetooth streaming audio, voice command, hands-free calling, and voice text reply. There’s no air conditioning, power windows, or door locks. SiriusXM satellite radio is available via subscription.
Most buyers will opt to step up to the Sport S model, which includes power windows, door locks, A/C, keyless entry, and the ability to take advantage of active safety options and better infotainment systems.
Seven Jeep Wrangler Trim Levels
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is offered in four main trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon.
The Sport, Sport S, and Rubicon trims are available in both 2- and 4-door configurations, while the more luxurious Sahara, with its enhanced creature comforts, is available exclusively as a 4-door. Altitude editions of the Sport S and Sahara add more standard features. The Wrangler also features special editions for the 2021 model year, including Willys models based on Sport and Sport S trim levels and the $50,000 upscale Wrangler Unlimited High Altitude model.
Pricing starts at $28,900 for the Jeep Wrangler Sport 2-door model and tops out with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 and its price tag of $73,745. Four-wheel drive is included on all trim levels.
While we love the power that comes with the SRT-tuned Rubicon 392, we think the Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4-door at $39,495 is the best value. It’s a good starting point with a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel drive, a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and dual-zone climate control. From there, a buyer can select the available 8-speed automatic ($1,500) and 3-piece hard-top roof ($1,495), and remain under $42,500. That is before adding the Wrangler’s pricey $1,495 destination fee.
Which 2021 Jeep Wrangler Model is Right for Me?
Wrangler Sport: $28,900-$32,400
- 6-speed manual transmission/available 8-speed auto
- 17-inch steel wheels
- Skid plates
- Hill-start assist
- Fog lights
- Backup camera,
- 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 8-speaker audio system.
- No power windows or door locks
- 2-door or 4-door
Sport S: $33,340-$36,840
- Power locks, mirrors, and windows
- 6-speed manual transmission/available 8-speed auto
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Keyless entry
- Security alarm
- 7-in Uconnect touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Instrument cluster display and satellite radio
- 2-door or 4-door
Sahara: $39,495
- 4-door body style
- Silver exterior trim
- Body-colored fenders
- 18-in alloy wheels
- Side steps
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Rubicon: $39,545-$73,500
- Heavy-duty Dana 44 front/rear axles
- Front/rear electronic locking differentials
- Electronically disconnecting front swaybar
- Low-range gearing
- Rock rails
- Taller fender flares
- 115-volt power outlet
- 2-door or 4-door
High Altitude: $50,400
- 4-door body style
- 20-inch wheels
- Nappa leather seats
- Standard 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation
- LED lighting
- Blind-spot monitoring
Jeep Wrangler 4xe PHEV $49,805-$55,625
- 4-door body style
- Leather-trimmed seats
- 20-inch wheels
- 4-inch Uconnect screen
- Nappa leather seats
- Navigation
Rubicon 392: $73,745
- 4-door body style
- 470-hp 392 HEMI engine
- Full leather interior
- Bronze 392 badging and graphics
- Hood scoop
- High-performance air intake
- Quad-tipped exhaust
Ready to buy a Jeep Wrangler? Shop for one on sale now near you.
Autotrader recently released an informative review on the Rubicon 392.
