Used 2019 Jeep Wrangler

The 2019 Jeep Wrangler is the latest iteration of the iconic Jeep rock-crawler, newly redesigned last year with more features, power, safety and off-road ability. Offered with a choice of two or four doors, the Wrangler delivers the kind of open-air, off-road adventuring no other vehicle can match. Despite its many improvements, the 2019 Wrangler sticks with traditional solid front and rear axles and a choice of 4-wheel-drive systems. However, unlike Wranglers of old, this one actually delivers a reasonably civilized ride over paved roads, with a cabin that is downright plush on some trims. As the Ford Bronco is still another year out, the Wrangler has no real competition outside some off-road-ready pickups, and that’s just how Jeep likes it.

Our experience driving the Jeep Wrangler was in the wilds of New Zealand, where rocks and boulders, rushing water, and rutted and muddy fields put the new Wrangler to the test. At least in theory — the reality is that none of the varied terrain proved much of a challenge to the Jeep. The Tru-Lok front and rear locking differentials helped make short work of the slick stuff, and both the V6 and turbocharged 4-cylinder provided plenty of torque and power whenever we asked for it. If more wheel travel is required, the anti-roll bars can be electronically disconnected. Rubicon models also come with tubular rock rails in addition to the standard four skidplates for extra undercarriage protection. Yet that’s all expected from a Jeep — what really surprised us was the new Wrangler’s civility around town. The improved steering, 5-link suspension, improved body mounts, retuned shocks, and even the drivetrain have all been upgraded for an around-town experience that belies this SUV’s off-road ability.

The 2019 Jeep Wrangler interior combines elements of modern, sophisticated design with a simple and clean layout that has been part of the Wrangler’s DNA for decades. Nestled in the body-colored dash panels are such 21st-century touches as a large touch-screen infotainment system and available Alpine audio system. Of course, the prerequisite grab handles are still here, as is the removable top and protective incorporated rollbars. Base models are a bit less fancy, but move up to the big-dollar trims and you’ll get heated seats and steering wheel, navigation and even a leather-wrapped dash. The Wrangler 4-door offers more rear-seat legroom courtesy of a longer wheelbase.

At first glance, the 2019 Wrangler’s styling is purely evolutionary. However, there’s a lot going on that you may not notice at first glance. The Wrangler is more than two inches wider and has more than two inches of additional wheelbase over the last generation, all in the name of stability and comfort. The doors are made of aluminum, making them easier to remove. Folding down the windshield only requires removing four bolts instead of 28 as in previous Wrangler models. LED headlights and taillights are available, and multiple roof configurations are also available, making it easier than ever to enjoy the open-top off-roading Jeepers want, but the kind of quick shelter from rain they need.

TURBOCHARGED 4-CYLINDER ENGINE
A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine might not seem like a Jeep standard, but in this case the little engine provides more torque than the V6, but less horsepower. Fuel economy is better, too, as the only transmission choice is the 8-speed automatic.

UPGRADED INTERIOR
The Wrangler’s interior is far from the Spartan layouts of the early CJ and YJ Wranglers, offering luxury touches like leather seats and dash, Uconnect audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more safety and convenience features such as forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control.

The base-model Wrangler Sport comes standard with the V6 and 6-speed manual transmission. It also comes standard with 4-wheel drive, in this case Jeep’s Command-Trac system. You also get standard fog lights, underbody skidplates, push-button ignition, and Jeep’s new Sunrider with its clever sunroof panel. What’s more noteworthy is what’s missing. Power windows, air conditioning, a touch-screen audio system and Bluetooth are only available as options or on higher trim levels. The Sport does come with an 8-speaker audio system though, with USB and AUX inputs. Wrangler 4-door models come with an extra set of doors, 5-passenger seating capacity, and additional rear-seat and luggage space.

Factory options include your choice of an 8-speed automatic or 4-cylinder turbo engine in any model. The trim ladder goes up through Sport S, Sahara (4-door only) and Rubicon models, each with varying levels of equipment. The Sport S adds power windows, air conditioning and keyless entry; the 4-door’s Sahara model adds upgraded trim and allows buyers to select the more advanced Selec-Trac full-time transfer case. Rubicon models are the most off-road ready, with tubular rock rails and an even more advanced 4-wheel-drive system. Option packages include different hardtop configurations, an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system, and blind-spot sensors.

Although the promise of a diesel engine is still on the table, for now the 2019 Jeep Wrangler makes do with two gasoline engines. The first is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 good for 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. Optional is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine pumping out 268 horses and 295 lb-ft of torque, the latter delivered very low in the rev band. The 4-cylinder is offered on all trims, but only with the 8-speed automatic. Four-wheel-drive systems include the Command-Trac part-time 2-speed transfer case, Selec-Trac 2-speed transfer case with full-time 4-wheel drive and the Rubicon’s Rock-Trac 2-speed transfer case with 4.0:1 low-range gear, front and rear electric locking differentials and disconnecting front sway bar.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
268 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/25 mpg (2-door), 22/24 mpg (4-door)

3.6-liter V6
285 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg (manual), 17/23 mpg (manual 4-door), 18/23 mpg (automatic)