The Jeep Wrangler is a range of compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road SUVs that Jeep has been manufacturing since 1986. The series is currently in its fourth generation, with the newest model, the Wrangler JL, unveiled in late 2017 at Jeep’s Toledo Complex.
The Wrangler’s design traces its roots back to the World War II Jeep, followed by the CJ (Civilian Jeeps) produced by Willys, Kaiser-Jeep and American Motors Corporation (AMC) from mid-1940s to the 1980s. While neither AMC nor Chrysler (which acquired AMC in 1987) explicitly stated that the Wrangler was a direct descendant of the original military model, both the CJ Jeeps and the Wrangler — with their solid axles and open top — are often seen as central to Jeep’s brand identity, similar to how the rear-engine 911 is to Porsche.
Like its predecessors, the Willys MB and the CJ Jeeps, all Wrangler models continue to feature a separate body and frame, rigid live axles at both front and rear, a tapering nose design with flared fenders, a fold-flat windshield, and the capability to be driven without doors. Typically, they also have part-time four-wheel drive systems, high and low gearing options, and standard open bodies with removable hard or soft tops. However, the Wrangler series was specifically redesigned to be more comfortable and safer on-road in order to appeal to daily drivers. This was achieved by upgrading its suspension, drivetrain, and interior compared to the CJ line. Starting from the 1997 TJ model, all Wranglers included trackbars, anti-roll bars and front and rear coil springs instead of the previous leaf springs.
From 2004 onwards, the Wrangler lineup was expanded with long-wheelbase versions named Wrangler Unlimited. Initially, these were longer two-door models, but since 2007, the long-wheelbase Wranglers have been four-door models, providing over 20 inches more room. By mid-2017, these four-door models made up three-quarters of all new Wranglers in the market.
Manufacturing And Assembly
The Jeep YJ models were produced from 1986 to 1995, initially at the Brampton Assembly, and later at the Toledo South Assembly plant. One of the distinguishing features of the 1987–1995 models was their rectangular headlights, a design element that was changed back to rounded headlights in the subsequent TJ and JK versions.
In 2006, the production of the Wrangler was shifted to the Toledo Complex. Models manufactured after 2006 showcased a different grille angle compared to their predecessors. While the grille was flat and even with the front fenders in all earlier models, the newer Wrangler featured a grille that angled out from the top and then continued straight from the midway point to the bottom. This design modification shortened the hood length and extended the length of the fenders. In more recent models, the angle of the grille has been further lowered towards the bottom.
In Egypt, the YJ model was produced in both short and long-wheelbase versions. The long-wheelbase version retained the 2-door design and was named LJ (or referred to as YJL in the Egyptian Owner’s Manual). This extended wheelbase model, also known as the TJL or J8, influenced the design of the 4-door version of the JK model.
Models
The Wrangler was first introduced in 1986, succeeding the discontinued Jeep CJ series. It underwent a revision in 1996 and a complete redesign in 2006. Each model of the Wrangler has been given a specific designation that corresponds to its generation: YJ (1986–1995), TJ (1997–2006), TJU (also known as LJs, which were the 2004–2006 Unlimited models or YJL as per the Egyptian owner’s manual), JKU (2007–2017 Unlimited models), JK (2007–2017), and the most recent JL model, which was launched for the 2018 model year.
The Wrangler has also seen usage in foreign militaries, where it is known as the J8. This model was initially referred to as the TJL when it first started production at the Arab American Vehicle’s plant in Egypt.
In addition to these, Jeep began production of the Gladiator, a pickup truck based on the Wrangler, in 2019. The Gladiator was released for the 2020 model year.
The Jeep Wrangler series has seen four generations:
- YJ: The first-generation Wrangler developed by American Motors Corporation (AMC), introduced in 1986. It was distinct with its rectangular headlamps, different from the round ones on its CJ Jeep predecessors.
- TJ: The second-generation Wrangler reintroduced the round headlamps from the classic Jeep models and was produced by AAV.
- JK: The third-generation Wrangler was launched in 2006 for the 2007 model year under the ownership of DaimlerChrysler.
- JL: The fourth-generation Wrangler, unveiled in late 2017 for the 2018 model year, is available in both short (2-door) and long (4-door) wheelbase SUV variants.
Jeep Wrangler YJ 1st Gen
The first-generation Jeep Wrangler YJ, produced from March 1986 to December 1995 in Canada and the USA, marked a new era for the iconic off-road vehicle. The development of the Wrangler YJ began under American Motors Corporation (AMC), even though by its introduction in 1986, Renault was in control, and by 1987, the first model year, Chrysler had taken ownership.
This generation notably introduced rectangular headlamps, a departure from the traditional round ones of its CJ Jeep predecessors. While it maintained many of the CJ’s fundamental elements – an open body on a separate frame, the same wheelbase, part-time 4WD with live rigid axles on leaf springs, both front and rear – the Wrangler YJ was a distinct design. It featured a wider track, slightly reduced ground clearance, enhanced comfort, and improved safety and handling.
In Iran, production continued from 1989 to 2001, and in Indonesia, from 1995 to 1998. The Wrangler YJ was offered in two body styles: a 2-door convertible and a 2-door SUV.
Jeep Wrangler TJ 2nd Gen
The second-generation Jeep Wrangler TJ, which ran from January 1996 to July 2006, marked a return to the classic round headlamps of traditional Jeep models. This model was introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model and was powered primarily by the AMC 242 4.0 L inline-six engine.
From this generation onwards, all Wranglers switched from leaf-spring to coil-spring suspension for improved ride quality, and the automatic shifter was relocated to the floor for better ergonomics.
In 2004, the lineup grew with the introduction of a long-wheelbase “Unlimited” model. Then, in 2006, Israeli Automotive Industries Ltd. began manufacturing the first five-door Jeep Wrangler derivative under license from Chrysler. This vehicle was designed for the Israel Defense Forces and was based on a 2,931 mm (115.4 in) wheelbase Wrangler (TJ).
The Wrangler TJ was available in two body styles: a 2-door convertible and a 2-door SUV. It also had an associated model, the AIL Storm II, a compact pickup truck with a 2-door layout produced by AAV.
Jeep Wrangler JK 3rd Gen
The Jeep Wrangler JK, the third-generation model spanning from 2006 to 2018, marked a significant shift for the iconic off-road vehicle. Launched in 2006 as a 2007 model under the ownership of DaimlerChrysler, the JK represented the first Wrangler to feature a completely original design of the body, frame, and suspension.
This generation introduced several new features to the Wrangler, including power windows, remote power door locks, navigation, and electronically detachable sway bars on some models. Moreover, for the first time, a 4-door “Unlimited” model was launched alongside the traditional 2-door variant. The “Unlimited” offered significantly more space due to its wheelbase, which was over 20 inches (50 cm) longer. By mid-2017, four-door models made up three-quarters of all new Wranglers on the market.
In September 2011, Jeep announced a partnership with Activision for the second consecutive year to create a special edition Modern Warfare 3 Jeep based on the Wrangler Rubicon model. This special edition, featuring both interior and exterior designs inspired by Modern Warfare 3, hit Jeep dealerships in November 2011.
The Wrangler JK came in two versions: the standard wheelbase compact sport utility vehicle with 2 doors, and the JK Unlimited, a long-wheelbase mid-size sport utility vehicle with 4 doors. The production of this generation ran from August 2006 to April 2018, and it was available in four body styles: 2-door convertible, 2-door SUV, 4-door convertible, and 4-door SUV.
Jeep Wrangler JL 4th Gen
The fourth-generation Jeep Wrangler JL, which has been in production since November 2017, was unveiled in late 2017 for the 2018 model year. This generation of Wrangler offers a variety of powertrains beyond the Pentastar V6 and introduces a redesigned 8-speed automatic transmission.
Notable features of the JL include an easier fold-flat windshield, new zipperless soft tops, blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, and a more modern interior. The 2018 models came with two powertrain options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine producing 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline engine generating 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
In addition to these, a 2.2-liter turbodiesel I4 became available first in Europe and later in North America from 2020 with EcoDiesel engines. For the 2021 model year, Jeep introduced a plug-in hybrid variant called the Wrangler 4xe, which provides an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range.
In late summer 2021, Jeep presented the Rubicon 392 model, the most potent JL ever produced. It is powered by a 6.4L Hemi V8 that delivers 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and cover a quarter-mile in 13.0 seconds.
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler, with a starting MSRP of $32095, offers exciting new design and technology, including an intuitive Uconnect 5 12.3-Inch display (source: Jeep official website).
The Wrangler JL comes in both short (2-door) and long (4-door) wheelbase SUV versions and is available in five body styles: 2-door convertible, 2-door SUV, 4-door convertible, 4-door SUV, and 4-door SUT. It measures 96.8 inches in wheelbase for the 2-door version and 118.4 inches for the 4-door model, with an overall length of 166.8 inches (2-door) or 188.4 inches (4-door), a width of 73.8 inches, and a height of 70.9 inches. The curb weight for the Rubicon Unlimited variant is 4,439 lb.
Awards And Recognition
The Jeep Wrangler has a history of accolades and recognitions for its performance, durability, and resale value. In 2009, the sport utility vehicle won the Best Resale Value Award from Kelley Blue Book (KBB). It also bagged this award in the compact sport utility vehicle category in 2012 and 2013. Furthermore, KBB recognized the Wrangler as one of the Models to Best Hold Its Value in 1998, 1999, 2003, 2011, and 2012. Canadian Black Book honored the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Jeep Wranglers with the Best Retained Value Award in the compact SUV category.
In 2007, the Jeep Wrangler made it into the Guinness World Records for reaching the highest altitude by a four-wheeled vehicle. The achievement was made possible when Matthias Jeschke and his Extreme Events adventure team climbed Chile’s Ojos del Salado, the tallest volcano on Earth, in a pair of Wrangler Rubicon Unlimiteds. The vehicles reached an impressive height of 6,646 meters (21,804 ft).
The Wrangler also received the Four-Wheeler of the Year Award from Four Wheeler magazine in 2007 and 2013. In January 2010, the publication named the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon as its 4×4 of the Decade. Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine awarded the Wrangler its 4×4 of the Year title in 1997, 2007, and 2012.
Forbes Autos listed the 2008 four-wheel-drive convertible Jeep Wrangler as the fourth vehicle with the highest resale value. Business Week magazine, in May 2009, labeled the Wrangler as one of the Most Iconic Cars of the Last 20 Years. A study by iSeeCars.com in 2018 named the Jeep Wrangler as the vehicle with the lowest depreciation after five years.
Electric Wrangler
In September 2008, Tom LaSorda, then vice-chair of Chrysler, introduced a range-extended electric variant of the 4-door Wrangler. This model was designed to have a 40-mile (64 km) range before a gasoline engine kicks in to provide additional electricity.
The Wrangler 4xe, a plug-in hybrid model, features a 17kWh battery with a usable capacity of 15kWh. It offers an all-electric range of 21 miles (34 kilometers) per charge and is powered by Jeep’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
In early 2021, Jeep unveiled the Magneto concept, an electric vehicle based on a slightly modified two-door Jeep JL frame and body. The Magneto comes equipped with a Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) 2-inch (50mm) lift kit, 17-inch Lights Out black metallic wheels fitted with 35-inch (958mm) mud-terrain tires, a custom roll cage, Mopar Rock Rails, steel bumpers with a Warn winch, and a steel belly pan.
In April 2022, Jeep showcased a new concept, the Wrangler Magneto 2.0, featuring a fresh electric powertrain calibration. Referred to as “electronic nitrous oxide” by Jeep, this feature helps maintain peak power for up to 10 seconds. With 625 horsepower and up to 850-foot pounds (1152 joules) of torque, the Magneto 2.0 is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 2 seconds.
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