Pros:
- Hybrid option available.
- Reliable off-road performance.
- Great powertrain lineup.
Cons:
- The ride is a bit rough.
- Interior can be noisy.
- Few features on the base model.
Would we buy one? Definitely!
Vehicle Type: Four-door convertible SUV with seating for up to five.
Price Range: Base pricing starts at $33,290 MSRP going to $43,435 before options. Pricing includes a $1,495 destination charge.
Powertrain: There are four powertrains available for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited plus a hybrid variant.
A 3.6-liter V6 engine making 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque is standard.
Next up, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The same 2.0-liter paired with hybrid electric motors producing 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque is available in the new 4xe model.
Next is a turbo EcoDiesel 3.0-liter V6 making 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.
Finally, a 6.4-liter V8 making 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque is available in the Rubicon 392.
A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard only with the 3.6-liter V6 powertrain.
An 8-speed automatic transmission is available.
Four-wheel drive is standard on all trims.
Competitors: Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover Defender, and Ford Bronco.
Overall Score: 9/10
Safety Features: 7/10
The Jeep Wrangler has a long history with questionable safety, and while it has made some strides, 2021 does not offer much change from previous model years. Front airbags, stability control, and traction control come standard. More advanced safety options like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring are available.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Wrangler Unlimited four out of five stars in crash tests, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave mixed ratings with an overall 'Good' score for the Unlimited.
Value: 9/10
The four-door Wrangler Unlimited is the roomier version of the two-door, and it is not an inexpensive SUV, but that is relatively common knowledge when it comes to Jeeps. For the cost, the Wrangler Unlimited packs plenty of performance in its functional frame, plus a unique driving experience that some rivals like that is highly competitive against rivals like the Toyota 4Runner.
There are four trim levels for the 2021 Wrangler Unlimited and a dizzying amount of optional configurations and upgrades, including the Wrangler Islander, 80th Anniversary Edition, and Sahara Altitude that add different styles and features.
The Wrangler Unlimited line up begins with the Wrangler Unlimited Sport starting at $33,290 MSRP and Sport S starting at $36,490 MSRP.
The top-tier Wrangler models are the Wrangler Sahara starting at $40,140 MSRP, and the Unlimited Rubicon trim, starting at $43,290 MSRP.
Of course, the Unlimited Rubicon 392 catches our eye for its impressive powertrain and performance specs. Still, ultimately the Wrangler 4xe hybrid makes an excellent choice for the fuel economy and a decent amount of features.
Tech Features: 8/10
Infotainment and tech are not the strong points of the Jeep Wrangler, and that is fine because it more than makes up for lack of features with superior performance. That said, moving up the trim levels and options does expand available upgraded features.
Standard with the base Sport, the infotainment system is handled through Uconnect 3 with a 5.0-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM satellite radio.
Stepping up to the Wrangler Unlimited Sahara will get you more enhanced features like a larger 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Rubicon trim adds creature comforts like automatic climate control, power windows, and keyless entry plus push-button start.
Practicality: 8/10
One of the nice things about the Jeep's interior is it can take a beating. Front seats and rear seats may not be the most comfortable, but since they are water-resistant upholstery, the cabin s easy to clean, which is a bonus. While refinement may be lacking, and competitors like the Land Rover Defender may offer more comfortable seating, the Wrangler still stands by its utilitarian roots that forgo luxury for off-road dominance.
The Chrysler Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has 31.7 of cargo space behind the rear seats and a generous 72.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity with rear seats down, putting it on par with the competition and surpassing some.
Styling & Design: 8/10
With so many customizations and optional upgrades, there is a Jeep Wrangler to suit all tastes. Removable soft tops, doors, windows, and windshield give the Jeep Wrangler that classic dune buggy feel.
Trim configurations like the Sahara High Altitude add a body-colored three-piece hardtop, 20-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen display.
Configurations like the Wrangler Willy's and Islander add themed decals, different grilles, and exterior touches.
Driving Experience: 9/10
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a proven off-roader year after year. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is the base powertrain for the 2021 Unlimited, and it can tackle on and off-road conditions well enough. The other engines offered give different driving dynamics to suit a range of preferences.
For improved fuel economy, with no compromise in off-road capability, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine with the eight-speed automatic fits the bill. The 8-speed automatic transmission paired with the EcoDiesel is calibrated for optimal shifting, giving the Wrangler Unlimited strong performance on all roads.
Surprisingly, the 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe is the real powerhouse of the Wrangler Unlimited lineup with a massive 470 lb-ft of torque to efficiently handle any off-roading excursions.
It should be noted that a special edition Rubicon 392 is available only in the Unlimited four-door Rubicon models. It comes with a massive 6.4-liter V8 putting out 470 horsepower. This Wrangler has enough punch to satisfy the most demanding sport SUV shoppers.
Fuel Efficiency: 8/10
The Wrangler Unlimited offers a healthy choice of powertrains from an EcoDiesel to a Hybrid with good gas mileage and fuel economy ratings for a new vehicle.
3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with the six-speed manual drivetrain gets 17/23/19 MPG city/hwy/combined according to EPA estimates. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gets 21/24/22 MPG city/hwy/combined. For the turbodiesel 3.0-liter V6, expect 22/29/25 MPG city/hwy/combined according to the EPA. Lastly, the 4xe hybrid with the 2.0-liter and eTorque gets 19/24 MPG city/hwy and 50 MPGe.
