2022 jeep wrangler unlimited sahara 2.0 l automatic suv

Incredibly Capable. Since its introduction, the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has put off-roading above all else. It’s 2022, but the Wrangler Unlimited continues to do what it always has: be an incredibly capable off-roader. It may have a few modern features, but the Wrangler Unlimited is an old-school vehicle.

While the Wrangler Unlimited has two extra doors and more comfortable rear seats compared to the two-door Wrangler, the four-door SUV still has serious off-roading capability. Every Wrangler Unlimited is built to tackle rough terrain with standard four-wheel drive, a ladder frame, solid axles, a two-speed transfer case, and skid plates. For most people that go off-roading a few times a year, the lower Wrangler Unlimited trims have plenty of capability.

For consumers that practically live off-road, there’s the Rubicon. It’s the most serious off-roader in the Wrangler lineup with all-terrain tires, heavy-duty axles, a shorter gear ratio, low-range gearing, electronic locking front and rear differentials, rock rails, an electronic disconnecting front stabilizer bar, and an Off-Road Plus drive mode. In the Rubicon trim, the Wrangler Unlimited can tackle the most grueling terrain imaginable.

Loads Of Engines. Consumers have five different powertrains to choose from with the Wrangler Unlimited. With the standard engine being more than capable enough to get the Wrangler down the road or up a steep hill, upgrading to a different engine mostly boils down to preference.

Things start off with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This is the only engine that’s available with a six-speed manual transmission, but can also be fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the V6 engine sounds coarse at higher revs, it’s plenty capable for daily use.

The next engine in line is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. While the turbo engine makes less power than the V6, its extra torque results in a punchier feel.

For even more torque, the Wrangler Unlimited is available with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that produces 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine sounds like it’s chewing on rocks, but the large amount of torque it makes is worth dealing with the awful sound. Plus, if sound really matters, the Wrangler’s available 6.4-liter V8 engine is the way to go. It makes a mighty 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The V8 helps the SUV get to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.

For shoppers that want to save some money on fuel, the Wrangler Unlimited is available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV can travel up to 25 miles on electricity and offers peppy performance, but the interaction between the gas engine and electric motor is rough.

Wide Range Of Trims.Jeep offers the Wrangler Unlimited in 11 trims. Choosing through all of the trims can be a daunting task, especially when you add in all of the SUV’s available features. We recommend staying away from the Sahara trims, as they’re expensive and bring more upscale convenience features that seem out of place for the Wrangler Unlimited. We think sticking with one of the lower trims or springing for the Rubicon trim is a good idea.

As long as you open your checkbook, the Wrangler Unlimited can be fitted with a host of features. The Wrangler Unlimited comes better equipped than the two-door model. It starts off with a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth, and eight audio speakers. Unfortunately, the only safety feature on the base Sport trim is a rearview camera. Everything else comes extra.

Don’t expect to get a lot of convenience features with the Wrangler Unlimited. The SUV’s list of standard features is bare with things like manual door locks and windows, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, air conditioning, and push-button start. The Sport S trim is the happy spot for feature content, coming with power windows and door locks and keyless entry as standard equipment, and being available with more optional features.

Capability Over Comfort. To be a serious off-roader, the Wrangler Unlimited makes a lot of concessions when it comes to comfort. The SUV’s body-on-frame platform and solid axles result in a rough, jittery ride. Because of the Wrangler Unlimited’s chunky tires and lack of insulation, the SUV has a lot of road, wind, and engine noise.

Despite being the roomier Wrangler, the Wrangler Unlimited still isn’t spacious. The rear seats offer 38 inches of rear legroom, but that sounds more spacious than it is in real life. Climbing into a Wrangler Unlimited is tricky, too, because it sits so high off the ground. Once in the SUV, the flat seats could use more padding and the rugged plastics don’t match the vehicle’s price tag. The good news is that the Wrangler is easy to see out of with a high seating position and a low dashboard.

Final Thoughts. On paper, purchasing a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is an irrational decision. Other SUVs are far more comfortable, spacious, and fuel-efficient. You’ll also find that most rivals come with more features, have nicer interiors, and have smoother rides. What the Wrangler Unlimited has that others don’t are an iconic design and the ability to tackle terrain that would be impossible with other options. Whether that’s worth the compromise and high price is up to you.

The Wrangler went unchallenged in the class for years, but that changed with the introduction of the Ford Bronco. With similar off-roading capability, more impressive tech features, removable body panels, a smoother ride, and a nicer interior, the Bronco is a serious rival that feels fresh.

The Toyota 4Runner is a larger option with a more spacious interior and nearly the same off-roading capability in the TRD Pro trim. The 4Runner doesn’t have removable doors, is only available with a V6 engine, and has an outdated infotainment system.

Check prices for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler »

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