Jeep Wrangler

Red 2022 Jeep Wrangler driving through a river

If we asked you to picture a vehicle that best symbolized spirited off-roading adventure, what comes to mind? For most people, the answer is a Jeep. More specifically, it’s a Jeep Wrangler. It’s no surprise because the Jeep brand is synonymous with taking the road less traveled, and no vehicle personifies adventure more than the quirky and capable Jeep Wrangler.

Jeep’s signature SUV, the Wrangler, is an 80-year-old icon and the heart of the Jeep vehicle lineup. Whether you choose a 2-door soft-top or a plush, fully-loaded four-door Rubicon, the Wrangler lineup puts Trail Rated capability first. With the Wrangler, you’ll always get removable roofs and doors, so you can experience the open air as Jeep intended. It’s the ultimate escape hatch from a busy, overscheduled life.

Jeeps being Trail Rated isn’t just a fancy badge – it’s a promise. The Wrangler earned this distinction by easily passing an array of off-roading tests in punishing conditions. The Wrangler demonstrates prowess in water fording, maneuverability, articulation (how well the Jeep adjusts and maintains contact with the ground when one wheel leaves the ground), and ground clearance; and don’t get us started on traction. If the Wrangler had a middle name, it would be traction. Put simply; the Jeep Wrangler is a go-anywhere option for true adventure seekers.

History of the Wrangler

The Wrangler has its roots in the military, born as a people mover for the Army during World War II when it wore the Willys badge. After the war was over, Jeep turned its attention to selling to regular people. Known as the CJ (for Civilian Jeep), this early Wrangler predecessor featured the same solid axle and open-top we see on today’s models, along with the flared fenders and round headlights that have become signature parts of the Wrangler’s exterior styling.

Although it shares many characteristics of its World War II-era ancestors, technically, the modern Wrangler was introduced to the American car market in 1986. Interestingly, for nearly an entire decade, these early Wranglers did not have the signature round headlamps. It was only after Jeep discontinued its early YJ models in favor of a newer Wrangler TJ series that the headlights again became round.

In that way, the TJ, released in 1996, looked most like the modern-day Jeep Wrangler and its earlier military counterparts. It was during this production generation – from 1996 to 2006 – that Jeep introduced its first-ever long-wheelbase Wrangler, still a two-door body style. Available with a 4-cylinder or a 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, the TJ series grew in popularity until it would undergo yet another transformation.

The third generation Jeep Wrangler, released in 2007, was known as the JK. At this time, Jeep was owned by parent company DaimlerChrysler. The company completely redesigned the Wrangler and added comfort and convenience features, like power windows, remote power door locks, and navigation.

The JK Jeep Wrangler era saw the introduction of the first four-door Wrangler models. These four-door versions extended the wheelbase by over 20 inches, making them far roomier and more practical for families. Apparently, consumers agreed because by 2017, the four-door Wrangler represented nearly 75% of all sales.

Today, as it enters its eighth decade, Jeep is selling over 200,000 Wranglers annually. It’s a testament to the buying public’s love of this iconic off-roader that’s not quite an SUV, but not quite a truck either. Wrangler owners are a family, and they’re known to wave as they pass one another on the open road. The Wrangler is a class unto itself, all the way down to the adventurous people that drive them, and that’s just the way Jeep likes it.

A grey 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is parked off-road on brown rocks in front of shrubs.

2021 Jeep Wrangler Highlights

For 2021, the Jeep Wrangler is a surprisingly affordable option for many buyers. With a starting MSRP of just $28,315, it’s possible for many buyers to take a closer look at the Wrangler and join a family of owners that love what they drive. Don’t let the starting price fool you, though. Buyers that want a fully decked-out Wrangler have plenty of fabulous trims to choose from. Outfit the 80th Anniversary Special Edition Wrangler with all the bells and whistles, including a Cold Weather Package and an Advanced Safety Package, and the price tag increases to the mid-$50,000’s. Choose a Wrangler High Altitude with a diesel engine, and you’re closer to $60,000.

Jeep makes owning a Wrangler in 2021 affordable too. The company is throwing in a three-year membership to its Jeep Wave owner loyalty program, which provides three free oil changes and tire rotations over the first 36 months and 24/7 roadside assistance. Jeep Wave also gives owners access to dedicated Jeep representatives for everything from questions about the Wrangler or to set up a service appointment.

2021 Wrangler Technology

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is also the most connected Wrangler in history, and it all begins with the dash-mounted infotainment touchscreen. The touch screen operates on Jeep’s Uconnect connectivity operating system for lightning-fast interfaces and easy smartphone integration. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even Amazon Alexa.

Smartphone compatibility is just the tip of the iceberg: the system also supports an available Forward-Facing Off-Road Camera, which displays the trail ahead to help drivers more easily identify potential hazards. A 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot is available that can support up to eight devices from as far away as 50-feet. Uconnect also delivers app-based vehicle diagnostic information and a remote start feature that lets drivers start their Jeep right from their smartphone. The available 7-inch driver information digital cluster display is a customizable, technologically-advanced driver information hub that includes vehicle speed, a compass, and other important data.

2021 Wrangler Performance

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is available with four different engines, starting with the 270 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo that delivers 295 lb-ft of torque and incredible fuel efficiency, at 21 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. When equipped with the 2.0-liter engine, the Wrangler can tow up to 3,500 lbs. If diesel power is more your thing, Jeep has an answer, with the torquey 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine. This motor serves up 260 horsepower and a powerful 442 lb-ft of torque without compromising fuel efficiency. Wranglers equipped with this engine enjoy 22 MPG city and 29 MPG highway.

Buyers can also opt for the Pentastar V6 engine with eTorque. Described as a mild-hybrid system, the engine delivers torque at low speeds for great acceleration from a full stop and impressive low-speed off-road performance. The Pentastar V6 produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, coming in at a fuel efficiency rating of 19 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. The last available engine, a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 with automatic start/stop technology, delivers fuel economy ratings of 17 MPG city and 23 MPG highway while also sending out 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Jeep calls this engine a “tried and true” option, so buyers can count on its reliable, consistent performance.

Whichever engine you choose, Jeep makes it easy to hit the trail with three different 4×4 systems, including the Command-Trac, the Selec-Trac, and the Rock-Trac. Command-Trac offers part-time 4×4, while the Selec-Trac and Rock-Trac both utilize four-wheel drive full-time. Selec-Trac automatically switches to two-wheel drive during normal driving conditions. Rock-Trac is available as a part-time 4×4 system or full-time, which also switches automatically between two and four-wheel drive depending on road conditions. These driving systems are available on the Rubicon trim.

A silver 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe is driving on a city street.

The 4xe

2021 is the year Jeep transforms the Wrangler lineup with hybrid technology for even more range and power. Welcome to the latest generation Jeep Wrangler, the all-new Wrangler 4xe. Available initially in two trims – the Sahara Launch Edition and the Rubicon Launch Edition, the 4xe has a starting MSRP of $47,995 (Sahara) and $51,695 (Rubicon) and delivers Jeep’s first-ever plug-in electric powertrain technology.

The Wrangler 4xe is one of the most powerful Wranglers ever, offering 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of instantly-available torque, giving it off-roading prowess and street credibility, with a zero-to-sixty time of just six seconds. All that power, plus an estimated 400-mile range and a whopping estimated 50 MPGe of efficiency when compared with gas-powered miles-per-gallon ratings.

All that power is thanks to a technologically-advanced hybrid system consisting of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 16 kWh plug-in battery, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In electric-only mode, the battery is rated to have 25-miles of range. This battery also benefits from a regenerative brake booster to send energy created by braking back to the engine. With three modes – Electric Mode, eSave Mode, and Hybrid Mode – drivers can choose between full battery (all-electric) power, battery conservation operation, or full hybrid mode, a mix of both. This flexibility gives drivers control over range and emissions, with the unexpected benefit of nearly noiseless off-roading.

Jeep has partnered with Amazon to provide an at-home Jeep-branded fast-charging car charging kit to Wrangler 4xe buyers. The company will arrange a licensed electrician who will install the charger by appointment, easily equipping the home for compatible overnight charging. Jeep makes it easy for buyers to get on board with hybrid power.

The Rubicon 392

Are you ready for a Wrangler that has more speed and more power than any Wrangler before. Jeep ramps up the power exponentially for 2021 with the all-new Rubicon 392. This is Jeep’s most powerful Wrangler ever, thanks to a standard 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that pumps out a whopping 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, propelling it from zero-to-sixty in just 4.5 seconds. Jeep boasts that the Rubicon 392 can travel a quarter-mile in an impressive 13 seconds.

All that power transfers nicely to the trail, making this Rubicon 392 a durable off-roader everywhere, including racing at high speeds over desert sand and crawling up steep rocky inclines. Engaging the standard Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect feature helps the front tires gain more independent range, giving the Rubicon 392 incredible flexibility and climbing prowess. In other words, the front tires can essentially act independently.

The Rubicon 392 boasts a Ramp Travel Index (RTI) of 730 out of an ideal 1,000. Ramp testing demonstrates how well a vehicle articulates. It does so by driving the front left tire of a vehicle up a ramp set at a 20-degree angle and measuring the point at which the elevation of the left tire causes other tires to lose contact with the ground. By comparison, a typical SUV rates in the 400-500 range. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 also includes upgraded FOX aluminum shocks and special dampeners that absorb bumps and make four-wheeling and driving on uneven surfaces far more comfortable. The advanced shock system also enhances maneuverability, making the Rubicon 392 more agile at any speed over any surface.

A blue 2021 Jeep Wrangler 392 is off-roading in desert sand.

Shop for Your Wrangler at Zimmer CDJR

If you’re shopping for a new 2021 Jeep Wrangler, we invite you to visit Zimmer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Cincinnati’s favorite Jeep dealer. Our friendly team of sales consultants is here for you and ready to answer all your questions about our amazing lineup of Jeeps. We know Jeep vehicles, and our extensive selection means we’ll likely have the exact vehicle you’re looking for right on our showroom floor.

Whether you’re looking for the new hybrid Wrangler 4xe, the ultra-powerful Rubicon 392, or something in between, you’ll find it here at Zimmer CDJR. We stock a huge inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles at all price ranges, and we’re open seven days a week, so you can drop by for a test drive anytime. After you’ve found the perfect new or used vehicle, our professional finance department will help you secure the best finance or lease plan. Our huge sales volume means we have access to some of the best rates in town, and we’ll put those resources to work for you. It doesn’t matter what your credit score is or how much you have to put down: we’ll find you a plan that works for your budget.

You can also service and maintain your new car right here at Zimmer CDJR. Our service facility is state-of-the-art, and we’re staffed with factory-trained and certified mechanics who know Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles inside-and-out. They’re trained to handle everything from routine maintenance to complicated, comprehensive repairs. We welcome you to conveniently schedule your service appointment online and relax in our customer lounge while we service your vehicle, or hop on our complimentary shuttle for some quick errands while you wait.

We also give you the Zimmer Promise: a powertrain warranty for life, free oil changes (up to four) for two years, and we’ll always do multi-point inspections and battery checks free for the first two years. We extend the Zimmer promise to your service experience with a free shuttle service for life and a loaner whenever you come in for major service. We also offer our customers a standing five percent discount on accessories. We even have free luggage carriers and pre-vacation vehicle inspections for the first two years. All of this comes at no extra cost to you.

Here at Zimmer CDJR, we put our customers first, and that’s been the case since we opened our doors back in 1929. We want your buying experience to be fun, easy, and relaxing. We’re committed to a no hassle, no haggle sales experience. Your satisfaction is always our number one goal. Call us today at 859-795-122, or better yet, come on down to our giant showroom at 1086 Burlington Pike in Florence. We can’t wait to help you buy your next new car.