Description
Pros
- Unrelentingly capable off-road
- Extensive customization options
- Available plug-in hybrid engine
- Removable top and doors
Cons
- Steering is slow and feels loose, especially on the Rubicon trim
- Lots of wind and tire noise at highway speeds
- Less cargo space than some conventional SUVs
What’s new
- No major changes for 2025
- Part of the fourth Wrangler generation introduced for 2018
Overview
Vehicles don’t come much more iconic than the Jeep Wrangler. Throughout the decades, the Wrangler has lost none of its rugged appeal or capabilities, but thanks to modern in-car tech it’s more user-friendly than ever. And with two body styles, a multitude of powertrains to choose from, including a plug-in hybrid, and loads of available options, the Wrangler can be tailored to just about any adventure. Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport 2dr SUV 4WD (3.6L 6cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.10 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.
Edmunds spotlight: Dirt in its DNA
The Wrangler has been the go-to for off-road enthusiasts since, well, forever and the newest generation happily carries on that tradition. Even in its relatively basic trim levels, the Wrangler has a surprising amount of off-road prowess. Add on packages for beefier axles, uprated shocks and locking differentials, and you’ve got some formidable and proven hardware at your disposal. And everything from the low and narrow hood to the placement of interior controls has been refined over the years to make the quintessential Jeep even easier to drive off-road.
Competitors to consider
There really is only one Jeep, but Ford’s Bronco does a pretty good impression. Equally rugged, better to drive on the pavement, and offering its fair share of trim levels and options for buyers, the Bronco is the closest and toughest competitor to the Wrangler. If you want something with a nondetachable roof over your head, the new Toyota 4Runner offers nearly the same go-anywhere capability as the Jeep so long as you get the most expensive off-road packages. Read on below to see why we love the Wrangler’s off-road capability so much and get a comprehensive overview of the SUV.
What’s it like to live with?
Edmunds purchased a 2018 Wrangler Unlimited for testing. During the extended two-year period, we logged 50,000 miles in a mix of off-road and on-pavement driving. While this was an older Wrangler the 2025 Wrangler is still of the same generation and many of our observations still apply. Check out our results here.
Reviews
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