Absolutely correct on the RWD convertible comment - a Wrangler just replaced my Fiat 124 Spider and Honda Element, and it was the only vehicle out there that could fill both roles. Found a holdover '18 4-door JL Sport exactly how I wanted it : soft top, V6, roll-down windows, minimal infotainment... dead simple. Got the limited-slip rear, all-terrain tires, tow package, upgraded electrical system with preinstalled aux switches, as well as some nice perks (all weather floor mats, tow rope and D-rings, XM radio, etc). Stickered at $38k, sold for $30 all because most buyers balked at roll-down windows (frankly, I prefer 'em). The base Sport with the LSD does remarkably well off road, and while I wanted a manual, the ZF 8 speed is excellent and makes steep ascents on trails much easier. The simple low-tech V6 has been averaging 21mpg in a mix of mountain and city driving. Top down, on pavement, it's not quite as engaging as a true roadster, but it has its own great vibe, especially bringing the dogs/friends/mountain bikes/etc along. Hearkens back to International Scout/K5 Blazer experience... almost extinct in today's market. Lots of knee-jerk Wrangler reactions out there (mall crawler, garbage build quality, useless compromises), but thus far I haven't regretted selling the other two vehicles, and they were both phenomental at what they did. Great review as always, Alex-
Alex, you offer some of the most thorough auto reviews available. I have owned two Jeeps and several other 4x4s. I find today's Jeep Wrangler to be too heavy and too expensive. But with the 2-door Wrangler Rubicon's short wheel-base, push-button detachable torsion bar, and lockers front and rear, no other new vehicle is as capable in most off-road situations.
Right Lane Hog I think the the 4runner fits this bill with its slightly smaller dimensions and locking rear diff. It would need a reliable diesel option to truly match the oversees versions, which won’t happen here. The 4L V6 is comparable to the smaller V8’s of previous generations.
@@Libertarian_Neighbor The 4Runner is a fine SUV but have you seen the Land Cruiser Commercial sold in the UK? It is like a FJ that was designed by an adult.
Toyota is managed by out of touch old-style Japanese salarymen. That is clear while looking at their options and marketing on the Japanese market. They are soo lucky that most of their competitors do not priorities reliability. They take their customers for granted. They seem to know their position on the market and take full advantage of it... This might be connected to why so many new SUVs in Japan are Mazda. ;) Obviously, Toyota still does well, but then they would do better. Also, for those who want Toyota`s diesel in USA, I recommend researching the DPF Toyota class action in Australia: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VmvAwjE2gg4.html
@@valdius85 As you may know, Toyota sold a cheaper FJ 4X4 here for a while but the timing of its launch coincided with the beginning of the recession and a steep rise in oil prices. The FJ also featured an extremely idiosyncratic design with terrible outward visibility which further reduced its appeal. These days the popularity of the simple old Ford Bronco, classic Land Cruisers of the past as well as the Jeep ought to send a strong signal to Toyota to expand their offerings to include a #traditionally styled 4X4 priced below the 4Runner. As for Diesels, we are in a period of experimentation in getting Diesels to meet modern emission standards which parallels what happened with gasoline engines in the 70s and 80s. Having read frequently about emission control failures in modern European Diesels, I have absolutely no interest in being a guinea pig in that experiment especially when Toyota already offers a range of reliable gasoline engines that are suitable for SUV and truck duty. The more I look at the smaller, traditionally styled Land Cruiser sold in other markets, the more sense it makes to me.
Interesting and informative. I knew next to nothing about Jeep Wranglers. It has a lot to offer surprisingly and the fuel economy and power of the 2.0L turbo was a surprise.
I have a Sport S 2 door. It’s optioned up pretty well for me with similar gadgets to the Sahara featured here. It has the v6 engine and I average 21-22 mpg mixed driving here in Ohio. I love it!
@@earnedmystripes2382 Well, that's a bit extreme but with the exception of niche vehicles with limited appeal the #savethemanuals crowd could hold conventions in the smaller ballrooms of the local Holiday Inn.
@@stephenhendricks103 Is the Tacoma a "niche vehicle with limited appeal" or is it the best selling mid-size pickup? I only ask because it has always come with a manual and clearly, Toyota sells manual SUVs in every other market.
@@rightlanehog3151 Well, in fact mid-size pickups are niche vehicles with a tiny percentage of the pickup truck market. And yes, it's true that MT's are routinely offered on a variety of markets outside North America. But if the dying market for MT vehicles in the US is a conspiracy it's one that owes its existence to Adam Smith. For some (not so) mysterious reason dealers don't pressure manufacturers to build a wider variety of MT vehicles (even pickups) because they don't want unsold vehicles sitting on their lots incurring flooring costs for weeks or months until they're finally sold (if at all) at steep discounts. Some manufacturers may offer a limited number of MT configurations (e.g. Honda Accord) with manual transmissions but if they do it will usually be in a lower trim level where a loss due to poor sales will be contained. It's important to remember that with the exception of Tesla automotive manufacturers' customers aren't consumers; their customers are dealers. And if dealers don't pressure manufacturers to offer particular vehicle configurations manufacturers won't offer them. Dealers would be happy to offer MT vehicles if they saw more than a limited demand for them. They don't see that demand and therefore they don't pass that information on to manufacturers. Furthermore, even if a particular configuration is offered in non-North American markets it's not simply a question of putting a few on a boat or truck to send those configurations to the US. Parts and service training must be offered along with vehicles and the sunk cost of those items adds to a manufacturer's cost of offering a vehicle with a manual transmission. All in all, offering manual transmissions in a wider variety of vehicles is not a profitable choice. And like it or not manufacturers and dealers are laser focused on profits.
The difference between an AWD and a 4WD system is that a 4WD system, whether part-time, or full-time, will have selectable ranges via a transfer case. AWD is simply a center differential apportioning drive to all four wheels. The difference between the two is certainly more than simple marketing.
It gets to be fairly muddy waters, but I agree with your point. And to Alex's point I think Jeep could choose to market their full-time 4WD system as AWD if they felt it would help their sales. But yeah I'm still on your side of this debate. If you can put your truck/suv into 4LO it's 4WD not AWD.
That is a common belief however it has never really held water. Car companies call all manner of systems 4WD or AWD depending on the mood and indeed FCA (Jeep's parent company) will call the *exact same* system different things on different vehicles. For instance, the Durango shares the system with certain Grand Cherokee models (2 speed transfer case) yet they call it AWD on the Durango and 4WD on the Jeep.
Your point is well taken but I'm afraid Alex' point trumps it. The issue reminds me of the distinction between "SUV's" and crossovers. Originally, the term SUV referred to truck-based body-on-frame RWD platforms and CUV's were built on unibody "car-based" platforms frequently with FWD or FWD-biased drive trains. That distinction seems to have been lost, as well, with the term "SUV" applied more or less universally to both kinds of vehicles. Unfortunately, "marketing speak" terminology is no more subject to accuracy than internet comments are subject to grammatical and spelling rules. :)
The way I read your comment, it sounds like, "because the marketing departments of OEMs don't comprehend the difference between AWD & 4WD, then we'll just refer to everything that can send power to all four wheels as AWD, and call it good." Then again my opinion is probably colored by the fact that, I happen to work in the engineering department of a power sports OEM who's known for making off-road only vehicles, and my bias between engineering and marketing is showing. All our vehicles are user selectable AWD (part time AWD), by the way.To me it's like referring to an auto-gyro as a helicopter because they both have rotory-wings, and they both fly when in fact they are very different. Perhaps it's just semantics to some, but to me the fact that you can select high and low ranges is a significant distinction between 4WD and AWD, even on drivetrain set-ups that blur the line like full-time 4WD, or the G-Wagon's three differential set-up with Hi/Lo ranges. Either way I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Ultimately, I supposed most customers won't really know the difference... so meh. HAHAHA! BTW, whenever somebody is asking me about information on a vehicle, I tell them, "go talk to Alex," and send them your way. Cheers!
I think I hit on your thoughts in my response to Alex. While I do think there is an actual difference based on driveline architecture, ultimately the people who are spending money on the product don't know the difference... so there's that, I suppose.
Like Alex said, you gotta really tip your hat to FCA for offering a vehicle like this! It's not to everyone's taste, but it's nice to have something sooooo different available! Like wise for the Challenger. Nothing else is the same.
Lyset Why? Since it’s likely to be a $5k option or more, so you won’t get your money back on fuel savings, especially when you consider added maintenance. The Wrangler can only tow 3500lbs max now, and it’s not limited by its engine so it’s likely to tow even less in diesel due to the added weight, like the Gladiator’s diesel has shown. Diesel is not as responsive and subjectively sounds worse so an obnoxious diesel idle with the top down will be annoying. I only see benefits in towing vehicles or small diesels meant for max fuel economy with very little power.
Toyota should really bring back the FJ Cruiser. If you ask me, it was the right vehicle at the wrong time. The same fate befell the Venza. They both happened right before the crossover/SUV explosion
Actually the Venza was sold as an SUV which surprised me at first. I believe it's ultimate demise was because it only came in AWD and Americans lean more towards 2WD vehicles because they don't really need AWD in their climate & the extra cost. I'm Canadian and AWD/4 wheel drive vehicles are very popular with our very long winter season with plenty of snow. I'm my northern Ontario city the Venza was a very popular vehicle as is the RAV4 which comes in both 2 & 4 wheel drive. The vast majority of RAV4's up here are AWD. I owned a Jeep Wrangler for 4 years and it was incredible in deep snow.... when we had a major snowstorm I would always say to myself "bring it on baby" lol. No snow was deep enough to keep me off the road. Sadly I traded it a year ago for a Honda hybrid. My next vehicle in a couple years will probably be either a RAV4 hybrid, the RAV4 Trail (Adventure is the USA) or a Honda CR-V hybrid if they bring it to North America.
Alex the best reviewer. Now, I'll will get either a Basic Rubicon or sport s as a two door. Just getting a two door you will save almost 4k, plus is more classic, and that better connection to the vehicle and especially you already have second vehicle. The sahara for me is not a real jeep, but I see why some would get it.
This is clearly an exciting addition to the population of interesting cars. I really like this one in so many ways. Not a daily driver, but, I have a feeling I'd really be looking forward to the day I get to drive this (If I can afford one). An even more seductive element is the Italian DNA. I never dreamed one day, Alfa Remeo would share anything with a Jeep. Awesome! Excellent review as usual Alex. Please review the new Defender as well.
If you want to buy this as a lifestyle vehicle and haven't owned one before, you must take it on the highway on your test drive. The wind noise at 65 mph even with insulated hardtop and the lack of passing power due to atrocious aerodynamics is very much not for everyone. Will be interesting to see if the new Defender 110 will steal some high-trim Wrangler sales since the driving experience will be superior and if you are shopping for a Wrangler (with a Fiat turbo) you don't care about reliability so a Land Rover will suffice just the same.
New Defender is just independent suspension suv with automatic diffs, i'm sure it's 4x4 sys is one of best plus increased crossing with air, but many crossovers today have some sort of decent torque vectoring, even Explorer does. Wrangler is still somewhere else
I traded in my Ford Maverick on Monday for a 2018 Rubicon Unlimited with a stick.. best change i ever made.. i hated that Maverick.. drove 150mi over the past 3 days going places, the top down just makes it fun to drive.. put 6 gallons of gas in it.. that's 25mpg. I think people have no clue how to drive a stick to get MPG.
Fantastic review as always, Alex. It's ridiculous to me that top end Sahara and Rubicon models are over 50k but don't offer ventilated leather. Black leather on a vehicle meant to be used with doors and a roof off in the summer heat those seats must be unbelievably hot. Jeep offers ventilated leather on a 32k limited cherokee but not a 55k loaded sahara wrangler.
Great Review Alex, I think you need to add a subjective grade for "fun" or "happiness" scale. I know you're trying to be as objective as possible, but there is no denying that the wrangler scores much higher in subjective grades like fun than a honda or toyota SUV. Plus large purchases like a car should not only involve the logical side (does this fit budget, is it practical, how good is the fuel economy etc), but also the emotional side (how much fun is it and does it put a smile on my face).
Lessons for animated hand reviewers, don't hold the tool kit when talking about everything else, but the tool kit, lol. Especially with a lapel mic, "ding, ding--ding. ding-ding-ding." Love your indepth reviews. Just an audiophile moment of hearing random noises when watching.
I'm not a Jeep kind of guy. The 2019 Wrangler we are renting for a week seems quite crude to me. The ride is quite rough. Okay I'll accept that because this is intended to be used off road. Steering on the road is quite vague. I find it a chore to drive because it requires quite a lot of correction to keep it centered in the lane on straight sections of highway. Curvy roads are fine. Acceleration is not linear. The car can lurch as it makes gear changes. Gear changes are quite often. I don't know how many gears this car has but I counted at least 6. Breaking is also not linear. Two things I do like about this car. 1) the goings clearance allows me to easily enter and exit the vehicle. 2) The rear doors are small so open wide even in tight parking spaces.
I want to trade my hybrid in for a Rubicon. I like the way they look. And I like how capable they are. But honestly I should just get the Sahara. I've been cross shopping it with other toyota v6, SUVs like the highlander and the 4runner, basically my Deciding factor is size and how many people it can hold
Thank you. That was very informative. I've had a 99 Wrangler Sport soft top and a 2010 2 door Wrangler Sahara with the 3.8 L and a manual 6 speed. Now I have a 2015 Mustang GT convertible, so I chuckled when you mentioned that in your video. I am thinking of trading it in on a low mile 15, 16, or 17 two door Wrangler Sport or Sahara, so I've got something that will go in the snow. Not sold on the JL yet. Tanks for the video.
Look almost flat to me. Look at the lefthand side seat, it's only a few degrees off the cargo floor. The right looks like it's resting up a little bit.
They do fold almost flat -if they are folded correctly... The "60" side of the back seat looks like it was just pushed forward... Look at the 40, and you can see how flat they actually get. I camp/sleep out of mine, and can assure you that there is only a few degrees difference.
Alex, I think you should speak a little about crash safety when reviewing ( assuming results exist ). After watching this video I was left with the impression that this vehicle is quite good given language and words used. But I feel differently upon review of current design (2018+) Euro NCAP results. Equivalent IIHS not yet published which is interesting.
Nice review of the Jeep but 2 notes, only the Rubicon has differential locker, in the other models they have 4wd but no lockers. Also the turbo seems nice but the MPG gain goes away when you calculate using premium gas cost.
What do you think about the new Defender, and do you see it as a direct competitor to the Wrangler, or more upscale? Are you going to review the Defender?
5 лет назад
Exact reasons I got one, aside from needing a 2nd vehicle.
There was a story a few years ago (2015ish) about how the Tesla Model S was top 10 cross shopped vehicles with the Wrangler... now that one is a bit strange. Also there was a survey done by one of the green magazines and the Wrangler was the most common 2nd vehicle with a Tesla.
I think the Wrangler and Tesla and others get cross-shopped not because of their similarities but because they're all basically fun logicless, impractical, let's do something enjoyable for a change type purchases. Corvettes, BMW 2-seaters, Miatas, etc are probably all compared even if not as often. They can't do a lot but the little they do they do well and it's more fun than practical. Of course they also get traded often.
The dumbest thing on any of these fiats is that when you push the screen off button, it stays on and says “touch screen to turn on.” There’s no way to have it actually off
Why is it so bad for you? I do understand it's not completely dark, but it's more then enough to ever bother me if i want to fall sleep to rest. Maybe they have reason for it which we will never know until talking to devs...However there are few uconnect climate control things i hate with passion
brendan meyler i got a sport s about 3 weeks ago so the engine hasnt really been broken in yet and im averaging 21. My forester was averaging 24 by the time i traded it in. Considering how slow the forester was for “fuel economy” I think the wrangler is doing pretty well.
Hi, Alex! I'm thinking to get 2dr wrangler. What's your choice between 2.0 turbo and v6 engine? I owned stelvio for a year and I really liked its engine.
Hey Alex, will the Wrangler be just as reliable as most other SUVs if I never take it off road? Do all the reliability ratings take off-roading into consideration? Or is this car's reliability really just shit?
I'm curious whether the part-time 4WD in the Sport has any advantage over the Sahara/Cherokee version with both full-time and part-time 4WD. If the ratio is the same, then would the Sahara be every bit as good as a Sport off-road?
I think the power dips too low even with the added torque. The JT is a heavy beast. I think we'll just see the 3.6L it has now plus the diesel in 2021.
As much as I love the Wrangler, it has gotten a little too fancy and advanced for me. I would love for Jeep to introduce a modern version of the old CJs - small, simple and cheap but with full offroad abilities. Basically a Samurai/Jimny from Jeep. But there's probably too little demand for that, especially since Jeep already has the Renegade (which isn't quite the same, though)...
you can still get it with a manual, simple V6, roll-down windows, no AC for under $30k and it's still a lot of fun - problem is all the vehicle review sites seem to get loaded Saharas or Rubicons only.
@@dchawk81 Yeah, the Roxor looks like fun but, like you said, it's unfortunately not street legal. That's why I said "modern" CJ - it should obviously meet current safety and emissions standards. For example, Suzuki seems to do it well with the Jimny but unfortunately it is not sold in the US.
@@dsugioaga The CJ that meets current safety standards is the JL. It sucks but that's where we are. AFAIK the Jimny isn't sold here because it can't meet current standards at that size. If you take notice, all vehicles have ballooned with increased safety requirements.
@@jconli1 True, but ~28k for a two-door vehicle with no AC and a manual isn't exactly a great value, even compared to previous generation Wranglers... but yes, the base Wrangler would probably be the only one I would get. @dchawk81 The Jimny isn't sold in the US, because Suzuki has withdrawn its entire car business from the US. You can get the Jimny in Europe and Japan who have safety and emissions standards similar to the US. There are plenty of safe small vehicles all around the world... and even in the US small SUVs are becoming increasingly popular... Ah well, who knows, maybe some day somebody will sell something like that. One can hope...
5 mph under the speed limit in the left lane. It's a Jeep thing - you wouldn't understand. Given the recent death wobble lawsuit, "go anywhere" apparently does not include bumpy roads with 45+ mph speed limits. Also, manual Wrangler has with no dead pedal or really any room at all for the left foot. Unacceptable. It's like no one at Jeep has actually ever driven a stick.
If you are buying a Jeep for on-road purpose, especially the Sahara, you better spend the $40-50K on something else. I'd rather get the Acura RDX A-spec or Lexus RX for smoother ride. or the Toyota highlander.
Rides like a Jeep. Specifically, it rides like any other 4 wheel drive vehicle with solid axels, body on frame construction, and big bouncy tires. No one is buying a Jeep for it's "ride".
Right on Alex. The only thing that will bite this Jeep hard will be quality and reliability. The Turbo is unproven. The new platform is the same. Too new. And with FCAs reputation for cutting costs where they really shouldn't, the Wrangler has an uphill climb to me. I love Jeeps don't get me wrong. I love FJs, I love all matter of truck and capable vehicles. It has to do one thing though everyday. Start! Then, never strand me. My Cherokee has had a litany reliability issues and I love this car allot which is odd considering how it has let me down so many times. When it is right, it is a 4/5 scale Grand Cherokee, not a bad place to be really. Utility is excellent, ride is great, brakes outstanding, spanks the Grand Cherokee there. Economy is reasonable. If the Wrangler is anything like my Cherokee experience was, that is a tough sell for me. Toyota is behind the times no doubt. The Tacoma and 4 Runner are ancient history, but they do have that reliability down pat. Comes from their Land Cruiser, and FJ roots, and so on. Is a Toyota in my future? Could be. I love that almost cartoon like way the Wrangler can morph into anything I could imagine. But one thing I suspect it will never do is get my total trust. Toyota wins there. But Kudos for FCA in improving the icon that America has known for just about forever. Fine review as always Alex!
It is surprising to me that Jeep is still avoiding the customers who are not interested in removability of the Wrangler`s exterior. For those who are not buying the Wrangler as a symbol but who are after a decent 4x4, Wrangler is not an option. Noise, weight, safety and cabin space are downsides of the freedom roof that I personally can't sacrifice. I really understand the freedom roof option, I do not understand the lack of conventional body. Having all three options is reasonably easy to achieve. Especially that the competition is so high and even the new Defender might be a better option for me than Wrangler.
Alex, great review. Do you believe that the 4runner is a better daily commuter than a Sahara with a hardtop or are they comparable in terms of ride handling and comfort? I commute 30 miles everyday on freeway with stop and go traffic.
I love mine. I have the 19 JL Rubicon with the 2.0L turbo and mild hybrid system. Could not be more happy with it. I don't wheel on rocks and stuff it is my DD and I have wheeled it many times and it works just fine. Just Saying.
No thanks. I like my kids and I want them to survive in case of crash. As much as I want a wrangler, I’ll be waiting for the Defender even with their horrible reliability.
At the moment we don't know how it will crash. The IIHS has yet to test it and the EU rating had more to do with the fact that the active safety systems are optional not standard than actual crashing. The RAM 1500 recently got IIHS top pick + so it's not that FCA can't build a safe vehicle. I would not be surprised if this is middle of the pack when the numbers actually do come out.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Could be though I've never noticed it in the US. Your pronunciation does match the British, however. Great and informative review as always, Alex.