Jeep Wrangler review

It’s all very well, this army of new SUVs coming along with their four-wheel drive, hill descent control and rugged-looking bodywork in an attempt to be seen as hardy, capable, off-road machines. In reality, though, many so-called sport utility vehicles aren’t much more than hatchbacks on tiptoes.

Of course, such cars still do the job for those who spend 99% of their time on the road. But a small proportion of drivers still need something that can haul itself up a mountain without breaking into a sweat. If you’re one of those, the Jeep Wrangler might be right up your farm track.

Like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Shogun and the far more expensive Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Wrangler is designed to be at least as comfortable off the road as it is on it. That means you get an old-school ladder-frame chassis with the body bolted on top, as well as ‘live’ axles front and rear.

The Jeep also has two selectable four-wheel drive ratios that are engaged with a big, forceful lever for added Indiana Jones effect, and there’s even the option to take the roof off – yes, off – for the wind-in-your-hair feel of an African safari.

But can the Wrangler live up to modern expectations of ride and handling combined with practical usability? Over the next few pages, this review will tell you all you need to know, along with what it’s like inside and what it’ll cost to run.

If you’re already sold on the Jeep Wrangler’s rugged looks and are looking to buy one – or indeed a new car of any make and model – you could find some tempting savings by using the free What Car? New Car Buying service.