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Jeep Wrangler generational hero

Jeep Wrangler

by Edmunds Editors

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The Jeep Wrangler received quite a few updates for 2024, as it approaches the halfway point of this generation's lifecycle. All Wranglers received a few cosmetic changes to the exterior, including a new seven-slot grille design, a radio antenna integrated into the windshield, and new wheel designs.

Explore the evolution of the Jeep Wrangler

Get our expert take on used Jeep Wrangler models, or view year-by-year changes.

Fourth generation
2018 - 2024
2018-present Jeep Wrangler generation
$18,998 - $56,998*
LEARN MORE
Third generation
2007 - 2017
2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler generation
$16,998 - $32,998*
MORE INFO
Wrangler shoppers often view these similar vehicles

2018 - 2024

2018-present Jeep Wrangler generation

Fourth generation Jeep Wrangler

The current Jeep Wrangler has gotten bigger in more ways than one, with more space, more tech, more options, and a heap of available engines. It remains an off-road-focused vehicle, so while it’s the most refined Wrangler to date, it requires some trade-offs compared to conventional SUVs.

The current Jeep Wrangler (known as the JL) debuted for the 2018 model year, offering more passenger space than its predecessor. But the big differences relate to everyday livability, with improvements in comfort, technology, interior materials, and ride quality.

The Wrangler is available as either a two-door or a four-door, the Wrangler Unlimited. Both two- and four-door models come with either a soft-top convertible or a removable hard top.

The standard drivetrain is a gasoline V6 paired with a six-speed manual transmission. An eight-speed automatic is available. A turbocharged four-cylinder is also offered with an eight-speed automatic. 

For 2020, Jeep added an optional turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine, and in 2021 Jeep introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain called the 4xe and the Rubicon 392, with a 470-horsepower V8.

With tons of optional equipment, a Wrangler’s trim level doesn’t necessarily dictate its features. But the Wrangler carried over the same basic trim level structure from the older generation.

The base Sport trim level starts with more features than previous Wranglers but is still pretty sparse, even coming with manual crank windows. Starting for 2022, a seven-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity is also standard. The Sport S gets you more convenience features, including keyless entry and power windows. The midlevel Sahara adds more standard technology and comfort features. As always, the off-road-focused Rubicon remains the flagship Wrangler.

$18,998 - $56,998

Model highlights

  • Comes with removable soft top or hard top

  • Extremely capable off-road

  • Removable doors and fold-down windshield for ultimate off-road visibility

  • Optional forward collision warning (added for 2019)

  • Available plug-in hybrid 4xe model (added for 2021)

  • Available gasoline V8 with massive horsepower and torque (added for 2021)

  • Available turbocharged diesel engine (added for 2020)

  • Available Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® connectivity (standard from 2022)

View year by year changes

2007 - 2017

2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler generation

Third generation Jeep Wrangler

The third-generation Jeep Wrangler (also referred to as the Wrangler JK) grew significantly for its 2007 redesign, offering a roomier two-door model and introducing the first four-door model with the Wrangler Unlimited. Key changes included a stiffer structure and more insulation for a quieter ride, although the Wrangler is still noisy compared to other SUVs. There was also the introduction of a four-door long-wheelbase variant known as the Wrangler Unlimited and more power under the hood.

At launch, the Wrangler JK came with a 202-horsepower V6 and available four-speed automatic. In 2012, Jeep upgraded the Wrangler with a new 285-hp V6 and a new five-speed automatic. Jeep also made four-wheel drive standard on all Wranglers for 2012.

Both the standard Wrangler and the larger Unlimited models came in three primary trims: the bare-bones Sport, midlevel Sahara, or off-road-ready Rubicon trim. Numerous packages and stand-alone options allow for extensive customization.

$16,998 - $32,998

Model highlights

  • First Wrangler to offer four doors with Wrangler Unlimited models

  • Incredible off-road performance

  • Removable/convertible roof

  • Available Bluetooth® connectivity

  • Available navigation

  • Available heated seats

  • Extensive off-road features available

View year by year changes

Similar vehicles

Customers who look at a Jeep Wrangler also often look at these similar vehicles:


Changes by year

Latest generation from 2018 - 2024

2024 Jeep Wrangler

2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Sport S

Highlights

  • Minor styling updates

  • Stronger rear axle and available winch for the Rubicon trim

  • Upgraded 12.3-inch screen with Google-based operating system

  • Power front seats available

  • Diesel engine has been discontinued

Learn more

2023 Jeep Wrangler

2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Highlights

  • No significant changes for 2023


Learn more

2022 Jeep Wrangler

2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Sahara

Highlights

  • Seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ now standard

  • New optional 4.88 axle available for Rubicon, delivers 100:1 crawl ratio

  • 8.4-inch touchscreen standard on Sahara and Rubicon

Learn more

2021 Jeep Wrangler

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Sahara

Highlights

  • Rubicon 392 trim introduced, with 470-horsepower V8 engine

  • 4xe trim introduced, with plug-in hybrid powertrain

  • Mild hybrid V6 now available option for Sport and Rubicon trims

  • Optional TrailCam added, a forward-facing camera for use off-road

  • Two-speed transfer case optional for Sport trim

  • Full-time 4WD Rock-Trac® 4x4 system optional for Rubicon trim

  • Two additional USB charging ports added

Learn more

2020 Jeep Wrangler

2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Highlights

  • Optional turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine introduced

  • LED headlights optional for Sport trim

Learn more

2019 Jeep Wrangler

2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Highlights

  • Forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control added to optional Advanced Safety Group package

Learn more

2018 Jeep Wrangler

2018 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Highlights

  • Fully redesigned for 2018

  • The previous-generation Wrangler JK continued to be sold alongside the redesigned Wrangler for 2018

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available

  • Turbocharged four-cylinder engine introduced (270 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque)

  • Optional eight-speed automatic transmission

  • Available six-speed manual for V6-equipped models

  • Standard five-inch touchscreen, optional seven- or 8.4-inch touchscreens

  • Extensive available off-road equipment

Learn more

Previous generation from 2007 - 2017

2017 Jeep Wrangler

2017 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Highlights

  • Optional LED headlights for Sport and Sport S trims

  • Standard LED headlights for Sahara and Rubicon trims

  • Cold Weather package for Sport S and Rubicon models added, including an engine block heater, heated seats, and remote start among other features

Learn more

2016 Jeep Wrangler

2016 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler

Highlights

  • No major changes for 2016

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2015 Jeep Wrangler

2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Highlights

  • Standard eight-speaker stereo system added

  • Tool kit for removal of roof and doors now standard on all trims

  • Willys Wheeler package offered for Sport trim

Learn more

2014 Jeep Wrangler

2014 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Highlights

  • Freedom Edition trim offered, with unique appearance package

  • 32-inch tires optional for Sport trim

Learn more

2013 Jeep Wrangler

2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Highlights

  • Redesigned seats for improved comfort

  • Additional interior lighting added

  • Optional six-speaker premium audio

  • Redesigned soft top, with increased noise insulation and simplified operation

Learn more

2012 Jeep Wrangler

2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport

Highlights

  • New 285-horsepower V6 engine replaces previous V6 on all trims

  • New five-speed automatic transmission replaces old four-speed

  • Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition available for one year, with Call of Duty graphics and some off-road upgrades

2011 Jeep Wrangler

2011 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Highlights

  • Four-wheel drive now standard; two-wheel drive no longer available

  • Redesigned interior with improved materials and more sound insulation

  • Updated infotainment, Bluetooth with streaming audio are now optional without the navigation system

  • Available heated seats and power mirrors

Looking for 2011 models or older?

CarMax only sells 2012 models and newer. But no matter the year, we'll happily buy your car.

Reliability

3
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Jeep Wrangler an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Jeep Wrangler 28th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.

RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Jeep Wrangler is $606, compared to an average of $473 for Compact SUVs and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

According to RepairPal, Jeep Wrangler owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.3 times per year, compared to an average of 1.0 times for Compact SUVs and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 21% for the Jeep Wrangler, compared to an average of 13% for Compact SUVs and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.



* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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