New for 2016
Changes for 2016 are limited to the addition of a new Black Bear Edition model, and some tweaks to the Wrangler Sahara model.
An SUV Icon
Jeep® more or less invented the SUV, and the vehicle that draws a direct line to the brand’s origins is the Wrangler. In an age where SUVs sacrifice off-road ability and ruggedness in the name of refinement and car-like features, the Wrangler remains an icon. From its unmistakable styling to its rock-crawling ability and open-air driving experience, the Wrangler is a car for people who want to have fun.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2016 Jeep Wrangler remains one of the most capable off-road vehicles available, and that capability is built on a proven powertrain. The Wrangler uses Chrysler’s proven 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in this application. The Wrangler is offered with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic, with standard four-wheel drive, of course.
With the manual transmission, two-door Wrangler models get an EPA-rated 18 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway),* while four-door Unlimited models get 18 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 21 mpg highway).* Automatic models get identical mileage in two-door form and add 1 mpg highway on Unlimited models.
The Wrangler has a solid powertrain, but what really sets it apart is a chassis engineered for off-roading. The look is reminiscent of classic Jeeps, and it also grants the Wrangler impressive agility. It boasts an approach angle of 42.2 degrees, breakover angle of 25.8 degrees, and departure angle of 32.3 degrees, all of which help it negotiate tight trails.
Off-roading also requires the right drivetrain hardware, and the Wrangler has that too. It’s one of the only remaining SUVs with live axles and an old-school four-wheel drive system, including a two-speed transfer case with low range. The rest of the industry has largely abandoned these components in the name of greater refinement, but they’re exactly what a real off-road machine needs.
Features and Trims
The 2016 Jeep Wrangler is a five-seat convertible midsize SUV. It’s offered in standard two-door form or as a four-door Unlimited model. The Unlimited is actually the only four-door convertible currently sold in the U.S. There are three main Wrangler trim levels, priced starting from $23,895.**
Standard equipment on the base Jeep Wrangler Sport includes fog lamps, ambient interior lighting, SiriusXM® satellite radio, secure storage under the cargo area floor, and other features.
The Wrangler Sahara builds on the Sport model, incorporating its standard features and adding heated power exterior mirrors, tubular side steps, 18-inch cast aluminum wheels, power door locks and windows, air conditioning, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and other features.
The Wrangler Rubicon has the highest level of standard equipment and is also the most off-road capable Wrangler model. It adds performance enhancing features like more aggressive BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires, heavier-duty axles with electronic lockers, an electronic sway bar disconnect system, and other equipment.
In addition to the standard trim levels, Jeep is also offering three special edition models for 2016: the Black Bear, Willys Wheeler, and Freedom Editions. All three offer special exterior and interior trim, and some differences in equipment levels. Options available throughout the Wrangler range include Chrysler’s Uconnect® infotainment with voice control and USB ports, a tow package, and a Freedom Top hardtop.
Design
The Wrangler is one of the few new vehicles on the road that is instantly recognizable, regardless of how much or how little one knows about cars. Its styling is an updated version of the wonderfully functional exterior of the original World War II-era Jeeps and post-war Jeep CJ models. Front the seven-slat grille and round headlights to the flat fenders, it’s hard not to love the Wrangler.
Jeep’s signature SUV also has some features few other vehicles can claim, like removable doors and a folding windshield. Combined with the standard convertible soft top, that makes for an open-air driving experience like no other. Jeep also offers a Freedom Top hardtop with removable panels that allow for partially open driving.
The interior emphasizes functionality with a simple design and materials that should be able to take plenty of abuse. While it’s very much an old school vehicle, the Wrangler still has plenty of modern technology, including an available Uconnect infotainment system with an available display screen, USB port, and a 115-volt AC outlet for home electronics.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Jeep Wrangler includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, electronic roll mitigation, hill start assist, and front airbags. Front seat-mounted airbags and pelvic-thorax side airbags are also available on certain models.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Jeep Wrangler is like no other vehicle on the road (or off it for that matter), which is why it should be on your shopping list.
Be sure to contact us online or visit us at 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.
*Actual mileage may vary. For more information, please visit www.jeep.com/fuelefficiency.
**MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.
Image: Jeep®
