The final member of the Jeep Wrangler family is here, and while it’s been a while coming, we can officially say that it was worth the wait. The modern take on the original Wrangler first made its debut back in 2011 and has changed quite a bit ever since.
Even so, there’s still a fair bit of the original leftover in the new Wrangler. So where do we begin? Well, the first obvious starting point is with the name. Jeep has long referred to its off-roading models as Jeeps, and the name stuck. So from here on out, we can simply refer to the new Wrangler as Jeep Wrangler 2022. So what’s new?
The new Wrangler is all-new
The new Wrangler will be the first all-new edition of an iconic Jeep Wrangler loved by off-roaders everywhere. This new model features a more powerful engine, as well as a redesigned chassis with a more modern look.
The Wrangler has been a staple in the Jeep family for years, and it’s easy to see why. The rugged appearance, four-wheel drive capabilities, and iconic grille are just some of the reasons people love this vehicle.
The Wrangler has been downsized
The new Wrangler is smaller and lighter than its predecessor but still retains the iconic look. It has a two-door design with the windshield positioned at a more upright angle for better visibility.
The base model will come standard with an eight-speed auto transmission and should hit up to 30 mpg. Other features include LED headlights, LED taillights, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
The Wrangler is lighter
One of the most obvious changes comes in the form of weight. The Jeep Wrangler 2022 is lighter than ever before, weighing in at a little over 3,500 pounds. This is especially important when you look at how much power that it’s packing.
The new Wrangler runs on a turbocharged Inline-4 engine with 270 horsepower, which gives it an edge over some of its competitors. And then there’s the transmission, which is a six-speed manual – the first time this has been offered on the new Wrangler.
The Wrangler has a more upright riding position
The Wrangler has a more upright riding position which is the result of a front-end and hood that are substantially different. The hood is not as sloped as before, which means there’s less coverage from the wind.
This gives a better view of the grille and it also provides more versatility when it comes to installing accessories on the front. And speaking of accessories, Jeep Wrangler 2022 will be equipped with a new class of off-road features, including all-terrain tires that provide for exceptional traction in any type of terrain.
The driving experience has changed
This is a Jeep. The design has changed over time, but that doesn’t mean that some of the more iconic features have been lost. Jeep Wrangler 2022 has kept things iconic and true to its roots with an updated front end, new headlamps, and a grill that’s more in line with what you’d expect to see on the original Jeep. But the final, most noticeable change to the outside is at the back.
Just like its predecessor, Jeep Wrangler 2022 has a removable top section that can be taken off and put back on with ease for those who want to experience all four seasons. You’ll also find it has a tailgate spoiler, which sits atop the car when you’ve got that top up or removed.
And finally, there are new LED taillights which sit at the rear of this car – one of many small little changes that make this car feel fresh and new.
The new Wrangler has a much improved infotainment system
One of the most notable changes in the new Wrangler is the infotainment system. The touchscreen has been upgraded from a 4.3-inch screen to a 7-inch screen, and while that might not seem like a lot, it makes a world of difference. Not only is the screen bigger, it’s also sharper and easier to use than before.
The infotainment system isn’t the only thing that got an upgrade. The new Wrangler also features a 4G LTE connection and can run Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. This means you can connect your phone to the car and use it as your primary navigation device without having to bring your phone with you at all times if you don’t want to.
There are plenty more upgrades on offer with the Jeep Wrangler 2022, but these are some of our favorites for now! We’ll be sure to keep you updated about any other changes as soon as we hear about them.
But the interior remains unchanged
The exterior of the Wrangler 2022 is completely overhauled in comparison to its predecessor. It has a new front end that’s inspired by the original Jeep Cherokee, including a new grille and headlights.
The roof is also updated, now with an integrated windscreen, which should be handy for those who like to drive with the top off. But the interior remains unchanged. The dashboard still looks old-fashioned and we’re not quite sure why Jeep has been so reluctant to make any changes here over the years.
The technical bits have remained the same
The new Wrangler is very similar to the previous model, but there are some changes. The most obvious of these is the new body style. There’s a lot more window on this new Wrangler which makes it look a little more modern than before.
While the technical bits have remained the same, there are some slight changes in the way they work. For instance, while the old car used a solid axle suspension setup, this one has fully independent suspension at all four corners of the car.
The Wrangler has also been upgraded to include an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower as an option. This engine is almost guaranteed to be paired up with a six-speed manual transmission, which will make for quite an interesting drivetrain combo!
Of course, Jeep is known for its off-road capabilities and the new Wrangler doesn’t disappoint here either. Thanks to a redesigned front end and improved approach and departure angles, we’re confident that Jeep has made one of their best off-roaders yet!
But the Wrangler doesn’t have to be obsolete when it comes to tech
The new Wrangler features a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, which is comparable to the outgoing model. However, it’s not just about power. The all-new Wrangler comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, first offered on the 2019 Cherokee earlier this year.
That’s because, while Jeep has historically been a car company, over the last few years it has become increasingly clear that its future is in SUVs and trucks. One of the most notable tech updates for the new Wrangler is a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices. This means you can stay connected even when off-roading or camping in remote locations.
The new Wrangler has more tech
The new Jeep Wrangler 2022 is bristling with tech. It’s got a 10-inch touchscreen that can be configured to display navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. There are two USB sockets in the cockpit, Bluetooth connectivity and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. You could even add in an optional 360-degree camera system for extra visibility when off-road or tackling tricky terrains like sand dunes or snow.
We’ve also got a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine based on the one found in the Fiat 500 Abarth, but tuned up for more power. Stronger brakes and better suspension complete this thoroughly modernised package.