2015 Jeep Wrangler – Test Drive, Spec, Rating, Price

The Jeep Wranger is The Ultimate Off-Road Machine

There is no denying that the Jeep Wrangler is THE undisputed off-road compact SUV that holds true to its words. Even after 70 years in existence, the Jeep Wrangler still remains the default choice for consumers who are both off-road practitioners and normal day to day civilians. But seven decades of existence isn’t the only factor that marks the Jeep Wrangler’s superior competence. Being the primary choice of 4×4 vehicle was what ultimately earned its stars and stripes.

Styling and Features

It’s not a truck, nor a car, nor is it the phony cross-over SUV moms would drive you to school with. It takes nothing more than a quick scan to prove that the Jeep Wrangler IS the real deal. The entire chassis features large bolt-on fenders with the majority of its angles up-right. Up front lies Jeep’s legendary 7-bar grille labelled with two massive circular headlights. Two smaller turn signals follow suit below the front headlights and an additional pair of fog lights uniquely stamped onto the front bumper. And similar to a model kit car, the bolt on wheel fenders and front bumper suggests an easy to replace procedure in the event of any off-road mishap.

It’s the ultimate toy for grownups. The Jeep Wrangler allows you to take it apart and wrestled with in the mud without being flogged for it. Depending on the model, the Jeep Wrangler can be configured with a removable full-frame aluminum doors, removable hard-top and old-down windshield. The interior cabin space even offers a drain plug that allows the interior floor space to be hosed down with water to wash out any mud stains.

Purchase options are not only limited at the dealership. The Jeep Wrangler was designed to be fully customized from ground level up. Featured on the Mopar after-market website, anything from front fenders to interior lighting and seat covers and be purchased and modded to create a truly unique vehicle suited to your personal taste.

Performance and Specifications

As award-winning Penta-Star being the common-place for the majority of the Dodge/Chrysler V6 platform, there is no surprise that the engineers adopted the same engine for the Jeep Wrangler powertrain. Standard on all Jeep Wrangler models is the 3.6L V6 Pentastar VVT V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 ft.lbs of torque.

Transmission options are offered in two choices, a 5 speed automatic, or a 6 speed manual. Also available in the Sport and Sahara model is Jeep’s Command-Trac option featuring a two-speed case allow you to select the drive mode between 2WD, 4WD and a 2.72:1 low range gear ratio for increased torque demands.

A step-up from the Sport model, the Sahara gets larger 17″ wheels with heavy-duty suspensions, and various off-road life-saver amenities including heated side mirrors, removable sun-roof hard or soft-top, rear window wipers and air conditioning. Interior features in the Sahara model also adds a 7-speaker infinitiy audio system and fully automatic day lights.

A Reason to Driver over Potholes

The Jeep Wrangler is all about low speed torque. Don’t expect quick and fluid acceleration offered in modern cross-over SUV’s with this car. Throttle response is also tuned for low-speed activities as well. This often leads to frustration when trying to pick up speed when making passes, or merging lanes on the highway. Its slow vehicle dynamics also links back to the steering as well.

Interior decor’ is not something you’re going to rave about either. The Jeep Wrangler is built to last. While interior components are all made of solid rubberized material, the overall impression when inside is cold, but secure. What you can expect to work really well in the Jeep Wrangler is its ability for its climate control to reach temperature set point fast, reducing the time to defog windows, and heat up or col down the cabin space.

The Jeep Wrangler design is as simple and traditional as it gets. With virtually all its exterior shapes being upright, you’re not going to get much in terms of aero-dynamics.

Jeeps Wranglers have pretty much established themselves as gas guzzlers. Fuel economy is rated at 20/26 MPG city/highway with the manual transmission while its automatic transmission scores one point less in its highway fuel consumption rating. In addition to the engine being tuned only for low speed conditions, the lack of aero-dynamics is also to be blamed for its low fuel scores.

There’s something a Jeep Wrangler can offer that an off-road truck can’t. What makes the Jeep Wrangler so capable in its role is its short wheel overhang, and a very generous level of ground clearance. Having a simple box-like chassis also allows for a more solid design, and the Jeep Wrangler achieves exactly that.
As an enthusiast of modern trends and artistic styling, the expectations of a thriller wasn’t initially there.

The price point for the Jeep Wrangler is not cheap. Our tested model for the Jeep Sahara Limited comes priced in at $45,250. Even in between the Sport and Rubicon model, the price is breaching luxury material. It almost doesn’t make sense to pay this much for a car you’re going to beat it up with. But if you do, make sure you do it frequently and beat it up well, as that’s exactly what the Jeep Wrangler was primarily built for!

Specifications

Vehicle : 2015 Jeep Wrangler
Model : Sahara Unlimited
Price as Tested : $45,260
Vehicle Type : Compact SUV
Seating Capacity : 2+3
Powertrain Configuration : 2WD, 4WD
Engine : 3.6L PentaStar
Transmission : 5-speed Automatic / 6 Speed Manual
Horsepower : 285 Hp
Torque: 260 lb.ft
Fuel Economy: 20/25 city/highway
Wheelbase : N/A
Height : N/A
Width : N/A
Weight: N/A
Additional Features : Customizer Perferred Package, Connectivity group (Tire Pressure Monitor, Hands-Free comm. Bluetooth, Vehicle Information Center, Trailer Tow Group, Trailer Tow Group, Mopar Slush mats, Front seat side air-bags, Heated Front Seats, Freedom Top Hardtop, Alpine Premium Audio System, UConnect 730N, Sirius satellite radio, Remote Start