Jeep Wrangler Models Explained: The Only Guide You’ll Need

Jeep Wrangler. This powerful, rugged, and highly versatile SUV is fun and safe to ride in any type of weather. It is one of the top vehicles admired by many Americans.

And while countless folks dream about owning a jeep wrangler someday, not all of them seem to know the different models of jeep wrangler that exist.

If you’re planning to buy the beloved American 4x4, we feel it’s crucial that you understand the different models and the features they offer to help you easily decide the most suitable model for you.

Jeep Wrangler models explained

The Jeep Wrangler can be put into two major categories: the limited and unlimited models. The MAIN difference between them is the number of doors. The limited wrangler comes with two doors and a seating capacity of 4 while the unlimited model features up to 4 doors 5 passenger seats.

As expected, the 4-door Jeeps cost more than the 2-door models.

Also, the 4-door Wrangler offers up to 32 cubic feet of cargo space. Taking off the back seat can double this space to approx. 72 cubic feet. This makes the model a great choice for folks who haul cargo frequently. If you just hit the road, say with your partner, and want to save money, the 2-door model is your go-to model.

Jeep Wrangler models explained

We can go further into the world of Jeep wranglers and put them into THREE main models: The Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon. Though designed to serve different purposes, you’ll discover that some features are standard across all of them.

For instance, they all feature a standard 3.6L V6 engine with six-speed manual transmission and eight-speed automatic transmission options.

You’ll be glad to know that these models usually come in two-door and four-door options.

Jeep Wrangler Sport

This is the least priced vehicle in jeep Wrangler’s models' lineup. Featuring a barebone model, this vehicle went by the name X model from 2007 to 2010 but it rebranded to Sport name in 2011.

It features 16-inch stamped steel wheels, standard tires, a 3.45 axle gear ratio, and a standard stable duty suspension. In addition, it comes packed with a basic stereo system for your entertainment needs and an A/C unit in case it gets hot.

The Sport comes out of the factory with a soft top and top flares which give it a truly rugged look. Keep in mind, though, that it gives you the option to upgrade to the hardtop,

Jeep Wrangler Sport

Note that Jeep Wrangler also offers this Sport in the Sport S model version. Sport S is sportier and is characterized by side steps, an A/C unit, chrome interior, bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheels, and alloy wheels.

Additionally, Sport S offers you power door locks, multiple airbags, power heated seats, and even mirrors. All these make this vehicle comfier. But the downside is that they increase the cost of this vehicle.

Jeep Wrangler Sahara

The Sahar is made for those who want comfort and luxury. This vehicle comes with everything you get in Sport S…but has some upgrades on the outside which give it a modern outlook. These upgrades include a color-matched hardtop, 18-inch premium aluminum wheels, fender flares, and side steps.

And on the inside, it features an upgraded stereo system with 368 Watt amp and Alpine speakers. Other noteworthy features that complete the interior of this vehicle include the LED interior lighting accents and a leather seat.

Jeep Wrangler Sahara

You’ll be impressed by the fact that Jeep uses their Selec-Trac® 4×4 System, which enables your Wrangler to automatically switch between 2WD and 4WD depending on the environment. In other words, you set your Sahar to automatic mode and leave the rest to it.

Other cool features that are part of this Sahara include the LED fog lights, deep tint sunscreen windows, automatic temperature control, and automatic headlights.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

If you’re an off-road enthusiast, the Rubicon is a good choice for you. This vehicle boasts its place as the Wrangler fleet’s flagship.

Unlike its siblings, this model comes specially designed to be a rugged off-road version to offer you a unique outdoor adventure experience…but it also offers great on-road performance!

You’ll find everything in the Sahar version in this vehicle. And it doesn’t stop there. It offers you a handful of additional features geared towards giving you a thrilling off-road experience.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

When you enter this vehicle, you’ll be greeted by a two-tone interior that awakens your visual interest. You’ll also get a premium sound system that meets all your infotainment needs, a touch screen head unit, and leather seats.

The exterior of Rubicon doesn’t disappoint too…

Rubicon comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich® Mud-Terrain tires—whose superior grip on slick and rock surfaces gives you the ultimate power to tackle any terrain!

For this vehicle, Jeep upgraded from the standard Dana 30 to a stronger Dana 44. Plus, both the front and rear axles come equipped with Tru-Lock air lockers.

The manufacturer also worked on the spring, specifically to improve the spring range and give this Rubicon more ground clearance in addition to larger tires.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Thanks to its electronically disconnected front sway bar, this vehicle has got it when it comes to road articulation!

Standard tow hook and rock rails complete the exterior rugged looks of Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

Special Edition Jeep Wranglers

Besides the three main jeep wrangler models, Jeep also produces limited edition Wranglers to serve on special occasions. These editions usually feature special modifications and vary from year to year.

Special Edition Jeep Wranglers

Some of the popular jeep wrangler limited editions:

Altitude (2012)

The Altitude edition came out in 20212 and features all the features of Sahara. But it has a few upgrades up its sleeves. It offers you new features like the power bulge hood, side steps, Mopar fuel filler door, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The vehicle also offers unique interior features and styling. Remember, it was made available with up to 4 exterior colors for you to choose from.

Altitude (2012)

Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition (2013)

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon was first introduced in 2003 as an off-road king. The vehicle performed exceptionally well off-road…so well that Jeep decided to celebrate its legacy 10 years later (in 2013) with this Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition. This limited edition came with a few upgrades over the original Rubicon like new rock rails, steel winch-rayed bumpers, BF Goodrich KM2 off-road tires. It also came with an extra 1½-inch ride height to offer you more ground clearance and an anniversary red leather interior.

Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition (2013)

Freedom edition (2014)

Nothing comes in between Jeep and patriotism! that’s a FACT well displayed in the Jeep Wranglers details and badging to pay respect to our Nation’s Heroes. And the fact that Jeep donates a percentage of each sale they make to United Service Organizations to help our servicemen/women.

Freedom edition (2014)

This will give you a good idea of how the Freedom edition came about. This vehicle shares the same list of features as Sport S. But it also has a host of improvements like off-road steel bumpers, premium off-road rock rails, leather-trimmed seats, cast rear differential cover, premium black soft top, body-color fender flares, and a 115V auxiliary power outlet.

Black Bear (2016)

This is another great special edition from Jeep. It was named Colorado’s Black Bear Pass trail. This is a 10-mile trail known for high attitude, intense switchbacks, and narrow stretches which make it tough to conquer. The Black Bear vehicle offers you unique features such as rock rails, 17-inch wheels, Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor tires, a topographical map hood decal, and more. Its interior features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, all-weather floor mats, instrument bezels, and iron-gray door handles.

Black Bear (2016)

Willys Wheeler (2017)

This is one of the recent limited edition Jeep Wranglers. And the story behind? Well, the vehicle gets its inspiration from the 1940s when Willys CJ. Jeep started producing military jeeps for World War II. This special edition is a civilian version of the military jeeps and comes with design cues and options that are a real throwback to the original Willys Wheeler.

The great-looking special edition vehicle features all the components of the Sport model. But it also has a few additions most notable the Willys emblem on the hood, two-door design, 17-inch high-gloss black wheels with BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires, black cloth seating, and more.

Willys Wheeler (2017)

This vehicle is also optimized for excellent off-road performance with features like the Command-Trac four-wheel drive, off-road rock rails, Trac-Lok rear differential, etc. These give it more off-road prowess than the Sport model, which it is based on.

Unlike the original Willys CJ, however, this model will offer technological upgrades like a premium Alpine sound system and a Uconnect Bluetooth Voice Command.

Final Verdict

That’s it for the different models of Jeep Wranglers available today. As you can easily see from this guide, there are many models of Jeep Wranglers for you, from the basic jeep Wrangler Sport to the off-road-focused Rubicon model. Not to forget the wrangler special editions. Each of these wrangler vehicle models is designed to serve you better than the other in specific circumstances or situations, so you should be able to easily choose the perfect model that fits your unique needs and personal preferences.

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 0 comments

Leave a Reply: