Top 10 differences between the old and the new Jeep Wrangler
With a formula as iconic as that of the Jeep Wrangler, it is best not to mess too much with the essentials. The recently-launched fourth-generation Wrangler uses the same fun-filled formula, but with some important changes, which we list here.
The all-new Jeep Wrangler was launched to the South African public at the 2019 Festival of Motoring at Kyalami in mid-August. It is now on sale in Jeep dealerships around the country, and it created quite a stir at launch.
Recipe much the same
The recipe is much the same. It remains one of the most hard-core SUVs that you can buy in terms of off-road ability, with a rugged street appeal that says: “Hey, we are having fun!” As before the Wrangler is available in two-door and four-door configuration. For a review on the out-going Unlimited (four-door model) click here.
The new Wrangler is still not expected to be the most nimble of street-friendly SUVs by a long shot, but its quirkiness will no doubt inspire an affection that is rarely engendered by more modern-looking, more practical SUVs.
Like many iconic designs, such as the Porsche 911, the new Wrangler is very much evolutionary in terms of looks and function. Here we list the major differences between the outgoing model, which was first launched in America a decade ago, and the new Wrangler.
Top 10 differences between old and new Jeep Wrangler
- The grille. It is still the traditional seven slot Jeep grille, but on the new Wrangler the outer slots merge in style, to acknowledge the round headlights. The previous model had seven straight up-and-down slots.
- The mudguards. These are still distinct items attached to the body, rather than being all-in-one pressings with the front and rear side panels. And they still have a squared-off arch shape, which defines the Jeep look more than anything else, apart from the grille. However, the new mudguards, made of aluminium, are subtly edged in protective cladding.
- The new headlights and tail lights feature LED technology. And the front indicators are located on the mudguards, along with daytime running lights. Previously they were located in the grille panel, below the headlights.
- Both the new two-door and four-door versions of the Wrangler have grown slightly in length. The wheelbase is longer too on the four-door model.
- At present there is no diesel option, whereas there was a diesel version in the out-going range. For now the petrol engine remains essentially unchanged. This is the 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar engine, producing 209 kW and 347 Nm of torque.
- The gearbox is now an all-new eight-speed automatic. Previously it was a five-speed automatic.
- The new Wrangler now comes with a four-wheel-drive on-demand function. Previously the system could be fixed in either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, but now the new system offers these fixed modes as well as variable-mode torque-shifting between the front and rear axles. It still features low range and a differential lock for serious off-road use.
- The all-new interior now includes a TFT information LED display, as well as an 8.4-inch touch screen compatible with Android and Apple cell phones.
- The new Wrangler has a rear-view camera for the first time. In addition, the mounting for the spare wheel on the tailgate has been lowered for better rear visibility.
10. Safety has been upgraded from 2 to 4 airbags, electronic stability control and electronic roll mitigation
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