A TRIP ACROSS THE RUBICON (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

If you thought Jeep's Wrangler was strictly for Californian rock hoppers and D-list boy band members, think again. Jonathan Crouch puts it to the test in 'JL'-series generation Rubicon guise.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 85

The Jeep Wrangler is an icon that has managed to remain loyal to its roots while adapting to the changing spirit of the times. If you think that it's strictly for Californian rock hoppers and D-list boy band members, then think again. The revised version of this current 'JL'-series fourth generation model is the most credible Wrangler yet, especially in this top 'Rubicon' form, offering a PHEV option and justifying what Jeep sees as its position as the only true off-road company in the market.

Backgroundword count: 188

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most iconic serious SUVs on the planet and has never been a car to shy away from even the toughest SUV conditions. Like those this 'JL'-series model was launched into at the end of 2018. By then, the European market had decided what a fashionable SUV should be like and it wasn't anything remotely resembling this. But the Wrangler's always gone its own way and for the few who want something more authentic, its appeal remains very much unique. The 'JL' design offers better off road angles, more ground clearance and a tighter turning circle than any Wrangler before it. But at the same time, today's Wrangler needed to offer slightly wider appeal. For that, brand owners Stellantis knew that a completely fresh generation of powertrains would be required. And areas like ride quality, refinement and day-to-day usability would need to be completely re-evaluated. As they have been with this 'JL'-series car, here usefully improved. It's a Wrangler - but perhaps not quite as you know it. Let's take a closer look at the wheel of the most focused 'Rubicon' version.

Driving Experienceword count: 351

Previous Wranglers never had to be very good on road. As long as they didn't shake your fillings out on the way to your surf shack, all would be forgiven once you set a tyre on the rough stuff. But Marlboro men are in short supply these days and to keep this car in customers, Jeep had to appeal beyond those who might use their cars as weekend mountain playthings. Without diluting what makes a Wrangler a Wrangler. No small task. How successful you'll perceive the designers' efforts to have been depends whether you've experienced previous versions of this Jeep. If you haven't, then you're likely to find the wind noise, the rumbly demeanour and the vague steering all pretty crude. Still, those coming to this car from an older Wrangler though will find this 'JL'-series model a vast improvement. The revised steering's much better and the revised five-link suspension means that potholes no longer feel like craters. There's only one engine on offer in our market, a 2.0-litre I-4 turbo petrol unit with 272hp and 400Nm of torque, mated to 8-speed auto transmission. As you'd expect, this Jeep is still brilliant off road, with its super aggressive approach and departure angles. The Wrangler Rubicon gets even better kitted out than the base 'Sahara' model is for the rough stuff, with a 'Rock-Trac' set-up that gives you a Dana 44 full-float solid rear axle, Tru-Lock electric front and rear-axle lockers, a Trac-Lok limited-slip differential and an electronic front sway-bar disconnect system. Plus an 'Off-Road+' ('OR+') mode that provides unique powertrain and chassis tuning. Specifically tailored for high range 'sand' performance and low range 'rock' activity, OR+ adjusts the ABS, ESC, accelerator pedal, traction control and transmission calibrations. 'Sand mode' is enabled when 'OR+' is activated while in 4H gear and 'Rock mode' is enabled when 'OR+' is activated while in 4Low. What about Wrangler tarmac capability? Well on road manners feel safe and predictable, if a little slow-witted, but there are decent levels of grip and, on broken or rutted surfaces, the handling is no longer stymied by a bouncy ride.

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