Jeep Wrangler
Jeep continues to refine the successful Wrangler formula by combining its legendary, benchmark capability with an all-new interior that delivers rich styling with significantly upgraded touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility.
In addition, the Sahara model, which we test-drove, now features a stunning, all-new body color hardtop, for customers looking for a Jeep Wrangler with a more premium appearance.
Offered in three models — Sport, Sahara and Rubicon— the Jeep Wrangler achieves best-in-class off-road capability. With solid axles, removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield and innovative removable and convertible tops, Wrangler retains the brand’s coveted core values of freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity.
Interior highlights include a redesigned instrument panel and new storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A new lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated seats and heated power mirrors are now available and drivers and passengers will enjoy automatic temperature controls and enhanced visibility courtesy of larger rear windows.
All-new steering-wheel controls allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping hands on the wheel. A new USB device interface connects to storage devices (thumb drives and most MP3 players) for use with the vehicle’s Media Center, which now includes streaming Bluetooth audio. Twelve-volt accessory outlets have been added and a new 115-volt outlet is available to provide power similar to AC outlets in the home.
In line with traditional Jeep design, hex-head bolts are utilized throughout the interior, and are used to mount a “Jeep, Since 1941” inlay onto the new passenger grab handle.
To provide a more premium appearance, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara models boast a new, premium, body color hardtop.
While staying true to its design roots, the Wrangler’s appearance holds to tradition yet is contemporary, with clean, crisp lines and improved fit and finish.
Wrangler’s signature features remain hallmarks for 2011, including classic round headlamps, a seven-slot grille, trapezoid wheel flares, exposed hinges, a fold-down windshield, sport bar, removable tops and doors, available full-framed or half doors and hard and soft tops.
Jeep engineers increased acoustical treatment in the 2011 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, resulting in significantly reduced interior noise.
The power plant for all Jeep Wrangler models is a 3.8-liter V-6 engine producing 202 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque, backed by a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an available four-speed automatic transmission.
— Mary Ann Van Osdell
Published in September 2011
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