Can this utilitarian crossover still be a Wrangler if it has four doors and - gasp - power windows? Yes, it can, and this new generation is a Jeep all the way.
DaimlerChrysler felt some changes were necessary to keep the Wrangler a viable competitor in the small-SUV market. But change is not synonymous with concession: These are wonderful improvements for sure.
The biggest deal is the birth of the four-door Wrangler, and as if that weren't enough to swallow, consider that power windows are an available option. Yes, power windows in the classic American rig - the one that put the Utility into SUV. That trademark utility is increased with an upgraded two-speed transfer case and an all-new, much stiffer frame and body, as well as a larger cargo area with a longer swing gate than ever before. The cargo area includes an innovative hidden storage area under the liner - its best feature is that it's secure and inaccessible when the swing gate is locked.
But some things never change, as in the round headlights, seven-toothed grille, removable doors, exposed hinges, prominent fenders, fold-down windshield, and Trail Rated capabilities. The Wrangler exhibits the greatest off-road capacity among SUVs, with its impressive ground clearance and water-fording capability (up to 30 inches, thanks to a sealed central venting system that protects the drive-train from water; interior panels are also double-sealed where necessary).
The 2007 Wrangler also delivers better traction than ever before, as its Electronic Stability Program (ESP) keeps the driver in charge through selective braking and engine control brought about via a combination of traction control, hydraulic brake assist, and electronic roll mitigation. It would take a lot to flip this baby.
And what would a new-generation vehicle be without a new engine? A 3.8-liter V6 with 202 horsepower replaces the previous 190-horsepower V6. There's also a newly designed instrument panel and improved steering (with cross-car linkage) and shocks.
You're really going to love the ride. Not only is the engine quieter, but there's more room inside, with an additional 5.5 inches in width and 2 more inches in length.
This extra length allowed room for the gas tank to be positioned ahead of the rear axle, a safer scenario than before. (Speaking of length, the longer-wheelbase edition of the Wrangler that debuted in 2004 has been discontinued with the introduction of the 4-door trims.)
The front seats boast more shoulder and hip space, but the back seat is a tight fit, in terms of both getting bodies back there and keeping them comfortable. You could put three passengers back there in theory, but the middle seat is not built for comfort. Still, the overall pleasantness of the ride is helped by the new five-link front and rear suspensions, which afford more stability and more precise steering.
Most importantly, the new Wrangler gives safer transportation, with multi-stage driver and front-passenger airbags and optional seat-mounted side airbags. The multi-stage quality means that front sensors determine the severity of the crash and deploy the airbags with an appropriate degree of force. The doors have also been bolstered to provide more protection in case of impact, and the body has been reworked with an implemented crush-zone system.
The Wrangler has some versatility in its wardrobe, in that there are three types of convertible tops available: the standard soft top, an optional Sunrider bimini-style soft top, and the Freedom Top, a three-piece modular hard top. The tops come in either black or khaki, depending on the body color chosen.
Surely you'll be washing mud off that paint fairly often, and there's no need to fret if you get mud on the inside too. Handy drain plugs allow you to hose down the floor from the inside as needed, and a premium, water-repellent seating upholstery is available.
Jeep should be very proud of this evolution of the classic Wrangler. It has already won several awards, including Peterson's 4 Wheel and Off-Road and Popular Mechanics magazines, as well as high praise from those who own one.
