2019 Jeep Wrangler Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The instantly recognizable Jeep Wrangler is one of the most robust, off-road-ready SUVs on the market. Though the Wrangler was fully...

The instantly recognizable Jeep Wrangler is one of the most robust, off-road-ready SUVs on the market. Though the Wrangler was fully redesigned for 2018, Jeep still managed to sneak in a couple updates for 2019.

Jeep just redesigned the Wrangler’s exterior, so don’t expect any changes there. It’s still available with two or four doors, and in the Unlimited extended wheelbase configuration. The removable top can be a soft top, a black hard top, a color-matched hard top, or a power top. There is a new addition to the paint palette, Bikini, though as of this writing, Jeep had not yet revealed the color.

The base powertrain is a 3.6-liter V6, rated for 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine can be paired with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2018 redesign added a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder to the mix, with 270 hp, 295 lb-ft, and the 8-speed auto. The turbo engine costs more, yet has less power, which might leave some buyers scratching their heads. But it offers minor improvements to fuel economy and the additional torque will come in handy on the trails. All Wranglers come standard with 4-wheel drive (4WD). The turbocharged configuration is the most efficient of the three, checking in at 23 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

The Wrangler has a reputation for having a basic and functional interior. However, it's improved in recent years, thanks to comfortable seating and better interior materials. With four trim levels and two body styles, there are a lot of available configurations. The only standard features are an 8-speaker sound system and a pair of 12-volt power outlets. Amenities such as power windows, air conditioning, and automatic climate control are all optional. Other available upgrades on upper trim levels include remote start, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The Uconnect infotainment system, with a 5-inch touch-screen display, comes standard and includes Bluetooth. An upgraded system is available with a 7-inch or an 8.4-inch display, satellite radio, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation.

Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have tested the Wrangler since its 2018 redesign. A reversing camera comes standard. Optional advanced safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control are new options for this year.

It’s nice that Jeep keeps the 2019 Wrangler fresh with new active safety options and a saucy new color, but it’s hard to see these updates making much of an impact. If you were going to buy a Wrangler this year, you may have done it anyway.