2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic design, characterized by circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges. Its rugged appearance, reminiscent of a toy truck for adults, was unmistakable on the road. The Wrangler offered various trim levels, each with unique styling options, such as painted or exposed fenders and different roof types. Despite its charm, the Wrangler was not known for comfort, with an upright seating position, limited legroom, and manual seat adjustments. The 2021 model came in several trims, including the bare-bones Sport, the more equipped Sport S, the street-oriented Sahara, and the off-road-ready Rubicon. Special editions like the Willys and High Altitude added further customization options.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between two-door and four-door models, with a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler's core trims remained the same, but the 2022 model introduced the High Tide special edition, featuring LED lighting, a body-color hardtop, and the Xtreme Recon package with a suspension lift and larger tires. The 2022 Wrangler also included minor equipment updates, such as a new air filtration system and additional paint colors. Despite its higher price, the High Tide model retained a basic interior, emphasizing the Wrangler's rugged nature and off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine was available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other powertrains included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant of the V6, a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler's 4WD systems varied by trim, with Command-Trac standard on the Sport and Sahara, Selec-Trac optional, and Rock-Trac exclusive to the Rubicon. The Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, transforming the Wrangler into an off-road powerhouse.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was included. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg for the eTorque V6, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications reduced this to an average of 16.8 mpg during testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough ride, loud cabin, and frequent fuel stops, but it offered an immersive and adventurous experience for those willing to embrace its quirks.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered various top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Freedom hardtop with removable panels. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, providing a convenient open-air experience. The Wrangler Unlimited provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior was functional, with limited storage options but practical features like drain plugs for easy cleaning.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The interior featured comfortable seats with durable cloth upholstery, but the driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others requiring adjustments. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but enjoyed adequate space and amenities. Cargo space remained consistent with the 2021 model, with 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system varied by trim, with the Sport featuring a basic 5-inch screen and higher trims offering 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera for trail visibility.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While the larger 8.4-inch Uconnect system offered additional features, the basic setup met most needs. The High Tide included options like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and heated seats, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, many modern driver-assistance features were not standard, and the Wrangler's safety equipment was basic compared to other vehicles.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite these upgrades, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety remained a concern for the 2022 model, requiring careful driving.