2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

When shopping for a 2022 Jeep Wrangler, consumers had the important decision of choosing between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model. The engine options were diverse, ranging from turbocharged four-cylinder engines to gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and even a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The standard turbo-four and V6 engines came with a six-speed manual transmission, but the automatic eight-speed was an available upgrade. The standard four-wheel drive (4WD) system came with an array of configurations based on the trim level.

Buyers could choose from four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, along with numerous special editions, some featuring fabric soft tops, black hardtops, body-color hardtops, and the option of a Sky One-Touch Power-Top. As expected, the base price ranged from about $30,000 to $80,000, with the final cost often exceeding that due to various optional features.

Our test vehicle, a High Tide special edition, was based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (four-door) Sport S trim. It included LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, Gorilla Glass windshield, sand-and-slush floor mats, High Tide or Beach hood decals, and the Xtreme Recon package, which added a 1.5-inch suspension lift, revised shock tuning, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, a 4.56 rear axle ratio, and more rugged features.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler retained its robust, no-curve design. Buyers had the choice between the two-door or the four-door Unlimited models, with removable doors and windshields for a closer-to-nature experience. A new purple paint color, Reign, and another new color, Earl, added fresh aesthetic options to the iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and old-school exterior hood latches.

Inside, the practicality continued with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats devoid of unnecessary adornments. The manual transfer case shifter, chunky HVAC controls, and a body-colored dash were highlights. Buyers could personalize their Wrangler with an array of top options, including the Dual-Door Group, which added half doors for enhanced visibility without sacrificing safety.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, which provided extra motor muscle at stoplights and enhanced overall fuel economy with a 48-volt electrical system. This engine delivered 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. While an eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was ideal for adverse weather conditions. Despite the EPA's combined driving rating of 21 mpg, the Xtreme Recon package modifications brought our average fuel economy down to 16.8 mpg over a week.

Driving a Wrangler was a unique, immersive experience that heightened all senses but came with notorious complaints about cabin noise, vague steering, touchy brakes, and frequent fuel stops. The joys of tackling rugged terrains and the liberating feeling far from civilization were the hallmarks of the Wrangler experience, sometimes at the expense of comfort and refinement.

For 2023, the Wrangler was known for its solid axles, differential lockers, and myriad engine options. The standard V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offered 270 ponies and 295 lb-ft of torque. Enthusiasts could pick the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6, producing 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, or the heavy-duty Rubicon 392 with a 6.4-liter V8 cranking out 470 hp and an equivalent torque rating, ideal for thrilling off-road performance or the plug-in hybrid 4xe, with a 17.3 kWh battery pack providing 21 miles of all-electric range. Our test vehicle, the Rubicon 392, wowed with its full-time 4WD, 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires, a 4.5-second 0-60 mph sprint, and the Off-Road Plus mode for optimal throttle, shifts, and traction adjustments.

However, on-road performance showed flaws, primarily in brake performance and vague steering. While thrilling off-road, the increased power in the 392 boosted braking challenges, and a more substantial steering wheel couldn't compensate for imprecise steering inputs.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had an elevated suspension, posing entry and exit challenges. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required frequent readjustments, given its placement. Despite these inconveniences, the seats were comfortable, and while the interior leaned on durable materials like plastic and rubber, it provided several padded spots for added comfort. Compromised visibility at intersections and rear obstacles was somewhat mitigated by the reversing camera and available safety features.

The rear seats presented similar accessibility issues, restricted by narrow door openings and rear wheel wells. However, once inside, passengers enjoyed a satisfactory view, air conditioning, and embedded speakers, despite their proximity. Cargo-wise, loading required maneuvering a heavy tailgate due to the 35-inch wheel, revealing 31.7 cubic feet of space expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats down.

In contrast, the 2023 Wrangler’s front seats were pleasant, though heated options required an upgraded package. Ventilated seats remained unavailable, and rear-seat occupancy was tight due to small door openings.

Storage solutions were scant, with limited dash and console spaces, but the cargo area managed 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Various top configurations, from manual panels to high-tech power soft tops, catered to diverse open-air preferences, enhancing practicality and user convenience. The Sky One-Touch power soft top offered the most seamless experience, retracting within 17 seconds and maintaining functionality up to 60 mph.

The technology suite in the 2022 Wrangler was basic due to its Sport S trim foundation. A 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto covered essential needs, with optional upgrades offering satellite radio, navigation, and an Alpine premium sound system. Fitted features included remote start, passive keyless entry, and a single-zone automatic climate control system augmenting a new air filtration system. Heated seats and a steering wheel extended the open-air driving season.

For the 2023 Wrangler, the larger 8.4-inch Uconnect system was present in our test model. The absence of physical controls gave Uconnect a complicated appearance initially, but familiarity revealed its seamless functionality. Off-road pages delivered critical vehicle metrics, and integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensured connectivity. While Jeep kept technological gimmicks minimal, off-road aids like the forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket additions complemented the traditional Wrangler spirit.

In 2022, the High Tide came equipped with both the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. The Safety Group introduced blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group added features like adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. These features enhanced convenience and helped mitigate the Wrangler's visibility challenges, but the vehicle's overall safety ratings left much to be desired. The NHTSA's three-star rollover rating and IIHS's Marginal ratings in crash tests highlighted the Wrangler's inherent safety flaws.

By 2023, safety remained an area where the Wrangler trailed competitors. Standard features comprised a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were reserved for the top 392 trim or optional packages. Adjustable settings for these features provided some customization, but the absence of lane-keeping assist was notable. The IIHS attributed mixed ratings to various safety categories, while the NHTSA's rollover rating stood at 3 out of 5, reflecting persistent safety concerns.