Mar 27, 2019, 15:26 PM by Mike Blake

The 1941 Willys Jeep was a military workhorse that has been called nostalgically, “the truck that won WWII.” Based on that concept, the Jeep Wrangler was born in 1986 as an evolution of the Jeep CJ-7. Wrangler was improved in 1996, updated again in 2006 and completely redesigned last year. 

Created to take its drivers and passengers on everyday adventures, the 2019 model adds to last year’s revamp with a new advanced safety group package that includes adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. The 2019 Wrangler also adds a new exterior color – Bikini, which is similar to Turquoise. Five trims are available this year, and for those looking for adventure, Wrangler is available in multiple off-road configurations with different axle ratios, differentials, and transfer cases among the trim levels. Looking ahead, it is believed that a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a diesel engine might be available in 2020, and a Wrangler pick-up is on the horizon.

Built in Toledo Supplier Park, Toledo, Ohio, the multipurpose vehicle is laid out with a longitudinal front engine, four-wheel drive set-up on a ladder-type frame with an open steel and aluminum body. That body is Jeep-look all the way, from its seven-slot keystone-shaped grille in the manner of legendary Jeep® CJ models, to its trapezoid wheel flares, removable doors, exposed hinges with the Torx tool-bit size stamped into it, a fold-down windshield and innovative removable tops that allow the Wrangler to retain the brand’s iconic appearance and function.

Wrangler’s 118.4-inch wheelbase (for the 4-door -- 96.8 inches for the 2-door model) accommodates 188.4 inches in length (for the 4-door -- 166.8 inches for the 2-door), 73.8 inches in width and 73.6 inches in height. My Rubicon trim had a ground clearance of 10.8 inches and a curb weight of 4455 lbs. (for the 4-door -- 4145 lbs for the 2-door).

Jeep Wrangler’s interior is intuitive and driver-friendly with nostalgic styling that offers more comfort than one would expect in a rugged off-road-worthy vehicle. Precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials are found throughout the cabin, and the heritage-inspired center stack features a clean, sculpted form that complements the horizontal dashboard design and sports a finish dictated by the model choice. The cabin is packed with infotainment and ergonomic controls as well as more than 75 available safety features.

Roomy inside for front row driver and passenger, and somewhat tighter for second row travelers, headroom was 42.6 inches up front with the soft top and 41.7 inches in the rear; legroom was 41.2 inches in row one and 38.3 in row two; and shoulder room was 55.7 inches in both rows.

In terms of power, Wrangler offers two engine choices: the 3.6-liter V-6 manual which is standard on all models, is rated at 285hp and 260 lbs.-ft of torque and 17mpg/city and 23mpg/highway; and the 2.0-liter I-4 turbo is an option for all models, with 8-speed automatic rated at 270hp and 295 lbs-ft. of torque and is EPA rated at 22/24 mpg. I tested the Wrangler Rubicon with the 3.6 automatic setup mated to an eight-speed overdrive transmission, and I averaged 23.3mpg on some long-distance, around-town and soft-road driving.

On road or off-road, Rubicon performs. The solid axle front suspension with link coil, leading arms, track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar and electronic sway-bar disconnect system with high-pressure gas-charged monotube shock absorbers with MTV technology and hydraulic rebound stop, works well with a solid axle rear, link coil, trailing arms, track bar, coil springs and stabilizer bar with high-pressure gas-charged shocks, for a comfortable ride on the highway while attacking potholes, road ruts and off-road obstacles. Low-end torque prevails over hill climbs, mud, snow and trails, and acceleration is solid for highway passing and off-the line fun. The electro-hydraulic power steering is tight and attentive, and while not an auto-cross star, it is fine for in-town maneuvers and fun for tree and brush skirting.

Wrangler power is predictable and sufficient to pass at speed, conquer uphill grades and get off the line quickly. My track tests were fun exhibitions, culminating in an 8.7-second zero-to-60mph dash and a 16.7-second quarter-mile.

There are five available 2019 Jeep Wrangler models, starting with the $31,545 Unlimited Sport 4x4 and moving through the MOAB at $51,300. The Rubicon trim I tested in Firecracker Red, is fourth up on the scale and starts at $41,545. My ride came with the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine … if you upgrade to the 2.0-liter I-4 Turbo, it will cost you an extra $1000. However, we did step up from the 6-speed manual transmission to the 8-speed automatic, for $2000. The Jeep Active Safety group added $995 for Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection, Parke Sense® Rear Park Assist and LED Tail Lamps; the Cold Weather Group option adds $995 for heated front seats, heated steering wheel and remote start; the 8.4-Inch Radio and Premium Audio Group added $1595 for an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Alpine® Premium 9-speaker Audio System, GPS navigation, HD Radio® and auto-dimming rear view mirror; and Adaptive Cruise Control/Forward Collision Warning added $795. With Destination Charges of $1495, my 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon as tested stickered at $49,420.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>