Jeep ups Wrangler game with 2021 models
If there is one vehicle that sums up West Coast car culture, it's the Jeep Wrangler. Whether crawling up a logging road or down a beach access road, the iconic vehicle continues to capture the imagination of British Columbia drivers.
That's why the Jeep display at the Vancouver International Auto Show is always buzzing with people, and that activity would have been at a fevered pitch had the 2021 show taken place. Lots of news on the Wrangler front, including an all-new plug-in model.
While Wrangler has four core models — Sport (twodoor only), Sport S, Sahara (four-door Unlimited only) and Rubicon — there are no fewer than 16 derivatives. The ability to strip chunks of the body away leaving an almost dune buggy-like look adds to their appeal.
As with all focused rides, the Wrangler's overt ability in the dirt comes at a price. Its on-road ride is taut and when the road gets rough, it is also choppy. This also means a fast corner has to be taken at tamer speeds than, say, the Grand Cherokee. In fairness, the longer wheelbase Unlimited is more refined.
As is to be expected, the cabin reflects Wrangler's offroad ability with a sit-up-and-beg driving position and materials that are easily cleaned. The Wrangler twodoor's short wheelbase means the back seat is tight; the Unlimited and its longer wheelbase brings a more accommodating back seat. The same applies to cargo. Wrangler has 365 litres with the seat up and 898 L folded. Unlimited has 898 L and 2,050 L, respectively.
There are a number of engines available depending on model.
It starts with a 270 horsepower 2.0-L turbo-four mated to an eight-speed automatic. There are two 285-hp 3.6-L V-6s: the base works with a manual gearbox; while those teamed with an automatic include a mild-hybrid system. The Unlimited also counts a 3.0-L V-6 Eco Diesel with 260 hp and 442 pound-feet of torque among its options.
All models except the Rubicon work with a solid 4x4 system with a low-range gear set. The Rubicon's transfer case bumps low range gears from 2.72:1 to a stump-pulling 4.0:1 and come with beefier Dana 44 axles plus a disconnecting front sway bar. This gives the model its famed all-conquering off-road ability — it is, after all, named after the Rubicon Trail, a trail viewed by many as the most difficult in North America.
Also worth checking out at the Jeep display would be the 2021 Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, a vehicle that clearly indicates Jeep isn't going to be left in the dust on the road to electrification. Starting at $54,995 in Sahara trim and at $59,995 for the Rubicon, the Sahara will have $1,500 knocked off its tag by the provincial incentive program.
Both models use a turbocharged 2.0-L four-cylinder with engine-mounted motor-generator unit, an eight-speed automatic transmission with integrated motor-generator, and a 17-kWh battery pack. The system produces 375 hp and 470 lb-ft. of torque, and after it's plugged in and charged, can go an estimated 40 kilometres on electricity alone. Once that depletes, the Wrangler 4xe operates as a conventional hybrid with regenerative braking.