2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Test Drive Review: An American Icon Improved
Is any vehicle more distinctive and iconic than the Jeep Wrangler? Still styled to look like a World War II-era Willys Jeep, the Wrangler's overall shape has remained familiar over its long history even though the engineering beneath it has improved dramatically. Jeep introduced the current fourth-generation Wrangler (known as the JL) back in 2018 and for 2020, trim and engine lineup adjustments should help keep it a sales powerhouse. The JL Wrangler is more refined than ever before but manages to retain its unmatched off-road prowess and unique removable body panels.
Jeep sent us a four-door Wrangler Unlimited model (by far the most popular) in the top off-road Rubicon trim level for testing. Our unique tester was decked out with the Wrangler's first-ever power top option and a newly-introduced diesel engine. With the threat of competition coming from the new Ford Bronco, is the Wrangler still the best off-road vehicle around? We made sure to thoroughly test it, both on and off the pavement, to find out.
What's the Price of the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?
There may be 12 models to choose from, but the price of the Wrangler Unlimited doesn't vary that much with the Sport starting at $31,795 and the High Altitude topping the list at $49,995, but options can push these prices much higher. In-between, the Willys Sport will cost you $33,495 with the Sport S at $1,500 above that. Based on the Sport S, the Sport Altitude asks for $36,690, the Black and Tan $36,690, the Willys $37.490, and the Freedom $37,690. Starting off the upper half of the trims, the Sahara sets a new benchmark at $38,645. The Altitude variant of the Sahara breaks the $40k line at $41,940, while the North Edition almost rivals the Rubicon Recon at $44,465. The standard Rubicon only costs $42,440, though, while the Rubicon Recon will set you back $46,950. These prices don't include tax, registration, licensing, incentives, or Jeep's $1,495 destination charge.
2020 Wrangler Unlimited Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 188.4 in | 118.4 in | 73.6 in | 73.8 in | 62.9 in | 62.9 in |
2020 Wrangler Unlimited Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
With the introduction of the JL generation, Jeep managed to smooth out many of the Wrangler's rougher edges while still retaining its character. The Wrangler still calls on a recirculating ball-type steering design compared to almost all other modern vehicles, which use a rack and pinion setup. This steering setup proves to be vague and floaty out on the road but is still heralded for its strength and durability, which is handy during off-road use. But most Wrangler Unlimited owners will spend their time on the road, where the vehicle's off-road-oriented suspension is firm but not punishing, even in the hardcore Rubicon trim level. It may not have the car-like poise found in most crossovers but it doesn't feel like you will tip over if you take a corner too quickly either.
Road noise has been dramatically reduced compared to previous generation Wrangler models, especially when equipped with the hardtop roof. Our tester was equipped with the Sky One-Touch power-retractable roof, which sits somewhere between the soft top and hardtop in regards to wind noise. The Sky One-Touch is the priciest of the three options but we enjoyed the ability to go topless with the press of a button rather than getting out to disassemble the roof. It isn't the most open experience of the three but it seems perfect for someone who wants a hassle-free setup. For those who desire even more air, the doors and three-quarter panels are still removable and the windshield folds down.
Even though Jeep has made huge strides to make the Wrangler Unlimited more livable, it truly thrives when the pavement ends. The Rubicon, being the most off-road-ready in the Wrangler lineup, includes a Rock-Trac two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio on the diesel models. In other words, you can put the Wrangler into 4LO, lock the differentials, and marvel at how easily it can climb even the most treacherous inclines. Dana 44 front and rear heavy-duty axles ensure that the Wrangler stands up to abuse and you can even disconnect the sway bar for better wheel articulation. We imagine that more road-oriented trims like the Sahara will be plenty capable for the vast majority of buyers but those who want an extra edge on off-road trails should opt for the Rubicon.
2020 Wrangler Unlimited Interior
2020 Wrangler Unlimited Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 2 Years / Unlimited Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|
| 4/5 | 3/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited A Good SUV?
By many objective measurements, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is an inferior SUV in terms of interior space, comfort, and efficiency. But that isn't the point. Those who want a more road-oriented experience can opt for a Grand Cherokee but the Wrangler's greatness stems from what makes it compromised out on the road. No other SUV on the market offers a removable roof and body panels and few will be able to go where the Wrangler can off-road.
With few to no direct competitors, the Wrangler remains an oddity in the marketplace that feels special where other SUVs feel mundane. The Wrangler may have objective flaws but it makes up for these with a subjective enjoyment factor. Off-road enthusiasts have few other options to choose from and none of those offer such an iconic design combined with livable road manners. If you are looking for an off-road specialist vehicle that still works as an everyday driver, the Wrangler Unlimited is unmatched.
What Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Model Should I Buy?
Our Rubicon tester, which was equipped with the two most expensive options, came out with a whopping as-tested price of $64,770. Those two options were the EcoDiesel engines ($4,000 plus a $2,000 automatic transmission) and the Sky One-Touch power roof ($3,995). If you show some restraint, it is easy to keep the Rubicon under $50,000 but we think the more comfortable Sahara trim will be ideal for the majority of buyers with a slightly more affordable starting price of $38,645. We doubt that most buyers will opt for both the diesel and the Sky One-Touch roof but we think both are incredibly worthwhile options for very different reasons. We'd recommend the Sahara trim and if we opted for the One-Touch roof, the still-lovely four-cylinder, plus a few safety options, we could keep the price under $45,000.
2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Comparisons
2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited vs Jeep Wrangler
While the standard two-door Wrangler is quite a bit smaller than the Unlimited, over 20 inches less in length, it doesn't actually sacrifice much in the way of passenger space. Instead, almost all the lost space is in the cargo hold, leaving only 12.9 cubic feet of standard trunk space. This loss of practicality all but removes the Wrangler as an option for a daily driver. However, this isn't the only sacrifice the Jeep makes. The Wrangler is still a very capable off-roader, more so with a shorter wheelbase yielding better breakover angles, but losing access to the EcoDiesel V6 is quite a blow to its performance, and the short wheelbase makes it behave erratically on road. Furthermore, most of the special edition trims are only offered in the Unlimited configuration, so you'll only have the eight trims to choose from. Of the remaining trims, though, each come with the same standard and available features as their Unlimited counterparts. Considering that the Wrangler is only a few thousand dollars cheaper than the Unlimited, we think you'd be shooting yourself in the long run for the upfront savings if you don't choose the more practical Unlimited.
2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited vs Toyota 4Runner
Similarly priced to the Wrangler, the Toyota 4Runner asks for between $36,120 and $49,795. However, unlike the Jeep, the 4Runner hasn't undergone a full redesign in over a decade. Nonetheless, it still looks good for its age, and a number of small updates over the years have helped it stay competitive. Toyota's SUV isn't restricted to a four-wheel drivetrain like the Wrangler, and its standard V6 gas engine is just as strong with 270 hp and 278 lb-ft. Still, the 4Runner is rated to tow 4,500 lbs, 1,000 more than the Jeep. With more standard cargo capacity and smoother handling around town, the Toyota 4Runner definitely feels a bit more practical as a daily driver. It's also extremely capable off-road in the correct configuration, but the Wrangler Unlimited's off-road specialist trims are even more so. Ultimately, it comes down to what you really want. If this is an SUV you want to spend every day in but occasional take out for some off-roading, then the 4Runner is the better choice, but if you're going to be spending the majority of your time out in the wild, then the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited comes out on top.