2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Review: Ready For Battle
With an extra pair of doors, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited continues to offer legendary off-roading capability, but with the extra space to pack in even more gear. It's retro styling, comprehensive lineup, and array of off-roading technologies make it as appealing as ever; but the Jeep faces its toughest test following the arrival of the new Ford Bronco. It doesn't help that the Jeep feels rather utilitarian on the road and doesn't have the best reliability record. But in the face of accomplished competition, Jeep hasn't been idle. A plug-in variant (utilizing the 2.0-liter four-cylinder already familiar to the lineup paired with electric motors) gives you access to 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Other options include the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft or a mild-hybrid assisted version of this motor. The 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft remains exclusive to four-door Wranglers.
The Wrangler also gains more features and options, added off-road gear, and some tweaks to the spec sheet for the new model year. It remains one of the best off-road vehicles on the planet. Whether these updates are enough to make it the first choice for adventurers is the question that needs to be asked.
What's the Price of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?
The 2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited begins at $33,225 for the no-frills Sport. It's followed by the Willys Sport at $35,580, the Sport S at $36,720, the Sport Altitude at $38,715, the Willys at $39,575, the RHD at $39,590, and the Sahara with a starting price of $40,745. The highly capable Rubicon costs $44,295, while the Sahara Altitude is priced at $44,340. New High Tide models will cost $49,240. Finally, the High Altitude tops the range at $51,175. The PHEV variants start with the Sahara 4xe at $52,530, followed by the Rubicon 4xe at a price of $56,230. The High Altitude in 4xe spec costs $58,105. All these prices represent the trims in their least expensive guise, without any options, and excluding a destination charge of $1,595. Pricing also excludes tax, licensing, and registration costs.
Various engine upgrades are available for the gas-fed models. For instance, the base Sport can be upgraded from the regular V6 to the V6 with eTorque for $750, but this requires going for the eight-speed automatic as well, which adds another $2,500. The EcoDiesel engine requires a more substantial outlay of $3,510, plus the $2,500 for the auto gearbox. Exchanging the standard V6 for the 2.0-liter turbo-four reduces the price by $500, but then requires $2,500 for the auto gearbox, as this engine isn't compatible with the manual. A fully loaded High Altitude with the EcoDiesel engine and all the extras will cost over $63,000 including the destination charge.
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited price can be dramatically inflated with a range of optional upgrades. On the base Sport, the Trailer-Tow and Heavy-Duty Electric Group costs $845 and adds a seven- and four-pin wiring harness, a class II hitch receiver, a 240-amp alternator, and a 700-amp battery. Perforated black leather Mopar seats at $1,750 and an anti-spin rear axle differential at $595 are some individual options. Higher up in the range, there is even more customization on offer. For instance, on trims above the base Sport and below the Sahara, the 8.4-inch Radio and Premium Audio Group ($2,095) can be added and includes a bigger 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, an Alpine premium sound system, HD radio, and more. The Sahara already has this upgraded infotainment system but can be further upgraded with the Advanced Safety Group ($795) with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and more. The 4.88:1 rear axle with its 100:1 crawler ratio costs $895 but is only available on the Rubicon with the gas V6 engine. The new-for-2022 Xtreme Recon 35-inch Tire Package adds not only these BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, but also a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, performance brakes, a heavy-duty Dana 44 front axle, wheel-flare extensions, and much more for $3,995. It is only available on the Willys and Rubicon.
2022 Wrangler Unlimited Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 188.4 in | 118.4 in | 73.6 in | 73.8 in | 62.9 in | 62.9 in | 4,167.0 lbs |
2022 Wrangler Unlimited Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The body-on-frame construction is a Jeep Wrangler hallmark and endows the SUV with superb off-road capability but exposes some flaws in day-to-day driving, which may disappoint anyone used to more pinned-down crossovers. While the ride is reasonably composed, there is an underlying firmness and, when coupled with a susceptibility to crosswinds and plenty of road noise - especially in versions not equipped with the hardtop - it can prove tiring. That being said, the current Wrangler is quieter than previous generations, and, of course, near-silent in electric mode on the 4xe. Mid-corner bumps can throw off the chassis, while the handling via the electro-hydraulic power steering lacks the finesse found in more car-like crossovers. Then again, the powerful engines and smooth automatic gearbox do contribute towards reasonably unruffled progress.
Off-road, the Wrangler shines and remains one of the most accomplished SUVs for sale. It's ridiculously easy to plow through muddy trails and up steep inclines, and this applies even to less hardcore versions of the Wrangler and the PHEV. Excellent approach/departure angles and plenty of ground clearance help the Wrangler effortlessly deal with rough terrain. For the more serious adventure junkies, the Rubicon's heavy-duty front/rear axles, 4:1 low-range gear ratios, and 33-inch tires make it even more capable, not to mention the incredible off-road abilities provided by the Xtreme Recon package that adds chunky tires, massive ground clearance, an even lower 4.56:1 axle ratio, and a long list of other off-road upgrades for the truly adventurous. For the last word in low-speed rock crawling, the 4.88:1 axle ratio available on the V6 gas Rubicon provides a glacial 100:1 crawler ratio for the trickiest terrain.
2022 Wrangler Unlimited Interior
2022 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 | 3 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited A Good SUV?
It's difficult to talk about the Jeep Wrangler without mentioning the not-so-subtle elephant in the room that is the Ford Bronco. Both cater to almost exactly the same kind of buyer and have almost exactly the same starting price, but the Bronco is a brand-new product, whereas the Jeep has begun to show its age in some aspects. For instance, it is severely lacking in terms of standard safety tech and the interior will feel too basic for some customers for daily use. That said, the Wrangler Unlimited is still a massively capable off-road SUV. Its ability to make the driver feel like a hero over harsh terrain remains astonishing, and while some will find its back-to-basics nature out of touch with the latest SUVs, others will love it for exactly the same reason. The Jeep's variety of power plants all offer enough power for the task at hand and the broad lineup now has something to suit everyone, even the eco-conscious. Although the Bronco will undoubtedly steal sales from it, the Wrangler still has lots of heart and ability.
What New Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Model Should I Buy?
With a price range spanning from around $33k to north of $58k, three engine choices, multiple trim levels, and varying degrees of off-road capability, whatever new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited you choose depends both on your specific needs and budget. And, while the idea behind a plug-in hybrid Jeep is certainly commendable, it's far less useful in reality, with only a 22-mile all-electric range and limited low-down torque.
While the traditional Rubicon is a pricier proposition, it's the best Jeep Wrangler Unlimited for demanding off-road excursions. If your off-roading needs aren't that extreme, the well-equipped Sahara model has the top infotainment system and will save you some cash over the Rubicon while remaining capable. The EcoDiesel engine and the Sky One-Touch roof are two of the most desirable upgrades, but they do increase the price quite significantly.
2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Comparisons
2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited vs Jeep Wrangler
The smaller, two-door Jeep Wrangler maintains the rugged off-road abilities of the Unlimited but is better suited to single people or perhaps couples without the need to carry extra passengers or cargo. With a starting price of $29,725, the two-door Wrangler undercuts the equivalent Wrangler Unlimited by $3,500. For this saving, the two-door Wrangler can only seat four occupants (three at the back is a big ask) and has just 12.9 cubic feet of trunk space behind the back seats, falling far short of the Unlimited's 31.7 cubes. There are other significant advantages in the Unlimited's favor. While the two-door also offers the V6 and turbo-four engine options, only the Unlimited has access to the excellent EcoDiesel. The shorter wheelbase of the Wrangler also has a negative effect on its driving dynamics. Most of the upper trims, such as the Sahara and Sahara Altitude, are only compatible with the Unlimited. Despite its higher price, the Wrangler Unlimited is our choice.
2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited vs Toyota 4Runner
The enduring Toyota 4Runner, just like the Wrangler Unlimited, is a rugged off-road SUV that makes no apologies for the fact that it isn't the most comfortable or agile tool for navigating cramped city streets. The 4Runner begins at $37,305, so it's a bit pricier than the cheapest versions of the Wrangler. For 2021, Toyota made a few changes to the tough TRD Pro model which received revised 2.5-inch Fox internal-bypass shocks. Although the Wrangler is quicker, the 4Runner's V6 allows it to tow 5,000 pounds, which is 1,500 lbs up on the Jeep's figure. However, the Wrangler Unlimited has superior approach/departure angles and over an inch of added ground clearance, so it has the edge when the going gets tough. Parents will be happier with the Toyota, which is much better equipped with standard safety technologies that are only optional on the Jeep. We'd go with the 4Runner if a combination of daily commutes and occasional weekend adventures is the brief, but the Wrangler Unlimited if off-roading is a priority.