2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Performance

The standard engine and gearbox configuration is a 3.6-liter V6 mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It's a good combination as the naturally aspirated V6 chucks out 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot produces 270 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the addition of the hybrid components in the 4xe increases the power output to 375 hp and 470 lb-ft, but can only be specced as a Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, or High Altitude.

The 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine provides the most low-down torque. It only gives you 260 hp to play with, but the 442 lb-ft of shove is mighty. Only the 3.6 V6 can be mated to a six-speed manual, with an eight-speed automatic transmission being optional. On the rest, the eight-speed automatic transmission is standard fitment.

Jeep does not provide acceleration or top speed figures, but every model can sprint to 60 mph in around six or seven seconds. There isn't a single model that feels overtly slouchy. The top speed depends on how brave you are. The Wrangler can theoretically do 100 mph. Would we ever do it? Nope. Keep it at 80 mph max, and you'll be good.

All Wrangler models come with a tow rating of 3,500 pounds.

All Wranglers are equipped with a 4WD system. At the bottom end, it's a basic part-time system, but top-end models get the more advanced full-time system.

The Wrangler is one of the few cars still sold with an old-school manual transmission as standard. It can only be mated with the 3.6-liter V6 engine. An eight-speed automatic is also available, but hardcore off-roaders tend to enjoy the additional challenge presented by a manual gearbox. It also gives you more control over the gears, especially when it comes to using engine compression on descents.

The rest of the engine range is mated to the automatic transmission by default. It's a perfectly capable and robust gearbox, offering more than enough ratios for both brisk acceleration and reasonable fuel consumption.

When the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot was introduced, Jeep loyalists were skeptical. It has proved itself to be a worthy engine, even though it can't match the V6's power output. The tiny turbo four only produces 270 hp, but the 295 lb-ft of torque is available from just 3,000 rpm. Low-down torque is what you want in a big barge like this.

The 4xe's powertrain is even better. While the gains in fuel consumption are arguably negligible, you can't argue with the 375 hp and 470 lb-ft.

The 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel sounds a bit rough, but it is a sturdy powerplant. It has the least power out of all the engines, only producing 260 hp. But the 442 lb-ft of torque is available from just over idle speeds, which makes it perfect for towing. Sadly, this engine will be discontinued after 2023.

The 3.6-liter V6 with the standard six-speed manual gearbox is the least frugal model in this review. According to the EPA, it will consume gas at a rate of 17/23/19 mpg city/highway/combined. The V6, when combined with an eight-speed automatic, consumes 18/23/20 mpg.

Even the small-capacity turbo engine struggles to post impressive fuel consumption figures. The EPA suggests it will chug through a tank at 21/24/22 mpg. The diesel is the most frugal model, only consuming 22/29/25 mpg, although Rubicon models are heavier at 21/26/23 mpg.

The 4xe PHEV poses an interesting alternative. According to the EPA, it can go 22 miles on electricity alone. When the gas and electric motors work together, the EPA claims it will only consume 49 MPGe combined. Once the battery is drained, it drops down to 20 mpg, which makes it as efficient as the V6 with an automatic gearbox.

Thankfully, most Wranglers are equipped with a 21.5-gallon tank, which means a driving range of over 400 miles is easily achievable.