Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited

PREVIEW

SPECIFICATIONS

1. New 3.6L V6 produces 285 hp at 6400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm. 2. Fuel economy is 17/21 mpg for manual, 16/20 for automatic. 3. Jeep Wrangler models starts at $22,045, with unlimited models from $25,545.

The modern Jeep Wrangler body style was first introduced in 2007, and this updated platform revitalized the brand. Jeep has long had a loyal, hard-core following among off-roaders and outdoor enthusiasts, but with the introduction of the four-door Wrangler, code named JK for the current Wrangler body style, the truck went from being a fun weekend vehicle to an SUV capable of fitting the whole family.

INTERIOR

Ergonomic functions inside the Wrangler are also a nice touch. The Bluetooth phone system works well, the voice recognition understands basic commands and the integrated Garmin GPS is easy to use and will keep you on track – it worked for us even when on fire roads in the Cleveland National Forrest. 

There are more standard and optional goodies on the Wrangler than ever before, blending the rugged Jeep capability with modern amenities found on traditional SUVs. The 2012 Wrangler features refined cabin offers available heated front seats, automatic temperature control, steering wheel-mounted controls, 12-volt accessory outlets, and a 115-volt (150-watt) AC power inverter in the console. Also available are the Uconnect system with voice recognition functions, Bluetooth streaming audio and phone connection ability, integrated navigation and SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability. It’s also equipped with steering wheel controls, automatic temperature controls, heated seats and power mirrors. The buttons on the steering wheel are well designs to make answering a phone call or adjusting the stereo volume a cinch.

The Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited come equipped with a number of safety and security features, such as standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, trailer-sway controls and hill-start assist (to make hill starts safer and easier). A feature found on all automatic Wranglers is Downhill Assist, which allows the driver to focus on steering the Jeep while braking is controlled electronically to help tackle off-road terrain down hill.

UNDER THE HOOD

In 2012, the Wrangler overhaul is completed with a new, more powerful engine that is more efficient than its predecessor.

The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine found on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler produces 285-hp, a significant jump compared to the 202-horsepower generated by the previous engine. Along with that 40 percent increase in power is a 10 percent hike in torque to 260 lb-ft.

First introduced in the 2011 Grand Cherokee, this engine only required a different intake manifold and oil pan to adapt it to the 2012 Wrangler. Jeep engineers also replaced the four-speed transmission and fitted a new five-speed unit, with the added gear allowing for more refined shifting and gear selection in a more fuel-efficient rpm range. Off-roaders will also appreciate the lower first-gear ratio that allows the new automatic transmission to have a lower crawl ratio in off-road situations. Depending upon the model, gear ratios are available in 3.21, 3.73 and 4.10.

Perhaps most surprising, however, is a noted increase in fuel economy. The 2011 Wrangler achieved a 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway rating, while the 2012 Wrangler ups those numbers to 17/21 for the manual model or 16/20 for the automatic. That manual, a six-speed unit, is a first to be mated to the Pentastar V6 across the Chrysler lineup.