Boasting upgraded tech, revised mechanical components and, most notably, a new engine, the updated Jeep Wrangler has touched down on South African shores. Here is everything you need to know. See pricing below…
Updated Jeep Wrangler engine and transmission
Before we get to specification and pricing, let’s take a look at what is arguably the most significant revision to Jeep’s updated Wrangler portfolio — the deletion of the outgoing model line-up’s 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine in favour of a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit. An eight-speed automatic transmission is again present.
The turbo-petrol four-pot produces 200 kW and 400 N.m. Though the former is slightly (by 9 kW) less than the atmospheric V6’s, torque is up by 53 N.m. Available from 5 250 r/min and 3 000 r/min, power and twisting force are also available from lower down in the rev range. For comparison, the V6’s power and torque were available from 6 400 r/min and 4 100 r/min, respectively.
Updated Jeep Wrangler model range and spec
As before, the updated Jeep Wrangler line-up comprises a trio of derivatives – Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon. The opening gambit to the Wrangler portfolio, the revised Sport is priced from R1 199 900, making the turbocharged model R113 000 more expensive than the outgoing, V6-powered Sport. The Sahara and Rubicon are priced from R1 249 900 and R1 299 900, respectively. For comparison, that’s R215 000 and R161 000 more than the mid-tier and range-topping (V6) Wranglers they replace.
Among many other items, the revised range features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring, dual-smartphone Bluetooth connectivity, and TomTom navigation; and the firm’s ‘ParkSense’ park-assist setup. However, the Sahara upgrades to the company’s ‘ParkView’ reverse-view camera, while the Rubicon gains a front- and rear-view off-road camera system.
The Sport is equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, while Sahara level of specification includes 18-inch alloys. The flagship, Rubicon model’s 17-inch alloys are shod in mud-terrain rubber. Rubicon trim grade is also fitted with a new Dana 44 HD full-float rear axle. This variant’s front sway bar can be electronically disconnected for improved wheel travel when the roads get especially tough.
How much does the updated Jeep Wrangler cost in South Africa?
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.0T Sport AT — R1 199 900
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.0T Sahara AT — R1 249 900
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.0T Rubicon AT — R1 299 900
As standard, all models ship with a five-year/100 000 km service plan and a warranty of the same duration and distance.