2014 Jeep Wrangler Expert Review
Reviewed by Christian Seabaugh
Vehicle Overview
The legendary Jeep Wrangler returns for 2014 without any significant changes. Given a thorough update just two years ago, the two-door 2014 Wrangler and four-door 2014 Wrangler Unlimited are two factory-ready off-roaders equipped with standard four-wheel drive. Both 2014 Wranglers are powered by Chrysler's 3.6-liter "Pentastar" V-6, which makes 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a five-speed automatic is an optional extra. The 2014 Wrangler is EPA rated at 17/21 mpg city/highway no matter the transmission, while the 2014 Wrangler Unlimited is rated 16/21 mpg with the manual, or 16/20 mpg with the automatic. The 2014 Wrangler lineup comes standard with a folding soft-top, though a premium soft-top, and removable hard tops are available.
It's difficult not to have a good time while driving a Jeep Wrangler - especially if you remove the roof, doors, or even fold down the windshield. Recently, we took a Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition (now called the 2014 Wrangler Rubicon X) to its namesake trail for some off-roading and the Jeep conquered it with ease. When we tested the Wrangler after its 2011 update, we were impressed, noting "the new engine offers excellent response and a noticeable improvement in power -- the Pentastar is significantly faster from a stop and when passing. Also, the engine sounds much more upscale than the [old] 3.8-liter, and the exhaust note is throatier. Paired with either transmission, it feels much more refined. … The new Jeep hit 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, while all of the 3.8-liter Wranglers took between 9.8 and 10.2 seconds."
No big changes are in store for the 2014 Jeep Wrangler. Last year's Wrangler Freedom Edition and Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition carryover into 2014, though the latter of which is now known as the 2014 Wrangler Rubicon X (Wrangler Rubicon 11th Anniversary Edition just doesn't have the same ring to it, does it?). Other changes include the availability of off-road-ready wheels and tires on the entry-level Wrangler Sport, revised turn signals, and a Trail Kit, for when you inevitably become filled with hubris and get your Wrangler stuck.
New for 2014
Minor changes are coming to the 2014 Jeep Wrangler. The 2014 Wrangler's turn signals now have clear lenses, and Jeep's Uconnect touch-screen infotainment system can now be fitted to the base Wrangler Sport Models. A "Trail Kit" featuring D-Rings, a tow strap, and gloves is now available. The 2014 Wrangler Sport can now also be equipped with the 32-inch Tire and Wheel Group, which fits the Wrangler Rubicon's 32-inch off-road tires and black aluminum wheels to the base Wrangler. Two of last year's limited edition models are also being carried-over into 2014: the Wrangler Freedom Edition (a badge and trim package that if selected, gives $250 to the USO), and the Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition, which is now called the 2014 Wrangler Rubicon X, complete with a power dome hood, red tow hooks, and steel bumpers.
Key Competitors
Sum Up
The original, The best
