The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most iconic and recognizable vehicles in the world. It has a rich history that dates back to the World War II era when it was born as a military vehicle that helped the Allies win the war. Since then, it has evolved into a modern and versatile SUV that can tackle any terrain and challenge while also offering comfort and convenience for everyday driving.
The Wrangler has also been a huge success for Jeep, selling over 5 million units worldwide since its debut in 1986. The five-millionth Wrangler, a 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon 20th Anniversary Edition in Earl exterior paint, was sold to a customer in Camden, New Jersey, in August 2023. The lucky owner received $5,000 worth of Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar and lifetime Jeep Wave customer care benefits.
We will take a look at how the Jeep Wrangler has changed over the years, what makes it so popular and appealing to different types of customers, and what the future holds for this legendary off-roader.
The Evolution of the Wrangler
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler is the direct descendant of the original Willys MB, which Willys-Overland developed as a light reconnaissance vehicle for the U.S. Army in 1941. The Willys MB, along with its Ford counterpart, the GPW, became known as the Jeep, a name that was derived from either the military designation GP (General Purpose) or a slang term for a new recruit.
The Jeep proved to be a reliable and versatile vehicle that could handle any terrain and weather condition. It was used for various purposes, such as transporting troops and supplies, towing artillery, scouting enemy positions, and even serving as an ambulance. The Jeep also became a symbol of freedom and democracy, as it helped liberate Europe and Asia from Nazi and Japanese occupation.
After the war ended, Willys-Overland decided to capitalize on the popularity and reputation of the Jeep by creating a civilian version called the CJ (Civilian Jeep). The CJ series lasted from 1945 to 1985 and introduced several improvements and innovations over the military model, such as more powerful engines, better suspension, larger tires, and more comfortable seats. The CJ series also spawned various derivatives and models, such as the Jeepster, the Wagoneer, the Gladiator, and the Scrambler.
In 1986, Jeep introduced the first generation of the Wrangler (YJ), which replaced the CJ-7 as the brand’s main compact SUV. The Wrangler was designed to be more modern and refined than the CJ series while still retaining its off-road capability and rugged charm. The Wrangler featured a wider track, a lower center of gravity, improved handling and stability, and more safety features. It also had square headlights instead of round ones, which caused some controversy among purists.
The second generation of the Wrangler (TJ) debuted in 1997 and brought back the round headlights as well as other classic design cues from the CJ series. The TJ also introduced a major innovation: coil springs instead of leaf springs for the suspension system. This resulted in a smoother ride, better articulation, and more ground clearance. The TJ also offered more engine options, including a 4.0-liter inline-six that produced 190 horsepower.
The third generation of the Wrangler (JK) arrived in 2007 and was larger and more spacious than its predecessors. For the first time in its history, the Wrangler was available in two body styles: a two-door model and a four-door model called the Wrangler Unlimited. The JK also had more advanced features and technology, such as electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, anti-lock brakes, and an optional navigation system.
The fourth and current generation of the Wrangler (JL) was launched in 2018 and represented a significant evolution of the model. The JL was lighter, stronger, and more aerodynamic than the JK, thanks to the use of aluminum and high-strength steel in its construction. The JL also had a redesigned grille, a fold-down windshield, removable doors, and LED lights. The JL offered a range of engine choices, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with mild hybrid system, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with optional eTorque mild hybrid system, a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, and a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 for the Rubicon 392 model. The JL also had a plug-in hybrid variant called the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, which combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with two electric motors and a 17 kWh battery pack. The Wrangler 4xe could deliver up to 375 horsepower, 470 pound-feet of torque, and 21 miles of electric-only range.
