2016 Jeep Wrangler Review

We love:

• Unparalleled off-road capability
• Modern cabin
• Good sound system

Pain points:

• Rough suspension
• Cabin noise at highway speed

75th Anniversary Edition Jeep Wrangler

2016 Jeep Wrangler review

Tracing its lineage back to World War II, the Jeep Wrangler is the most capable off-roader offered by Jeep, and arguably the off-road pick in standard trim from any manufacturer.

Exterior of the 2016 Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler has an aggressive and distinctive style that sets it apart from other 4WD's. You can choose a soft or hard top, a two or a four-door wagon. Removable doors can be taken out when the soft top is down for that open-air feel. The removable hard top can be easily taken off or put back on by one person. The back doors are removable too, so you can get a true open-air feel—this is a two person job—and the upper tailgate can also be removed.

Image courtesy of Car and Driver.

Front and rear fog lights ensure visibility, while under the vehicle, steel plates protect vital components like the fuel tank from damage in rough terrain.

Standard colours are black or white, while other colours cost extra. The only catch is the rear tailgate - to load up the back, you have open the bottom tailgate before you can open the upper tailgate.

Inside the 2016 Jeep Wrangler

Expect quality materials and technology like climate control air conditioning to keep you comfortable on beach runs in the scorching Australian summer.

Getting in is a bit of a jump unless you've got the optional side-steps, there's no convenient assistance handle. Once inside, the cabin feels very authentic, the sitting position is more like an old-fashioned truck, but the interior fit and finish is modern with easy to use tech.

Quality inside the 2016 Jeep Wrangler - image courtesy of Car and Driver

The two-door Jeep Wrangler seats four, and the five-door option seats five. Access to the rear seats in the two-door model is awkward. In the four-door, you can fit two adults and a child across the rear easily, with the height making it easy to get a child in or out of a car seat.

The Overland and Rubicon models feature leather trim and heated front seats. There's no reversing camera, but there are four airbags and electronic stability control.

Connectivity

A six-speaker audio system with a radio and CD player, controlled by voice or using buttons on the steering wheel. You can connect your phone using Bluetooth, AUX and USB, and the base model sound system is excellent.

You can choose to add an optional 6.5-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation for access to the audio system, phone connectivity and cabin comfort. The highest spec Rubicon has a better sound system with a subwoofer.

What's it like to drive a 2016 Jeep Wrangler?

The Jeep Wrangler is a part-time 4WD, which means that you use a lever to select rear-wheel drive for regular sealed roads or 4WD for off-road. On rough roads, low range gears make driving slowly easier. Electronic traction control helps to prevent wheel spin in slippery or unstable environments.

The Rubicon is the most competent off-roader, with front and rear differential locks, front suspension with an off-road mode to provide more wheel travel, operated by a dashboard switch, extra underbody protection and stronger front and rear differentials than the lower spec options.

Image courtesy of Car and Driver

On the freeway, cruise control is set using buttons on the steering wheel. The excellent off-road ability enhanced by the truck-style chassis compromises the handling of bitumen, meaning that you'll have to correct the steering more, especially on bumpy roads at high speed. There's some wind noise in the cabin at high speeds from the square windscreen corners.

Be aware that the two-door version can only tow 1,000 kilograms, so you can't take much more than a jetski. It is more manoeuvrable in tight corners off-road though. The four-door model, pulls 2,000 kilograms, enough for a caravan or loaded trailer.

Who's the 2016 Jeep Wrangler for?

The Jeep Wrangler is an icon, ideal for anyone who loves to get off-road. The modern version of "the car that won a war" and went on to inspire the Land Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol, and still retains its authentic character.

With a 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, it's good value for the off-road or beach lifestyle.

Feature Summary

Price: $24,550-60,490

Engine: 3.6L V6 petrol (209kW/347Nm) or 2.8L four-cylinder diesel (only automatic) .

Transmission: part-time 4WD, six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

Wheels: 17 or 18-inch Aluminium alloy with all-terrain tyres, full-size spare.

Safety: 4 star ANCAP - based on the 2012 two-door model.

Fuel: Optional diesel automatic: 8.8L/100km or standard petrol: 13L/100km

Emissions: 263g/km

AV and tech: 6-speaker audio system with CD & radio, voice control, Bluetooth, AUX & USB input

Seats: 4 or 5

Doors: 2 or 4

You can finance a 2016 Jeep Wrangler from $160/week*, get a quick quote to find out exactly what it will cost to own this rugged and iconic 4WD.

No time to shop around for your car? Just tell us exactly what you want, including the features and colour. We will find the vehicle to match and negotiate the best price for you.

*Over a 5-year loan term.