2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Road Test Review

There's only one Wrangler, unless of course you opt for the Wrangler Unlimited with its four-door functionality. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

of the current JK model, although at least one interior rendition ago. The new 2011 Wrangler is an impressive step up in refinement, but Jeep fans needn't worry, as it's still a throwback to a time when SUVs were purely designed for off-road duty.

That's where the Wrangler is best suited, and that's not to say it isn't capable of paved city and highway operation. Its firm ride might not be to everyone's tastes, while its workhorse 3.8-litre V6 and balky 6-speed manual shifter can turn a casual jaunt to the store in any other car into an adventure unto itself. Much of that labour can be reduced by purchasing its optional 4-speed automatic, which will additionally improve some peoples' off-road experiences, albeit at the expensive of sneers by 4x4 purists at Jeep Jamboree events.

Such loyalists, in their V8-powered CJ-5s

The hardtop isn't a standard Wrangler feature, but in Canada it's a necessity if you want to drive it year-round. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

enhanced with layers upon layers of mud-spray not to mention those oh-so-tacky bullet-hole decals, would no doubt turn their noses up at the Wrangler Unlimited I was driving too, even in its 4x4-ready Rubicon trim. First of all it's much too pretty, with nary a scratch on it. And like I hinted at before, the interior is downright luxurious compared to their '70s era CJ5s, with zero painted bodywork on the dash, full door panels with only the very edges of each showing body-colour metal, heated leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cool brushed metallic trim and loads of top-tier electronics like navigation, and a powerful audio system with a faceplate that powers up and out of the way for loading CDs while housing Sirius satellite radio, an auxiliary plug, a USB slot and Bluetooth connectivity.

Of course, such niceties aren't standard fare, but you really can't get a barebones Wrangler anymore. Even the regular-wheelbase two-door entry-level Wrangler Sport comes equipped with car-like features such as a

A much more upscale Wrangler interior is nevertheless still 100% Jeep! (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

tilt steering column, variable intermittent wipers, and an AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, plus a load of off-road goodies like its Dana 30 solid front axle, Dana 44 heavy-duty solid rear axle, 3.21 axle ratio, skid plates, and tow hooks. Fog lamps are standard too. Odd to anyone moving up from a car is the need to purchase a hardtop, the Sunrider soft-top coming standard. Convenience items I happen to like include a rear under-floor storage bin, a floor console with its locking bin, and the removable carpet panels with floor drain plugs really come in handy if you get caught out in the rain with the top down – not recommended if your Wrangler is outfitted in leather like my tester. All Wranglers come with standard electronic driving safety aids too, such as ABS enhanced brakes, traction and stability control, hill start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system,

T-top like panels can open up the roof to the sun. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

although side airbags are optional and curtain airbags are non-existent like with all convertibles.

There are five trim levels available, my Rubicon being the most expensive yet not necessarily top of the line, depending on your priorities. Above Sport is Sport S, which ups the wheels from 16-inch steel rollers to 17-inch alloys on 255/75R17 on/off-road rubber, and adds cruise control, deep tint windows and the aforementioned leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Sahara improves drivability with a set of 18-inch alloy rims on 255/70R18 on/off-road tires plus a beefier heavy-duty suspension that raises ground clearance from 8.8 inches (8.7 in the Unlimited) to 10.1 inches (10.0 inches in the Unlimited), while upping its style factor with body-colour fender flares, tubular side steps, and Jeep's cool Freedom Top

Rear seat in the Unlimited is much roomier than in the base Wrangler. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

three-piece modular hardtop with removable T-top like panels up front (now available in body-colour). Additionally the Sahara gets power locks with keyless remote entry, power windows with auto-down, automatic headlamps, air conditioning, premium Infinity speakers plus a subwoofer, and a new 115-volt power outlet.

The Wrangler Rubicon doesn't build off of the Sahara, but rather off of the Sport S before adding 17-inch alloy wheels on special LT255/70R17 off-road boots that are better for 4x4 use, plus a Dana 44 heavy-duty solid front axle, a 4.10 axle ratio, front and rear remote electronic locking differentials, an electronic disconnecting front sway bar, and a performance-tuned suspension with the same ride height upgrade as with the Sahara. Convenience items include power locks, powered windows, air conditioning, and the Infinity audio upgrade. Of course, mine had all of the luxury extras already offered, along with an optional

Rear door opens to the curb making access to the cargo area difficult while parallel parked. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

soft-top that was inconveniently left sprawling across the back of the SUV during my test week. If I had somewhere to leave the hardtop I could have removed it and snapped the soft-top in place, plus I could have removed the standard full doors via their exposed hinges before adding the cooler looking optional half-metal doors, if provided. Such accessories and many more are available to Wrangler buyers, making it an extremely versatile plaything.

Plaything? Isn't it a good family vehicle too? Yes, and no. Yes, with the longer, four-door Unlimited body style, that increases the wheelbase from 2,423 to 2,946 millimeters (
95.4 to 116.0 inches), the Wrangler transforms into a much friendlier family hauler, but unless your significant other is Lara Croft with buns of steel she'll leave

An optional soft-top can enhance summer fun. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

you driving the Wrangler to work while nabbing the Fiat 500 you bought to make your commute more economical (and fun). If Wrangler's ride and handling aren't punishing enough day in and day out, its fuel economy won't score any points at an overly optimistic estimated rating of 13.9 L/100km city and 10.6 highway with the manual or 14.4 and 10.5 with the automatic. At least it only needs regular fuel.

And like I mentioned before, the powertrain is more of a workhorse mule than a spirited thoroughbred. At first glance 202 horsepower seems pretty good and 237 lb-ft of torque ample to launch it off the line with verve, but quick notice of its rather hefty curb weight, 2,062 kilos (4,545 lbs) as tested, won't leave you feeling very sporty. It's tow rating is only OK, at a mere 907 kg (2,000 lbs) maximum in the standard body configuration and 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) with the Unlimited, while cargo capacity is better with 487

Jeep reminds us of its 70-plus year heritage. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

litres (17.2 cubic feet) behind the rear seats and 1,600 litres (56.5 cubic feet) when folded down in the two-door configuration and 1,314 and 2,322 litres (46.4 and 82.0 cubic feet) respectively with the four-door.

Then again the Wrangler's price might make put a big smile on your face. After all, it's pretty difficult to get anywhere near as much cool factor from anything else priced around the Wrangler's $22,995 base, destination charge included. The Wrangler Unlimited starts at $28,095 and my Unlimited Rubicon tester retails for $34,895.

Whether you want a Wrangler Unlimited for your family or a regular Wrangler for a little

If you want the ultimate in Jeep 4x4 capability, opt for the Rubicon package. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Dual Income No Kids action, look no further as there's really very little else that will suffice in its segment. There are competitive 4x4s for sure, but none that allow you to get down and get dirty topless and zilch that offer as many OEM and aftermarket accessories, not to mention off-road clubs to go into the wild yonder with.

Simply said, "Since 1941" as a dash embossed inscription reads, there's only been one Jeep. And the Wrangler is the brand icon.©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)]]>