We're sure there are still a few Jeep Wrangler fanatics who are reeling from Jeep's decision to add a four-door version of this off-roader more than a decade ago, and now this Fiat Chrysler Automobiles subsidiary has rocked the boat again by redesigning the Wrangler into an all-new generation.
While the changes are small on the surface there are some more notable changes under the skin.
Those include a new optional four-cylinder engine, a 2.0L turbocharged unit that comes with an eTorque mild hybrid system conceived both to provide a small boost to performance and a more significant improvement to fuel economy. Jeep quotes performance ratings of 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque; they don't specify whether those figures include electric assist so we presume they do.
Standard power comes from a 3.6L "Pentastar" V6 carried over from last year making the same 285 hp and 260 lb-ft as it did, but it gains an auto stop/start function to help reduce fuel consumption.
The V6 comes standard with a redesigned six-speed manual transmission; optional with the V6 and standard in four-cylinder models is a new eight-speed automatic.
Naturally, 4WD is standard but there's news here too in an optional full-time system that sends power to all four wheels all the time. Standard kit once again includes a part-time system you have to have engage manually when you want it. As before, the Wrangler is a body-on-frame design to which are bolted front and rear solid axles with coil spring suspension.
To help cut fuel consumption, the new Wrangler's doors, hood, windshield frame and hinges (yes, the windshield still folds down) are now made of aluminum, and the rear swing gate is formed from aluminum. Both the angle of the windshield and the iconic seven-slot grille were optimized for aerodynamics.
The Wrangler range begins with a two-door model that is covered in its own buyer's guide entry.
If all that wasn't enough change for this legendary little truck, Jeep promises a diesel engine option is coming next year.
The new Wrangler's "authentic" interior includes modern touches like a gauge cluster with either a 3.5-inch or a 7.0-inch LED display, the (optional) larger of the two letting the driver customize what information it conveys. Then, the centre stack can be built around a choice of available 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreens that host the Uconnect infotainment system and the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration platforms.
