The 2023 Jeep Wrangler is one of the most capable off-roaders you’ll find on dealer lots right now, but it’s available in 12 trims, from the basic Sport model to the rip-roarin’ V8-powered 392. This question is serious. : which one is the best? Fortunately, we have some experience in this area. We’ve driven and tested more than our fair share of Wranglers, and we’ve even bought one for our long-term fleet. It’s safe to say that we’re well-acquainted with the JL Wrangler, so here’s what we recommend if you want to treat yourself to this off-road warrior.
Which we recommend: Wrangler Rubicon
To properly fulfill the Wrangler’s core mission of being a go-anywhere, do-anything machine, the Rubicon trim (and all its associated off-road goodies) is one. Yes, it’s pricier than the majority of the Wrangler lineup, but what you get for the money is something along the lines of Billy Goat levels of off-road prowess. The list of features included in the Rubicon trim is long and includes 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, heavy-duty front and rear axles, 4:1 low-range gearing, electronically locking front and rear differentials, and front Stabilizer bar included. Connects and disconnects electronically, and some rock rails.
There are so many options to choose from, and aftermarket support for the Wrangler is so plentiful that choosing from those catalogs can be even more tedious than actually deciding what Wrangler you want in the first place. That said, there are quite a few choice option packs from Jeep itself, we’d suggest you spring for it. led light package vastly improves the headlights (and, frankly, they just look cooler) while The safety group adds a blind-spot warning system and parking sensors.
We think these options round out the Wrangler experience, bringing the total to $46,235 for the two-door Rubicon and $52,030 for the four-door model. It’s worth noting that these come with a six-speed manual, and the automatic (which some may prefer) is a $2,000 option, regardless of door count.
Wrangler on a budget? willie is the way
If you still want the Wrangler-level feel but think nearly $50,000 is a little too pricey, there are plenty of viable options at the start of the Wrangler lineup. The best way to save some serious cash is to ditch the extra doors. Four-door Wranglers (called Wrangler Unlimited) carry a nearly $4,500 premium over the two-door cars, and if you can live without the extra space, it’s an easy way to save some serious coin .
As for the trim to buy, we say go for the Willys Sport model. It comes as standard with a more off-road-oriented wheel and tire combination and has some cosmetic upgrades, such as a blacked-out grille and a different front bumper, which make the car look far more advanced than the standard Sport model. Let’s make They also do a proper imitation of the Rubicon trim, to boot. There aren’t too many choices when it comes to Willys models, and this one keeps things simple. We’d recommend going for the eight-speed automatic transmission and pairing it with the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. It helps keep weight down, adds efficiency, and the turbo-four is just as powerful as the old Pentastar V6.
Want the Ultimate Wrangler? there is only one option
If money is no concern, then you must go for the Wrangler 392. It’s got a rip-roaring V8 and the ruckus that comes with it, some genuinely sporty driving dynamics, and plenty of off-road hardware. It starts at $84,290, and that’s a lot of dough, but we’d choose that too if we had our Druther.