No automaker does off-roading quite like Jeep, and behind the wheel of a 2021 Wrangler, you’ll be able to go anywhere and do anything with rugged style. New for this model year is a V6 mild-hybrid engine for the Sahara Unlimited trim, as well as an Altitude variant for the Sport and Sahara models. Aside from these developments, it’s still the same capable trail blazer that it’s always been, but with a few updates that serve to make it even better.
The refreshed Wrangler is available in two body styles: two-door and four-door Unlimited. There are three primary trim levels to choose from – Sport, Sahara (Unlimited only), and Rubicon – with several sublevels for each, such as the Sport S, Black and Tan, and Willys, as well as the Unlimited model’s Altitude versions for the Sport and Sahara trims. Both the two-door and the four-door are available with a removable soft or hard top.
The standard powertrain is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 285 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque, with your choice of a six -or eight-speed automatic transmission. Then there’s an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 270 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired exclusively to an eight-speed automatic. On Sahara models, versions of both engines can be had with the mild 48-volt hybrid eTorque system.
The base Sport comes with 17-inch steel wheels, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lights, removable metal doors, a fold-down windshield, push-button ignition, a folding rear bench seat, a 5-inch infotainment touchscreen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth capability, an eight-speaker audio system, and a USB port. The Unlimited version comes with a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and the Sport S receives alloy wheels, automatic headlights, remote lock/unlock, heated power mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Unlimited-only Altitude adds 18-inch wheels, heavy-duty brakes and suspension, and a hard top. The Black and Tan’s list of standard equipment starts out the same as the Sport S’s but adds all-terrain tires, side rails, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Willys gets a limited-slip rear differential, Rubicon shocks, enhanced brakes, 32-inch mud tires, and 17-inch black aluminum wheels. The Sahara is only available as a four-door Ultimate and adds most of the features from the above subtrims in addition to painted exterior body panels and trim. A full-time four-wheel drive system with a lockable center differential is optional. The Altitude gets leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Opt for the Rubicon and you’ll get the Sahara’s slate of standard equipment plus 17-inch wheels, special tires, heavy-duty axles, 4.0:1 low-range gearing (the others come with a 2.72:1 ratio), electronic front and rear lockable differentials, an electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar, and rock rails.
A majority of these desirable features are available packaged or as stand-alone options on the lower trims. All trims can be equipped with the Safety Group Package, which provides a blind-spot monitor and front and rear parking sensors. There’s also an Advanced Safety Group Package that adds adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. Other options include remote start, keyless entry, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, an 8.4-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system.