Freedom. Excitement. Purpose. Adventure. Icon.
For seventy years no singular word has more fully encompassed the impact of the Jeep Wrangler than that of "Icon". It has carried heavy artillery through combat zones, has served as a purpose vehicle for America's heartland, and has led expeditions into the unknown. The iconic Jeep Wrangler has entrenched itself as a symbol of freedom in all its forms and with the launch of the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler, the convergence of past and future has made the present an exciting time.
First and foremost, the 2012 edition of Jeep's JK Wrangler has the same iconic soul but also features a new heart, mostly in the form of an available 3.6L VVT Pentastar V-6 engine borrowed from the 2011 Grand Cherokee. Upon hearing the 3.6L V-6 from the Grand Cherokee would be the replacement for the highly underpowered and often criticized 3.8L used in the previous model JK's, I knew this vehicle would be something special. Needless to say, I was right.
My time with the venerable new Wrangler began with a discussion involving engineers and designers whose sole purpose was to deliver a completely refined vehicle. As one engineer put it, "We wanted to focus on three key items: Capability, Refinement, and the needs of our customers including fuel economy and performance enhancements."
Capability and Performance
Out of the box, the 2012 JK Wrangler is the most capable and refined Jeep Wrangler I've ever driven. The 3.6L Pentastar V-6 has been reduced by more than 90lbs, compared to its 3.8L predecessor, helping to slightly increase approach angle. Also, the relocation of the alternator to a higher position on the engine helps to achieve maximum water fording.
In addition, the new Wrangler has an increase of 13% in fuel economy, nearly 40% in horsepower - up to 285hp from 202hp in the previous version - and a 10% increase in torque which delivers the Wrangler into a brave new world that actually demands respect while on and off-road. I personally drove a 2011 version of the Wrangler after spending a full day, on and off-road in the 2012, and I can attest to the night and day difference in overall performance between the two engine platforms. The new Pentastar V-6 is just that good and then some.
Additionally, the new Wrangler features a silky smooth A580 five-speed automatic transmission that not only works to improve the aforementioned increase in fuel economy but also significantly reduces interior noise, particularly while driving at highway speeds. One can actually drive this vehicle and have a normal voiced conversation at the same time!
Another nice feature of the five-speed automatic transmission is its "fill for life" design which means the transmission requires no maintenance under normal operation. For off-road enthusiasts and Jeep "freaks" though, normalcy may be a matter of perspective. Nonetheless, I found the new transmission option to be without limits and is an excellent mate to the 3.6L Pentastar V-6.
For off-road use, the 2012 JK Wrangler is equipped with three skid plates/bars. The Rubicon model, which I test drove through a challenging course of rock and dirt in the Pacific Northwest, includes steel rock rails that provide much needed protection.
The approach and departure angles are also improved with approach angle at 44.6 degrees for the 2-door, 44.4 degrees for the 4-door, and departure angles of 40.6 and 40.7 degrees respectively depending on tire size. The Rubicon features the same 32" tires and electronic swaybar disconnect in previous versions of the JK. These two options continue to be favorites of mine as the swaybar is quick to disengage and the tire size accommodates most off-road travel needs.
In essence, the Rubicon is far more capable and efficient than its predecessors in stock form. The enhanced powertrain, improvement of approach and departure angles, and overall drivability make the vehicle extremely pleasant to drive. Whether your travels include highway or remote backcountry destinations, the 2012 version has no problems getting you there and back again.
Refinement
Compared to the 2010 version of the JK, the 2012 edition is almost a completely new vehicle.
In 2011, the vehicle saw a complete overhaul to the interior including better materials, smarter orientation of the gauge cluster and instrument panel, as well as sufficiently more comfortable seating just to name a few.
For 2012, the enhancements go further with an ergonomically designed instrument panel and plenty of storage areas - which is crucial for weekend excursions with the family or long term 4x4 travel.
Additionally, optional leather seating is available with luxuries such as: heated seats and heated power mirrors, easy-to-use steering wheel controls for hands-free phone and radio control, use of hex-head bolts throughout to add an element of "rugged refinement", and numerous twelve-volt accessory outlets throughout the front, middle, and rear cargo areas. There's even an available 115-volt power outlet to provide power similar to AC outlets in a home. This is definitely useful while at basecamp.
I particularly like the leather seat option as cleaning the interior is always an issue with cloth seats. I also like the intelligent and functional layout of the instrument cluster and the availability of numerous twelve-volt accessory outlets throughout the vehicle. These outlets are extremely useful and in past versions of the Wrangler, I had felt constrained from using additional accessories, including a fridge/freezer or other items while in the backcountry, because of a limitation in the number of available outlets.
Lastly, an inlay on the front passenger grab handle that says "Jeep Since 1941" solidifies the refinement inspiration from Fiat while staying true to this iconic brand and the hex-head bolts throughout the interior achieve the "rugged refinement" of the vehicle.
70 Years and Counting
For a company that went from "Chapter 11 to Chapter 1" as Mike Manley, President and CEO of the Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC noted when the 2011 Grand Cherokee was launched, it is evident there is a rejuvenated sense of the brand's pride. Capability, refinement, and overall performance have indeed set new benchmarks with the 2012 Jeep Wrangler.
70 years of history have gone into the creation and development of this American original and driving the 2012 Wrangler reaffirms the brand's commitment to staying true to this American icon. Whether driving along winding roads or through challenging terrain in the backcountry, I can't say enough about how exceptional the vehicle's new powertrain performs. Couple this with eye-pleasing design cues and unparalleled functionality and it's proof the freedom, excitement, purpose, and adventure of the Jeep brand will sustain its true heritage. A heritage that has made it an American Icon.