2010 Jeep Wrangler Review

Jeep expanded the market for its two-door four-wheel-drive Wrangler predecessors that earned iconic status in World War II by introducing the larger, roomier, more comfortable four-door Wrangler Unlimited in 2007.

The Unlimited, which comes with a soft top or a removable hard top, is the only four-door convertible. It has a few strategic changes for 2010 and continues to be readily identifiable as a Wrangler. As with the two-door version, its retro Jeep features include a signature 7-slot grille, wide wheel flares, round headlights exposed forged hinges and fold-down windshield.

The Unlimited is 20.6 inches longer and has a 116-inch wheelbase, which helps give it a smoother ride than the 95.4-inch-wheelbase Wrangler two-door.

The Unlimited has room for five occupants, although the center of the upright rear seat is too flat to comfortably accommodate more than four. The Wrangler two-door looks sportier, but is no sports car.

Despite its more civilized nature, the Unlimited has the goat-like off-road prowess of its two-door sister, which got much-needed improvements over its 1997-2006 predecessors. The Wrangler two-door comes only with four-wheel drive, while the Unlimited is offered with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.

The Wrangler has list prices ranging from $21,165 to $28,775, while the Unlimited costs from $24,585 to $32,050.

I drove the top-line $32,050 Unlimited Rubicon model, which has extra-rugged off-roading features such as a Rock-Trac two-speed transfer case, electric front and rear-axle lockers, electronic front sway-bar disconnect for added wheel travel on challenging terrain and 32-inch off-road tires.

Despite those rugged-use items, my test Unlimited had a generally supple ride, although it got a bit jittery on undulating tollway surfaces. Like all Unlimited models, my test vehicle steered, handled and braked well for a vehicle designed to be at home both on roads as during rugged off-road driving.

Standard Unlimited features include electronic stability control and roll mitigation and anti-lock brakes with a brake-assist feature and seat-mounted front side air bags.

Lower spring rates and advanced shock absorber tuning help provide a better ride. Also, there's a stiffer frame, and powertrain and body mounts isolate the passenger compartment from vibrations.

All Wrangler Unlimiteds are heavy, at more than 4,000 pounds As with the two-door model, they're powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine with 202 horsepower. It provides lively in-town performance and decent merging onto expressways and during 65-75 mph passing-at least with only one occupant. It's a big improvement over the ancient  inline 190-horsepower six-cylinder that was replaced for 2007.

The engine is set back for good weight distribution and works with a six-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission, which is responsive but old-fashioned with  only four forward speeds.

Estimated fuel economy is marginal, at 15 mpg in the city and 19-20 on highways, although a large 22.5-gallon fuel tank extends cruising range. Only 87-octane gasoline is required, but I can't imagine how much good the new fuel-saver indicator will do.

The generally quiet interior is a far cry from the one in an early generation Wrangler two-door I drove a few years ago. That one really bounced me around on most roads and felt as if it was fighting a wrong-way windstorm while cruising at only 50 mph.

It takes extra effort to get in and out of the Unlimited. Doors have large handles, but also pushbuttons that can be difficult to use. Narrow rear doorways really call for extra agility for entry or exit. But then, a Wrangler is not a vehicle for comfort-loving seniors.

Gauges can be easily read and most controls are easy to reach and use, although switches for locking differentials and other off-road aids are too low for easy use  Larger sliding sun visors with mirrors can be handy, and even the base model has a fair amount of equipment, including air conditioning.

Front console cupholders are easily reached, and there's a deep front console storage area with a top. Rear cupholders, however, are inconveniently put at floor level.

The swing-out tailgate has a large flip-open glass top. The load floor is rather high, but  the cargo area is large and the split-folding rear seat tumbles forward to provide a really impressive amount of room.  

A redesigned soft top makes the convertible top easier to open and close. There also is a  modular hard top, which has three panels to to provide more options for open-air driving. The hard top comes in a $1,625 option group that includes a rear window wiper/washer and defroster.

One almost wonders if Jeep is getting just a little "soft." That is, the new Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon and $28,905 Sahara now offer optional two-tone leather seats. Windows for all doors lower completely and power windows are available with plug-in/out capability and allow doors to be easily removed.

There are a fairly large number of Unlimited options, including "Uconnect Navigation" with "Uconnect" phone, a six-disc stereo, MP3 player and Sirius satellite radio.

The heavy hood is held open by only a prop rod, but fluid filler areas are easily reached.

While the Wrangler Unlimited isn't for everybody, it's more civilized and useful than the two-door Wrangler.