Automaker product lineups have continually expanded and contracted over the years and will continue to do so as markets and consumers' desires shift. Some vehicle models remain more steadfast than others. Take the Jeep Wrangler, for example. As the replacement for the first civilian Jeep, the CJ, which itself was the successor to the U.S. Army-spec Willys-Overland Jeep, the Wrangler has become an icon in its own right, setting a standard for off-road capability.
Photo: Beverly Braga
Currently in its fourth generation, the Wrangler underwent a complete redesign for 2018 and was significantly refreshed for the 2024 model year. As such, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler is a carryover model, with two notable updates: standard power windows and door locks, plus a new army-green-inspired paint called '41, a nod to the brand's military roots. a nod to the brand's military roots.
With standard four-wheel drive (4WD), the Wrangler is available in both two- and four-door versions. Engine choices include three gasoline-only options and a plug-in hybrid powertrain available in the Wrangler 4xe. Wrangler trim levels are Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392. Prices range from $34,090 to $101,990, including the destination charge.
For this 2025 Wrangler review, Jeep provided a two-door model equipped with the Rubicon X trim and the following options:
The test vehicle’s manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $66,700, including the $1,995 destination charge to ship the SUV from the Toledo, Ohio, assembly plant to a local dealership. The price does not reflect any current rebates, incentives, or price adjustments since Jeep manufactured the test vehicle.
Photo: Beverly Braga
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler has a noticeably square design, yet it can be the life of any 4x4 party. Its boxy shape stands out proudly among a sea of similar-looking crossovers and SUVs. Additionally, the Rubicon X trim features factory-installed 35-inch BF Goodrich KO2 tires and is equipped with extra off-road gear, including steel bumpers, a 1.5-inch suspension lift, specially tuned shocks, and a full-time 4:1 transfer case. An available Warn winch can pull up to 8,000 pounds.
The standard towing capacity is 2,000 pounds for the two-door Rubicon X, but it increases to 3,500 pounds with the four-door.
However, despite the Jeep's distinctive look, especially with the Firecracker Red finish on my tester, the two-door Wrangler's cabin is cramped. Getting in and out requires some tugging and pulling, even if you are small like me (I am 5-foot-2). There is not much storage space either.
The glovebox can hold a few, um, gloves, and there are cupholders at the front and rear. However, because the doors and roof can be removed, you get mesh nets for door pockets. Pack light because cargo space is ridiculously small. This Wrangler is not what you would want to drive to Costco unless you plan to buy only the hot dog and soda combo.
In addition, only the front passenger seat has a built-in tilt function for accessing the second row. The seat slides forward and backward but it does not lock into place. It is not ideal for getting into the vehicle, especially if it is parked on a hill, since both you and the seat will be fighting against gravity.
Outside of the ingress/egress P.E. test, the cabin is purpose-built and intuitively functional. A 12.3-inch infotainment center is standard, but so are oversized buttons, knobs, and dials. The interior switches are easy to read, within reach, and feature rubberized surfaces for better tactile control, especially if you converted to an open-air cockpit.
Photo: Beverly Braga
Uconnect 5 is the latest infotainment software offered by Stellantis, Jeep's parent company. In the Wrangler, this system comes standard and is accessed through a 12.3-inch color touchscreen. This display, along with the 7-inch digital driver information panel, is customizable. Uconnect 5 standard features include:
As you progress up the lineup, more technologies become available, but typically as part of a larger options bundle. They are:
One notable feature is Adventure Guides and GPS Trail Logs, together known as the Jeep Connect Off-Road Pages+ package. New owners receive a two-year free trial of the native app that includes over 200 off-road routes supplied by Trails Offroad, including Jeep Badge of Honor trails. Enthusiasts can subscribe to the premium all-access membership for $39.99 annually. This unlocks more than 3,000 trails, along with additional planning and logging features.
Although I did not venture off the grid during my week with the Wrangler, I enjoyed exploring the off-road pages. Like AllTrails, a popular hiking app, the trails guide offers difficulty ratings, waypoints, photos, and downloadable maps for use in areas without cell service. Unfortunately, the regular navigation maps were not always as helpful.
Whether using the in-car TomTom system or an Apple CarPlay connection, I regularly received pop-up notifications within the information cluster that confidently boasted, "You have reached your destination." The problem was that I was nowhere near the address I had entered; sometimes, I was nearly a mile away. This digital instrument panel is not standard equipment. It is packaged with "convenience" features such as satellite radio, automatic climate control, and heated seats.
The good news is that the amount of information shown on the instrument panel matches what appears on the center touchscreen. The bad news is that the display has clunky graphics and an awkward organization of its data pages and menus. I liked the information overload, but not the cumbersome navigation to access it.
Overall, Uconnect 5 is a user friendly operating system. I did not encounter any glitches or lag when I tapped the screen, and the icons and graphics were minimalist and easy to read. I especially liked the simple white, gray, and blue color scheme. If anything could be improved, I would suggest adding haptic feedback as an option and offering a Home screen that you can truly customize, rather than being limited to a set of templates.
Photo: Beverly Braga
Among the Wrangler's powertrain options, the 2.0-liter turbo-four in my test vehicle had the fewest cylinders, but that does not make the engine any less punchy. Rated at 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the turbocharged four-cylinder produces just 15 fewer hp than the standard 3.6-liter V6, but with a torque boost of 35 pound-feet. During acceleration, the power delivery remained consistent and smooth. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the small turbo also offers the best fuel economy.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2.0-liter-equipped Wrangler gets 21 mpg combined. With a 3.6-liter V6, that number drops to 19 mpg combined with the six-speed manual or 20 mpg with the eight-speed automatic. The 6.4-liter Hemi V8 is estimated at 14 mpg combined, and that is with "Fuel Saver Technology." The V8 also requires premium octane gas, while the V6 and four-cylinder can run on regular fuel.
Your mileage will vary, of course. During my time with the Wrangler, I covered 326.3 miles at an average of 16.4 mpg. Over a week, I fueled up twice. I would say the extra cost would be worth it if only the driving experience were more exhilarating than exhausting.
To its credit, the Wrangler Rubicon X is a genuine off-road vehicle straight from the factory. Its packaging is built for that purpose, from the chunky all-terrain tires and removal panels, to interior materials designed to withstand outdoor exposure.
Although I did not surf sand dunes or climb massive crags with the Wrangler, a few 17-degree slopes and off-camber trails gave me a taste of the SUV's capabilities. In the Rubicon X trim, the Wrangler tackles off-pavement terrain effortlessly, even in 2H. Switching to 4H or even 4L can be done quickly and is not really needed unless it is for slow-and-go suspension flexing sessions.
However, reaching those off-highway vehicle areas requires traveling on regular roads and highways. This is where the Jeep struggles. The features that make the Wrangler fun off the grid are the same ones that cause problems during everyday city driving. The big tires generate a lot of noise. The open-air design means less sound insulation, too.
Built for crawling, the Wrangler Rubicon X handles highway speeds awkwardly. Describing the steering and ride as taxing would be an understatement. In reality, a Jeep will spend more time on smooth roads than on rugged trails.
Photo: Beverly Braga
Jeep says that the 2025 Wrangler offers over 85 standard and available safety and security features. However, there is no standard naming for the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) group, and the base Sport model lacks several essential safety features. For instance, adaptive cruise control (ACC), blind spot warning, and rear park assist are not available at all.
Beginning with the Wrangler Sport S, these safety features are either standard or available as optional upgrades:
Jeep outfitted my test vehicle with every available ADAS technology, and they performed as expected. While using adaptive cruise control, the stop-and-go feature handled variable speeds smoothly without harsh braking or delayed acceleration.
I also appreciated the high-definition video from the front and rear-facing cameras. Even at night, the backup camera image remained clear, and the dynamic guidelines offered additional visual assistance. However, the Wrangler's complete lack of routine ADAS features, such as lane departure warning, was disappointing.
As of this writing, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has published overall crash safety ratings for the two-door 2025 Jeep Wrangler. However, the NHTSA gave the SUV a three-star rating (out of five) for rollover resistance. Similarly, in standalone evaluations, the IIHS rated the Wrangler's front crash prevention system as "Poor." The IIHS also rated the headlights as "Marginal" and "Poor," depending on the trim.
According to the JD Power 2025 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Ford Escape ranks highest in the Compact SUV segment. The Jeep Wrangler and the Nissan Rogue are the next highest-ranked models.
According to the JD Power 2025 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the Nissan Rogue ranks highest in the Compact SUV segment. The Buick Envision and the Mitsubishi Outlander are the next highest-ranked models.
Other 2025 Wrangler competitors include the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4.
For off-road adventures, the Jeep Wrangler is ready to deliver. However, buyer beware: the Wrangler you choose should match what you truly want or need. A day of dirt and rough terrain would make me grab the keys to the Rubicon X without hesitation. However, if hitting the trails is more of an occasional desire than a regular activity, there is no need for the lift kit, knobby tires, and an 8,000-pound-capable winch. If you go with these options, you will face a hefty price tag for choosing looks over affordability, practicality, and overall comfort.
A seasoned content creator and communications professional, Beverly Braga previously managed product communications for Kia and Mazda. On the editorial side, in addition to JDPower.com, Beverly has developed and produced numerous video series for Hagerty as well as written for Capital One, CarGurus, Digital Trends, The Drive, Motor1, and The New York Daily News.
Part of BMW’s Neue Klasse (new class) rollout of redesigned models, the 2027 BMW 3 Series is all-new and goes on sale in the first quarter of 2027.
Read the Full Article
Updates to the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport include a reworked suspension, improved steering, subtle styling enhancements, and added standard equipment.
Read the Full Article
The midsize 2027 Mercedes GLE remains available in original and spicy Coupe recipes, now with standard 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), MBUX Superscreen technology, and a panoramic glass sunroof for ...See More
Read the Full Article
Nissan is about to introduce an innovative new SUV. The 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid has a gasoline engine, but it does not power the wheels. Instead, electric motors at each axle provide propulsion, ...See More
Read the Full Article