For 2020, the Wrangler gets thorough powertrain updates thanks to mild-hybrid and stop/start technology. A turbodiesel V-6 is new this year and will satisfy hardcore off-roaders looking for more grunt. Willys and Freedom Editions return with throwback and military-themed styling cues, and LED headlights are now available on the base Sport model.
he 2020 Wrangler is one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road, and though it’s been recently redesigned, there’s no mistaking it for anything else. Base models look decidedly cheaper than the fancy Sahara or macho Rubicon, but when you can take the roof, doors, and windshield off, who cares what the rest looks like? The interior has seen the biggest design evolution, and that’s a welcome change over the bargain basement cabin from the previous model. Fit and finish is improved, sound deadening increased, and the dash is lowered for a more pleasant experience all around.
A 3.6-liter V-6 comes standard, as does a 6-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drive. Off-road enthusiasts will likely choose this tried-and-true combination, but an 8-speed automatic is available for those who don’t want to (or can’t) row their own. A 2.0-liter turbo-4 is also available for those looking for improved efficiency, and the new (to the Wrangler, at least) 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 improves torque and fuel economy. All engines get an automatic stop/start system, while Sahara models add a mild-hybrid powertrain on the two gas engines; the “eTorque” system uses batteries to help with low-speed acceleration and smoother stop/start operation.
From bare-bones toy to fully-fledged family SUV, the Jeep Wrangler is available in a variety of trim levels with many options, though the base Sport is as spartan as SUVs come. Two-door models are still available in Sport, Sport S, and Rubicon form, but most buyers choose the four-door Wrangler Unlimited. The Rubicon is the most capable Wrangler model yet again with beefier suspension components, bigger tires, locking differentials and disconnecting sway bars, a part-time transfer case, and taller fender flares for even larger tires.
Despite its undeniable charm and capability, the Wrangler manages only average fuel economy even with the help of hybrid tech, and though it’s been out for two years now, crash tests aren’t yet fully complete. Some active safety features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking are available on most models, and Jeep offers higher-end audio, a choice of fold-away tops, and other luxury touches to the Wrangler.
Styling
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler occupies a special place in American lore, and a lot of that has to do with its styling homage to wartime Jeeps. We give it 8 out of 10 with special consideration of its improved interior.
One could call the Wrangler neo-retro, but only because the general design hasn’t changed much in decades, and it now features available LED headlights and taillights. That’s a good thing in our eyes, as the Wrangler is sharper and more cohesive than ever from the outside, though base models still look cheap with steel wheels and a fabric top.
Inside, the Wrangler has improved dramatically from a style and quality standpoint over the previous generation, featuring a lower dash with a handsome center console design, and neat trim touches on higher-spec models. A 5.0-inch screen is standard and way too small, so opt for the 7.0- or 8.4-inch instead for better tech and looks.
Performance
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is as capable off-road as ever. That was never in doubt, but its on-road manners have improved significantly, and with the addition of a long-awaited diesel engine this year, we give it 5 out of 10 for performance. The powertrains and off-road ability garner extra points—and while improved, its handling takes those extra points away.
Most Wranglers will roll off the line with the tried-and-true 3.6-liter V-6 and 8-speed automatic transmission as well as standard four-wheel drive, though a 6-speed manual is the standard transmission option and the default for many off-road enthusiasts. This powertrain offers 285 horsepower, which is enough to putter around town easily, but lacks some low-end torque that’s preferable off-road. An optional 2.0-liter turbo-4 is available and improves low-end power but loses 15 horsepower compared to the V-6 and comes exclusively with the automatic transmission.
This year, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 is available, and it’ll be a welcome addition for those who take their Wranglers off the beaten path regularly. Its appeal is 442 pound-feet of low-end torque to clamber up any mountainside.
Also for 2020, the mild-hybrid eTorque system that improves the standard stop/start functionality and power delivery at low speeds is available as an option for the V-6 and turbo-4 on Sahara models only.
Base models are plenty capable off-road with solid axles and a ladder frame, but the Rubicon model offers the most capability with its 33-inch tires, beefed-up suspension, locking differentials, and disconnecting sway bars. The Rubicon also comes in two-door form, giving it a shorter wheelbase that makes it superior off-road to the four-door.
Crucially, the new Wrangler is more comfortable on pavement than the outgoing model, with improvements to the suspension, sound deadening, and steering that take it from downright unpleasant at high speeds to tolerable, at least. It’s still inferior to just about any passenger car we can name, but it’s no longer cursed on long highway drives.
Comfort & Quality
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is improved in terms of comfort and quality but is still no Grand Cherokee. Not even close, really, and we give it 5 out of 10 here, adding a point for cargo space, but docking one for the dreary interior trim on what’s become an expensive SUV.
Despite its utilitarian character, the Wrangler is lacking in interior storage space, and though the four-door model is more accessible for rear passengers, it isn’t a place we’d want to spend longer than a short journey in the two-door version. We suspect that’s why the four-door model has easily eclipsed its shorter counterpart in terms of sales.
The front seats are supportive enough and include standard adjustable lumbar support. Finished in cloth or optional leather, they’re not as cushy as other Jeep seats, but they do the trick.
Cargo room is decent at 32 cubic feet behind the rear seats in either model, with infinite vertical storage capability if you pop off the roof. With the second row down, that number jumps to 72.4 cubic feet on the four-door Unlimited model. Those somehow needing more would be wise to consider the new Gladiator, which is a Wrangler with a pickup truck bed.
The dash is low, wide, and straight for better outward visibility, and both material quality and sound deadening are improved on the new generation, but base Sport and Sport S models feature plenty of hard plastics that are less rugged and charming than they are off-putting, especially for an SUV that starts above $30,000.
At the top of the range, the Wrangler costs more than $50,000, which is more palatable if you really need or want all the off-road capability you can buy. For a daily driver, there are countless better deals available.