2007 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year Award: Testing
What's Old Is New Again, But Still Looks Old.
By Mark Williams
Risk levels have been on red alert for the redesigned Wrangler, which is the Jeep brand's central icon. Fortunately, nobody knows this better than the Jeep engineers. The two-door model has a new frame, but retains the traditional coil-spring/live-axle front and rear suspension. Although riding on a 2.5-inch-longer wheelbase and a five-inch-longer track, the Wrangler's notable improvements are to the previously Spartan interior comforts. The biggest news (literally), however, is the addition of the new four-door version named the Wrangler Unlimited. Offering the same trim levels as the two door (X, Sahara, and Rubicon), the Unlimited comes in either two- or four-wheel drive (two-door models are offered only in 4x4 now) with 10 extra inches of wheelbase, most of which translates to six more inches of rear-seat legroom. Likewise, all Wranglers use Chrysler's 3.8-liter overhead-valve V-6 that delivers more horsepower and better fuel economy than the stout 4.0-liter I-6 it replaces. Although several test drivers noted decent interior noise levels, more than a few thought the smaller V-6 felt much smaller and the standard four-speed auto seemed geared for fuel economy. On the highway, the coil springs and monotube shocks had trouble keeping the vehicle on track, and although the steering is significantly improved, it does have a numb spot on center that allows the vehicle to wander in lanes. Still, to its credit, the Jeep Wrangler is getting closer to perfection with each generation, without much visual change.
Two-door models start at $18,765, stretching up to $26,750 for the Rubicon; 2WD four-door models start at $20,410, with 4x4 models starting at $22,410. Look for fully loaded four-door models to reach mid- to high $20s. We respect that Jeep engineers worked hard to keep the new Wrangler (two- and four-door models) such a hard-core trail machine, but to reach the top of our SUOTY hill, you need more than stout gears and big tires.
| 2007 Jeep Wrangler |
| Base Price Range | $18,765-$28,895 |
| Price As Tested | $31,075 (est, Unlimited Sahara 4WD) |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, 4WD, 5-pass 4-door SUV |
| Engine | 3.8L/202-hp/237-lb-ft OHV 12-valve V-6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Curb Weight (f/r dist) | 4503 lb (55/45%) |
| Wheelbase | 116.0 in |
| Length X Width X Height | 173.4 x 73.9 x 70.9 in |
| Max cargo capacity | 63.3-86.8 cu ft |
| Max towing capacity | 1000-3500 lb |
| 0-60 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Quarter mile | 17.4 sec @ 77.4 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 mph | 150 ft |
| Lateral acceleration | 0.67 g (avg) |
| 600-foot slalom | 56.2 mph (avg) |
| MT figure eight | 30.3 sec @ 0.49 g (avg) |
| EPA city/hwy fuel econ | 16/19 mpg |
| Bet you didn't know | Undo myriad latches, screws, and nuts to remove doors, roof, and windshield--feel wind from all directions. |
| Sum Up | Plenty of changes inside and out, but still what it ought to be. |
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