The 2009 Jeep Wrangler is largely unchanged. This off-road-ready SUV is offered in 2-door or Unlimited 4-door form. Trim levels include X, Sahara, and Rubicon. All Wranglers are available with a folding soft top or a removable hardtop.
All have a 3.8-liter V6 engine. Two-door Wranglers have 202 hp; Unlimiteds have 205. Manual or automatic transmission is available. The 2-door models are 4-wheel drive only. Unlimiteds come with rear drive or 4WD. Wrangler's 4WD system should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes a low-range gear for off-roading. Maximum towing capacity is 2000 lb on the 2-door, 3500 lb on the Unlimited.
Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. For severe off-road use, Wrangler can be equipped with an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar, locking differentials, and specific tires. For 2009, Wrangler adds Jeep's Trailer-Sway Control, which activates the antiskid system if it detects a towed trailer is not following its intended path.
Recently voted the Best Off-Road Vehicle for 2008 by Overlander magazine, the Jeep Wrangler is now available with a range of hardcore accessories from Mopar. Lets see how it rates over the 2009 season.