Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The word “icon” seems too apt for the Jeep Wrangler. 

Simply because it is iconic. 

In recent years, you’ve seen plenty of “Jeep Waves” and rubber ducks being a part of a lifestyle. One that gives permission to anyone to tackle an off-road vehicle park. Yet, we’ve seen them at shopping malls and valet lots, as well as Walmart and Target. 

The idea of a Jeep Wrangler is freedom. The freedom to roam wherever they want to go. No roads required. Just the sense of adventure and the ability to get out of trouble. Then again, what’s the fun in that?

We’ve worked with a number of Wranglers over the past several years in the JK and JL generations. We’ve taken them through winter and throughout the year. Heck, George has a 1976 CJ-7 that is a part of his fleet. 

We know that it “wrote the book” on what an SUV is supposed to be. We know what they’re capable of. But all we want to know is what makes a Jeep Wrangler so damn special? Not that we explored it a few times over in the past 14 years, but it still yields so many questions that need to be asked over and over again. 

Before we tell you about that, here are a few things about this 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4-door Sahara. 

One, it wears a new limited-edition color called Jooce. As in orange juice. 

It is juiced-up – or, powered – by a 270-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. At 295 pound-feet of torque, this puts down more low-end power than the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. This proves that, yes, boost is better for performance.

You can still get the Pentastar V6 with a manual gearbox on Sport and Rubicon. However, every other model – except for the 392 Rubicon – has this turbocharged engine standard. The 4xe plug-in hybrid is also available, as well. 

Turbocharged models are coupled with the eight-speed automatic transmission. Sahara models delivers that power through the Command-Trac part-time four-wheel drive system, including a two-speed transfer case and a pair of solid axles. 

The body shape is still the familiar boxy profile. With the removable three-piece hardtop, it is ubiquitous and easily identifiable. The seven-slot grille, round LED headlamp units, separate fenders, rear-mounted full-sized spare tire, and so forth all makes it the most distinctive vehicle on this planet. 

Jeep loves to play with colors. Jooce being one of them – an orange shade by any other name. Too bad that Trocadero is not available for 2025, but this juicy color will do. It does make it pop even louder. 

This is the first Wrangler we had in for a full review since the mid-cycle refresh.  Everything in the JL remains the same, except for the addition of the 12.3-inch center display housing the UConnect 5 infotainment system. It gives off a modern and interactive vibe, especially with wireless smartphone mirroring. 

It seats up to five human beings. The front bucket seats are on the firm side, but they will yield a bit to make you more comfortable. Rear seat room is fine. Cargo space works very well, especially with the rollator inside. 

The Sahara wears a set of 18-inch alloy wheels shod on General Grabber all-terrain tires.  The monochrome paint job is also part of the Sahara’s charm. The upholstery used in our test vehicle is called “McKinley.” It just happens to be a brand name for a premium grade of leather. 

The specs say it’s a Jeep. It certainly feels like a Jeep. But, does it really?

That turbocharged engine was entertaining. It accelerated better than the V6. The transmission matched the shifts well, and it enabled the Wrangler to cruise better. That higher torque number was the difference. 

Although it was not originally designed for the highway, it was certainly fine running on one. The combination of two solid axles, link coils, linking and trailing arms, coil springs, and stabilizer bars do a great job keeping this Jeep stable with a smooth ride overall. 

While we’re at it, we should mention that we averaged 21.9 MPG in our care. That’s probably the best fuel economy we experienced in a Wrangler ever. 

There were a few minor complaints…or, is that a harsh word to use? We’ll just say “nitpicks” in this case. 

For example, it would be nice if there was a wireless device charger on board. Also, in addition to Adaptive Cruise Control and Park Sense, how about Active Lane Management? A tighter steering feel? More powerful braking in normal situations? 

Are we asking too much?

Let me work backwards here. The brakes were fine, but I never felt confident every time I had to use them. Pedal feel was OK, but response to the wheels need a bit of improvement on the highway.

The steering felt too light. It was in 2-H all of the time – translation: rear-wheel drive only. The front axle was never put into play around town and in the city. One-center feel was simply light, and it took simple muscle memory to keep it within the lane. It did exhibit a tight turning radius – a huge plus in various situations. 

We recognize that Stellantis has been upping the equipment levels on the Wrangler for this year – including power windows and door locks on all trim levels. Maybe a few more features would help? Then again, you do not buy a Wrangler for convenience, as you do for possibly fulfilling your sense of adventure. 

Considering all if this, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler has a very wide selection of models to choose from – a total of 19 versions! That includes five two-doors, seven four-doors, and seven more with the 4xe plug-in hybrid driveline. In the mix is the 392 Rubicon. All of this starts with an MSRP of $32,690. This Sahara test vehicle came with a sticker price of $60,860. 

The Wrangler continues to improve year-after-year. It can do more than a lot of SUVs can. Tackling a challenging trail? No problem. Camping trips and visiting family living on a gravel road? No problem. Going to the mall? Sure…why not?

The Jeep Wrangler is called an icon for a reason. It goes beyond legacy, legend, and history. It is the “alpha” when it comes to SUVs. It is extremely useful for many purposes. And, it has a very loyal following and its own culture that has distinct rituals and pursuits that distinguishes them from any other vehicle on the road. 

Add a Jeep Wave and a few ducks on the dashboard, and you’ll certainly understand why this is still a presence in today’s automotive landscape. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Stellantis North America – our opinions are of our own.

All photos by Randy Stern