Few names in the motoring world conjure the same sense of adventure as Jeep – a brand whose DNA is forged in grit, perseverance, and go-anywhere capability. With the introduction of the new Jeep Wrangler to the South African market, the American off-road icon receives a significant heart transplant in the form of a new 2.0-litre turbocharged I-4 engine.
The Jeep Wrangler is a modern motoring icon. Its roots are in the legendary Willys MB, the rugged 4×4 that became synonymous with the Allied victory during World War II. Evolving from a military workhorse to a civilian off-road champion, the Wrangler debuted in 1986 as a spiritual successor to the CJ series. Renowned for its go-anywhere capability, open-top design, and unmistakable seven-slot grille, it symbolises freedom and adventure.
Over the decades, the Wrangler has embraced modern technology and comfort while preserving its hardcore off-road DNA, remaining one of the world’s most recognisable and enduring SUVs.
In what is likely the most significant change to the iconic off-roader, under the bonnet of every new Jeep Wrangler sold in South Africa from November last year, beats a new 2.0-litre turbocharged I-4 engine, delivering 200 kW and 400 Nm of torque that replaces the previous 3.6-litre V6, offering improved fuel efficiency while still maintaining respectable power figures.
The apparent change in direction for the Wrangler is not without controversy, however, as some reviewers have noted that while the 2.0-litre turbo provides strong low-end torque beneficial for off-road crawling, some have questioned its refinement compared to the old V6, particularly in terms of engine noise and vibration at higher revs. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine embodies the perfect marriage of performance and efficiency. Using a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger with an electronically controlled wastegate, responsiveness is sharp, while the engine’s mounting directly to the cylinder head improves durability.
A key talking point is its compliance with Euro 6D-Final emissions standards, reflecting Jeep’s global shift towards cleaner, more sustainable motoring. The 2.0-litre engine’s technological suite includes double overhead camshafts (DOHC), dual independent camshaft timing, and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (C-EGR) system – all working to ensure efficiency without sacrificing power.
Off-road enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that the engine’s low-end torque is ideally suited to rock crawling and trail driving. With torque accessible across a broad rev range, the Wrangler’s legendary off-road prowess remains intact. Whether tackling rocky inclines or navigating muddy trails, the 2.0-litre turbo promises to be as robust as the terrain it’s designed to conquer.
STILL BUILT FOR ADVENTURE
Jeep’s engineers have stayed true to the formula that made the Wrangler an off-road legend: a body-on-frame construction, a five-link coil suspension system, and the brand’s signature solid axles. However, the 2025 model introduces a key innovation that hardcore off-roaders will appreciate – the Dana 44 HD full-float rear axle, which is standard on Rubicon models. While this upgrade is generally celebrated for enhancing durability and towing capacity, some overseas reviewers have pointed out that it adds complexity to repairs and may require more specialised maintenance. Additionally, a few customers have noted concerns about the long-term robustness of certain components when subjected to severe off-road abuse, highlighting the potential need for more frequent inspections of axle seals and joints.
Traditionally found on heavy-duty commercial trucks, a full-float rear axle transfers vehicle weight to the axle tube, not the axle shaft. This means the axle shaft only handles torsional loads, making it stronger and less susceptible to breakage. This upgrade enhances the Wrangler’s durability, especially when towing or tackling extreme off-road conditions.
Every Wrangler model wears the venerated Trail Rated badge, which is not just marketing fluff—it promises unmatched off-road capability. From the entry-level Sport to the range-topping Rubicon, each model comes equipped with features like Dana solid front and rear axles, a two-speed transfer case, and multiple skid plates to protect vital components. Rubicon models also add an electronic front sway-bar disconnect for maximum wheel articulation, while off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the standard fitment of mud-terrain tyres.
A NEW TECH DIRECTION
While the Wrangler’s exterior is designed to shrug off rocks and branches, the cabin tells a story of modern refinement and smart technology. However, some overseas reviewers have noted that while the cabin materials have been upgraded, certain elements still trail behind rivals in perceived luxury. The Uconnect 5 system has been praised for its speed and usability, but there have been mixed opinions on its touch sensitivity and menu logic, with a few users mentioning a learning curve for first-time operators. The most prominent upgrade is the all-new 12.3″ Uconnect 5 touchscreen – the largest ever fitted to a Wrangler. Positioned atop the centre stack, this screen is the gateway to a world of connectivity, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, TomTom navigation, and over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Jeep’s Uconnect 5 system is a game-changer in its own right. It’s five times faster than its predecessor and has a sleek, intuitive interface that’s functional and stylish. Five user profiles allow for individual preferences for music, seat position, and climate settings, which is ideal for families or multi-driver households.
Soft-touch surfaces, premium materials, and contrast stitching elevate the cabin feel. Rubicon and Sahara models are fitted with a premium cabin package that adds acoustic glass, thicker carpeting, and sound-deadening foam in key areas to reduce cabin noise. This refinement makes for a quieter drive, whether navigating city streets or exploring gravel backroads.
Front passengers benefit from standard 12-way power-adjustable leather seats, while rear passengers enjoy USB Type C ports for fast device charging. Additional 12-volt accessory outlets and a 230-volt AC outlet ensure devices remain charged on the move.
SAFETY IN EVERY SCENARIO
Safety is a non-negotiable in the modern SUV landscape, and Jeep has pulled no punches in equipping the Wrangler with more than 85 advanced safety features. Key additions for 2025 include first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and adaptive cruise control. Jeep’s Drowsy Driver Alert and Lane Departure Warning systems are also standard, providing an extra layer of protection on long journeys.
Every Wrangler comes with ParkSense front and rear park assist, and the Rubicon adds an off-road camera for better visibility on technical trails. The structure of the Wrangler’s body-on-frame design has also been improved to bolster side-impact performance.
AN ENDURING LEGACY
The Jeep story stretches back to 1940, with the original Willys MB providing military support during World War II. From those early days, Jeep’s reputation for ruggedness was cemented. The Wrangler became the torchbearer for this legacy, blending military-inspired toughness with civilian-friendly comfort. Today’s Wrangler still carries design cues from its Willys ancestor, like the seven-slot grille and round headlamps.
But nostalgia alone doesn’t sell cars – and Jeep knows this. The new Wrangler’s mechanical updates, technological advances, and enhanced refinement are aimed squarely at the future. Jeep’s commitment to authentic off-road capability remains a differentiator as more brands pivot to crossovers and softroaders.
LAST WORD
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler’s introduction to South Africa’s rugged landscape is nothing short of a homecoming, but it arrives with some baggage. Points of critique, notably on the new engine’s refinement, the ride quality on the tarmac, and the Wrangler’s increasingly premium price point, have been raised, which places it in competition with more luxurious SUVs. While these criticisms remain untested on local soil, they add context to the otherwise bold arrival of this off-road icon.
The new 2.0-litre engine offers the torque and efficiency that modern drivers demand, while the fresh interior tech ensures long-distance comfort and connectivity.
For adventurers, the inclusion of a full-float rear axle and next-gen off-road hardware means the Wrangler’s go-anywhere promise is more valid than ever. Jeep’s slogan may be “Go Anywhere, Do Anything,” but with the 2025 Wrangler – it’s no longer just a slogan. It’s reality.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © STELLANTIS SOUTH AFRICA
