2026 Jeep Wrangler

Baseball, apple pie, and the Jeep Wrangler: All are beloved by Americans and intertwined in our history and culture. The Wrangler you can buy today still traces its lineage to the Army vehicles that helped win World War II, yet touts all the tech and creature comforts modern buyers demand. Available with a choice of 4-, 6-, or 8-cylinder engine options, the Wrangler continues to give newer off-road machines like the Toyota 4Runner and Ford Bronco a run for their money.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize SUVs, including the Jeep Wrangler.

The Wrangler Moab 392 keeps the V8 alive under this Jeep’s hood, and features plenty of other performance parts for good measure. A new door hinge system makes door removal faster and easier, and 2-door models can get steel bumpers and a front Warn winch on Willys trims. Jeep will also continue monthly “drops” of limited-edition models. Gone is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.

Whether in 2-door or 4-door form, the Jeep Wrangler undercuts its Ford Bronco rivals by a few thousand dollars. And like the Ford Bronco, the Wrangler’s prices span tens of thousands of dollars, from the mid-$30,000 range for a basic 2-door Wrangler, to over $80,000 for a V8-powered 4-door model. The Toyota 4Runner, meanwhile, starts in the mid-$40,000 range and is 4-door only (with no removable doors, top, etc.).

Before buying a Jeep Wrangler, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying. The Jeep Wrangler’s resale value remains above average, but it’s not at the level of the Toyota 4Runner or Ford Bronco. Recouping more money when you sell or trade a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

A variety of engine choices and thus power outputs means a variety of experiences in the way the Wrangler drives. The 285-horsepower V6 remains the workhorse of the lineup and a favorite among Wrangler purists. It’s also the only engine option if you still want a manual transmission; otherwise, an 8-speed automatic is standard.

The turbocharged 4-cylinder has a bit less horsepower but more torque, and we’ve found it lively.

Then there’s the monster V8, a choice you won’t find in the Bronco or 4Runner. Putting out 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, V8 Wrangler models are raucous affairs. They sound great, pull like locomotives, and will make a dent in your finances with both their cost of entry and their 14 mpg combined fuel economy.

No matter the engine, all Jeep Wrangler models remain 4-wheel drive with real-deal high- and low-range gearing for off-roading, unlike car-based “soft-roader” SUVs. And unlike softer SUVs such as, say, a Jeep Cherokee, the Wrangler continues to compromise on-road ride quality for off-road prowess.

If you plan to use your Wrangler solely for commuting to work and running errands around town, sure, you’ll look tough doing so, but you’ll have to deal with a rough ride and less-than-stellar fuel economy while missing out on what this adventure vehicle is born to do. If that’s you, maybe consider the new Cherokee instead.

Fuel economy and towing capacity

At its best, the 2026 Jeep Wrangler earns 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving, according to the EPA. That’s with the 4-cylinder engine. Opting for a V6 drops that figure to 19 or 20 mpg, depending on transmission, while the V8 Wrangler returns just 14 mpg. If you’re seeking a fuel-efficient Jeep, the new Cherokee returns 37 mpg thanks to its hybrid powertrain. As for towing, most Jeep Wrangler models max out at 3,500 pounds, or 5,000 pounds for specific V6 and 4-cylinder trims.

The Wrangler has seating for a total of four or five people, respectively, whether you opt for the 2-door or the more popular 4-door model.

All Wrangler SUVs present a nice blend of old-school charm and modern tech. So yes, you can still remove the top, doors, and lower the windshield, yet also use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto thanks to a standard 12.3-inch center touchscreen. As of last year, power windows and door locks became standard on the base model.

Top trims are far from luxurious, but you can get features like dual-zone climate control, Nappa leather upholstery, and heated front seats and steering wheel.

Standard 4WD
Every Wrangler comes standard with 4-wheel drive (4WD), giving it the capability to back up its rugged aesthetic.

12.3-inch touchscreen
The standard Uconnect 5 infotainment includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen and modern tech features like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Rubicon models
The Rubicon name, from a famous off-road trail in South Lake Tahoe, represents the peak of off-road capability in the Wrangler lineup. The Rubicon trim comes with a unique Dana 44 HD full-float solid rear axle, while the Rubicon X model takes it up a notch with beadlock-capable wheels with 35-inch tires, steel bumpers, and an integrated off-road camera.

Sky One-Touch powertop
Removing and re-installing a hardtop on an SUV can be a pain. The new Sky One-Touch powertop option on the Wrangler acts like a power convertible top that saved us time, effort, and garage space during our time with it.