Used 2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the 4-door Wrangler, the family-friendly rock star. And when we say rock, we mean actual boulders and stuff, as opposed to any music styles. In true Jeep fashion, it’s also adept on sand, in mud, and over snow.

The Wrangler is part of the midsize SUV landscape and often part of the literal landscape in places like California’s Rubicon Trail (giving a name to one Wrangler variant) or Moab, Utah, where Jeep owners meet every year. This is a particular extra that isn’t mentioned in the specifications — a Wrangler brings its owners into a community. The Wrangler Unlimited opens that community up to more people. Or at least gives them more legroom.

There’s a bit of wrangling about the name. For years, this vehicle has been called the Unlimited to differentiate it from the original smaller Wrangler. But Jeep has taken to calling it the Wrangler 4-Door, with the OG model now called the Wrangler 2-Door (reviewed separately). Old habits die hard, however, so we’ll still call it the Unlimited, since that’s how most people think of it.

The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid SUV is reviewed separately.

The high-set driver’s seat provides a good view of where the Wrangler Unlimited’s hood ends, which is exactly what’s required when crawling over and/or between rocks. The steering wheel adjusts for height and reach, so the ideal driving position is easy to achieve.

Engine choices range from absolutely fine to great to awesome. Each buyer needs to decide what their budget is and what power they require. Remember that the diesel engine’s considerable 442 lb-ft of torque comes in at just 1,400 rpm, the sort of attribute that goes down well with the off-roading crowd.

The Rubicon has all the right hardware for exploring the wilderness and has a cool factor because of it. But if there are no plans to make the most of such equipment, then perhaps the Sahara would be a better choice.

Despite the relative newness of this Jeep Wrangler Unlimited generation, there isn’t the same twin-talent as the even newer Land Rover Defender, which can be nicely civilized on the road as well as impressively capable off it. Buy a new Wrangler 4-Door and use it just for everyday stuff by all means, that’s everyone’s right as a consumer. But it will be a waste of this vehicle’s abilities, and there are better cars for mundane duties like commuting or the school run.

Since the doors are removable, the 2022 Wrangler Unlimited trims with powered windows have their switches on the center console. Quite high up, so there’s less chance of splashing them when hosing out the cabin. Yes, this sport utility vehicle has an appropriately utilitarian interior.

It’s fair to assume that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson would find the 4-door Wrangler’s cabin a little narrow, lacking in shoulder room. Even those of a less broad build might agree. This version isn’t any wider than the 2-door, yet it has three seats in the back, as opposed to two. But at least they’re easier to access. And rear legroom is better: 38.2 inches compared with 35.7.

Cargo space is also greater: 31.7 cubic feet behind the split/folding rear seats, with 72.4 cubic feet when they’re folded. Compare that with the 2-door’s 12.9/31.7 cubic feet.

Although this generation of Wrangler debuted as recently as 2018, the styling remains timeless, with details like the 7-slot grille having been a Jeep design cue since the Second World War.

There’s no need to change things too much. It all works. The squared-off look is ultimately practical. It allows removable doors and a windshield that folds down. Less visible but still valuable are the skid plates for the transfer case and fuel tank.

Where the 4-Door Unlimited differs from its 2-door stablemate is about 20 inches in length for the extra accommodations.

A folding soft top with a sunroof is standard, while all trims offer the option of a black 3-piece hard top with heating/washing/wiping for the rear window.

RUBICON 392
As well as an impressively muscular 470-horsepower V8 that propels this version of the 2022 Wrangler Unlimited from standstill to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, the Rubicon 392 has beadlock-capable wheels wearing 33-inch all-terrain tires, Fox shock absorbers, heavy duty brakes, safety features, leather upholstery, LED lighting, and a quad exhaust system.

SKY ONE-TOUCH POWERTOP
Available exclusively on the Wrangler Unlimited, this is an optional removable roof with a power-operated retractable fabric section.

There’s a deliberate sparseness to Sport, the lowest trim level of the 2022 Wrangler Unlimited range. When washing out the interior after an exhilarating day of off-roading, there’s no need to worry about powered windows or electric motors for adjusting the front seats.

Sport trim is kind of a shell that can be filled with specialist aftermarket items according to the owner’s desires. Standard equipment includes wind-up windows, manual locks, manually adjustable side mirrors, 17-inch steel wheels, tow hooks (two up front, one at the back), single-zone manual air conditioning, cloth upholstery, removable carpet, and drain plugs.

The infotainment system comes with a 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and one USB port.

If that works, then great. However, we think Sport S (an extra $3,200) is a better call. It adds 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, power locks/windows, tinted glass, heated side mirrors, and an alarm. Sport S is also eligible for more options.

Ascending the trim level ladder brings not only extra equipment but also more sophisticated 4-wheel-drive systems. Buyers have a choice of engines as well.

The Sahara adds convenience features like side steps, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED-illuminated footwells, 115-volt outlet, 7-inch infotainment display (an 8.4-inch unit is optional in the Sahara and Rubicon), satellite radio, and another USB port.

The Rubicon is the prime off-roader, with heavy-duty solid axles front and rear, locking differentials, electronically controlled disconnecting front anti-roll bar, rock rails, and all-terrain tires. On the tech front, it also has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration.

Disappointingly, the Sport isn’t eligible for the Active Safety and Advanced Active Safety packages that bring blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and rear parking sensors. The Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon qualify for a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

The Rubicon can also be ordered with heavy-duty steel bumpers that can take a winch. And the Xtreme Recon Package (for this model and the Willys) is a bit like the Ford Bronco’s Sasquatch bundle (which is available on more variants in the Bronco range), adding beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch all-terrain tires, and a 1.5-inch suspension lift with specialized shock absorbers.

In case anyone is new to the wonderful world of Wranglers, 4-wheel drive is included with every variant.

The standard engine in most versions of the 2022 Wrangler Unlimited is a 3.6-liter V6. Output is 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is part of the deal.

When the 8-speed automatic transmission is fitted, this same engine is paired with a mild-hybrid system to optimize fuel economy. It makes identical power.

Alternatively, buyers may choose a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while achieving slightly better fuel economy than the V6. This comes with the 8-speed automatic as standard.

The other choice is a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6, also paired with the automatic transmission. This unit generates 260 horsepower and a substantial 442 lb-ft of torque coming in at just 1,400 rpm. It also achieves the best fuel economy of the range.

The Rubicon 392 is a law unto itself, engine-wise. It employs a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V8 (392 cubic inches, hence the name) developing 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Once again, the 8-speed auto is the only transmission. This V8 requires premium fuel, but the other gasoline engines are fine with regular.

3.6-liter V6
285 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg (manual), 19/24 mpg (auto)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
270 horsepower @ 5,250 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/24 mpg

3.0-liter turbodiesel V6
260 horsepower @ 3,600 rpm
442 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400-2,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 mpg, 21/26 mpg (Rubicon)

6.4-liter V8 (Rubicon 392)
470 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
470 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17 mpg