2021 Jeep Wrangler: Expectations and what we know so far

2021 Jeep Wrangler: What we know so far 

The Jeep name has been around since 1988. Since then, it has been associated with tough, four-wheel-drive off-road SUVs that won’t let you down whenever you decide to stray off the beaten path. For some, it can even function as a decent daily driver in rural areas and even in the city.

Here in the Philippines, the Jeep Wrangler as it is today also has its own score of staunch loyalists. And yes, the numbers were enough to update the said model back in 2019. Jeep Philippines even brought in the Jeep-based Gladiator pickup truck.

So, what can we expect from the Wrangler now that it's 2021? Well folks, it looks like its current versions will be carried over, at least for the Philippine market.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Ultimate variant

There are, however, other exciting variants of the Jeep Wrangler available in other parts of the world. A case in point is the V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392. Will we be getting this model in the future? Let’s talk about that too. 

2021 Jeep Wrangler: Exterior 

As a carryover, the 2021 Philippine-spec Wrangler will retain the same dimensions, the same exterior features, and the same design in general. Currently, the top-spec Rubicon variants features the familiar removable doors, removable roof, and many other stuff that’ll prove helpful on off-road, or on-road adventures. 

A Wrangler in its natural habitat

Up front, the Wrangler comes standard with LED headlamps, save for the entry-level Wrangler Sport variant. It also comes from the factory with front fog lamps, and a beefy-looking set of 17-inch wheels. 

2021 Jeep Wrangler: Interior 

Inside, the PH-spec Wrangler for 2021 will still feature the same old, robust, but decently comfortable interior. Of note is the top-spec Wrangler Rubicon’s five-inch touchscreen that’s capable of connecting to your phone via Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, USB, and aux. Linked to the said head unit is an eight-piece speaker system. 

Its simple-looking, but it's certainly durable, decently comfortable, and easy to clean

For the driver, the Jeep Wrangler 2021 - 2022 provides a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with leather covers, and all of its five occupants are kept comfortable by an automatic climate control system with rear vents.

Remember, the Wrangler might be considered as a premium marque in the Philippines, but it comes with a no-fuss, no muss interior, that you can even wash with a hose. Everything about it is built more towards functionality, so you might want to turn to the Jeep Compass and Renegade if you want a cushier interior.

2021 Jeep Wrangler: Engine and Performance

Currently, the Wrangler for the Philippine market has two engine options. The smaller of the two is a 2.0-liter gasoline mill found on the Wrangler Sport 2.0 4x4 AT variant, and the Wrangler Rubicon 2.0 4x4 AT variant. At most, the 2.0-liter mill can make up to 268 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. It uses a permanent 4x4 drivetrain, and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The larger engine is found on the Wrangler Rubicon 4x4 AT variant. It’s a gasoline-powered V6, with a displacement of 3.6-liters. At the maximum, the said engine can produce up to 286 horsepower and 353 Nm of torque. It also has a permanent 4x4 drivetrain, as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission.

No bridge, no problem

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All Wrangler variants use a live axle type suspension for both rear and front. It’s got solid disc brakes all-around, and it also has a hand-operated manual parking brake.

For the Wrangler Rubicon 392 that’s not available locally, it gets a more powerful 6.4-liter V8. It makes 470 horsepower and 637 Nm of torque. This means that it’s currently the most powerful Wrangler variant ever made. To further nail that fact, this particular variant can reach 100 km/h in just under 4.5 seconds.

Yep, the Wrangler 392's V8 is a Hemi

As an off-road oriented SUV, the Wrangler also gets access to electronic locking differentials, electronic front sway bar disconnect, a selectable tire fill control with pressure monitor, and steel skid plates. There’s also the Selec-Speed Control system for optimum crawling performance whenever you encounter nasty terrain, steep inclines, and other obstacles.

2021 Jeep Wrangler: Safety

For safety, the local version of the Wrangler comes with the usual modern car safety equipment. We’re talking about anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, a reverse camera, parking sensors, four airbags, traction and stability control, hill start assist, and an idle start/stop function.

The top-spec Jeep Wrangler Rubicon even gets a blind-spot detection system. 

2021 Jeep Wrangler: Final Thoughts

As it is, the Jeep Wrangler is a great vehicle on and off the road. As most of its fans do know however, the Wrangler excels in off-road situations. As such, getting one regardless of it not receiving any updates for 2021 might actually be a good idea.

The Wrangler 392 V8 

Moving on towards the Wrangler 329 V8, we do not think that Jeep Philippines will introduce this variant locally anytime soon. It will drink a lot of fuel, and it will definitely be more expensive than the existing models. As such, we can see that even the most rabid Jeep might think twice about driving around a V8 Wrangler in the Philippines. 

2021 Jeep Wrangler: Expected Price

As we’ve established before, a new year usually comes with new price tags. To this end, the prices of the Wrangler might change sooner or later. Being an import, the Wrangler is also subject to the new tax that the Department of Trade and Industry is pushing to implement. For the moment though, the Wrangler’s price ranges from Php 3,390,000 to Php 4,090,000. 

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