2027 Jeep Wrangler Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
The Wrangler epitomizes what Jeep is all about. Derived from military vehicles, the Jeep Wrangler is one of the world’s most capable off-road SUVs. This automotive icon has been on sale for decades, with the current JL generation introduced for 2018 and updated for 2024.
Jeep continues to crank out variants of the Wrangler and closely related Gladiator pickup truck for its loyal fanbase. Off-road SUV rivals include the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, and Land Rover Defender.
For 2027, Jeep introduces the military-themed Sarge edition for the Wrangler SUV and Gladiator pickup.
The Jeep Wrangler remains among the ultimate off-road SUVs. Locking differentials, disconnecting anti-roll bars, and burly suspension let it tackle rocks, trails, and backcountry routes better than almost anything else .
Even with its old-school fundamentals, the Wrangler has sufficient modern details. Larger screens, more driver-assistance features, and the 4xe plug-in hybrid have expanded its appeal, while the V-8 Rubicon 392 shows Jeep still likes to have fun. A broad lineup of trims, powertrains, and factory-backed customization options adds to its versatility.
This off-road focus comes with compromises—the Wrangler is no substitute for a typical crossover. On-road handling is clumsy , the steering is imprecise, and daily driving feels far less polished than in more conventional SUVs.
Even so, practicality has never been the point. The Wrangler still wins buyers over with its unmistakable character, iconic image, and real off-road capability that so many rivals try to imitate.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner
Ford Bronco
Rivian R2
Land Rover Defender
An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, although Wrangler models with the V-6 offer a terrible six-speed manual. Regardless, four-wheel drive is standard on every Wrangler.
3.6-Liter V-6
Transmission : Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic
Horsepower/Torque : 285 hp/260 lb-ft
Efficiency (city/highway) : 16–18/22–23 mpg
Acceleration (0–60 mph) : 6.9 seconds (est.)
2.0-Liter Turbocharged I-4
Transmission : Eight-speed automatic
Horsepower/Torque : 270 hp/295 lb-ft
Efficiency (city/highway) : 20/22–23 mpg
Acceleration (0–60 mph) : 8.0 seconds (est.)
2.0-Liter Turbocharged I-4 + Two Electric Motors (4xe)
Transmission : Eight-speed automatic
Horsepower/Torque : 375 hp/470 lb-ft
Efficiency (city/highway) :49 mpg-e (gas+elec); 20 mpg (gas only); 22 miles (EV only)
Acceleration (0–60 mph) : 5.6 seconds
6.4-liter V-8
Transmission : Eight-speed automatic
Horsepower/Torque : 470 hp/470 lb-ft
Efficiency (city/highway) : 13/16 mpg
Acceleration (0–60 mph) : 4.4 seconds
Wrangler 4xe Hybrid
The Wrangler 4xe shows how electrification can benefit on- and off-road performance. It pairs a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 engine with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, good for a0–60 mph run of 6.8 seconds.
With a 17.3-kWh battery, the Wrangler 4xe provides roughly 20miles of electric-only range, good for commuting or a quiet trip on the trail. Level 2 charging can refill the battery in about two hours. Wrangler 4xe models stand out with their bright blue accents and charge port near the driver’s side mirror.
The available 6.4-liter V-8 has gotta be the Wrangler’s best engine. With 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, the Wrangler 392 roars over road and trail , delivering much more fun than fuel efficiency. Although the V-8 engine’s fate seemed uncertain, it remains part of the Jeep Wrangler’s engine lineup—and is now even less expensive than before .
The Supercharged Wrangler 392 Commando
The 2026 Jeep Wrangler 392 Commando is an absurd, military-inspired toy in the best way. This special build by Fox Factory Vehicles special turns the already wild Wrangler 392 into a faster, louder, nearly unstoppable off-roader.
With the optional Whipple supercharger, output jumps to 705 hp and 640 lb-ft, good for 0–60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Off-road upgrades add serious trail ability, but fuel economy, storage, noise, and everyday comfort are predictably terrible—still, the Wrangler 392 Commando is so much fun .
New 2027 Jeep Wrangler Sarge
To highlight the Wrangler’s military heritage, Jeep introduces the Sarge trim for 2027. All Wrangler Sarge models are painted in ’41 Green olive drab paint with matching painted wheels, but offer a matching green or contrasting white grille surround.
Army-inspired white star decals adorn the body, while bronze tow hooks add modern flair. Rubicon rock rails are also equipped. Inside, tan or green fabric upholstery has gold stitching, as dedication plates near the cupholder and tailgate make the Wrangler Sarge a little more special.
Safety Ratings and Features
In its most recent IIHS crash safety testing for 2026, the Wrangler got a mix of Good and Acceptable scores. However, its automatic emergency braking system and standard headlights got the lowest Poor score.
In its most basic form, the Wrangler has no active safety features at all. Front automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are only added above the base Sport trim.
Depending on configuration, the Wrangler is equipped with or offers blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Given its trail-ready construction, the Wrangler doesn’t provide much space inside, especially in the back seats.
A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard, and includes Apple CarPlay , Android Auto , and built-in navigation. The base trim has only one USB port, but as many as seven ports and a wireless charging pad are available.
Even base Wrangler models have an eight-speaker audio system, but a nine-speaker Alpine premium setup is available.
Upper Wrangler trims get pre-wired auxiliary switches. They can also be equipped with remote engine start.
At about $37,000, the most basic Wrangler has two doors, a soft roof, steel wheels, and black plastic interior trim. The cabin is also very basic, but at least includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen and eight-speaker audio system.
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If you’re set on a Wrangler, get the base model or a well-equipped off-road version. That’s because you want a starting point for a custom trail build, or a rig that’s ready to crush dirt straight from the factory.
If another Wrangler model has caught your eye, we advise you to pick a different crossover—it will drive and function better as a daily driver than the rugged Jeep.