2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Review

[ahmed_2011]

Let's face it: you must have a thing for pain and misery if you drive a Jeep Wrangler on a daily basis. Tight interior, limited access, average accelerations... you kind of get used to it over time, but it doesn't change the fact that this Jeep seems stuck in neutral (and has been since WWII ended 66 years ago) while the rest of the auto industry is surging forward in top gear.

When you want to tackle mountains, swamps and beaches with a more competent machine than a utility ATV, however, I have to admit that the Wrangler has no match. And if you need to sit more than two people comfortably, the Unlimited model is Jeep's modern version of the universal family hauler, with an extra 523 millimetres resulting in decent room for four and a trunk large enough to fit all your camping gear.

Very few ''real'' contenders
Whether you plan to use the Wrangler for work or recreation, very few contenders offer a worthy alternative. The first that comes to mind is the Nissan Xterra, a modern do-it-all SUV achieving a much higher level of comfort, refinement and driving pleasure.

There's also the Toyota FJ Cruiser, whose off-road capabilities have been put on display many times. Problem is, it has only two doors – or three if you count the wiiiide and heeeavy rear hatch. As it stands, though, the FJ boasts roughly the same length and weight as the Wrangler Unlimited while being taller and wider.

All three SUVs are in the 2-ton, 4.0-litre ballpark, but the Japanese duo has one distinct advantage over the American: their DOHC V6 is more advanced, more powerful (by about 60 hp) and generates more torque (+40 lb-ft for the FJ, +50 for the Xterra). That's probably why the Wrangler Unlimited is usually seen in the right lane on highways. But once you have to crawl over an obstacle at ultra-low speed, the Jeep is king.


New features for 2011
The 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited receives a number of new features – some are convenient and useful, others simply add to its looks. Heated seats are now available, and not just with the leather package; even the cloth-covered buckets can keep your butt warm during winter. New heated outside mirrors are thrown into the mix as well.


The company loves to play the nostalgia card. Just like Porsche with the 911, designers do their best to preserve the classic silhouette of the Wrangler. Now, they've added a couple of unique details to complement such staples as the seven-slot grille and exposed door hinges. Hex head bolts can be found throughout the cabin, like on the front passenger grab bar which, incidentally, bears an engraved ''Jeep – Since 1941'' logo. Talk about making a clear statement!

Sadly, most Wrangler owners will never take on more challenging road conditions than bare asphalt. These people are also fond of flashy body colours, like my tester's Mango Tango (orange), if only to serve as a visual reminder of where they parked the vehicle when they go shopping.

It's these customers Jeep had in mind when they upgraded the interior to include softer-touch materials, a smaller steering wheel integrating radio, Bluetooth and cruise control buttons, and a USB slot to plug MP3 players. The latter comes with the newly-available premium multimedia system, which features a 30-GB hard drive and a Garmin navigation system with 6.5-inch touchscreen.

Ultimate go-anywhere SUV
City limitations and severe winter conditions prevented me from driving the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon off the beaten path. Sorry. I was still able to appreciate the performance of some of its advanced safety technologies, including the anti-lock brakes and stability control. I didn't find them overly intrusive given the intentions of this go-anywhere SUV.

The Rubicon stands out from the two other models (Sport and Sahara) with Dana 44 heavy-duty solid front axles designed for extreme off-road capability. Meanwhile, on-demand Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect increases front-wheel travel by 25 percent when driving at speeds of under 29 km/h in 4LO mode.


The legendary Rock-Trac transfer case features a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, providing greater precision and control when ascending or descending, crawling over objects and low-speed turning. The Rock-Trac system also incorporates Tru-Lok front and rear electronic locking differentials, BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires and 17-inch alloy wheels painted in satin silver. Are the latter too classy to navigate through rocks and fallen tree trunks? It's up to you to decide.


The 6-speed manual gearbox will no doubt become the preferred choice of Rubicon buyers. This unit makes the most of the engine's torque, especially when using the low range. The optional 4-speed autobox is basically Jeep saying: ''There you go, Grandpa!''

While rowing the gears with the stick could be more fluid, the ratios are nicely calculated and well suited for this 4WD toolbox. Moreover, the transmission features Computer Aided Gear Selection which skips the 2nd and 3rd gears under acceleration in order to maximize fuel economy. This system might help the automaker in its effort to meet the federal CAFE standards, but it has a way of annoying some drivers. The good news is that you can manually override the system when conditions require you to shift from 1st to 2nd. All you need is a bit of practice.

The one you love to hate
While Jeep insists that the 2011 Wrangler is significantly improved, you have to look at the tiny details to agree with them. Noise levels inside the cabin are still barely acceptable, although the available hard top increases quietness, and stepping into the seats once again becomes a little climbing exercise.

Said seats may be comfortable and all, but they remain extremely close to each other and to the door panels. Occupants will definitely learn the meaning of intimacy. Heck, maybe the Wrangler Unlimited wants to prove that there are better ways to connect with friends than Facebook!