Skip advert
Advertisement

Jeep Wrangler

Rugged off-road cabrio is an interesting, but brave, choice

THE Wrangler can trace its roots back to the original Willys Jeep, first used by the US military in 1941. Fast forward nearly 70 years, and the car is now less utilitarian and much more fashionable.

And with four doors, plus a removable hard-top, the Jeep is a unique proposition.

Advertisement - Article continues below

With the roof down, its extra pair of doors look ungainly and the boxy shape can’t compete with the svelte lines of the other cars on our test, but it does have a trick up its sleeve. Committed sun worshippers can remove all the doors and fold the windscreen flat if they want!

The Tonka Toy design, massive tyres and exposed hinges will appeal to the inner child in everyone, though, and only the Rolls-Royce commanded more attention in our convoy. Inside, the Wrangler’s practical roots are hard to miss. The upright dash is full of chunky switchgear, but much of it is confusingly arranged and material quality is best described as robust.

The touchscreen sat-nav and audio system in the middle of the centre console costs £1,550, and as the Jeep is a genuine mud-plugger, it also boasts an extra ratio selector for the low-range gearbox.

Rear legroom is the most generous of our quintet, and there’s even room for three passengers to sit across the back bench, which sets the Wrangler apart in this company. Hit the road and the handling and ride quality both bear testimony to the vehicle’s 4x4 roots; it never lets you forget that it was designed with off-roading in mind. There’s too much play in the steering set-up, so it doesn’t inspire confidence, especially
on back roads. And the Jeep’s hefty design and high centre of gravity result in ponderous handling and lots of body roll.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Sportage

2021 Kia

Sportage

34,282 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £14,800
View Sportage
Juke

2023 Nissan

Juke

14,691 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £15,200
View Juke
A-Class

2021 Mercedes

A-Class

61,763 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £14,800
View A-Class
HS

2022 MG

HS

17,400 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,900
View HS

On paper, performance is pretty dismal and the 2.8-litre diesel isn’t the most refined unit, but the Jeep feels willing and can easily cruise at the legal limit. However, as the speed increases, so does the wind noise.

The roof itself is a hard-top design and is removed in three sections. First, the two front panels come off, leaving the front seats exposed to the open air. This takes a few minutes and the lightweight panels have their own storage bags, although they take up a lot of room in the boot.

In this configuration, the Wrangler is best enjoyed at low speeds, as buffeting for the front seat occupants is extreme at motorway pace. Removing the rest of the hard-top requires much more effort, as you’ll need two assistants to help lift it and a Torx-head screwdriver (not included as standard). And once this is done, you’ll have to find somewhere to store it. So driving al fresco in the Jeep takes real commitment, and it leaves you vulnerable to rain showers, too.

Details

WHY: The only mainstream four-door convertible in the UK also has four-wheel drive. It’s great if you want to get close to nature, but it’s an uncompromising choice.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,919
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,499 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £14,998
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025