The New Jeep Wrangler: Your Favorite Action Hero… in Luxury Pajamas


Picture this: You’re halfway up a mountain, sporting a grin as wide as the new Jeep® Wrangler’s iconic SEVEN-slot grille. You’ve just thundered effortlessly across boulders, thanks to a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 engine that’s smoother than your morning coffee (and more economical). Suddenly, you remember you’re actually headed to pick up your in-laws from the airport. No worries—just switch on the advanced cruise control, flick through some tunes on the gigantic 12.3-inch touchscreen, and pretend you didn’t just conquer a trail that would scare the socks off lesser SUVs.


Yes, the Wrangler has always been about dropping jaws (and maybe a door or two) with its legendary off-road chops. But this new edition is like that tough friend who turns up in a designer suit: it’s got safety, comfort, and enough tech to power a spaceship. What could be more fun than rock-crawling with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto telling you all about your new messages?


If you’re a true mud-splattering daredevil, the Rubicon model now boasts a full-float Dana 44 HD rear axle. That’s right—Jeep decided to take a page from the “heavy-duty commercial truck” playbook, so you can blitz the rough stuff while your axle just politely shrugs its shoulders and says, “Bring it.” Meanwhile, side-curtain airbags for both rows come standard across the range because Wrangler drivers can be a lot of things—wild, free, adventurous—but unsafe isn’t one of them.


Inside, you’ll find a cabin so refined you might forget you’re driving something with the approximate DNA of a military legend. There are plush seats that adjust in 12 directions (12 ways to hide your fear while climbing those impossibly steep inclines), a quieter cabin thanks to acoustic glass, and more than 85 safety features that’ll make your mom worry just a bit less.


The Jeep Wrangler story dates all the way back to World War II, where it was first forged in battle—talk about street cred (or off-road cred). Yet, after more than 80 years, the Wrangler continues to evolve, staying true to its roots while embracing modern comfort, technology, and a side dish of “I dare you to find a bigger touchscreen in an off-road SUV.”


So go on, load up your gear, blast your favorite playlist, and tell your friends you’ve got the most capable Jeep ever. Just be ready to also tell them it’s safer, smarter, and comfier—because progress is a good thing, especially when it still involves a full set of skid plates.


Key Facts and Figures

  • Models:
  • Sport,
  • Sahara,
  • Rubicon
  • Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 (petrol)
  • Power: 200 kW
  • Torque: 400 Nm
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Off-Road Goodies:
  • Next-generation Dana 44 HD full-float rear axle (Rubicon)
  • Electronic front sway-bar disconnect (Rubicon)
  • Body-on-frame design
  • Minimum 81 cm tire diameter
  • Four skid plates (fuel tank, transfer case, transmission, oil pan)
  • Interior & Tech:
  • 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
  • 12-way power-adjustable leather front seats (standard)
  • 5 user profiles + valet mode
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (connect up to 8 devices)
  • Dual USB Type C ports (charging 4x faster)
  • Safety:
  • Standard side-curtain airbags (front & second row)
  • Over 85 safety features
  • Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS): Forward collision warning, Blind spot detection, Rear cross-path detection, Adaptive cruise control with stop, Drowsy Driver Alert, Lane Departure Warning, electronic stability control with roll mitigation
  • Pricing (incl. 5-year/100,000km warranty & service plan):
  • Wrangler Sport: R1,199,900
  • Wrangler Sahara: R1,249,900
  • Wrangler Rubicon: R1,299,900
  • Heritage: Over 80 years of 4x4 expertise, originating from the WWII-era Willys MB


Images : © Jeep // Supplied