Looking ahead to tomorrow, we wanted to use our Thursday vehicle column to highlight a car that is patriotic as they come. We’re talking about a model that has actually served this country for many, many years. This week’s Showroom and Tell features the 2014 Jeep Wrangler.
Considered by many to be the only true Jeep, the Wrangler is a legendary off-roading vehicle that makes every turn at the wheel an adventure. Tracing its heritage to Willy’s first Jeep all the way back in 1944, the Wrangler’s basic DNA has changed little. It’s still a compact SUV with rugged, evenly spaced wheels and roll bars overhead. The best way to ride in a Jeep is with no top, but the Wrangler is available with soft and hard top options. They also come in nine colors.
On the interior, this isn’t your dad’s old CJ. The comforts of the modern age have made their way into the 2014 Wrangler’s cockpit, including leather seats with heating, illuminated cup-holders, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Again, you might not spend a lot of time driving this Jeep with the top on, but if you do you’ll notice that wind noise, vibration, and harshness from the road have been drastically reduced. Don’t think this is form without function, though. You still have drainage plugs for when you need to hose down the floor, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the available Premium Alpine Sound system.
Looks and styling are great, but what makes this a Jeep is its robust capabilities. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine makes 285 horsepower and is ready and willing to take you wherever you want to go. Depending on the trim you choose, you’ll have the option for two of the best 4WD systems in the world. Command Trac 4WD splits torque 50/50 to the front and rear axles, perfect for adverse road conditions or off-roading. The Rock-Trac 4WD system offers a 4:1 gear ratio that lets you conquer sharp inclines and rumble over larger obstacles.
The 2014 Jeep Wrangler is a small utility vehicle with an immense legacy, and we’ve only scratched the surface in this showcase. If you want to learn more about what it has to offer, ask about the Wrangler at one of our four Jeep dealerships.