Road test: 2011 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (2025)

In Canada we’ve known this vehicle as the Jeep YJ and then the Jeep TJ, but south of the border it has always been the Jeep Wrangler.

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In 2007, however, Jeep reclaimed the right to use the Wrangler name in Canada and that same year it also introduced a long-wheelbase, four-door version, called Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

It must have been a "why didn’t we think of this before" occasion for Jeep executives, as the Wrangler Unlimited has successfully widened the market for this superb off-road vehicle. Yes, it gives up some agility, but adds much needed interior utility.

The 2011 model year edition of the Wrangler Unlimited may look the same on the outside but it has an all-new interior. Heated seats, climate control, new audio inputs including Bluetooth, power-heated side mirrors and a 115-volt outlet are now all available. New steering-wheel controls also allow the driver to remotely operate a phone, the radio, cruise control and other vehicle functions with hands on the steering wheel.

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Electronic stability control (ESC), Hill-start Assist (HSA) and Trailersway Control (TSC) are all standard. Rear visibility is better courtesy of a larger rear window and increased acoustical treatment brings a significant reduction in interior noise. In general, Jeep has also improved cabin ergonomics and upgraded the materials used.

Just like the solidly built standard Wrangler, the Wrangler Unlimited is built to take a thumping and keep on trucking, while offering more doors, more seats, more space, more comfort and … more Jeep. However, as you might expect, all of this also adds more weight and the Unlimited tips the scales at a robust 1896 kg (4180 lbs.).

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The one and only engine in every Wrangler is a torque-rich 3.8-litre V6 and it’s coupled with a six-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The extra mass and muscle, however, do have a negative impact on fuel economy. To compensate for this, the Unlimited comes with an extra large (85-litre) gas tank, which gives it the extended driving range that its trail-hardened customers also desire.

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Wrangler Unlimited is the only four-door convertible on the market, which might come as a surprise, and has room for up to five adult passengers. Innovative open-air possibilities start with its standard Sunrider soft top, which includes a sunroof feature in addition to the full top-down position. An optional Jeep Freedom Top is a three-piece modular hardtop. It fits over the retracted soft top and in addition to a higher level of security it has three removable panels. There are two Targa-like removable roof panels up front and a larger panel over the rear seats.

The Sport and Sahara models come with the second-generation Command-Trac part-time four-wheel-drive, with a 2-speed transfer case and a 2.72: 1 lowrange gear ratio. A Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential is optional.

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My test Unlimited was a Rubicon edition which comes with an Off-Road Rock-Trac 2-speed transfer case, a 4.0: 1 low-range gear ratio, electric front-and rear-axle lockers and an electronic sway bar disconnect, plus BF Goodrich offroad tires.

With the possible exceptions of the Nissan Xterra and the Toyota FT Cruiser, most vehicles that offer anything close to Wrangler-like off-road performance will cost a lot more money.

THE LOOKS

True to its roots, Wrangler still has a distinct family resemblance to the original "Willys" of Second World War fame. Signature features include classic round headlights, the seven-slot front grille, trapezoid wheel openings, exposed hinges and a fold-down windshield. It even has removable doors that are available in full-frame or half doors.

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THE INSIDE

The stretched body of the Unlimited not only allows it to tote more people, its rear seat is mounted ahead of the rear axle, which gives passengers a less bumpy ride. The back seat is also a 60/40 split folding type with a clever automatic foldaway feature on its head restraints. When the seats are folded, they present a completely flat extended cargo floor and 2,353-litres of storage space. New interior highlights include a redesigned instrument panel and new storage pockets. The console is lockable and the restyled centre stack is easier to reach and operate.

SAFETY

Electronic stability control (ESC) is standard, as is electronic roll mitigation (ERM), all-speed traction control, a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system, Brake Assist and Hill-start Assist (HSA), which prevents rollback on a graded surface. In addition, a Trailer-Sway Control (TSC) system, which works with ESC, is also available.

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THE DRIVE

All three versions of the Wrangler Unlimited have slightly different personalities. Sport is the light, agile entry level one and Sahara is the most aesthetically pleasing, paved road friendly and most popular. And Rubicon is like its famous trail namesake, which I traversed many years ago, a rugged beast. Aimed at a serious outdoor enthusiast, Rubicon is probably more Jeep than would interest most buyers. An off-road ready machine, it comes with beefy suspension and steering components, protective skid plates, a roll cage, high ground clearance and rock-crawling tires. My test Rubicon came with a sixspeed manual transmission, which means you also get a second shift lever to operate the 4×4 transfer case. It offers 4H (high range), 4L (low range) and N (neutral) in addition the normal use 2H two-wheel drive mode. Unlike the full automated systems all-wheel-drive systems in modern cross-utility vehicles, this is a completely manual system. While not an outrageously bad fuel user when compared to its competitive set, don’t buy this vehicle and expect good fuel economy. Jeep does make a number of other models (like Compass and Patriot) that are lighter and far more fuel efficient. At low speeds its firm suspension feels a bit harsh, but it’s surprisingly comfortable when the pavement is reasonably smooth.

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THE SCORE

Champion of the unpaved path, Jeep Wrangler has a bigger, fourdoor companion called Unlimited. Now Wrangler owners can pack more gear and share their outdoor adventures with others.

mchugh@shaw.ca

THE SPECS

2011 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED

Trim levels: Sport, Sahara and Rubicon

Sticker Price: $26,695 to $33,495

Power (SHO): 3.8-litre V6, 202 horsepower.

Transmission: 6-speed manual/automatic Fuel consumption (SHO):

14.5/10.0 L/100 km (city/highway)

THE COMPETITION

Ford Escape: $19,999 -$35,149

Land Rover LR2: $44,950

Nissan Xterra: $33,998 -$37,948

Subaru Forester: $25,995 -$35,485

Suzuki Grand Vitara: $28,135 -$30,635

Toyota FT Cruiser: $33,725 -$37,300

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