5 Reasons to Wait for the New Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is selling like the proverbial hotcakes. Jeep as a whole is one of the main reasons why FCA’s sales are continuously up, even though car sales are way down. The current Wrangler is extremely capable and a whole lot of fun. But there’s a new one coming, and if you’re in the market you might want to wait for the new one before purchasing. Here are a few reasons why you might want to wait.
New Transmission Options
If you don’t have a row-your-own manual gearbox in your Wrangler, you’re forced into an archaic 5-speed automatic. Ten years ago this transmission might be considered modern, but these days there are much better solutions. Ram uses an 8-speed transmission that’s pretty stellar. It’s very likely a similar variation of that transmission will appear in the new Wrangler.
I don’t believe it’ll be a 9-speed unit that has plagued other Jeeps. Why? Because the 9-speed currently offered from ZF isn’t designed for a longitudinal engine setup.
More cogs will also help with the Wrangler’s abysmal fuel economy. I know many of you don’t care about that, but wouldn’t it be nice that when you bought a new one it just happened to have better economy as a by-product?
As for a manual transmission, I do hope one is still offered on the new Wrangler. There are rumors that it might not be, but I figure if Toyota can make the case for a manual in the Tacoma still, Jeep surely can for the Wrangler.
New Engine Options
I’m actually a big fan of the 3.6L Pentastar V6 in the current Wrangler. It’s a great engine in just about everything they put it in. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement.
For the new Wrangler, there might actually be a few options for the buyer to choose from. We’ve all seen spy shots where it appears that Jeep is testing a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. That engine would make sense, since FCA is certainly thinking about CAFE fuel economy standards and turbocharged engines do well with the EPA testing cycle.
I’m personally looking forward to the chance there’s a diesel option. The 3.0L EcoDiesel is a great little engine, has 420 lb-ft of torque — which would be even more awesome for off-roading — and is fuel efficient. Combined with the 8-speed automatic, it’d be the configuration I’d buy.
Lighter-Weight and Stronger
The new Wrangler will be the strongest yet, and most likely take advantage of high-strength steel wherever possible. While we don’t expect it to have an aluminum body, we do expect aluminum to be used in key areas to make it lighter.
Better Technology and Infotainment
While lower on the priority list, if you do live with your Wrangler as an everyday driver, you might be interested in having a better infotainment experience. Expect Uconnect to be front-and-center with the new Wrangler, supporting Android Auto and Apple Car Play.
Also expect extensive use of LED lighting, including an option for LED headlights. They’d be a significant improvement over the dim headlights currently available, and also be extra durable.
Finally, a backup — or 360º — camera will come with the Wrangler. Sure, you might not need it, but you have to admit it’d be helpful on some of the tightest trails.
Better Deals on Current Generation
It’s difficult to find a really good deal on a Wrangler. Even used ones command high prices. But when the next generation hits the streets, the current ones will have to take a bit of a price hit. How much of a hit is yet to be seen, but it might be a chance to get the “old one” for a good price.
What do you think? Let us know over in the forums!
