The 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4×4 makes a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. If you want an unrelentingly capable off-road vehicle with a capable engine and rugged Jeep character, then the Wrangler is for you.
The 2019 Wrangler belongs to a generation that began with the 2018 model year. This year’s model offers adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, but otherwise it is unchanged.
The 2018 model marked the first redesign for the Wrangler in some time. For 2018, Jeep introduced a turbocharged four-cylinder engine which features a mild hybrid e-assist. Inside, Jeep used noticeably more upscale materials than in previous Wranglers.
New features also included a heated steering wheel, a rearview camera, and an infotainment system with a 5-inch touch screen.
Also new wad blind-spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, and an upgraded infotainment system with a 7- or 8.4-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Although I was driving a top-of-the-line Rubicon model, there are three other Wrangler trims from which to choose: Sport, Sport S, and Sahara.
You have two engine options in the Wrangler: the 285-horsepower V6 base engine or a 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. The base engine delivers ample power, but the turbo-four provides better acceleration and feels more ready to play.
The Wrangler’s fuel economy numbers trail most rivals’ ratings. With its base V6, the Wrangler gets 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The turbo-four gets better estimates of 23/25 mpg city/highway.
Perhaps no vehicle has made more of its name for its off-road ability than the Jeep Wrangler. But the trim that I test drove, the Rubicon, has even more off-road-oriented features, making it the vehicular equivalent of a mountain goat. Its heavy-duty suspension definitely serves to improve off-road ability but hinders ride quality on the road. That said, the ride is fine over smooth pavement.
So jump onboard and you will see the two-door Rubicon seats four (while the four-door Wrangler Unlimited seats five). Both rows offer plenty of headroom, and the front row provides decent legroom. But I have to admit, the rear seats in the Rubicon are a tight squeeze.
The Wrangler’s interior may not blow you away with its materials quality or style, but that’s because it is built with function — not form — in mind. The materials are durable so they can withstand anything you put them through, and they are easy to clean as well. The Wrangler comes standard with a soft top roof, but you can upgrade to a hardtop. Both are easy to remove.
Tech-wise, this Jeep comes with the Uconnect infotainment system, which includes a 5-inch touch screen, an eight-speaker audio system, USB and auxiliary ports, and Bluetooth. In addition to what I already mentioned, available features include a/c, power windows, an Alpine audio system, and satellite radio.
The Wrangler Rubicon has a starting price at around $38,000 for two-door models and $41,500 for four-door models. With some optional equipment and the destination charge added in, it can approach nearly $50,000.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or via email at Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
