Old-school charm with modern muscle: The Jeep Wrangler

The Wrangler nameplate is arguably the quintessential Jeep vehicle. When you think of Jeep (unless you’re Filipino), the first model you visualize is the Jeep Wrangler, and the qualities you may associate with it include strength, ruggedness, and charisma, among others. 

But why does the Jeep Wrangler invoke such a feeling of strength? There are several reasons we think so, and we’ll go through them one by one in this article. 

The Jeep name has long been associated with rugged off-road capability, and the Wrangler is one of its most iconic models that carries that legacy forward. The Wrangler’s heritage traces back to the Willys Jeep, a 4x4 vehicle designed to transport American troops anywhere they needed to go during World War II. Rugged, simple, and easy to repair in the field, the Willys Jeep became a reliable multi-role vehicle and an enduring symbol of the war effort.

After the war, Willys-Overland Motors, the creator of the Jeep brand, brought the vehicle to the civilian market as the Jeep CJ, short for Civilian Jeep. The CJ line established the foundation for future Jeep models, ultimately evolving into the Jeep Wrangler, which debuted with the Wrangler YJ generation in 1986.

The Jeep Wrangler YJ not only stood apart from the earlier Jeep CJ with its distinctive new face, but it also introduced several improvements over its utilitarian predecessor. The YJ featured an updated interior, greater comfort, and improved safety and handling thanks to a revised chassis with a wider track and slightly lower stance. These changes made the Wrangler better suited to civilian tastes and set the tone for future generations.

Fast forward to today — after the TJ and JK generations — and we arrive at the current JL Wrangler, the most advanced, capable, and refined version yet. Available in both 2-door and 4-door Unlimited configurations, the JL’s exterior design draws inspiration from the 1997–2006 TJ Wrangler, featuring a subtly raked seven-slot grille with round headlamps that merge into the grille’s outer edges. Notably, designers relocated the traditional Jeep badge from the grille to the front fenders.

The Wrangler continues to employ a body-on-frame construction and solid axles, preserving its legendary off-road durability. Meanwhile, the JL enhances on-road comfort with recirculating ball steering assisted by electric power steering, blending rugged capability with modern drivability.

The Jeep Wrangler JL was offered with a range of powertrain options worldwide, but here in the Philippines, we focus on the engines available locally. The Philippine-spec Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 268 hp and 400 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

If you’re hesitant about its smaller four-cylinder engine, don’t be—this turbocharged motor delivers strong performance and plenty of torque for both city driving and off-road adventures.

To ensure the 2025 JL Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon remains as capable as its legendary predecessors, Jeep equipped it with the Rock-Trac 4WD system featuring low-range gearing, Dana M210 front and Dana M220 rear axles, locking front and rear differentials, heavy-duty suspension, and protective skid plates for the transmission and transfer case—ready for whenever the pavement ends.

Underneath the Wrangler’s tough exterior and heavy-duty components, it features a modern interior that’s fit for civilian life. The 2025 Wrangler features leather-trimmed bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped shift knob that add a touch of sophistication to its tough persona. Both driver and front passenger seats are manually adjustable, with six-way adjustment for the driver and four-way adjustment for the passenger. In addition, the Wrangler’s seats are now waterproof in the 2025 model, meaning you can take the roof off with no worries. The rear 60/40 folding seats provide flexibility for passengers and cargo, while low back bucket seats ensure comfort on long drives or off-road trails.

At the heart of the dashboard is the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, offering Bluetooth, USB, and auxiliary inputs, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Alpine Premium Audio System delivers rich sound, complemented by Active Noise Control for a quieter cabin experience. The Wrangler also includes multiple USB ports—including a dual remote USB port for charging only—and a media hub for easy device connectivity.

After more than four generations of evolution, the Jeep Wrangler remains the beating heart of the Jeep brand. It’s a machine that has stayed true to its roots while embracing innovation—proof that progress doesn’t mean abandoning heritage. From the battlefields of World War II to the modern city streets and mountain trails of today, the Wrangler has embodied freedom, resilience, and adventure at every turn.

Every bolt, every grille slot, and every removable door carries a story, one of capability, courage, and charisma. The Wrangler is more than just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of independence and a promise that the spirit of exploration is alive and well.

If you want to let the spirit of adventure inside you roam free, consider checking out the Jeep Wrangler Car Guide on AutoDeal.com.ph