2019 Jeep Wrangler

2019 Jeep Wrangler Overview

Is the 2019 Jeep Wrangler a Good Used SUV?

The 2019 Jeep Wrangler is a good SUV if you want a vehicle that can handle punishing off-road conditions. This Jeep has a tough solid-axle suspension, big all-terrain tires, and a robust four-wheel-drive system. These allow the Wrangler to go places that few other SUVs can.

The Wrangler is a blast as a weekend cruiser but less convincing as a daily driver. It gets poor fuel economy, its ride quality can be harsh over rough pavement, and its projected ownership costs are higher than average for a compact SUV. For many shoppers, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is a better choice. This model excels at off-roading without sacrificing everyday comfort.

Compare the Wrangler and Cherokee »

Why You Can Trust Us

We’ve analyzed 18 Jeep Wrangler reviews, as well as hard data points like reliability ratings and fuel economy estimates, to help you make the best car-buying decision possible.

U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking and reviewing vehicles since 2007, and our team has decades of experience in the auto industry. Though we’re passionate about cars, we’re even more committed to providing helpful consumer advice. To maintain objectivity, we don’t accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies.

How Much is the 2019 Jeep Wrangler?

Based on listings for the 2019 Jeep Wrangler, the average list price is $31,503. Prices range from $28,045 to $41,545 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location.

See the Best Used Car Deals »

How Much Does the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Cost to Own?

The 2019 Wrangler’s five-year costs for gas, insurance, taxes, fees, repairs, and maintenance are projected to be about $28,500, or $5,700 per year. That’s higher than average for the class.

2018 vs. 2019 Jeep Wrangler: What's the Difference?

Jeep redesigned the Wrangler for the 2018 model year. For 2018, Jeep offered both the new generation, called the Wrangler JL, and its predecessor, the Wrangler JK, which was sold from 2007 to 2018.

The JL has a higher-quality interior than the JK, and it also has more advanced features like Apple CarPlay and blind spot monitoring, as well as an available turbocharged engine. The 2019 updates include available forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control.

Compare the 2018 and 2019 Wrangler »

Here are the key changes for the Jeep Wrangler in the past several years:

• 2015: Rubicon Hard Rock edition joined trim lineup, an eight-speaker audio system became standard, and a nine-speaker Alpine system was made available
• 2016: no notable changes
• 2017: no notable changes
• 2018: fully redesigned (start of JL generation) with a new turbo-four engine, updated interior styling and materials, and more available features including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and blind spot monitoring
• 2019: forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control became available as part of the Advanced Safety package

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2016 Wrangler, 2017 Wrangler, and 2018 Wrangler reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.

How Reliable Is the 2019 Jeep Wrangler?

The 2019 Jeep Wrangler has a poor predicted reliability rating of two out of five.

Read more about Wrangler reliability »

2019 Jeep Wrangler Recalls

There have been 2 safety recalls issued from NHTSA.

See more information on Jeep Wrangler safety recalls »

Which Used Jeep Wrangler Trim Is Right for Me?

The 2019 Jeep Wrangler comes in four trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon. We think the midrange Sport S trim is the best pick. It adds a few popular convenience features that aren’t standard in the base Sport model, including remote keyless entry, power windows, and heated side mirrors. It’s also available with some options that the Sport model doesn’t have, like forward collision warning and blind spot monitoring. All trims are available with the same engine and transmission choices.

• Jeep Wrangler Sport: The entry-level Wrangler Sport has a 285-horsepower V6 engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and four-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic transmission and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine are available. Standard features include a 5-inch touch screen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, two USB ports, an eight speaker stereo, push-button start, cruise control, manual windows and door locks, cloth upholstery, a folding soft-top roof, tow hooks, skid plates, and 17-inch steel wheels. Available features include a hardtop, a limited-slip rear differential, and a tow package.
• Jeep Wrangler Sport S: The midrange Wrangler Sport S trim adds air conditioning, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, heated side mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Most Sport trim options carry over from the base trim. Additional options include a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, remote start, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
• Jeep Wrangler Sahara: The Wrangler Sahara trim is available only in the four-door body style. It adds a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 18-inch wheels. Most options carry over, plus there are added features like leather upholstery, a power-folding soft top, an 8.4-inch touch screen, navigation, and a nine-speaker stereo.
• Jeep Wrangler Rubicon: The rugged Wrangler Rubicon trim adds locking differentials, an electronic disconnecting sway bar, 17-inch wheels, bigger tires, and additional skid plates. Most options carry over from the previous trims.

See 2019 Jeep Wrangler trims and specs »

What Does Jeep's Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Cover?

Jeep offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles five years old or less and with fewer than 75,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. For its certified pre-owned vehicles, Jeep extends the original new-car powertrain warranty to seven years from the original sale date or 100,000 miles. CPO vehicles also get a three-month/3,000-mile Maximum Coverage Care warranty. Additional benefits are available, including a 90-day SiriusXM satellite radio trial subscription, a CarFax vehicle history report, 24-hour towing and roadside assistance, and a car rental allowance. There are mileage and model restrictions, so read the Jeep warranty page carefully.

According to our analysis, Jeep has one of the worst CPO programs in the industry. Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, and Volkswagen all have better programs.

See the best CPO programs »

How Safe Is the Wrangler?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2019 Wrangler Unlimited four out of five stars in the frontal crash test and three stars in the rollover evaluation. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety did not crash test the 2019 Wrangler. Because of these incomplete results, we did not assign the Wrangler an overall safety score.

Standard advanced safety features:

• Rearview camera

Available advanced safety features:

• Rear parking sensors
• Blind spot monitoring
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control

See Wrangler safety scores »

2019 Jeep Wrangler Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: 2019 Jeep Wrangler or 2019 Toyota 4Runner?

The appeal of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner is similar to that of the Jeep Wrangler. It’s a formidable off-roader with strong engine performance, boxy styling, and a trucklike body-on-frame construction. Like the Wrangler, it isn’t particularly comfortable riding over rough roads. Ultimately, the 4Runner offers more positives. It can tow more than the Wrangler, has a larger cargo area, and offers seating space for up to seven occupants. It also rates considerably higher for predicted reliability. Go with the Toyota.

Which Is Better: 2019 Jeep Wrangler or 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee fills a different niche than the Wrangler. The Grand Cherokee has a cushier ride than the Wrangler, a wider array of engine options, a ritzier interior, and far more amenities, including ventilated seats and hands-free park assist. Though it performs admirably off road, it provides a better driving experience than the Wrangler. Go with the Grand Cherokee.

Compare the Wrangler, 4Runner, and Grand Cherokee »

2019 Wrangler Performance

How Does the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Drive?

The Jeep Wrangler is at its best when driving off road. It has a rugged four-wheel-drive system, up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance, and a solid-axle suspension that flexes nicely over rocks and bumps. All models feature a two-speed transfer case with high- and low-range gearing as standard equipment. Available upgrades include limited-slip and locking differentials, additional skid plates, and hill-descent control.

Much of this recipe translates well on the road. The Wrangler feels stable around turns, its steering is quick and well-weighted, and its brakes have strong stopping power. The trade-off is ride quality. That tough suspension tends to jitter and jolt over rough pavement, especially for the shorter two-door models. It can be downright uncomfortable at times.

The Wrangler is available with a V6 or a turbocharged four-cylinder. Both engines scoot the Jeep around town briskly and provide sufficient power for climbing hills and passing other vehicles on the highway. The four-cylinder feels a bit punchier at low speeds, and it gets better fuel economy. We think it’s the better pick for most shoppers. The Wrangler’s eight-speed automatic transmission earns praise for its smooth yet prompt shifts. The six-speed manual is fairly crisp, but it’s let down by a vague clutch pedal.

• Base engine: 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque
• Available engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque
• Drivetrain: four-wheel drive
• Transmission: standard six-speed manual; available eight-speed automatic

Does the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Get Good Gas Mileage?

The Wrangler gets below-average fuel economy for a compact SUV.

• V6, manual: 17/25 mpg city/highway
• V6, automatic: 18/23 mpg
• Turbo four-cylinder, automatic: 23/25 mpg

2019 Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity

The four-door Wrangler can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. The two-door model has a lower tow rating of 2,000 pounds.

Read more about Wrangler performance »

2019 Wrangler Interior

How Many People Does the 2019 Wrangler Seat?

The Jeep Wrangler is available in two body styles. The two-door Wrangler has four seats, while the four-door Wrangler Unlimited has five seats.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and they have ample head- and legroom, even for taller occupants. Outward visibility is great to the front and sides, thanks to the large windows and high seating position. The Wrangler Unlimited’s back seat can comfortably fit two adults, though these seat cushions aren’t as plush as those up front. On the other hand, the two-door model’s rear seat is best reserved for kids. It’s awkward to access and doesn’t provide much legroom.

The Wrangler’s interior quality is hit or miss. The styling is clean and modern, and there are numerous soft-touch plastics and upholstered surfaces. However, there are just as many hard plastics in less obvious areas. Wind and tire noise is quite intrusive at higher speeds as well. On the plus side, the soft top is easy to fold down, and it doesn’t take long to remove the doors or fold down the windshield.

Standard features:

• Cloth upholstery
• Manually adjustable front seats
• Folding soft-top roof

Available features:

• Leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Removable hardtop roof

How Many Child Car Seats Fit in the 2019 Jeep Wrangler?

The 2019 Wrangler has two complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors for the rear seats.

2019 Jeep Wrangler Features

The 2019 Wrangler comes standard with a 5-inch touch screen. This system has a simple menu structure, and it responds quickly to inputs. It’s complemented by physical buttons and knobs for the main audio and air conditioning controls, making it easy to adjust these functions on the go. It is worth upgrading to either the 7-inch or 8.4-inch touch screen. These displays have sharper graphics, and they support the popular Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems.

For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto?

• Standard infotainment features: a 5-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and an eight-speaker stereo
• Available infotainment features: a 7-inch touch screen, an 8.4-inch touch screen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a nine-speaker stereo
• Additional standard features: manual windows, manual door locks, push-button start, and cruise control
• Other available features: air conditioning, dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, and remote start

See 2019 Jeep Wrangler specs »

Read more about Wrangler interior »

2019 Jeep Wrangler Dimensions

Jeep Wrangler Cargo Space

The four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 72.4 cubic feet with these seats folded. That’s pretty roomy for a compact SUV. The two-door Wrangler isn’t as generous. It has just 13 cubic feet of space behind its rear seats and 31.7 cubic feet with them folded.

2019 Jeep Wrangler Length and Weight

• Length: 13 feet, 11 inches to 15 feet, 8 inches
• Curb weight: 3,955 to 4,485 pounds

Where Was the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Built?

Jeep built the 2019 Wrangler in Ohio.