DubiCars Car Spotlight Jeep Wrangler: All You Need To Know About The Jeep Wrangler Its History & Generations

All over the world, when people say the word ‘Jeep,’ they have in mind a picture of a basic 4WD SUV with circular headlamps flanking the iconic seven-slat grille. Even if the SUV they have in mind is made by another manufacturer, they say it is a ‘Jeep’ because that’s how iconic the Jeep Wrangler and its predecessors are. The Wrangler is the quintessential Jeep.

The Jeep Wrangler first went into production back in 1986. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of units have been produced, the SUV won several awards and took people to terrain that other SUVs would shy away from. It’s safe to say that the Jeep Wrangler is one of the most iconic vehicles ever made and its history and heritage are certainly something to write about, and so we have!

Here’s all you need to know about the Jeep Wrangler.

Jeep Wrangler History & Heritage — Models Of The Years

Combat-Ready & War-Time Development Roots

It is a fact that the Jeep Wrangler is a direct progression of the Willys Jeep from World War II. The American military began experimenting with new designs for a light 4WD vehicle back in the 1930s. However, after World War 2 broke out, it became obvious that sooner or later, America would find itself in the midst of the war and hence, the development of the ‘Jeep’ was prioritised.

In 1941, the Willys Jeep went into production and the little Jeep played a mighty role in the war. After the war ended, the military continued using the Jeep, but it also saw an increased interest from civilians. This led to the development of the CJ (Civilian Jeep).

Between 1944 and 1970, a few manufacturers produced these Jeeps for civilians. In 1970 American Motors Corporation’s sub-brand Jeep took over and started building these Jeeps. In 1987, Chrysler acquired the Jeep brand and all its assets and since then, four generations of the Jeep Wrangler have been produced.

Jeep Wrangler YJ |1986 – 2001

From 1976 to 1986, Jeep produced the CJ-7, which was the largest of the civilian jeeps. However, the CJs were a little too uncomfortable and old-school. A replacement was needed and hence, Jeep began development of a new Jeep. Development of the Wrangler began in 1982 and the first prototypes were based on the CJ-7 chassis.

By the end of the development process, the chassis had several changes, and it was riding on a new, more comfortable suspension. However, the wheelbase remained exactly identical to the CJ-7. To differentiate the Wrangler from its predecessor, Jeep replaced the circular headlamps with rectangular units.

It was available with 2.5-litre inline-4, 4.0-litre inline-6, and 4.2-litre inline-6 petrol engine options. Buyers could choose between a 3-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual gearbox. It was produced until 1995 in the US and Canada. However, production in Indonesia took place between 1995 and 1998 and production in Iran went on till 2001.

Jeep Wrangler TJ | 1996 – 2006

The TJ is the second-generation Jeep Wrangler and with this generation, Jeep reintroduced the iconic circular headlamps that the CJs were known for. An eye for detail would notice the slightly more rounded design, especially on the bonnet. It looked more road-friendly. This was also the first generation of the Wrangler to come with a long-wheelbase version.

It was in 2004 that the long-wheelbase model was first introduced. Measuring 2,630mm, the LWB version’s wheelbase was 260mm longer than the standard version. The Wrangler TJ was available with three petrol engine options — 2.4-litre inline-4, 2.5-litre inline-4, and 4.0-litre inline-6.

Jeep Wrangler JK | 2006 – 2018

Development of the third-gen Wrangler began in 2001, way before the new model was due. The Wrangler JK was taller and wider than the previous-gen Wrangler TJ. It became known as a lifestyle SUV and many bought it for its looks while the hardcore fans bought it and then chose from the endless list of aftermarket parts to take on the off-road trails.

For the first time ever, a pickup-truck version based on the Wrangler was offered. In 2005, the Jeep Gladiator was launched, based on the four-door version of the Wrangler. Also for the first time ever, the four-door LWB version outsold the standard version.

Engine options included just one diesel engine — a 2.8-litre inline-4. Those opting for petrol power could choose between 3.6-litre and a 3.8-litre V6 options. In China, it was sold only with a 3.0-litre V6.

Jeep Wrangler JL | 2017 – Present

This is exactly where the Jeep Wrangler became very popular. By now, the Jeep Wrangler had amassed a cult following. Wrangler owner groups across the world regularly head out on off-road drives and Jeep decided to cater to them by introducing the most comfortable and practical Wrangler yet.

The Jeep Wrangler JL was first unveiled at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show and it immediately entered production. It is the largest Wrangler yet and features modern design and styling while still sticking to the signature Jeep design characteristics.

It is offered with a wide range of engine and transmission options. For the first time since the CJ-7 was discontinued in 1986, a V8 engine is on offer. Those opting for a petrol engine can pick between a 2.0-litre inline-4, a 3.6-litre V6, and a 6.4-litre V8. Diesel engines on offer include a 2.2-litre inline-4 and a 3.0-litre V6. It is also available with a hybrid powertrain comprising a petrol engine with a 17.4kWh battery pack and electric motors.

Next-Generation Jeep Wrangler | 2024 Onwards

The current-gen Jeep Wrangler has been around for about six years now and it is due for a generational update in 2024. The new Wrangler is expected to continue with the same set of engine options with the addition of more Hybrid variants and an electric version also might go into series production. However, the same hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Most Popular Jeep Wrangler Generations In The UAE

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most popular SUVs in the UAE and is much preferred for off-road escapades into the desert. There are several Wrangler owners groups that head out into the desert every weekend for some dune-bashing. The Jeep Wrangler JK is a popular generation. However, it has now been surpassed by the Wrangler JL. While the LWB version sells in high numbers, the standard version is the most capable version.

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