The significant changes for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler are under its hood. Jeep adds two new propulsion systems.
One is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, and the other is a 470-horsepower V8.
Although a few of the 2021 trim levels are mere derivatives of the core Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon grades, the total comes to 10 trims.
They are Sport, Willys Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sport Altitude, Sahara, Sahara Altitude, High Altitude, Rubicon, and Rubicon 392.
Jeep offers the lower four trim levels plus the standard Rubicon in either 2-door or 4-door configurations. Picking four doors adds $3,500 to the bottom line.
The other five grades are 4-door-only models.
Every Wrangler is 4WD. Jeep employs a variety of engines to spin those four wheels.
The base engine is a 285-hp 3.6-liter V6 married to a 6-speed manual transmission. The 2-door delivers 20 miles per gallon in combined city-highway driving. Opting for the 4-door scrubs off 1 mpg.
Every other engine choice comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Optional on every trim except the Rubicon 392, is a 270-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Its estimated combined mileage is 23 mpg for the 2-door and 1 mpg less for the 4-door.
Also available is the eTorque mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrain. It mates the 3.6-liter V6 with an electric motor. The horsepower is the same as the 3.6L V6, but the combined mileage improves to 21 mpg with two doors and 20 mpg with four doors.
Jeep also provides a turbodiesel option for four-door Wranglers. It’s a 3.0-liter turbodiesel. Its combined mileage is 25 mpg. In the 4-door Rubicon, it drops to 23 mpg.
The new PHEV 4xe version hooks up the 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder with two electric motors. The combined output is 375 hp. Also exclusive to 4-door models, its electric-only mileage is 49 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Once the battery goes dry, the combined mileage is 20 mpg.
2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport (Original starting price when new: $29,070)
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The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport starts at $29,070.
Opting for the 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder is a $2,500 upcharge, while the 3.6L MHEV is a $3,250 bump. You can pick the 4-door model with the Turbodiesel ($6,000).
Standard are Dana solid front and rear axles, 17-inch painted steel wheels, and Command-Trac part-time 4WD system.
Also included are manual windows, manual door locks, and manual outboard mirrors.
Halogen headlights, fog lights, fuel tank/transfer case skid plates, a soft-folding top, tow hooks, and push-button start are also standard.
Other features are a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, cloth seating, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, and cruise control.
An 8-speaker audio system, one USB port, and three 12-volt power ports are within the infotainment system.
Hill-start assist and mandated safety features like stability control and a rearview camera are also standard.
The 3-piece Hardtop Group is optional on every Wrangler, except the Altitude trims. It includes the hardtop, a rear-window defroster, and a rear window washer/wiper.
Jeep also offers a trailer towing package with a Class II hitch receiver and electric adapters.
Who is this trim level for? Jeep offers the Wrangler Sport for buyers who want some of Wrangler’s legendary capability and very little more.
2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport includes:
Cruise control – This allows the driver to set the system at a given speed, which the vehicle maintains until the driver applies the brakes. It can then resume that preset speed with the push of a button.
Tilt-telescopic steering wheel – This allows the driver to set both the height and distance of the steering wheel.
Fog lights – Mounted lower than the headlights, these lights aim downward to illuminate beneath the fog layer.
2021 Jeep Wrangler Willys Sport (Original starting price when new: $31,375)
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The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Willys Sport starts at $31,375.
The same three engine upgrades are available for the Willys Sport.
Bringing a sort of military look to the Sport, the Willys Sport version adds some unique accents, heavy-duty shocks, and brakes, as well as a limited-slip differential.
Who is this trim level for? A bit more capable than the standard Sport, the Willys Sport is for buyers looking to upgrade the Sport’s off-road prowess.
2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport S (Original starting price when new: $33,265)
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The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport S starts at $33,265.
Sport S models with the three optional engines listed for the previous trims can be found.
Sport S loses the Willys Sport additional features.
To the Sport, Sport S adds power accessories (windows, door locks, and outboard mirrors), auto on-off headlights, and heated outboard mirrors.
Also included are 17-inch aluminum wheels, manual air conditioning, and remote keyless entry.
Sport S is the gateway to several additional option packages. For example, the Infotainment Group provides an 8.4-inch touchscreen, a 9-speaker audio system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The Cold Weather Group adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start.
Who is this trim level for? Think of the Sport S as an upmarket S. It should appeal to buyers who want a few creature comforts with their Wrangler capability. However, they don’t want to pay too much.
2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport S includes:
Auto on-off headlights – Photosensors detect a reduction in daylight, which automatically engages the headlights and taillights. The system extinguishes the lights when an appropriate amount of daylight returns.
Remote keyless entry – You can unlock and lock the vehicle remotely when in range using the fob.
Heated outboard mirrors – Electrically heated, these mirrors automatically clear away ice, snow, and fog.
2021 Jeep Wrangler Willys (Original starting price when new: $36,365)
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The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Willys starts at $36,365.
The same engine options carry on.
The Willys has all the extras of the Willys Sport and then adds LED headlights and fog lights to the standard features in the Sport S.
Who is this trim for? Buyers of the Willys are looking for better-than-average off-road capability, but also a few amenities like power accessories, remote keyless entry, and so forth.
2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport Altitude (Original starting price when new: $38,010)
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Jeep offers the same three engine upgrades for the Sport Altitude.
Except for a hardtop replacing the standard soft top, Altitude is an appearance package.
The Sport Altitude adds 18-inch gloss black wheels, black exterior accents, a hardtop with a headliner, and a heavy-duty suspension.
Options include the Premium Audio Group with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, satellite radio capability, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
The Advanced Safety Group adds forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and high-beam assist.
Who is this trim level for? Jeep targets buyers who want a hardtop with the Sport Altitude.
2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport Altitude includes:
Hardtop – This removable hardtop comes with a headliner, rear window defroster, and rear wiper/washer.
Gloss black wheels – These 18-inch alloy wheels add a sinister touch to the Wrangler.
Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Allows your smartphone to interface with your vehicle. Not only can you access the music on your phone, but you can also send messages, receive messages, make calls, and so forth through your vehicle’s media system.
2022 Jeep Wrangler Sahara (Original starting price when new: $39,715)
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Sahara offers the same engine choices. But adds the 4xe PHEV powertrain ($11,510). However, it loses the hardtop.
Standard are a body-colored grille, tubular side steps, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Also included are upgraded cloth seats, a Homelink transceiver, a 115-volt power outlet, Uconnect 4, and a 7-inch touchscreen.
Satellite-radio capability and two additional USB ports are also standard.
The Premium Audio Group and Advanced Safety Group are also available.
Who is this trim level for? Jeep boosts the convenience features for the Sahara to appeal to buyers who want just a little more.
2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara includes:
Dual-zone automatic climate control – A set-it-and-forget-it system, it divides the vehicle into left and right regions. It provides separate temperature settings for each region. Once set, it automatically maintains the preset temperatures.
Homelink – This universal transceiver offers programming for your automatic garage door, as well as other functions like your home’s interior light operation.
115-volt power outlet – This allows you to plug in accessories that function on your home A/C current.
2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (Original starting price when new: $39,765)
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The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon starts at $39,765.
The turbodiesel isn’t an engine option for the Rubicon. The other two engine upgrades are still available, plus the PHEV 4xe powertrain.
Rubicon adds the Dana 44 heavy-duty solid front axle, front-rear electronic locking differentials, and the electric sway bar disconnect.
Also included are the Rock-Trac part-time transfer case, two-piece fender flares, black steel rock rails, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
Jeeps offers most of the options available in lower trims for the Rubicon.
Who is this trim level for? Rubicon is the most off-road capable of Wranglers.
2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon includes:
Rock-Trac – Includes a 4:1 low gear ratio engineered for crawling over rocks.
Locking differentials – These are electrically lockable, and they serve to lock the wheels on the same axle in sync for increased low-speed traction.
Disconnecting sway bar – The push of a button releases the sway bar allowing greater wheel articulation.
2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Altitude (Original starting price when new: $43,310)
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The engine possibilities are the same as for the Sahara.
Once again, Altitude is an appearance package with a hardtop.
Who is this trim level for? Buyers looking for the Sahara grade with a hardtop should find the Sahara Altitude appealing.
2021 Jeep Wrangler High Altitude (Original starting price when new: $51,375)
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The 2021 Jeep Wrangler High Altitude starts at $51,375.
Jeep offers the 2.0L turbo-4, the MHEV eTorque, the Turbo Diesel, and the PHEV 4xe powertrain as options for the High Altitude.
Judging by the big bump in price from the Sahara Altitude to the High Altitude, there is more going on here than just the addition of a hardtop.
It also adds 20-inch black alloy wheels, Nappa leather seating, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation.
LED exterior lights (auto on-off headlights, taillights, daytime running lights, and fog lights) and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are also included.
Who is this trim level for? Jeep targets Wrangler buyers wanting the utmost luxury available with the High Altitude.
2021 Jeep Wrangler High Altitude includes:
Auto-dimming rearview mirror – Using photosensors, it recognizes bright headlights closing from behind. It then automatically dims the reflection of those lights.
LED exterior lighting – This includes headlights with auto on-off, taillights, fog lights, and daytime running lights (DRLs). LEDs illuminate a broader and longer area than regular incandescent lights. That means they are also easier for other drivers to see.
Nappa leather seating – This leather undergoes a unique tanning process rendering it softer and more pliable than other leather.
2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 (Original starting price when new: $74,640)
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The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 starts at $74,640.
Perched at the top of Wrangler’s pecking order, the Rubicon 392 is defined by its 470-hp Hemi V8 engine. The estimated fuel economy is a dismal 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/14 mpg combined. However, Jeep says the 0-to-60 sprint takes just 4.5 seconds.
Losing the Nappa leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and LED exterior lighting, the Rubicon 392 does keep most of the High Altitude’s other convenience features.
It comes with all the standard Rubicon’s off-roading upgrades, as well as the Selec-Trac 4WD, upgraded sport seats, and a Gorilla Glass windshield.
A unique air intake with the Hydro Guide system draws in fresh air even if the Wrangler’s nose is partly submerged in water.
Who is this trim level for? Buyers who want speed, ultimate off-road capability, plenty of convenience features, and maybe show off a bit will gravitate to the Rubicon 392. Oh, and deep pockets will help, too.
2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 includes:
V8 engine – This isn’t just any V8. It’s a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that produces 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission delivers the goods to all four wheels.
Selec-Trac – This 4WD system is full-time and automatically transfers engine torque from slipping wheels to those with grip.
Gorilla Glass – This specially treated glass, resisting chips and scratches, is available in windshields for Wrangler. It’s standard in the Rubicon 392.
