2015 Jeep Wrangler Pros vs Cons
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While the Wrangler is certainly a unique vehicle, it does have a few competitors. With the popular Toyota FJ Cruiser being discontinued, the Wrangler’s closest competitors are the Nissan Xterra and the Subaru Forester.
Reasons You May Want to Consider a 2015 Jeep Wrangler - The Pros
1) Legendary Off-Road Prowess
Very few mass-produced vehicles can match the Wrangler’s overall ruggedness. From rocky trails to swampy rainforests, the Wrangler has been engineered to tackle a wide variety of different landscapes. However, the well-built Rubicon model is the most rugged version of the Jeep Wrangler. The Rubicon trim includes a heavy-duty front axel, a front and rear locking differential, 32-inch tires, and a beefed-up undercarriage.
2) Powerful Pentastar Engine
All versions of the 2015 Wrangler come equipped with the praiseworthy Pentastar engine. Not only is this engine very powerful, but it also has developed a reputation of being very durable. During the 2013 model year, the Pentastar engine was chosen as one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines. When needed, the award-winning V6 engine is able to push out an impressive 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
3) The Roof Panels and Doors can be Removed
For years, beach-goers have enjoyed driving a Jeep Wrangler along the sandy shores. The SUV’s removable doors and roof panels allow the passengers to hop in and out of the interior with ease. This gives the Wrangler an enhanced coolness factor that cannot be overlooked. Many people actually prefer driving a Jeep more than a convertible sports car.
4) Ability to Tow
Although the Wrangler cannot match the towing capacity of a full-size pickup truck, most drivers will find its towing capabilities to be adequate. While the two-door model maintains a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, the larger four-door model has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This means that the SUV can easily tow a pair of ATVs or a small camper. A special Trailer Sway Control feature helps to enhance the SUV’s stability when pulling a trailer.
5) Curb Appeal
The 2015 Jeep Wrangler is a true head-turner. Onlookers seem to love the SUV’s rugged character. Although the Wrangler has been modernized over the years, its traditional styling still remains intact. From college students to retirees, people from all walks of life can be seen cruising around town in a Jeep Wrangler.
6) Available Four-Door Model
Although the two-door model may not be the best choice for families, the available four-door version provides enough interior room to satisfy most parents. The four-door design allows everyone in the crew to experience the fun of riding in a Jeep Wrangler. It is a great choice for the drivers who love taking road trips with a group of friends.
7) Great for Traveling in Snow
Unlike the average sedan, the Wrangler can handle relatively deep snow with no problem. The robust all-wheel drive system gives the SUV superb traction in bad weather. The Wrangler’s outstanding amount of ground clearance will certainly come in handy during emergency situations.
8) Convenient Features
Several high-end features are offered on the new Wrangler. Travelers will love the simplicity of the touch-screen navigation system. Adventure seekers will also find the 115-volt power outlet to be extremely convenient when camping. The available tow hooks come in handy for pulling other vehicles out of deep snow and mud. Some of the other noteworthy features include an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, an Alpine sound system, and leather seating.
9) Excellent Cargo Capacity
With the rear seats folded down, the two-door Wrangler’s cargo capacity expands to 55.8 feet. However, the four-door model is even more impressive with a total cargo area of over 70 feet.
10) Fun Driving Experience
Drivers who crave adventure will find the Wrangler to be a very entertaining vehicle. While the SUV performs adequately on the street, it really steps up the level of fun when traveling off-road.
Reasons You May Not Want to Buy a 2015 Jeep Wrangler - The Cons
1) Mediocre Fuel Economy
With a fuel economy rating of around 17 mpg in the city, very few people will refer to the Wrangler as being fuel-efficient. The SUV’s mediocre fuel economy can present a problem for the drivers who are seeking a vehicle that is good on gas.
2) So-So Handling
While the Wrangler excels on off-road trails, its handling on the road is average at best. People who are seeking a more agile driving machine may find a crossover SUV to be more suitable.
3) No Rear-View Camera
In regards to safety features, the 2015 Wrangler sticks to the basics. High-tech safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, a rear-view camera, and lane departure warning are not offered. However, a powerful anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control come standard on all trim trims.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
1) 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2) 2015 Jeep Cherokee
3) 2015 Jeep Patriot
4) 2015 Jeep Compass
5) 2015 Jeep Patriot
6) 2015 Jeep Wrangler
Although vehicles such as the Nissan Xterra and the Subaru Forester are very capable off-road machines, the Wrangler still stands at the top of the mountain. The Wrangler also retains its value better than the Nissan Xterra.
Conclusion:
The Jeep Wrangler is an American classic that promises to deliver off-road thrills. While the two-door model is perfect for the drivers who do not have any kids, the four-door Wrangler is a must for families. The SUV’s potent Pentastar engine promises to provide the necessary muscle.
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