Jeep previews 2021 Wrangler range
Jeep has revealed its Wrangler lineup for 2021. Due for Australian release in January, the range includes the return of the Sport S as an entry-level 2-door variant, the addition of a Night Eagle version (as offered on other Jeep models), more standard safety and driver assistance tech, plus a single engine/transmission offering across the range.
While the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon was previously available with a 147kW/450Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder, that engine has been dropped for 2021, with the 209kW/347Nm 3.6-litre Pentastar petrol V6 now standard across the range. As with this year's Wrangler lineup, an 8-speed automatic will be the only transmission offered for 2021.
“We’re thrilled to expand the offering, bringing first-class 4x4 capability, premium appointments and a comprehensive list of safety technology, comfort and convenience features,” said Guillaume Drelon, Jeep Australia Director, Brand & Product Strategy.
Arriving ahead of the 2021 range is a new capped price servicing programme, applicable to both MY20 and MY21 Wranglers, that offers more transparency on dealership servicing and starts at $399 per service for the first five services.
2021 Wrangler Sport S
Opening the 2021 Wrangler 2-door range, the Sport S has solid off-road credentials, led by the Selec-Trac on-demand four-wheel drive system and including heavy-duty Dana front and rear axles, Selec-Speed Control and underbody skid plates. Selectable Tyre Fill Alert (STFA) is new and makes automatic tyre inflation or deflation (selected via the Uconnect 7.0-inch touchscreen) more convenient by providing an auditory notification when the desired tyre pressure is reached.
The Sport S’s off-road capability can be increased with an optional Off-Road Group package that adds Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axles and 17-inch Tech Silver aluminium wheels, as well as all-weather floor mats.
Standard safety tech on the MY21 Sport S includes Forward Collision Warning Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Path Detection, while convenience and comfort features include LED lights, auto headlights, remote keyless entry, push-button starting, fourth-generation UConnect 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 7.0-inch Driver Information Display and dual-zone climate control.
An 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade, 9-speaker Alpine Premium audio system, hardtop headliner, security alarm and remote starting are extra-cost options.
2021 Wrangler Unlimited Night Eagle
The entry model for the Wrangler Unlimited 4-door range, the Night Eagle carries distinctive cosmetic touches as already seen on Compass and Grand Cherokee models with this package, but mechanical and tech specification is broadly the same as the Sport S.
Exterior features include gloss black detailing and 17-inch gloss black alloys, with the blackout treatment continuing inside with dark interior accents.
Selec-Trac 4WD, Dana axles, Selec-Speed Control, STFA and underbody protection are all as per the Sport S, but in terms of comfort and convenience features, the Night Eagle gets the larger Uconnect touchscreen, a headliner for the 3-piece removable hardtop, Alpine sound system, remote starting and security alarm as standard.
The Sport S safety technologies carry over to the Night Eagle and all other Wrangler variants for 2021.
2021 Wrangler / Wrangler Unlimited Overland
The only 2021 Wrangler offered in 2- and 4-door form, the Overland is defined externally by its 18-inch alloys, body-coloured wheelarch flares and hardtop, bright chrome accents and hard spare wheel cover, but runs the same mechanical package as the Sport S/Night Eagle.
The Overland ups the comfort and luxury ante inside with leather trimmed seats, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and partial leather wrap on the dash as standard, with the Trail Rail Management System for safe and efficient storage of cargo added for 2021.
Jeep’s ‘Sky One-Touch Powertop,’ a power-operated sliding roof system, is an optional extra on the Unlimited Overland.
2021 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
As the premium off-road offering, the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon exchanges the Selec-Trac for the Rock-Trac four-wheel drive system with a 4:1 transfer case and 77.2:1 crawl ratio.
Tru-Lok front and rear locking diffs, electronic sway bar disconnect, 32-inch off-road tyres on 17-inch wheels, programmable switch bank and heavy-duty rock rails with step assist are all standard.
New to the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon for 2021 is Off Road + mode on the Rock-Trac system which automatically engages Rock Mode when in low range, and Sand Mode when in high range. Off Road + works by sensing throttle position and gear shift points, as well as the vehicle’s electronic stability control parameters, and uses them to adjust throttle sensitivity and torque delivery to suit the trail surface.
Option packages start with the Trail Ready Package that adds a steel front bumper and grille-mounted, forward-facing TrailCam camera that makes it easier to spot obstacles on the trail ahead. TrailCam has an integral wash function to clean the camera lens, too.
A Rubicon Luxury Package adds most of the Overland’s features, like body-coloured wheelarch flares, leather interior trim, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and the Trail Rail Management System. A body-coloured hardtop, premium soft top, and black alloys are also optional.
Price Rises Across the Board
Pricing for the MY21 Wrangler range has risen by between $1,500 and $3,000, with Jeep putting the increase down to the greater level of equipment, including more active safety tech, as standard.
2021 Jeep Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited pricing*
Wrangler Sport S - $51,950
Wrangler Overland - $61,450
Wrangler Unlimited Night Eagle - $60,950
Wrangler Unlimited Overland - $65,950
Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon - $67,450
*list pricing, excludes ORCs