Choosing the Proper Pre-Owned Jeep Wrangler

For several decades, the Jeep Wrangler has been the pinnacle of off-roading performance, with levels of strength and style that set it apart from the rest of its competitors. From its beginnings overseas, shuttling soldiers during WWII, to its modern-day innovations and prowess, there’s nothing quite like a Jeep Wrangler—especially one found at a used car dealership like ourselves. 

We here at McHugh Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat have curated a fine selection of new and pre-owned Wranglers. Many of our customers are eager to take advantage of the Jeep Wrangler’s capabilities, and they’re even more interested in what a used model offers, hoping to glimpse its greatness at a more affordable price. Today, we’ll review which model years provide the best in terms of off-roading capabilities, performance, and tech that enhances the overall experience behind the wheel. 

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler 

2018 was an exceptional year for the Jeep Wrangler, inside and out. Under the hood, this model’s power remained unrivaled courtesy of a 3.6L V6 engine that produced 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The V6 could be paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Besides facilitating adventures that take place off the pavement, the Wrangler also proved to be exceptional in light-towing duties, with a maximum rating of 3,500 lbs when properly equipped. 

If the performance aspects were impressive, the new technological innovations accompanying the interior were just as exciting. A standard eight-speaker stereo system and an available upgrade from Alpine with nine speakers and a subwoofer catered to the discerning audiophile. Always known for innovation and advancement, the Wrangler’s infotainment screen not only provided syncing capability with Apple and Android products but was one of the first vehicles in its class to include USB-C ports. 

The 2019 Jeep Wrangler 

If you’re in the market for a used Jeep Wrangler and appreciate more variety, both in terms of performance and safety technology, the 2019 iteration of the Wrangler is your sure bet. While many attributes were carried over from the 2018 model year, some notable items were also introduced. New features meant to provide protection and oversight, such as forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control, were included, allowing Wrangler owners to preserve reaction time and drive more confidently. 

Also, joining the V6 powertrain (which was the sole offering in 2018) was a new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produced 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The new four-cylinder engine was paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission and eTorque, a mild hybrid technology that preserved energy and allowed for better fuel economy figures. Ratings from the EPA in 2019 estimated that the new four-cylinder gave drivers the means to achieve 22 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, which are remarkable stats for a four-wheel drivetrain. 

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler 

If the 2018 and 2019 versions of the Jeep Wrangler sound like they have plenty to offer regarding technology and performance, we have some exciting news: it only gets better from there. 2020 was a year in which the Wrangler received more performance upgrades and technological innovations, much to the delight of drivers searching for a vehicle that could handle any terrain and simultaneously grant access to the finer things in life. 

Joining the Pentastar V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder engine was a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine, which had previously earned its stripes on the Ram 1500. Delivering 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, the EcoDiesel also furnished exceptional fuel economy figures, with 29 MPG on the highway, surpassing the comparable 24 MPG of the turbocharged four-cylinder. 

From a tech standpoint, the Wrangler came into its own in 2020. Jeep’s user-intuitive software program, Uconnect, which is accessible via the 8.4-inch infotainment screen, saw the brand offer wireless compatibility with Apple and Android products and also provide an advanced navigational system that surpassed much of the competition.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 

Regarding innovation, 2021 was among the best for the Jeep Wrangler. The brand’s continuous poise and determination in developing its flagship vehicle further were on full display. The Jeep Wrangler has always been known as a model that offers drivers the right blend of efficiency and capability, and 2021 saw two new trims that ideally embody both of these attributes, each taking one to unexplored heights. 

Off-roading enthusiasts who wanted a relentless level of performance to facilitate their adventures away from civilization now had that opportunity in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. Powered by a 6.4L HEMI V8 (another engine that had already proved its mettle in the Ram 1500), the Rubicon 392 variant produced 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to a design made for the truly bold and daring, the Rubicon 392 could easily ford up to 32.5 inches of water. Thanks to a specially designed suspension that included shocks from the BMX experts at FOX, the Rubicon 392 soon established itself as the pinnacle of off-roading perfection. 

The other notable trim development for the 2021 model year was the introduction of the Wrangler’s 4xe trims. The Jeep Wrangler has always been at the forefront of innovation, transforming to meet consumers’ growing demands. With the continued development of hybrid and electric powertrains, Jeep harnessed the will of the future to unleash a PHEV version of the Wrangler—one that boasted better fuel economy figures and also increased those performance attributes that make the Wrangler such a favored vessel among its devotees. 

The 4xe trims combined the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to produce 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Efficiency testing results from the EPA spoke to the exceptional figures that the 4xe trims’ PHEV powertrain had to offer, with an estimated 20 MPG combined on gas alone, which increased to a staggering 49 MPGe when both the electric motors and gas engine were up. The Wrangler 4xe trims also allowed drivers to travel 22 miles in electric-only driving, which was an ideal answer for short jaunts across town to conserve fuel. 

As Good as New: Finding the Perfect Used Wrangler 

Plenty of used vehicles on the market might have some discernible highs and lows, particularly if you take a closer look at their recent model years. However, the Jeep Wrangler is like that bottle of vintage wine in your cellar: it only gets better with age. Choosing a used Wrangler for any of the model years we’ve listed today means having access to raw performance that balances fuel economy and power, meaning that, regardless of whether you’re on the road or off it, you’ll have the very best vehicle at your disposal. 

Thanks to the intuitive and advanced Uconnect software suite, you’ll have access to your favorite music and podcasts—and with its highly advanced navigational system, which is continually updated to ensure you always have the most accurate maps, you’ll always have a means of finding your way around. At McHugh CDJRF, you’ll find a vast selection of used Jeep Wranglers, all held to the highest standards of quality. Our team of experts is here to lend assistance and help you make the right choice as to which pre-owned version of the Jeep Wrangler is perfect for you.

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