2009 Jeep Wrangler: Road Test
2009 Jeep Wrangler ▼
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- MSRP: $20,710 - $32,090
- Invoice: $19,518 - $29,391
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Our road test for the 2009 Jeep Wrangler includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Jeep Wrangler from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Jeep Wrangler, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Jeep Wrangler help you decide if a 2009 Jeep Wrangler is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD X, automatic | 4WD Sahara, manual | 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic | 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
All Wranglers are lackadaisical off the line, needing generous throttle input in order to build speed. There's no abundance of passing power. All models offer similar acceleration, regardless of body style or transmission. The throttle automatically adjusts for off-road use, smoothing progress in severe conditions.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD X, automatic | 4WD Sahara, manual | 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic | 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 2-door Wranglers with manual-transmission averaged 17.5-19.5 mpg in city/highway driving, 21.3 with more highway use. Similar models with the automatic transmission averaged 15.4 mpg. A test Unlimited Rubicon averaged 16.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. Wrangler uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD X, automatic | 4WD Sahara, manual | 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic | 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5.4 |
Bumpy pavement can trigger bouncy feel and wayward body motions. Wrangler is surprisingly cushioned on sharp ruts and ridges. Unlimited's longer wheelbase quells some of the unwanted motions. Little ride-quality difference among available tire sizes; even Rubicon's off-road treads and suspension tuning feel reasonably absorbent on broken pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD X, automatic | 4WD Sahara, manual | 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic | 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.8 |
Wrangler exhibits some body lean and noseplow in even moderate-speed cornering. The steering is light and slow in directional changes, and these SUVs are subject to crosswind wander. Slightly mushy brake pedal feel. Off-road testing shows Wrangler in its best light. Its suspension design and array of traction-assisting technology subdues most every obstacle.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD X, automatic | 4WD Sahara, manual | 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic | 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4.5 |
Engine sounds gruff accelerating, but is quiet while cruising. With the soft top, wind, road, and traffic noise intrudes. The hardtop calms things, but by no large measure, and its hard-surface headliner leaves the cabin vulnerable to empty-drum echoing.
CONTROLS
| 4WD X, automatic | 4WD Sahara, manual | 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic | 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6.2 |
The gauges are unobstructed, but some testers find them slightly undersized. Climate, audio, and navigation controls are easy to reach and use, though the switches for locking differentials and other off-road aids are set too low for easy operation. Sunlight and dust obscure the navigation screen. Stalks for the wipers, turn signals, and headlamps are a bit far from the steering wheel. Power window buttons are relegated to the central dashboard/rear of center console.
DETAILS
| 4WD X, automatic | 4WD Sahara, manual | 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic | 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Though the cabin is devoid of padded surfaces, the weight and texture of most panels imparts a rugged, sporty ambiance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD X, automatic | 4WD Sahara, manual | 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic | 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Lots of headroom and good cabin width. The seats are firm and generally comfortable, though they need more lumbar support. The 2-door's driver seat may not slide far enough back for those long of leg. Step in is high, but the doors open 90 degrees. The soft top is a chore to raise or lower. The hardtop has clever removable panels for a true open-air feel. Visibility is obstructed by rear headrests, spare tire, and on hardtop, by center roof pillars and rear wiper motor.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD X, automatic | 4WD Sahara, manual | 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic | 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 5.3 |
The seat is hard, uncomfortably upright, and short of thigh support. Foot space is stingy in both body styles. Knee space is tight in the 2-door. Unlimiteds have 1.6 inches more rear legroom, but overall room is still not generous. Entry and exit is tough in the 2-door. The Unlimited's small doorways disappoint.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD X, automatic | 4WD Sahara, manual | 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic | 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8.1 |
Room is minimal behind the 2-door's rear seat; wagon-like behind the Unlimited's. On both, the rear seat tumbles forward for more space and removes for generous volume, but is heavy. The load floor is flat, but high off the ground. Swing-out tailgate's hinges lack detents to keep it open on slanted surfaces. Interior storage is limited to a somewhat large glovebox.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD X, automatic | 4WD Sahara, manual | 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic | 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.8 |
This Jeep is a limited-purpose machine. Off road, it's a finely honed tool. On road, it's best considered a fun-in-the-sun runabout.
Total Score
| 4WD X, automatic | 4WD Sahara, manual | 4WD Unlimited Sahara, automatic | 4WD Unlimited Rubicon w/navigation, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 45 | 47 | 45 | 61.1 |
Total Score: 45
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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