2013 Jeep Wrangler

The Rubicon and Sahara models also get new wheel designs while Alpine premium audio and a premium soft-top material are now available as options. Apart from the aforementioned updates, everything else remains the same with the 2013 Jeep Wrangler. While the Wrangler’s iconic muscles and character remain unparalleled even today, the likes of Nissan Xterra, Toyota FJ Cruiser, and Subaru Outback present a more civilian alternative within the same price bracket. 

There are three trim options available with the 2013 Jeep Wrangler line-up. These include Sport, Sahara, and the Rubicon. All these trims are available with both 2 door and 4 door versions. The price of the 2013 Jeep Wrangler starts from $22,395 while the range-topping Rubicon starts from $31,690. Moreover, an optional Moab Edition package is also available. Speaking of tech and features, the Wrangler doesn’t help you with something out of the box but it doesn’t miss out on your everyday niceties either. 

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The Rubicon edition of the Wrangler is one of the best choices for anyone who is looking forward to having a practical and capable vehicle. This iteration also gets air conditioning and other improved components as well. Not to forget, the Rubicon also gets some added off-road skills.

Powering the 2013 Jeep Wrangler is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that churns out 285 hp while the peak torque output stands at 260 lb-ft. This engine comes mated to a six-speed manual gearbox while a four-wheel-drive system is available as standard with the Wrangler. The gearbox is slick to shift and the clutch too is not very difficult to operate. The clutch travel however is a little too long and may bother many during an urban commute. 

Having said this, this V6 engine boasts a strong low end and mid-range which makes it a great vehicle for off-roading. Apart from this, the throttle is extremely responsive and the six-speed gearbox complements the power delivery from the engine. Performance too is brisk and it will definitely leave you impressed with its acceleration and highway performance.

Among the competition here, the Wrangler is one of the most powerful vehicles in the segment. The extra power results in the Jeep’s impressive acceleration timings making it quickest among the lot here taking 6.7 seconds to the 60mph mark. However, the top speed of the Wrangler is restricted to 120 mph due to off-road-oriented tires. The Nissan Xterra and Subaru Outback have higher top speeds of 140 MPH, while the latter ranks second in terms of acceleration taking 6.9 seconds from 0-60mph. 

The Wrangler is a heavy and powerful vehicle and hence, the fuel economy figures are not great. Having said this, the SUV gets a claimed fuel economy of 17 MPG for city usage while the highway mileage stands at 21 MPG. The combined fuel economy on the other hand stands at 18 MPG. The fuel tank capacity is at 18.6 gallons only which results in over 330 miles of range on a full tank of gas.

While the fuel economy figures of the Wrangler are at par with the segment rivals, the rivals on the other hand offer significantly better fuel economy figures. Not to forget though that the rivals have comparatively better overall dynamics than the mighty Wrangler. While Nissan and Toyota manage similar efficiency as the Jeep, the Subaru Outback has a best-in-class average of 20 MPG. However, with its larger fuel tank that can hold 21.1-gallons, the 2012 Xterra manages a combined mileage of 379 miles, which is the highest in the segment. 

The interiors of the 2013 Jeep Wrangler are bare-bones at best but quite practical. The dashboard may not feel very premium but does boast good quality considering its size, price, and character. Let alone the occasional leatherette surfaces in the higher models, the Wrangler dons plastic surfaces around the cabin but it’s all very nicely put together with good build quality as well. The visibility is great, hence making it a great vehicle to tackle obstacles. Apart from this, the seats at the front get an all-new design this year and offer better comfort and cushioning. 

With the four-door variant, you get the added convenience of a rear bench. Having said this, the rear seat space is not very great and not everyone will find it easy to access the rear seat. On the features front, all the basic features are available with the vehicle. The leather-wrapped steering can be adjusted while the buttons offer easy controls for the infotainment system. All the buttons are well within the reach of the driver but the sound insulation levels are not very great, to say the least.

The cabin of the Wrangler is spacious and comfortable. The space on offer is at par with the segment rivals. The rivals like the Nissan Xterra and the Subaru Outback on the other hand offer a better in-cabin experience and even cargo space is considerably higher than the 12.8 cu.-ft that the Jeep provides. 

Standout interior features: 

• Manually adjustable front seats
• Cloth upholstery
• Available heated seats
• Available leather upholstery
• Available automatic air conditioning

How intuitive is the 2013 Jeep Wrangler’sinfotainment unit?

No changes in the infotainment section and the 2013 Jeep Wrangler retains its familiar double din infotainment system. This system gets basic features like a CD player, aux-in ports, and SiriusXM satellite radio. 

The SUV also gets a 6-speaker sound system as standard while an optional Alpine sound system is available with the higher trim options. Additionally, an in-built navigation system and a more superior connectivity package are available with higher trim options. 

Standout infotainment features:

• CD player
• Auxiliary input jack
• 6-speaker sound system
• 6-speaker Alpine sound system (Sahara and Rubicon)
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio (Rubicon)
• Available navigation system 
• Available connectivity package

The 2013 Jeep Wrangler boasts a strong road presence and gets the iconic seven-slot grille along with the robust bumper at the front. Just like the previous versions, the 2013 model gets a long hood and two-door as well four-door iterations. The flared-up wheel arches, big wheels, and the old-school design language give it a great road presence. 

The rear however gets a subtle look that too harkens back to the old Jeep as the rest of the exterior. The ORVMs are big and wide, thus giving a great view of the rear. The SUV also gets rock sliders and roof rails which further increase the practicality.

The Wrangler isn’t the biggest in the segment in terms of exterior dimensions but a shorter wheelbase and a high ground clearance make it great for hardcore off-roading. However, its brawny and muscular character gives it an unmistakable presence on the streets. It is among the lighter vehicles and weighs 3,760 lbs and even its ground clearance of 10.1 inches is the highest in the segment. Its wheelbase is almost 10 inches shorter than the rivals.

Standout exterior features:

• Available multi-piece removable hardtop
• 16-inch wheels 
• Available 18” wheels
• 17” wheels with 32” tires (Rubicon)
• Rock rails
• Sway bars
• Optional half doors with plastic windows.

The overall safety levels offered by the Wrangler are decent if not great. The soft top does compromise on the safety levels and the safety crash ratings are not great either. The SUV however gets features like anti-locking disc brakes along with other electronic features like traction control, hill-start assist, stability control while the tire pressure monitoring system is also available with the Wrangler for the first time. 

Standout safety features include:

• Anti-locking disc brakes
• Traction control
• Hill-start assist
• Stability control
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Electronic roll mitigation
• Multiple airbag systems 

The 2013 Jeep Wrangler is one of the most reliable and dependable hardcore off-roaders. It gets a robust and capable mechanical setup. The SUV is priced at an aggressive price and is offered as a practical choice for those looking for a vehicle for everyday usage and occasional weekend off-roading sessions. The rivals like the Nissan Xterra, the Subaru Outback, and the Toyota FJ Cruiser on the other hand offer a more luxurious and comfortable cabin.