2010 Jeep Wrangler - The Legacy Carries On

 The Jeep Wrangler, one of the most recognizable vehicles still in production carries through to 2010 with some minor changes and, as always, unsurpassed off road capabilities. Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited have a standard electronic stability system with Chrysler's rollover mitigation technology, which can pulse individual brakes in an attempt to prevent impending rollovers. Side-impact airbags are optional for the front seats. The Wrangler is one of the most fun-to-drive, off-road-capable Jeeps ever made. Its four-wheel drive system also offers all-weather capability and its convertible body style offers open-air fun. The Unlimited body style has greater cargo capacity, making the Wrangler more practical. You'll give up a lot of ride and handling prowess, as well as fuel mileage, but the Wrangler is fun. The Rubicon features equipment that off-road enthusiasts usually add anyway, including heavy duty axles, front and rear electronic locking differentials, 32-inch BF Goodrich mud tires, sway bar disconnect system, rock rails and a heavy-duty transfer case with 4:1 low-gear ratio.  Off-road mainstays include a non-independent suspension (solid front and rear axles) and a part-time four-wheel-drive system with available dual locking differentials. Other features include underbody skid plates, an available tow package and an available electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar for increased ground clearance. The Wrangler Sport uses a standard four-wheel-drive system incorporating a two-speed transfer case for part-time use. For 2010 the Jeep Wrangler has some minor changes for the model year; Jeep has renamed the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited base model "Sport." Now standard in the Sport are fog lamps, tow hooks, a compass and an outdoor temperature gauge. It also comes equipped with a soft-top that Jeep says is easier to remove, plus an indicator that shows when you're driving economically.

Wrangler Exterior for 2010

 The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most widely recognizable vehicles in the world. The latest generation looks quite similar to the previous version, which ended production with the 2006 model year. Most important, Wranglers have always had a distinct family resemblance to the original Jeep of World War II fame. Along the sides, all Wranglers have assist steps under the doors to make climbing in easier, and fender flares that are bolted on, so they can be easily taken off for repair or replacement. The Wrangler has not changed that much over the years in appearance. An available three-panel hardtop has removable sections above the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. The standard soft-top has been redesigned for 2010 and now can be removed more easily, according to the automaker. The side doors, available as full or half-size, are removable, and the windshield can be folded down.

Jeep Wrangler Cabin

Inside, the Wrangler has been great improved from previous generations. The current Jeep Wrangler is a lot roomier inside than pre-2007 models, thanks to its increased width. The more recently available four door Wrangler Unlimited offers seating for more and 80+ cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded flat. The headrests flip back, so they don't need to be removed, making it easy to switch between cargo and rear-seat-passenger modes. The thin-spoke steering wheel has a circular hub, and a vertical center control panel features a high-mounted radio with circular air vents underneath. Total passenger volume measures 102.9 cubic feet in the regular-length Wrangler and 103.9 cubic feet in the Unlimited. The rear seats fold, leaving a maximum of 56.5 cubic feet of cargo volume in the regular-length Wrangler and 83 cubic feet in the Unlimited. Lockable storage spaces include the center console and a compartment integrated into the rear load floor.  A drop-in bin and some nets were added to the center stack for increased storage.

2010 Wrangler Powertrain

The two-door Wrangler has one engine option, a 3.8-liter V-6. The 2010 Unlimited gets its own 3.8-liter V-6 with slightly more horsepower and torque. The standard 3.8-liter V-6 engine produces 202 horsepower, and the standard transmission is a six-speed manual with overdrive. An optional four-speed automatic with overdrive is available.

Summary

Compared to the last-generation Wrangler, the wheelbase is longer and the front and rear tracks are wider, the chassis has been stiffened and the suspension redesigned. All these things yield significant improvements in the ride and handling, but still, on city streets, the Wrangler is pretty bouncy, and out on the freeway it can feel squiggly over pavement changes. On rougher surfaces the driver needs to pay attention to keep the Wrangler going in a straight line. The only limitation with the Unlimited was its turning radius of 41.2 feet versus 34.9 feet with the two-door. The Wrangler is configurable in Sport, Sahara and Rubicon trim with standard four-wheel drive. Electronic stability control with roll control, traction control, brake assist and hill hold control are standard on all Wranglers. The available Freedom Top three-piece modular hardtop allows panels to be removed above the driver or passenger. Other options include Dual Top Group, half doors, remote start system, front seat-mounted side air bags, and a multimedia infotainment system with 30-gigabyte hard drive and navigation system. The Sport trim replaces the X trim for 2010. This off-roader emphasizes rock-crawling over highway comfort, and when it comes to hardcore trailblazing, it's rarely matched. A four door model, the Unlimited, is also available for more cabin versatility.  Competitors include the Nissan Xterra and Toyota FJ Cruiser. EPA Fuel Economy for the 2010 Wrangler is 15 /19 mpg. It has a starting MSRP of $21,165 - $28,775.