2020 Jeep Wrangler Wins Over British Auto Critic
Jeep’s recently redesigned Wrangler gained fans all over the world. Land Rover and Mercedes now have an American to contend with in Europe!
FCA created a worthy successor to the JK Wrangler with the new JL model. Critics have praised the new generation for its on-road refinement and off-road prowess. Fortunately, Jeep delivered. But how do global audiences like the new Jeep?
Turns out they like it too. Writing for UK-based The Sun, Rob Gill recently reviewed the Wrangler and came away impressed. He liked its presence and unique value as it related to the UK market. Overall, it seems like the Wrangler is a pretty compelling vehicle for British off-road enthusiasts.
Wrangler Goes Global
The particular Wrangler tested by the reviewer isn’t a trim available in America. In the UK, the Wrangler Night Eagle starts at about $61,000 and sits near the top of the lineup in the UK. That’s a pretty hefty price tag for a range topping model but FCA only builds the Wranger in Toledo, Ohio and shipping Jeeps across the Atlantic probably isn’t cheap. Regardless, the unique trim features a number of blacked out components. Chief among them are 18 inch aluminum wheels that are probably the same ones standard the Sahara Altitude. Oddly enough, the grille doesn’t get the gloss black like the one featured on the Rubicon Recon, although that might be optional. In any event, it seems like a nice variant for those living across the pond.
Ultimately, the British reviewer seemed to very much enjoy his time with the Wrangler. However, he did have some issues with the Jeep. On-road handling seemed to be marred by the steering and interior accommodations were apparently less than ideal. “The Wrangler’s steering is a little vague and there’s a lot of wind noise — both of which I could happily live with — but the biggest frustration is there’s nowhere to rest your left leg. The transmission tunnel is so wide you have to sit with your knee bent,” says the reviewer. Pedal placement in vehicles with steering wheels on the right is the same as those featured in left-oriented models. Unfortunately, that setup isn’t helpful for drivers who desire more space for the leg that doesn’t control the pedals. It’s a problem left-oriented models simply don’t have. Perhaps FCA can improve left leg room on global models in the future.
An American Icon
Aside from its unabashedly American appearance, the Jeep appealed to British tastes for several other reasons. He liked how the powertrain behaved. “But the 2-litre turbo petrol with eight-speed auto is smooth and keen to please and Wrangler has all the tech and safety features you need. Plus it has lots of grab handles and some lovely nods to its heritage,” says the reviewer. Additionally, he favorably compared the Jeep to its much more expensive counterparts. And not just because the Wrangler allows owners to remove the doors and roof. “… you could buy two Wranglers for the price of a G-Wagen and look ten times cooler,” says the reviewer. Although the G-Class and Land Rover Defender are available in America, they are much more popular in Europe.
But they’re also far more expensive. For example, the Land Rover Defender 110 starts at about $56,000 in the UK. And that’s without options. The G-Class costs about $120,000 in the UK, which is pretty similar to what Americans pay, but is still an eye-watering amount. Why are those numbers important? The Wrangler may be moderately more expensive overseas, but the review demonstrates that surprisingly, it occupies a similar market position in the UK as it does here.
At lower price points an American Wrangler essentially has no competition, at least for now. That seems to be the case for the British Wrangler as well. Although the difference is even more stark over there.
Basically, the redesigned JL seems like a great choice for British off-road enthusiasts. It’ll be interesting to see how it continues to fare against its much more expensive competition. Make sure to read the whole review to get a pretty cool perspective on what the British think of the Wrangler.
Photos: Rob Gill/The Sun