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2007 Jeep Wrangler and Unlimited Road and Trail Test

Most Popular Off-Roader Just Got Better

Lake Tahoe really is beautiful this time of year. Then again, Im sure its stunning with snow all over the ground too. Im here to tackle one of the more challenging off-road treks in North America, the Rubicon Trail, where Jeep tests all of its "Trail Rated" vehicles. The question at hand is, of course, whether the all-new 2007 Wrangler has what it takes to live up the legendary Jeep name.

Before we go any further, if you were looking for the undercarriage to be updated with an independent suspension system, or the interior to get leather seats or automatic climate control, think again. Jeep isnt about to risk its most cherished commodity, its massive following of off-road zealots that are as loyal to the Wranglers traditional characteristics as Harley riders are of the V-Twin. Attend one of any number

Theres no better vehicle to tackle the trail with than a Jeep Wrangler. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

of annual Jeep Jamborees and its easy to see the pecking order of respectability; if youre driving anything less than a Wrangler, youre in a "ladies" car, despite its Trail Rated designation. Even more interesting, along with the majority of Man Camp guys theres a Commander-load of women who drive Jeeps most rugged model thatll make the same claim.

And theres good reason. While Ive taken the similarly sized Liberty through some pretty rough trails, thanks to decent ground clearance and a real,

Flying into the camp by helicopter, a circle of Jeeps and helipad lie below. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

bull-low gearing setup, its independent suspension doesnt give it quite the rock-crawling capability of the Wrangler. Thats OK though, as Jeep understands there are many who arent necessarily going to go all the way when off-roading their pride and joy, but they still want to belong to the 4x4 family. This understanding is exactly whats behind the new Compass and soon-to-be-released Patriot, but well leave discussion about these lightweights for another time. The Wrangler, and proving its worth on the Rubicon, is what were going to focus on now.
As good as the Jeep is, this is a much more efficient way to travel across the mountains. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press) />But wait a minute? This is a much more pleasant 4x4 than the old one (code-named TJ) was; which was miles better than the YJ, or for that matter the completely utilitarian CJ7, or CJ5. I had the latter, a company car when I worked for AMC, and I loved every minute in it. But I was just breaking 20 then, and comfort was about as important as fuel economy and refinement - mine had a V8 with headers and side pipes (the neighbors loved me). While still true to its roots, the new Wrangler is a much more refined vehicle than the outgoing TJ. Its interior wont shock you with soft-touch

The new Wrangler delivers a much better interior than the TJ. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)?

plastics or fit and finish perfection, after all, thats not what this vehicle is about, at all, but its nevertheless a lot more upscale than the old one, with a friendlier dash design, more stylish instrumentation, a much improved audio system and seats that are still comfortable even after a day of rock crawling action.
Audio systems in mind, later this year the top-line audio system will go from this Infinity stereo to a Harmon-Kardon head-unit featuring an integrated 20-gig hard drive, Boston Acoustics speakers, plus all of the other goodies the current system offers such as XM satellite radio and an input for an auxiliary MP3

The Wranglers tall center stack will get a new Harmon-Kardon top-line audio system later this year. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)?

player, as well as touch screen functionality that additionally will include a state of the art navigation system.

That interior now can be had with power windows, a first for this model, plus power locks with keyless remote entry; also radical innovations. Dont worry my purist friends, youre not forced to pay extra for city-boy features that you dont want or need, the base X-model wont embarrass you in front of your Jamboree comrades. And you dont have to tell them about the standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic roll mitigation, and Electronic Stability Control either, but secretly you can feel a little warm fuzzy contentment knowing that

A new 3.8L V6 offers up more power and torque. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)?

you and yours will be safer with the Wrangler right side up. The Wrangler gets dual front airbags and seat-mounted side airbags too.

There are other standard features that your TJ buddies will envy you for, mind you, such as its one-size-fits-all engine package; a more robust 202-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 with 237 lb-ft of log-clambering torque. Its a great engine off-road, not only because of its beefy twisting power down low in the rev range, but also because you can go further on a tank of fuel. Sure, Im hoping that Jeep sees fit to offer the option of a turbocharged diesel too, but for now this is a much better power source than last years base-level 147 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 165 lb-ft of torque, and the previously

Both regular and long-wheelbase Wranglers handle the curves better than their predecessors. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)?

optional 190-hp 4.0-liter unit with 235 lb-ft of torque.

I have to say, though, as a former V8-powered CJ5 owner, its pulling power off the line in its day-in, day-out higher gearing ratios isnt about to light any fires on the tarmac. Highway passing requires careful forethought, and plenty of time to accomplish. Its probably best to just sit back and enjoy the scenery than attempt anything heroic - leave that for the weekend when off the beaten path.

Negotiating quick lane changes wont cause much commotion, however, and winding through tight country roads is a lot more enjoyable than in previous versions. This has everything to do with its 100 percent stiffer frame and additional five and half inches of overall width and 3.5 inch

The night before the ride, wed be trekking across the Rubicon in vehicles that carry the trails name. (Photo: Tyler McLeod, American Auto Press)?

expansion in track. The Wrangler not only sticks to the ground with more tenacity, no matter if its running on pavement or going over dirt and boulders, but its 4.6 inches of extra hip room and 5.1 inches of added shoulder room makes it a lot more comfortable.

While were talking measurements, the base model has also grown two inches in length, which adds extra room for passengers in the back and gives the SUV a nicer ride. The Wrangler Unlimited gets a 116 inch wheelbase, longer than last years TJ Unlimited, and now includes four very usable doors. This is the first time Jeep has produced a four-door Wrangler, and interestingly enough, the only mass-market four-door convertible available anywhere in the world.

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