2009 Jeep Wrangler Review
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For most drivers who purchase a Jeep Wranglers, they are looking for a trail capable vehicle that can go anywhere. That’s the bottom line with the 2009 Jeep Wrangler, it may not top the class in cabin features or handling, but it tops every competitor in off road capabilities. The Wrangler is one of the most fun-to-drive, off-road-capable Jeeps ever made. The options are endless: for open-air driving on trail or even the street, the standard soft top can be folded down or the available hard top can be taken off, the doors can be removed and the windshield can be folded down. Few vehicles are better off road than a Jeep Wrangler. Redesigned for the 2007, the Wrangler has seen huge improvements over the past few years. For 2009, the Sahara receives power windows and power door locks with remote keyless entry as standard equipment. With the launch of the Wrangler Unlimited, Jeep fans finally got a four door Wrangler. The Unlimited is much more comfortable and convenient, offering more cargo and back-seat passenger space. The two-door Wrangler is configurable in either X, Sahara and Rubicon trim with standard four-wheel drive. 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 MyGIG infotainment system with navigation..
Driving the Wrangler
Acceleration is in the 2009 Jeep Wrangler is good. The Unlimited also weighs 315 pounds more, so the engine will work a bit harder. For someone who is not used to driving a Wrangler, it may feel choppier than you’ve ever experienced. Going through town the Wrangler is pretty bouncy, and out on the freeway it can feel jumpy over pavement changes. It does take an effort to keep the Wrangler on track at high speeds. However, this is all relative. The 2009 Wrangler is the smoothest and most civilized Wrangler yet, and compared to models of the past, it goes beyond expectations.
Power for 2009
The 3.8-liter V6 that comes standard on all Wranglers and is t
he only drivetrain is an overhead valve engine. It makes 202 horsepower (205 in the Unlimited) and 232 pound-feet of torque (240 in the Unlimited) at 4000 rpm. Offroad 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 offroad features include underbody skid plates, an available tow package and an available electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar for increased ground clearance. The Wrangler X uses a standard four-wheel-drive system incorporating a two-speed transfer case for part-time use. Wrangler Rubicons get a four-wheel-drive transfer case with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio plus heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, each with a locking differential.
Jeep Wrangler Design
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most widely recognizable vehicles in the world, and identifying an Unlimited is easy, check four the four doors. Actually, the latest generation Wrangler looks quite similar to the previous generation, which ended with the 2006 model year. Regular cab models are 162.9 inches long and 73.7 inches wide. An available three-panel hardtop has removable sections above the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. Up front you'll find the classic round headlamps, Jeep's seven-slot grille, and a front bumper with integrated fog lamps. The upright fold-down windshield is slightly curved for better aerodynamics and reduced wind noise.
2009 Cabin Space
Wranglers have traditionally been known as cramped inside, but the current Jeep Wrangler two-door is a lot roomier inside than pre-2007 models, thanks to its increased width. The comfortable high-back front seats offer 5.1 inches more shoulder room and 4.6 inches more hip room than previous-generation models. The removable rear seat provides 3.9 inches more shoulder room, 1.6 inches more hip room and 1 inch more leg room for each of the two passengers. 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.
Safety Features
The Wrangler has a standard electronic stability system with Chrysler's new rollover mitigation technology, which can pulse individual brakes in an attempt to prevent impending rollovers. F
ront airbags are standard and side-impact airbags are optional for the front seats.
Wrangler Lineup
The Unlimited X and Unlimited Sahara come with rear-wheel drive (2WD) or 4WD. The Wrangler X comes with the basic soft top, vinyl upholstery, center console, theft deterrent system, folding rear seat, locking glove box, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, tilt steering wheel, six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, skid plates to protect the transfer case and fuel tank, and P225/75R16 all-terrain tires on steel wheels.
The Sahara is the premium model in the lineup. It adds the Sunrider top; Yes Essentials cloth upholstery; height-adjustable driver's seat; air conditioning; cruise control; fog lamps; 368-watt Infinity sound system with six speakers and subwoofer; leather-wrapped steering wheel; tow hooks; fog lamps; compass; outside temperature indicator; body-colored fender flares; tubular side steps; heavy-duty suspension; tinted windows.
To the X model, the Wrangler Rubicon adds amenities such as air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, height-adjustable driver's seat, floormats, compass, outside temperature indicator, and a 368-watt Infinity sound system with six speakers and subwoofer. It also adds off-road equipment that includes front and rear tow hooks, rock rails, off-road suspension, an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar to enhance off-road capability, a Rock-Trac heavy duty part-time transfer case with 4:1 low range, Dana 44 front and rear axles, a 4.10 axle ratio, Tr
u-lok locking front and rear differentials, fog lights, and LT255/75R17 (32-inch) BFGoodrich all-terrain tires on aluminum wheels.
Summary
The Jeep Wrangler is an icon, and it is one of the most capable off-road vehicles available today. The 2009 model offers plenty of trims, options, and configurations to please any buyer. Fuel Economy Range for the 2009 Wrangler is 19 mpg Hwy, 15 mpg City. For more research, read another 2009 Wrangler review. The Wrangler has an MSRP of $20,710 - $28,815.
