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2011 Jeep Wrangler Des Moines

The iconic Jeep Wrangler rolls into 2011 with a similar exterior design and some interior updates that address complaints of past generations. With a revamped cabin, the Wrangler looks much sharper and has taken cues from the new Grand Cherokee. The new Wrangler, which is in production at Chrysler's Toledo Assembly Complex, gets a new steering wheel, instrument panel, reworked center stack, and even larger rear windows. Other changes include a lockable console, softer armrests, and upgraded materials all around. All-new steering-wheel controls allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping hands on the wheel. A new USB device interface connects to storage devices (thumb drives and most MP3 players) for use with the vehicle's Media Center, which now includes streaming Bluetooth audio. Twelve-volt accessory outlets have been added and a new 110-volt outlet is available to provide power similar to AC outlets in the home. Jeep engineers also increased acoustical treatment in the 2011 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, resulting in significantly reduced interior noise. The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most capable off-road vehicles available today. 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.

2011 Jeep Wrangler Trim Levels

The Wrangler Sport 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. Options for the Wrangler Sport include air conditioning, a Black Appearance Group, a Chrome Edition Group, and a 3.73:1 axle ratio instead of the standard ratio of 3.21.1.

Wrangler Sahara adds a height-adjustable driver's seat, front-seat map pockets, monotube shock absorbers, stain-repellant fabric, air conditioning, Infinity sound system, and P255/70 R18 tires on machined alloy rims. Options for the Sahara include remote start, and the Uconnect navigation system.

Wrangler Rubicon is the model for serious off-roading. To the Sahara, it adds an electronic-disconnecting front anti-roll bar, the Rock-Trac heavy-duty transfer case, a heavy-duty front axle, Tru-Lok electronic locking front and rear differentials, a 4:10 axle ratio, rock rails and other equipment intended for the serious off-roader. The Rubicon is also available with the same options as the other models.

Design of the '11 Jeep Wrangler

Outside, buyers can choose from five additional paint colors: Detonator Yellow, Deep Cherry Red, Sahara Tan, Cosmos Blue, and Bright White. The optional hardtop for Sahara trim levels is now body-colored, for a more cohesive exterior look. It makes the two-door Wrangler look like a Dodge Nitro and the four-door Unlimited model resemble a Mercedes G-class. The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most widely recognizable vehicles in the world. Most important, Wranglers have always had a distinct family resemblance to the original Jeep of World War II fame. 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. 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 standard soft top is relatively easy to remove and install. The Sunrider soft top slides back half way, like a huge sunroof over the front seats. Under the body, there's a boxed frame with seven crossmembers. Wide-spaced frame rails cradle the fuel tank between the wheels. Three skid plates protect the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan.

New Jeep Wrangler Power

The Wrangler vehicles are mechanically unchanged from 2010, with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine and six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. Four-wheel-drive is standard on all but Unlimited models equipped with the automatic. In all versions of the 2011 Wrangler, the 3.8-liter V6 engine develops 202 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional. Compared to previous generation models, the new Wrangler's 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.

2011 Jeep Wrangler Cabin

Inside, the overall layout of the 2011 Wrangler is the same, with exposed screw heads and a passenger-side grab handle?now bearing a ?Jeep, Since 1941? plaque?but the materials have been thoroughly modernized. The clunky center stack now has a smoother, cleaner layout with chrome-ringed vents and up-to-date climate-control knobs. There?s a new three-spoke steering wheel that incorporates cruise and audio controls, and a refreshed instrument cluster. Soft-touch materials appear on the center console (now lockable) and redesigned armrests. Two-tone interiors are now on offer, too, a welcome change from the monotone plastic setup that graced earlier Wranglers. Additional features include a 110-volt power outlet, optional heated power mirrors, and Bluetooth phone and USB audio connectivity with the upgraded sound system. Jeep says it has added more sound-deadening to keep the interior quieter. The cabin upgrades make the Wrangler?s cockpit much more appealing, although traditionalists may decry the dilution of the Jeep?s rugged spirit. The modular Freedom Top for the Unlimited features sections that easily lift off and can be stored behind the rear seat. The larger section over the rear seat can also be removed but can't be stored in the vehicle; you'll have to leave it at home. The larger Unlimited offers more than 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. In the rear seat, the Unlimited offers 1.6 more inches of leg room and a whopping 12 inches more hip room than two-door models. That huge difference is because, in the two-door model, the rear passengers sit directly over the axle and between the wheel wells; in the Unlimited, the axle is located behind the passengers. That also greatly improves the ride for rear-seat riders in the Unlimited.

Summary

The Jeep Wrangler and its four-door sibling, the Wrangler Unlimited, are Jeep?s best-selling models despite remaining practically unchanged for years. The Wrangler?s pure, unfiltered charm and off-road prowess are the reasons it sells so well.  Safety features that come standard include dual front airbags, tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. Seat-mounted front side airbags for torso protection are optional. The Wrangler is offered in the familiar two-door version and a four-door model, known as the Unlimited. The four-door doesn't change the character of the Wrangler but makes it more practical for many. It's much more comfortable and convenient, offering more cargo and rear-seat passenger space. Still, the traditional two-door Wrangler has its charms. When it comes to off road capability, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler is simply unbeatable. For those looking for weekend fun, open air driving, and with the Unlimited, even family excursions, the 2011 Wrangler performs every time. For the latest updates on the off-roading machine, visit the official Jeep Wrangler site.