Best Wrangler for Long Road Trips

[dchemphill1]

Jeep traditionalist here! 2 door. Wife and I traveled from Nebraska to KC then across Kansas to Dillon CO then down to Durango then back to Silverton with off-roading along the way and then back to Nebraska. Loved traveling in the 2020 JL Rubicon. Very comfy!

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[MaggieGirl]

IMO, any Wrangler with a hardtop and all-terrain tires will suit your needs.

I'm researching this and seeing that "best" years are said to be 2010, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 - and certain models in each of those years - and these have shown up across several articles. If basically any 4-door Wrangler with a hard top and all terrain tires in those years will do well, then that's what I'll focus on. I really don't think I can afford anything newer than 2018, though I'll keep all options open.

 

[Goin2drt]

None

 

[aldo98229]

I'm researching this and seeing that "best" years are said to be 2010, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 - and certain models in each of those years - and these have shown up across several articles. If basically any 4-door Wrangler with a hard top and all terrain tires in those years will do well, then that's what I'll focus on. I really don't think I can afford anything newer than 2018, though I'll keep all options open.

In that case I’d focus on 2013 through 2018.

2007 through 2011 were total dogs: they had the minivan 3.8 V6 and ancient 4-speed automatic. The new 3.6 V6 appeared on the 2012 model year, buy there was an original run that had engine head problems.

2012 - 2018 JK Sahara 4-doors rode VERY nice. I owned 2 of them.

 

[deserteagle56]

For a road trip? And you insist on a Jeep?

From a long-time Jeep Wrangler owner...unless you are a masochist, get a Grand Cherokee and forget about the Wrangler. Wranglers feel at home on dirt trails. Grand Cherokees feel at home on pavement. You'll have your choice of 3 different V-8 engines that will just loaf along at whatever speed you choose, over any mountain pass, with no strain. A quiet and relaxing experience compared to the noise and drama of driving a Wrangler at speed.

 

[aldo98229]

Yes, used Grand Cherokees are clearly more affordable and comfortable than Wranglers.

But might as well drive a freakin’ Camry...

 

[dalema]

I'm researching this and seeing that "best" years are said to be 2010, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 - and certain models in each of those years - and these have shown up across several articles. If basically any 4-door Wrangler with a hard top and all terrain tires in those years will do well, then that's what I'll focus on. I really don't think I can afford anything newer than 2018, though I'll keep all options open.

with used car prices being so high at the moment, it can be one of those times where buying A new current model may work better for you.

in deciding what you can afford, you may have seen there are dealers on here that you can order from and they will do 4-6% under the invoice price (which is less than the MSRP). I may be telling you something you already know, just wanted to throw it out there.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/recommended-dealers-list.1227/page-225

 

[JeepinPete]

I'll second DesertEagle56, a Grand Cherokee is an awesome road trip vehicle.

 

[LarryB]

I love my Jeep, but it would not be high on my list of comfortable cars for a long road trip. Just about anything else would be superior … better steering, less bumpy and likely better gas mileage. If you were to venture down the Wrangler path, a 4 door is somewhat better in terms of stability and comfort and has more room to carry stuff.

Don’t get me wrong, the JL is much better than previous generations on the highway and I have done 4 hours without too much issue … but, my wife’s CX-5 is much more comfortable.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Gonna throw this out there. 1000 mile one way trips with gear. A Gladiator with some sort of bed cover.

 

[Deleted member 59498]

Grand Cherokee is not a Wrangler... just saying

 

[deserteagle56]

Grand Cherokee is not a Wrangler... just saying

We all know that. Just wanted to save the OP some pain...had a very good friend who fell in love with the Wrangler image so she bought a beautiful Sahara Unlimited. Kept it about a year before she couldn't stand it any longer and traded it off for something more road trip friendly (she never went off-highway).

 

[Strommen95]

Lol, she likes driving Wranglers, she won't like a Grand Cherokee on the highway. A JL, even a JK will feel like luxury if she's used to a CJ.

 

[Kyanche]

If you're doing a ton of highway driving I'm not sure what the point of using all terrains over all seasons is. They'll be noisier and wear out faster, no? I guess if you're planning to off-road with it sometimes anyway, it makes sense.

Good luck on your purchase, and I wish you many years of happiness!

 

[Deleted member 59498]

We all know that. Just wanted to save the OP some pain...had a very good friend who fell in love with the Wrangler image so she bought a beautiful Sahara Unlimited. Kept it about a year before she couldn't stand it any longer and traded it off for something more road trip friendly (she never went off-highway).

She has a CJ5, is like going to luxuary car with a JL. I travel just fine in my JLUR comfortable enough for me. Mine drives as well as anything else I ever owned.

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