Right Vehicle for Us?

[The Last Cowboy]

2.0 turbo inline 4 for the altitude. Selectable full time 4x4 for the winter. Be prepared for the quirks of a Wrangler. Accept them and learn to love the vehicle for what it is, not what it costs.

Other choices would be a 2.3 inline 4 Ranger, a turbo diesel Gladiator and the aforementioned Subarus. Turbos are excellent at altitude, both of our turbo V6 Fords sprint up mountain passes with ease.

This is a Jeep site, so I recommend a 2.0 Wrangler. A 2 door of you are empty nesters. A 4 door if you often entertain visitors. Options colors and packages are up to you.

Expect better quality control than a Tesla, but far less refinement. If your carbon foorprint matters, consider a 4Xe, which combines a 2.0 turbo and an electric motor. It’s a plug in hybrid. You will be far happier driving in hybrid mode rather than going full electric.

Remember, a Wrangler has far more in common with a truck than the hatchback cars and wagons that pass as SUVs today. One of the reasons they are so popular is that Wranglers harken to a time gone by when driving was a more visceral experience that required more involvement from the person behind the wheel. If self driving is important, look elsewhere. Even an automatic transmission Wrangler with all of the tech and assist groups, requires an active driver.

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[2nd 392]

I will join the crowd, we have a 15 GC and a 21 Wrangler. From your stated use the GC would be an excellent choice. It has been a great vehicle, ride, comfortable quality interior, quiet, reliable, capable for vehicle type, not a single negative. That being said, it has become a garage queen since I got the Wrangler because it is simply FUN to drive for a small sacrifice in ride and comfort. Plus you might find you enjoy adventuring some Rocky Mountain trails! Just get 4 Auto &LSD as advised. Better yet— get one of each like several of us have!?

 

[JEEPmole]

I would recommend some research on the difference between AWD vs 4WD. Depending on the state of the unpaved road, an AWD vehicle would actually likely be better for driving on icy/snowy roads. A Subaru or even a Cherokee/Grand Cherokee would likely be slightly better on the road vs a Wrangler.

A wrangler would probably be able to handle it, if you want the other fun features of the wrangler, especially for the spring/summer months of being able to explore some trails and whatnot. But the wrangler's 4WD is not ideal for slick roads - not like a true AWD would be. IF you're going to get a Wrangler, I would suggest the Sahara with 4Hauto + limited slip differential vs the Rubicon. It'll serve you better for your described use-case.

What would the difference be between an AWD vehicle and a Wrangler Willys (limited slip difff) and Selec-Trac?

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Modern AWD vehicles are either predominantly front or predominantly rear drive. They have a transfer case more or less built into their transmissions that transfers torque to the primarily undriven axle when need, based on slip. They do not have the option of 2wd or low range 4x4 operation. Some have a transmission that mimics a low range.

 

[somedude922]

If you are coming from BMWs, Tesla's and other luxury brand cars, you will be disappointed with a wrangler like many on here that have come from those line of vehicles. Quality is nowhere near those vehicles, service is hit or miss. Wranglers ride rough, they are loud, the steering can be challenging. Simply renting one and driving it a bit and realizing it is "fun" is not the same as daily driving it. Sadly there are many folks that come from luxury lines and are massively disappointed and then bitch and complain about the wrangler, and then ultamately unload it shortly thereafter. We see it all the time on this forum. Unfortunately you are going to get a lot of bias on this forum, because....it's a wrangler forum.

I see a TON of subarus when I am in Colorado. I think they are an excellent choice. Especially if this is for on road driving and for someone who has zero intention of off roading.

 

[BXFXJeep]

Cross shopping the Wrangler most likely means the Wrangler isn't the right Vehicle.

 

[aldo98229]

Either a Grand Cherokee with a rear LSD, or a Wrangler with Select-Trac and rear LSD should serve your purpose.

However, if you want a car, get a Subaru...or a Bronco Sport.

Good luck.

 

[AcesandEights]

Toyota 4Runner, no joke.

 

[Gaffer]

With 12" of snow, you will want ground clearance as a priority along with winter tires.

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