The 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the modern version of one of the most iconic vehicles of the last century- the Willys MB Jeep. Now, Jeep does have a wide range of models available, but the Wrangler Unlimited is the only one that retains the original concept of the first Civilian Jeeps that came out after World War II. The Wrangler Unlimited debuted in 2007 as part of the Wrangler series. It is available with a hard top and a folding soft top, and it is, of course, built in Toledo, Ohio, hometown of the Jeep.
The Wrangler Unlimited was introduced at the 2006 New York Auto Show, and it was longer than the long-wheelbase TJ model with four doors. The introduction of this vehicle made the Wrangler the last remaining two-door SUV to get a four-door option. The 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has set its own precedent, being the only four-door SUV convertible in production. It has more options and equipment than any previous model of the Wrangler, and it even has a version specifically designed for military use.
New For 2013
Jeep’s continued evolution of the Wrangler brings better front and rear seats, extra interior lighting, and a standard auto-dimming rearview mirror. Soft tops are easier for one person to manage in the Unlimited models, and a premium soft top is easier to clean and keeps the cabin quieter.
Exterior
Like any other iconic vehicle, the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has a familiar shape that has not undergone many changes, but still turns heads on the road. It has such a distinctive exterior design that it is difficult to mistake the vehicle for anything else. The outside of the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited can be modified to a good extent as well, which is not something that any other vehicle offers. The roof can be removed to show a full roll cage. The doors can be removed as well, and the aftermarket has a huge collection of accessories and modifications for the vehicle. The Wrangler Unlimited projects its ruggedness with its large door handles and external hinges. The removable roof is unlined, and the roll cage gets a thick foam covering. Running boards come standard with this vehicle, which is great for preventing passengers from stepping over the high sills. On a negative note, the doors of the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are very flat, and they need to be pulled harder than usual for closing properly.
Interior & Cargo
The cabin of the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has a good fit and finish, although nobody should expect a luxury experience. The Wrangler has always been known for focusing on offroad performance over passenger comfort, but this time, it is clear that the company has put some thought into the overall comfort level of the vehicle. The front seats are surprisingly comfortable, and visibility is good on all sides for the driver. The flat and almost right-angled windshield of the Wrangler Unlimited translates to a tall and shallow dash, which means limited storage options. The controls, however, are placed very high, and they are simple to use. The only exception is the small radio control buttons.
Legroom is great up front, and the rear bench also gets enough room. However, the bench is not very thick, and it proves to be uncomfortable during long rides. The rear seats are fully foldable, and they get have a very handy headrest unlatching system that is designed so that there is no need to remove them when folding the seats down. Some of the surfaces inside the cabin are padded, but there is a lot of hard plastic used as well. This is not a downside though, since it adds to the overall tough character of the SUV. The plastics are of good quality too, and so are the rest of the materials, making the vehicle less utilitarian than it seems.
Safety
The 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited gets an electronic stability system with rollover sensor, anti-lock brakes with on-road and off-road calibrations, all-speed traction control, brake assist, and a Sentry Key for immobilizing the engine in case of an attempted theft. The vehicle gets rollover mitigation technology from Chrysler, which pulses each wheel’s brake when it senses a rollover to prevent it from occurring. Side impact airbags are available as an option, but side curtain airbags are not available at all.
Driving Experience
The 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited gets a 3.6-liter, V-6 engine that delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It is mated with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle has a non-independent front and rear axle suspension with part-time four-wheel drive system, all of which are protected by underbody skid plates. Dual locking differentials are available as an option, and so is a tow package with a trailer sway.
The engine provides sufficient acceleration and enough power for highway passes. Heavy throttling is only a requirement for climbing hills, and in those cases, the throttle automatically adjusts itself for smoother progress in offroad conditions. The five-speed automatic may not be a preference for offroad enthusiasts, but it is pretty smooth and downshifts quickly to get more power from the engine. Ride quality is expectedly not as good as a luxury SUV, but it is noticeably better than previous versions. Body lean is evident at moderate speeds, and the crosswinds can cause the vehicle to wander. The vehicle is at home off the road, and it is comfortable enough at normal cruising speeds on the highway.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Jeep Wrangler-Unlimited
- Nissan Xterra
- Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Toyota FJ Cruiser