The hard top is also optionally available as a dual top package, which adds a matching- color soft top. Our Sahara test vehicle came standard with wheel well flares, side steps, a covered spare tire mounted on the tail gate and special alloy wheels wearing beefy Goodyear Wrangler white-letter tires. While the exterior stays true to the Jeep image, Wrangler's interior has been thoroughly restructured. The audio and climate controls are centered and high in the dash, while the front seats are supportive and nicely contoured. There's a lockable center console and glovebox, along with cupholders between the seats.
Speed control is a new option, while air conditioning also brings an extra charge.
Our test Jeep came with the more powerful engine, with 181 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of torque. It's very basic in design, tracing its roots back to the days when Jeep was part of American Motors, but it gets a healthy dose of modern technology with multiport fuel injection and computerized engine controls. Noise and vibration are noticeable under heavy acceleration, though its power is a definite improvement over the four. Extra suspension travel was gained when Jeep changed the previous model's leaf springs to a more modern coil spring design. When we tested this system on the famed Rubicon Trail in Northern California, it out-performed similar late model Jeeps that had also made the trip.