 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4X4. Click image to enlarge |
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Review by Mike Schlee; photos by Mike Schlee and Esmond Yau
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2012 Jeep Wrangler
The last time I drove a Jeep Wrangler (then TJ) was in my university days. I was living in Windsor and needed to get to Mosport International Raceway for the Trans Am Victoria Day Festival of Speed. Being young and dumb, the most logical rental car choice for a broke university student was the brand new Jeep TJ Sahara. I completed the five-hour drive, arrived at my destination and promptly got the Jeep stuck in the mud of the back woods near turn three. During my 10 hours of driving I learned quite a few things about that Jeep. It had a bumpy ride, great off-road prowess, excessive thirst for fuel and intruding wind noise. Fast forward several years and I am back in a Jeep learning that, for better or for worse, some things never change.
  2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4X4. Click image to enlarge |
The test vehicle in question is a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4X4. The Wrangler is considered by many to be the most potent turnkey off-road passenger vehicle available in Canada. For those wanting to drive over their house, Jeep offers the Rubicon package. Standard off-road kit includes a four-wheel drive system with proper two-speed transfer case, electronic front sway bar disconnect, rock rails, 255/75R17 off-road tires and Tru-Lok electronic locking front and rear differentials. Those wanting to scare their entire family scaling Toyota Yaris-sized boulders can opt for the Unlimited version of the Wrangler, with its extra 523 mm of wheelbase and extra pair of doors. If driving a four-door Wrangler on 32-inch tires wasn’t inconspicuous enough, our tester came in bright Cosmo Blue paint with matching painted hardtop (an $800 option). You’d be forgiven for confusing it with a giant blue-bin recycling box.
For 2012, the Wrangler ditches its 3.8-litre pushrod V6 and four-speed automatic in favour of the new Pentastar 3.6L DOHC V6 mated to a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual. Power is up 83 hp and 23 lb.-ft., bringing the totals to 285 hp and 260 lb.-ft. The power increase is welcome since the top-dog Unlimited Rubicon weighs a hefty 2,051 kg. The new engine is really responsive and moves this monster with unexpected authority. Gone is the sluggish feel of Wranglers past, especially the recent 3.8L units.
 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4X4. Click image to enlarge |
Behind the wheel, the Wrangler offers a commanding view with its 1,798 mm height and 10-inch axle ground clearance. Even with its short windows you can see a lot because of how close you are to the windshield. There is a downside to all this height for people like my 5-ft. 2-inch girlfriend, who hated the ungraceful climb into this truck. The ride around town is rough and bumpy, as can be expected for a vehicle with two solid axles, but is much improved over Jeeps of the past; compliant isn’t quite the word to use, but liveable is.
The interior is a strange marriage between familiar Jeep ergonomics and the latest technologies. Heated seats, a 30-GB hard drive and navigation in a Wrangler? Really? I remember when doors, roof panels and a windshield were ‘useless frills’ to Jeep owners, never mind air conditioning and power locks. Speaking of navigation, when 100 miles away from civilization on a mountain top, will it still be able to guide you to the nearest Tim Hortons? This is a test we unfortunately did not have the opportunity to complete.
