Sixt’s JFAR category typically includes rugged, off-road-capable SUVs built on a traditional body-on-frame chassis. These vehicles are made more for utility than comfort, which makes them great for rough terrain or challenging conditions but not the best choice for everyday commuting.
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Jeep Wrangler
Few vehicles spark debate quite like the Jeep Wrangler. A true icon of off-roading for decades, the Wrangler has long been associated with rugged nostalgia and campfire tales. But does the latest model year offer more than just retro charm? We took a closer look beyond showroom gloss and marketing buzzwords.
The Wrangler stays true to its design roots. Round headlights, an upright windshield and exposed hinges still define its unmistakable silhouette. The overall look remains largely unchanged, but there are subtle updates such as a redesigned grille, refined windshield framing and improved acoustic glass that add a touch of modern polish.
Inside the cabin, Jeep focuses on steady evolution rather than drastic change. Materials remain functional, with an emphasis on utility over luxury. Hard plastics are still prevalent, but their quality and fit have noticeably improved. None of these details suggest corners were cut. They’re clearly meant to reinforce a functional, tool-like feel. They are deliberate design choices that highlight the Wrangler’s tool-like character. This SUV makes no attempt to disguise what it is.
When it comes to technology, the Wrangler has made noticeable progress. The highlight is a new 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring the Uconnect 5 system. It is horizontally oriented, easy to read even in direct sunlight with the top down, and responds quickly to inputs. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with Jeep-specific off-road apps such as a digital compass, pitch and roll displays, and GPS-based trail maps. The system is intuitive and requires little to no familiarization.
This model offers a respectable amount of space for its class. In the front seats, there is ample headroom, an upright seating position and decent adjustability. Elbow room is generous as well. Space in the rear is more limited. Adults over six feet tall may find knee room tight and the rear seatbacks quite upright. This setup works for short trips but is less comfortable on longer journeys. Two passengers will find the rear seats adequate, though fitting a third would be a stretch.
Cargo capacity is 27.7 cubic feet with the seats in place and expands to around 67.4 cubic feet when the rear bench is folded down. The split tailgate allows the glass to open separately from the lower section, which swings out to the side. This can be useful in some situations, but the outward-opening door and the rear-mounted spare tire may make loading more difficult in tight parking spaces.
In the Sixt rental fleet, the Wrangler is available with Jeep’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 paired with an optional 8-speed automatic. It’s a well-balanced but aging powertrain. With 285 horsepower, the naturally aspirated engine delivers adequate performance, though acceleration at highway speeds feels a bit sluggish. The 8-speed automatic pairs well with the V6, delivering smooth shifts without hunting through gears. This is especially appreciated when towing or driving off-road. That said, the V6 only shows its full potential at higher RPMs, which noticeably impacts fuel efficiency, particularly at sustained highway speeds or in mountainous terrain. For all its displacement and six-cylinder configuration, the engine doesn’t feel as commanding as one might expect.
An alternative is the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which also comes with the 8-speed automatic. With 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque available early in the rev range, it feels more responsive, particularly during initial acceleration. The transmission supports the turbo’s character with quick and precise shifts that add to the overall sense of agility.
In everyday driving, the four-cylinder feels more lively and efficient than the V6. On average, it sips about a gallon less per 100 miles, depending on driving style and load.
On pavement the driving experience is improved compared to previous generations, though the vehicle still behaves like a traditional off-roader. Ride quality has seen noticeable progress, particularly in four-door models, with more stable handling, firmer suspension tuning and improved noise insulation. Acoustic glass and additional sound-deadening materials help reduce wind and road noise significantly.
It is still a compromise. The solid front axle causes some steering wheel chatter over rough roads or when crossing expansion joints. Body roll in corners is pronounced, and vague steering reminds you this vehicle was born for the trail, not the track. At highway speeds, crosswinds and rutted pavement can require frequent steering corrections. And it’s important to note: under Sixt’s rental terms, the Wrangler must be driven only on paved roads.
Toss it into a corner, and its weight and tall stance immediately remind you this isn’t a sports car. The ESC system intervenes early to keep things in check, but this isn’t a crossover designed for spirited on-road driving.
The suspension is generally comfortable, though it can get floaty over larger bumps or when the vehicle is heavily loaded. On longer highway drives, that can become tiring. It is a reminder that while Jeep has added polish, this vehicle remains true to its roots as a capable off-roader rather than a comfort-focused cruiser.