Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A red 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is shown from the front while driving in a rocky area.

2023 Jeep Wrangler Buyer’s Guide

Not every vehicle can handle someone as adventurous as you are. Face it, it’s nearly impossible to find a model that is as capable or diverse as a Jeep Wrangler. It’s widely customizable, has impeccable off-roading capabilities, and is simple to maneuver. One of the top reasons why people visit their local Jeep dealer is to test drive a Wrangler model. Chances are, this isn’t your first Jeep rodeo, but whether you’re new to the game or a professional Jeep waver, we’ve got everything you need to know about the latest Wrangler addition.

Are you ready to take the plunge and buy something new? Or maybe you’re just testing the waters to see if a new or used model is better for you. We can confidently say both options are great, but while used Jeep Wranglers will get the job done if you’re on a budget, the new 2023 Jeep Wrangler is well worth the investment. For example, the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain is now available for the Willys trim, the beloved Reign Purple exterior paint color is back, and the Freedom Edition is available once again.

That’s not even to mention newer updates like the Xtreme Recon Package, the powerful Rubicon 392 trim, and the factory-backed doors-off mirror kit. This new model year has a lot to offer, yet it doesn’t sacrifice the great things we all know and love about the classic Jeep Wrangler. Familiarity and modern advancements go hand-in-hand with the newest Wrangler model because its only changes are enhancements. Let’s take a closer look at everything the new 2023 Jeep Wrangler offers.

One of a Kind Performance

We still remember when Wranglers came with a standard V6 engine and no other options. In fact, those days were less than a decade ago. That changes with newer models. An upgraded Pentastar V6 engine is still available for the 2023 Wrangler, but there are also three other engine options. These include a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 and the Wrangler 4xe’s turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain. When you opt for the Rubicon 392 trim, you’ll get a standard 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine––the most potent Wrangler engine of all time.

Of course, the most fuel-efficient engine option is the Wrangler 4xe, getting 49 MPGe with a 370-mile range. Despite its impressive fuel efficiency, this engine still produces 470 lb-ft of torque and 375 hp. The Pentastar engine is much more fuel-efficient than it used to be, but the best non-hybrid option is the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine at 23 MPG combined. The V6 offers more horsepower than the I-4, but the I-4 offers more torque. The most powerful of all is the V8 HEMI engine, which maxes out at 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque and can go from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds. While this engine isn’t as fuel-friendly as the others, it’s certainly the most powerful option.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler comes with three different 4×4 systems: Selec-Trac, Command-Trac, and Rock-Trac. Each one is more powerful than the next, but all three options allow for off-roading capability, towing, and even rock crawling. In fact, every Wrangler trim level comes with an official Trail Rated Badge, meaning that it’s been rigorously tested for articulation, maneuverability, ground clearance, water fording, and traction. That said, the Rubicon’s Rock-Trac system is Jeep’s most off-road-friendly 4×4 option.

A grey 2023 Jeep Willys is shown from the front at an angle on a rocky area.

Choose Your Tech Features

One of the things we love most about the Wrangler is that it’s as tech-savvy as you want it to be, and it’s bare bones for the folks who prefer a more traditional driving experience. All Wranglers come with basic technologies such as a Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rear backup camera. Optional tech features include everything from a front-facing off-roading camera to built-in navigation and proximity keyless entry.

The same is true for safety and security features. There’s a Wrangler out there for those who want zero driver-assist features and one for those who want them all. In fact, there are over 75 standard and available safety and security features on the 2023 Jeep Wrangler. Whether you want to keep it simple with features like Forward Collision Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control or kick it up a notch with ParkSense parking assistance and emergency services, the decision is in your hands.

Off-Roading Trims and Features

Every Wrangler trim is technically an off-roading trim. Looking for the most hardcore off-roading trim level options? That’s where the Willys, Rubicon, and Rubicon 392 trim levels come into play. The Rubicon is legendary for its off-road-savvy capabilities. As mentioned, its Rock-Trac system is designed to crawl over rocks, boulders, and the roughest terrain. The 2023 Rubicon has a best-in-class 100:1 crawl ratio, which in layman’s terms, means that it’s exceptional at tackling rough terrain. Kick it up a notch with the Rubicon 392’s V8 HEMI engine, and you might just feel unstoppable (You’re not, but you’re darn near close).

The Willys is a great in-between option for casual Jeepers and hardcore off-roaders alike. It’s still much more off-pavement-friendly than the base trim Wranglers with its standard anti-spin rear axle and heavy-duty features, such as shocks and rock rails borrowed from the Rubicon and the optional Xtreme Recon Package with its 35-inch mud-terrain tires. The Xtreme Recon Package is only available on the Rubicon, Rubicon 392, and Willys trim levels, providing 12.9 inches of ground clearance and 33.6 inches of water fording.

Best of all? The Wrangler 4xe hybrid engine is available for the Willys and the Rubicon. This means you can combine all the Wrangler’s impressive off-roading power with better fuel economy and fewer emissions. Unless you’re feeling the Rubicon 392’s massive, speedy V8, of course.

No matter which trim and options you choose, several handy off-pavement tools are at your disposal. A factory-backed doors-off mirror kit is now available, so your exterior mirrors can stay even when you leave your doors at home. Half-doors, winches, and a variety of tire and wheel sizes are also at your disposal. The Dual-Door Group Package will give you both standard doors and half-doors for your Wrangler, so you won’t have to add half-doors to your cart later. These are only some of Jeep’s many tools that you can utilize for trailing.

A silver 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is shown from the rear while driving on a dirt trail after leaving a Jeep dealer.

Don’t Wait Any Longer––Take Home a 2023 Wrangler Today!

There is a lot to say about the 2023 Jeep Wrangler. It’s either as flashy and tech-savvy as you want it to be or as simplistic as you like, which is part of what makes it such a unique model. Overall, its unbeatable off-road capability is this SUV’s most impressive quality. We love the new Wrangler because it allows for even more driver diversity than ever before, and that’s saying a lot, given that it’s always been a customizable model. No matter what kind of 2023 Wrangler you choose, you won’t be left out of two things: impressive off-roading power and the classic “Jeep Wave.”

Are you ready to bite the bullet and take home the Jeep of your dreams? Then it’s time to check out this model at your local dealership. We can talk about how great the new Wrangler is all day long, but seeing it for yourself in person will seal the deal. Don’t waste any more time. Get behind the wheel of a 2023 Jeep Wrangler today!