Room for the family
While the old TJ wasn't really made for transporting several people, the new Unlimited model is. The Wranger's four doors now allow it to be considered as a main vehicle, not just an expensive weekend toy.
Okay, the Wrangler is not about absolute comfort, but it's an improvement compared to the TJ. In back, three people will be rubbing shoulders, but for two, it's fine. Visibility is good all around, too. The dashboard is simple and straightforward. The sound system is mounted high to be easier to reach, and its sonority is beyond reproach.
Competition
The Wrangler Unlimited starts at $24,885, and the Sahara model tested here carries a $28,580 window sticker. Add the 4-speed automatic ($1,180), 6-CD/MP3 changer ($455), tow package ($350) and front side airbags ($395), and the total climbs to $30,960. That may sound like a lot for such a simplistic vehicle, but it's well-equipped and versatile.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is now the Wrangler's nemesis. With the automatic transmission, it starts at $30,990. Both models perform extremely well in the trails, but on the road, the FJ is more civilized and more powerful. However, the back seat of the Toyota is hard to access, and the vehicle suffers from poor outward visibility. Claustrophobics, beware.
Conclusion
Okay, Wrangler or FJ? Although my colleagues flip for the Toyota, I prefer the look and versatility of the Jeep. I would say that it's a question of feeling; I'm more at ease behind the wheel of the latter. And with two young children, the Unlimited is much more practical.
The Wrangler is obviously a step ahead of the TJ; it gains civility without sacrificing its main objective: getting us in the boonies to have some fun, and getting us out unscathed. But for an everyday vehicle, if you can, choose the Unlimited version.
Traditional Jeep look
Unbeatable off-road capability
Improved fuel consumption
Limited comfort on the road
Hard top gets scratched easily
Emergency braking should be better
photo:Philippe Champoux
While the old TJ wasn't really made for transporting several people, the new Unlimited model is. The Wranger's four doors now allow it to be considered as a main vehicle, not just an expensive weekend toy.
 |
| It may not be the most beautiful piece of art, but everything works fine. |
Okay, the Wrangler is not about absolute comfort, but it's an improvement compared to the TJ. In back, three people will be rubbing shoulders, but for two, it's fine. Visibility is good all around, too. The dashboard is simple and straightforward. The sound system is mounted high to be easier to reach, and its sonority is beyond reproach.
Competition
The Wrangler Unlimited starts at $24,885, and the Sahara model tested here carries a $28,580 window sticker. Add the 4-speed automatic ($1,180), 6-CD/MP3 changer ($455), tow package ($350) and front side airbags ($395), and the total climbs to $30,960. That may sound like a lot for such a simplistic vehicle, but it's well-equipped and versatile.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is now the Wrangler's nemesis. With the automatic transmission, it starts at $30,990. Both models perform extremely well in the trails, but on the road, the FJ is more civilized and more powerful. However, the back seat of the Toyota is hard to access, and the vehicle suffers from poor outward visibility. Claustrophobics, beware.
Conclusion
Okay, Wrangler or FJ? Although my colleagues flip for the Toyota, I prefer the look and versatility of the Jeep. I would say that it's a question of feeling; I'm more at ease behind the wheel of the latter. And with two young children, the Unlimited is much more practical.
The Wrangler is obviously a step ahead of the TJ; it gains civility without sacrificing its main objective: getting us in the boonies to have some fun, and getting us out unscathed. But for an everyday vehicle, if you can, choose the Unlimited version.
 |
Unbeatable off-road capability
Improved fuel consumption
 |
Limited comfort on the road
Hard top gets scratched easily
 |
Emergency braking should be better
photo:Philippe Champoux
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