Evolution Of the Jeep Wrangler: Past, Present, And Future

Staying true to its roots, here's how the Wrangler has changed over the generations and continues to remain one of the few surviving old-school 4x4s

The Jeep Wrangler deserves the utmost respect. You see, in an automotive world where the vast majority of vehicles have ditched their rugged underpinnings in favor of more civilized, softer, and less capable designs, the Jeep remains old school. In fact, it is as old-school as it gets.

The old-schoolness however, doesn't stop underneath. From the outside, the Wrangler remains one of the last boxy and true-to-their routes vehicles on the road. Put a Willy’s Jeep right next to an all-new JL and although the latter is far larger, the design is incredibly similar.

So, this article is a tribute to one of the most legendary 4x4s to ever exist. We are going to cover the past, present, and future of arguably the most capable 4x4 currently on sale.

RELATED: The Unmatched History Of The Jeep Wrangler

The story of how the Jeep came to be is an interesting one – one that is based on need and war. As World War II loomed, the U.S. Army needed a versatile and rugged reconnaissance vehicle. That vehicle needed to have good ground clearance, four-wheel drive, and the ability to carry equipment.

Something you might not be aware of is the fact that the Willys had competition when the U.S. army was choosing their vehicle of choice. In 1940, 135 companies were invited to submit bids and three of the most reputable ones were the Bantam Car Company, Ford, and Willys Overland Motors. As you might have guessed, the chosen company was Willys Overland thanks to its superior design over the competition.

RELATED: The Long, Illustrious History of Jeep Pickup Trucks

In most cases, the first iterations of any car model are also the coolest. Cars were made differently back then and the cool factor was big. The square-fender Jeeps captured the hearts of civilians and were put into production with staggering numbers being sold over the years. The open-top feel, immensely cool design, and great abilities were the staple of the vehicle and have stayed alive even in the latest JL Wrangler models.

Today, the old Willys trucks are loved and cherished as some of the most iconic 4x4s ever created. Some of them may still be found on the trail tackling huge rocks with big tires, custom suspension kits, and of course, more modern and powerful engines.

RELATED: 10 Things Only True Off-Roaders Know About The Jeep Wrangler CJ-7

The military versions of the Willys were dubbed the Willys MB and were in production between 1941 to 1945. The civilian versions which started with the CJ-2A kicked off in 1945 and evolved in size and comfort until the CJ-7 and CJ-8 in 1985.

When the CJ was pulled out of production, the company gave us the first Wrangler – the YJ. The YJ utilized a similar leaf-sprung chassis to the CJ but was a bit more civilized. This is the Wrangler that is known for its controversial square headlights which some people didn't like.

After the CJ came the TJ which at the time was a huge step ahead of the older models. The legendary 4.0 liter straight six engine was found in many of the TJs while the chassis got a complete make-over and now utilised coil springs instead of leaf springs.

Coil springs made the TJ more comfortable but also more capable. You see, this type of suspension provides more articulation over tough terrain meaning that the TJ could keep its wheels in contact with the ground for longer. So, the TJ was more powerful, more comfortable, and more capable than ever – a combination that was achieved.

Worth noting is that with the TJ, in 2003, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Rubicon. This was a new trim level geared towards the hard-core off-roaders. Back then, the Rubicon would get you front and rear locking differentials, a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, four-wheel disc brakes, and 31-inch all-terrain tires. The TJ Rubicon was the start of the trim level; however, the Rubicon became famous with the next-generation JK Wrangler.

RELATED: Why The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the Most Capable 4x4 on the Market

The JK was bigger and more modern than ever. It measured 5.4 inches wider while its wheelbase was increased by two inches – overall length was clipped by three inches. Most importantly, a four-door version was now offered. This made the Wrangler more appealing to families or people who needed a spacious daily driver.

The JK was also far safer than before but still offered a thirsty six-cylinder engine which in this instance was in a V-6 configuration. The 3.8 V-6 used pushrods and was, for a lack of better word, ancient in design. The Jeep's weight and power-sapping four-speed automatic transmission meant that the new model could only manage 20mpg on the highway while also being painfully slow – especially when modified with larger tires.

In 2012, a staggering five model years after the JK first went on sale, Jeep ditched the old 3.8 liter V-6 and replaced it with the all-new (at the time) Pentastar V-6. Power jumped to 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque which was a substantial increase when compared to the older models.

Oh, and let’s not forget that at the same time, the Wrangler was given a far more modern five-speed automatic transmission. Also worth mentioning is that even with the more modern and civilized version, the Wrangler still offered a removable roof, doors and a fold-down front windscreen.

RELATED: 10 Ways The Jeep Wrangler Is Better Than The Ford Bronco

Few 4x4s have gotten more comfortable and capable at the same time. As mentioned in the beginning, most models out there have gotten more comfortable., but when it comes to extreme terrain, weaker and less capable.

This isn't the case with the Wrangler JL. The Rubicon model features a suspension lift, large 33-inch tires, solid Dana 44 axles with lockers front and rear, sway bar disconnects, and traction systems that keep you going even when lockers aren’t used.

The sheet metal and exterior remain incredibly similar to the older models with a foldable windscreen, removable doors, and a removable roof. Of course, refinements to the design have been made and the interior is now better than ever thanks to an intuitive infotainment system and an incredibly cool and old-school dashboard design.

All-new it might be, but the toughest of trails in the country are still littered with the new model on huge tires and big suspension lifts which suggests that Jeep is doing the right thing.

RELATED: 4 Solid Reasons Why You Should Buy A Jeep Wrangler In 2023

Electrification and 4x4s currently do not go along well with each other. Electric range drops drastically when off-roading due to the increased load on the motors and batteries. That being said, Jeep does everything possible to electrify the Wrangler while also keeping its old-school underpinnings.

The Magneto concept is a perfect example of this as it is an electrified Jeep with solid axles and lockers. Also, on the road we currently have the 4xe – a plug-in hybrid version of the Wrangler that adds electrification to the existing platform. So, if electrification is ever imposed on us, we can count on Jeep to provide the world with an immensely capable and adaptable 4x4.

Theo has dedicated his life to cars. He has studied the only Automotive Journalism course in the world located at Coventry University and describes this passion as a clinical obsession. Give Theo four wheels and he will drool over the piece of metal, plastic, and glass in between them for hours. Once he is done, he will let you know if it’s good or not.