Few vehicles in the world are as instantly recognisable as the Jeep Wrangler. With its boxy stance, round headlights, and open-air freedom, it carries the DNA of the original WWII Jeep while continually evolving to meet modern expectations. For Australians, the Wrangler has always symbolised rugged adventure, from beach runs on Fraser Island to tackling the punishing red sands of the Outback.
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler arrives with notable updates that make it not only more capable off-road but also far more comfortable and technologically advanced for daily driving. With fresh styling cues, upgraded infotainment, advanced safety systems, and a choice of petrol and hybrid powertrains, the Wrangler aims to satisfy both hardcore adventurers and lifestyle buyers who want a statement SUV.
This deep-dive review explores every aspect of the 2025 Wrangler—from design to drivability, from off-road hardware to family-friendly comfort—so you can decide whether it’s the right open-air 4WD companion for your Aussie adventures.
Exterior Design – Rugged Heritage Meets Modern Refinement
At first glance, the 2025 Wrangler retains its unmistakable silhouette. Jeep wisely doesn’t mess with tradition, but subtle refinements make it feel fresher and more purposeful.
Front Fascia Updates: The iconic seven-slot grille has been slightly reshaped with slimmer slots and a blacked-out treatment that looks more modern while aiding airflow. LED headlights and fog lamps are now standard across the range, with adaptive lighting available on higher trims for better night visibility.
Wheels and Tyres: Depending on the variant, the Wrangler gets 17- to 20-inch alloys with rugged all-terrain tyres. The Rubicon continues to stand out with chunkier off-road tyres, beadlock-capable wheels, and higher ground clearance.
Body Options: The Wrangler continues to offer 2-door and 4-door Unlimited models. Buyers can opt for removable hardtops, soft-tops, or the Sky One-Touch power roof, making it the only true open-air SUV in its class.
Colours and Customisation: Jeep adds a few new hues for 2025, including Desert Sand and Hydro Blue, alongside classic shades like Firecracker Red and Granite Crystal.
The Wrangler’s appeal lies in its versatility—whether you want a daily SUV with a touch of adventure or a hardcore 4WD machine, the exterior reflects your personality.
Interior Comfort and Practicality – More Than Just a Rugged Cabin
Step inside, and the 2025 Wrangler feels far more premium and high-tech than ever before, without sacrificing durability.
Dashboard and Infotainment: The centrepiece is Jeep’s new 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, standard across the range. It’s faster, crisper, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation now includes trail maps for off-road adventures.
Materials and Build: Higher trims feature soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching, and leather upholstery, while entry-level models retain washable, hard-wearing materials for those who expect mud and dust inside.
Seating: The 4-door Unlimited models offer generous rear legroom, making them suitable for families. Heated and ventilated front seats, along with dual-zone climate control, ensure year-round comfort.
Storage: Despite its boxy design, the Wrangler is practical. The rear seats fold flat, and the boot offers ample room for camping gear. Waterproof floor plugs allow for easy washdowns after off-road escapades.
The interior no longer feels spartan; instead, it strikes a balance between rugged functionality and modern convenience.
Technology & Features – A Big Step Forward
Jeep has clearly realised that today’s SUV buyers demand more than just off-road chops. The 2025 Wrangler integrates advanced tech seamlessly.
Infotainment System: Uconnect 5 is faster, supports multiple user profiles, and includes over-the-air (OTA) updates. Off-road pages give live data on pitch, roll, and wheel articulation.
Digital Cluster: A configurable 10.25-inch driver display shows maps, vehicle stats, and safety alerts.
Connectivity: Multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, plus a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area, mean you’ll never run short of charging points.
Premium Audio: The available Alpine premium sound system makes the open-air experience even better when cruising with the roof off.
This tech leap makes the Wrangler not only trail-ready but also a strong contender for those who want a connected lifestyle vehicle.
Performance – Engine Choices and On-Road Dynamics
Australian buyers get a range of engines depending on the trim, balancing traditional grunt with efficiency.
2.0-litre Turbo Petrol: Produces around 200kW and 400Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic. It’s punchy, efficient, and well-suited for city and highway use.
3.6-litre Pentastar V6 Petrol: A naturally aspirated workhorse with about 210kW and 352Nm, ideal for those who value proven durability. Available with manual or auto.
4xe Plug-in Hybrid (Coming to Australia): Combines the 2.0-litre turbo with electric motors, delivering over 280kW combined and a pure-electric range of around 40km. Perfect for short urban commutes with weekend off-road muscle.
On-road, the Wrangler has improved refinement thanks to better suspension tuning and noise insulation. While it’s still not as plush as a Toyota Prado or Land Rover Defender, the 2025 model strikes a better balance between daily comfort and rugged character.
Off-Road Capability – The Wrangler’s Natural Habitat
Of course, the Wrangler shines brightest when the tarmac ends. Jeep continues to lead the off-road SUV pack.
4x4 Systems: Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4WD systems are available, with selectable high and low ranges. The Rubicon variant boasts locking front and rear differentials, an electronic sway bar disconnect, and heavy-duty Dana axles.
Ground Clearance & Angles: Up to 277mm of ground clearance, with approach, breakover, and departure angles that embarrass most rivals.
Water Fording: Capable of wading through up to 760mm of water—perfect for creek crossings in Northern Australia.
Trail Rated Badge: The Rubicon continues to carry Jeep’s ‘Trail Rated’ certification, proving its mettle on the toughest test courses.
For Aussies who love exploring remote tracks, dunes, or bush trails, the Wrangler remains the ultimate factory-built off-roader.
Safety and Driver Assistance
In past generations, the Wrangler lagged behind in safety features. The 2025 model closes the gap significantly.
Standard features include forward-collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
A 360-degree camera system aids both city parking and off-road manoeuvres.
Structural reinforcements improve crash safety, although its ladder-frame design means it’s still not as car-like as some unibody SUVs.
These upgrades make the Wrangler more appealing to families who want capability without compromising peace of mind.
Fuel Efficiency – Balancing Fun and Practicality
Fuel economy has never been the Wrangler’s strong suit, but Jeep has made strides.
The 2.0-litre turbo offers around 9.5L/100km combined, reasonable for a mid-size 4WD.
The V6 sits closer to 11.5L/100km.
The 4xe plug-in hybrid, once available, could slash fuel bills for urban drivers while still excelling on trails.
For long road trips and off-road expeditions, expect higher consumption, but that’s the price of true go-anywhere ability.
Variants and Pricing in Australia
While official pricing for 2025 trims is yet to be finalised, expect a familiar ladder:
Sport S: The entry-level model, with all key Wrangler features at the most affordable price point.
Sahara: More comfort and style, appealing to lifestyle buyers.
Rubicon: The hardcore off-roader, fully equipped for trails and rock crawling.
4xe (Hybrid): Likely to sit above Rubicon pricing but appeal to eco-conscious buyers who still crave adventure.
In Australia, pricing typically starts in the mid-$70K range and climbs beyond $100K for top variants.
Jeep Wrangler vs Rivals – How Does It Stack Up?
In the Australian market, the Wrangler faces off against several capable 4WDs:
Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series: More utilitarian but less refined for daily driving.
Ford Bronco (potential arrival): A direct rival, though not yet officially in Australia.
Land Rover Defender: More luxurious and advanced but at a significantly higher price.
Toyota Prado: A family-friendly all-rounder, though lacking the Wrangler’s open-air appeal.
The Wrangler stands alone as the only SUV blending authentic off-road chops with convertible-style freedom.
Maintenance & Ownership – What to Expect
Owning a Wrangler requires some commitment. Service intervals are every 12 months/12,000km. Parts availability is good in metro areas, though remote regions may face longer waits. Insurance premiums can be higher due to its off-road classification, but Jeep offers capped-price servicing packages.
Resale values are strong thanks to loyal demand, especially for Rubicon models.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Jeep Wrangler?
The Wrangler isn’t for everyone. If you want a quiet, plush commuter SUV, there are more practical options. But if you’re the type who values freedom, outdoor adventure, and individuality, few vehicles match the Wrangler’s spirit.
It appeals to:
Off-road enthusiasts who want factory-ready capability.
Families seeking a weekend adventure machine with daily usability.
Lifestyle buyers chasing unique open-air fun.
Eco-conscious drivers waiting for the 4xe hybrid.
Conclusion – An Icon Reinvented for 2025
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler proves that legends can evolve without losing their soul. It blends modern tech, improved safety, and better comfort with its core strengths: rugged capability and open-air freedom.
For Australians who crave adventure, whether that’s climbing rocky trails or simply cruising the Gold Coast with the roof off, the Wrangler remains unmatched. With the hybrid option on the horizon, it’s set to appeal to an even broader audience.
The Wrangler doesn’t try to be everything for everyone—it simply excels at being the authentic off-road SUV with a unique personality. In 2025, that makes it more desirable than ever.
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