- The Jeep Wrangler is not a pleasure to drive
- Get ready to feel like you’re in a wind tunnel
- Do you have a footstool ready to climb in?
- The fuel economy is terrible in the Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler has long been a staple of the off-road community because of its looks, ability to cover rough terrain and Jeep’s proactive use of aftermarket accessories. However, critics like Consumer Reports are far from pleased with the 2022 Jeep Wrangler and have four significant complaints.
The Jeep Wrangler is not a pleasure to drive
Jeep Wrangler | Getty Images
Car technology has come a long way over the past few years, and many vehicles are now so comfortable to drive. You have to be cruising off-road before you feel all the bumps and jars we used to take for granted. Many SUVs have fixed this, and some now have a ride just as comfortable as a sedan.
Wrangler owners have known for years the ride is not going to be a pleasure, but with the advancing tech, it seems like they could make it a little better. That doesn’t seem to be the case for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler, and Consumer Reports was less than pleased.
Consumer Reports pointed out that the Wrangler is explicitly designed for going off-road, giving it some leeway.
Get ready to feel like you’re in a wind tunnel
One of the factors that help vehicles get good scores with critics like Consumer Reports, Car and Driver, and Edmunds is how quiet the ride is. Once again, the Wrangler has never been known for a quiet ride, and the 2022 model is no exception.
According to Consumer Reports, “On the highway, the Wrangler is out of its element. Because of its boxy shape, and its lack of a headliner to buffer noises, the wind noise is overwhelming once speeds approach 60 mph.”
You can always crank up the stereo to cover some of the noise, but even this may not help in some instances.
Do you have a footstool ready to climb in?
Wranglers are tall out of necessity. Climbing over boulders, crossing rivers and streams, and barreling over roads that will most likely never be paved can damage the undercarriage of a car. Hence, the tall frame.
For some people, this can make getting in and out tricky. While it’s true that you can use the running board to climb in and out, it can be an awkward adventure, especially if you’re dressed to impress. Consumer Reports pointed out that this can be a nightmare when the Wrangler is covered in mud or road salt during the winter.
The fuel economy is terrible in the Jeep Wrangler
SUVs have never had great fuel economy, although that is slowly changing. The V6 engine, which produces 285 hp, gets a mere 18 mpg. Given that gas prices are so high, this can put a real strain on the wallet of many Wrangler owners. Even if gas prices come back down, it’s not enough to make it worth it for some consumers to purchase a Wrangler.
There is now a plug-in hybrid Wrangler if you’re willing to spend a little more money. It gets an incredible 49 mpg, proving that the Wrangler can learn to keep up with the times. This will enable Wrangler owners to drive without cringing every time they pull into a gas station.
So, do all the negative aspects mean you should avoid the 2022 Jeep Wrangler? Of course not. You just need to be aware of the Wrangler’s shortcomings and purchase it for its strengths like going off-road, good rustic looks, and the ability to take the doors and roof off so you feel closer to the elements.
Keyword: 4 Things Consumer Reports Hates Most About the 2022 Jeep Wrangler