- Excellent all-terrain capabilities
- Strong V6 powertrain
- What Consumer Reports dislikes in the 2022 Jeep Wrangler
Consumer Reports rarely gives an overall score of less than 30 out of 100 for any vehicle model. However, this is different for the Jeep Wrangler with its 28 out of 100, the current lowest score of any 2022 model year vehicle. For context, the closest alternative in the mid-sized SUV segment, the 2022 Ford Bronco, scores 47 out of 100. However, this is not to say the reviewer hates everything about the car. In fact, Consumer Reports points out two major positives.
Excellent all-terrain capabilities
Jeep Wrangler | Getty Images
The Jeep Wrangler has historically been built as an off-road vehicle, and it’s not any different for the 2022 model year. As such, it’s not surprising that its off-roading capabilities were one of two things that Consumer Reports liked in the SUV. Notably, the car features plenty of ground clearance allowing it to handle rock-strewn hills.
All trims feature four-wheel drive, including the 4xe PHEV, which is just as impressive off-road as the other gas-powered Wranglers. Nevertheless, the off-roading experience should prove different given the car adds electric motors to the mix.
For some trims, like the Rubicon and Sahara options, there’s a selectable full-time four-wheel drive system that users don’t have to turn off depending on road conditions. That said, Consumer Reports recommends the Sahara for those committed to taking on rugged terrains. Some of the appropriate extras included are off-road tires, lockable axles, and off-road suspension.
As for the Rubicon variants, there’s even the addition of protective underbody skid plates. It’s worth noting that the traction for some trim options may be fairly limited since they ship with on-road tires. Also, the hill descent control should help make going downhill on a slippery slope a little easier.
Strong V6 powertrain
While there are various powertrains available with the Wrangler, Consumer Reports likes the 3.6L V6 coupled with an 8-speed transmission the most. According to the reviewer, this combination provides 0 to 60 acceleration in 7.3 seconds which is by no means slow. Furthermore, the 8-speed automatic transmission is smooth, makes timely shifts, and is generally unproblematic in use.
Nevertheless, this 3.6L V6 isn’t cheap to fuel and offers only 18 mpg. Other engine options include a 4-cylinder, 3.0L V6 diesel, a high-performance V8, and even a plug-in hybrid option. The PHEV version may offer slightly better fuel economy, while others, like the V8, will have buyers spending more on gas.
What Consumer Reports dislikes in the 2022 Jeep Wrangler
As for the things that Consumer Reports dislikes in the 2022 Jeep Wrangler, one is the stiff ride due to rigid suspension. Consequently, there’s no keeping bumps and even small jolts out of the cabin. This is only made worse by the plush soft seats losing support over long journeys and the rear seat bottom being too low to offer a comfortable sitting position.
Another gripe is the terrible access. Although the provided running board is meant to ease car entry and exit, it seems to do the opposite. It either positions your body too high, necessitating that you drop into the car, or you have to step over it one leg at a time. Both options make entry awkward and uncomfortable.
Furthermore, getting out is just as problematic, and the same running board may end up rubbing on your leg or pants. Lastly, the rear door is rather slim. However, Jeep does try to make up for it by adding a grab handle for extra support while entering and exiting.
Next is the fuel economy, with the 3.6L V6 mentioned above achieving only 18 mpg in the tests putting it quite low in a class of fuel-guzzling vehicles. For context, Consumer Reports‘ highest-rated mid-sized SUV, the 2022 Subaru Outback, achieved 24 mpg.
Notably, there are some more fuel-efficient trim options in the line-up, including the plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe. However, these are few compared to the rest of the line-up.
The last major issue the reviewer has with the car is the wind noise which it attributes to the boxy shape of the vehicle and the lack of a headliner. That said, it’s worth noting that under 60 mph, this wind noise likely won’t be an issue.
Keyword: Consumer Reports Only Likes 2 Things About the 2022 Jeep Wrangler