Jeep Wrangler: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?

Most significant changes: Xtreme Recon Package now available with four-door Willys trim; 7-inch touchscreen now on all but the base two-door Sport without air conditioning, 8.4-inch touchscreen with premium audio standard on Sahara and Rubicon; standard cabin filter

Pricing: $32,915 for base two-door Sport, up $655 for 2022, with most prices up $655 to $980; Wrangler Unlimited 4xe plug-in hybrid up $1,305-$1,405; $100 destination increase

On sale: Now

Which should you buy, 2021 or 2022? Depending on local availability, a 2021 Wrangler might be a better buy if you can do without the larger touchscreens and other updates.

Available in two- or four-door body styles, the latter called the Wrangler Unlimited and covered separately on Cars.com’s research and inventory pages, Jeep’s iconic Wrangler SUV returns for 2022 with expanded availability of its 7-inch touchscreen and Xtreme Recon Package, plus other minor updates that come with mostly minor price increases.

As before, all Wranglers come with standard four-wheel drive. Base Sport trims come with a 5-inch touchscreen, cloth seats, a folding soft top, crank windows and manual door locks, foglights, push-button start and 17-inch wheels. Additional features as you move up trim levels include a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen; power windows, locks and mirrors; keyless entry; automatic climate control; a heated steering wheel and seats; a hard top or power soft top; larger wheels and tires; and assorted off-road equipment. The Xtreme Recon Package now available for the four-door Willys trim adds greater off-road capability with 35-inch tires and a 1.5-inch suspension lift.

Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, an important safety feature, remains optional on the 2022 Wrangler. Other available safety and driver-assist options include adaptive cruise control and a blind spot warning system.

Engine

The base powertrain consists of a 285-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine paired with a standard six-speed manual or optional eight-speed automatic transmission. Available powertrains include a 270-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; a 260-hp, turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6; and a 470-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 on the Rubicon 392. All of those pair with an eight-speed automatic. The plug-in Wrangler Unlimited 4xe combines two electric motors with a battery pack and turbocharged four-cylinder engine for a total system output of 375 hp; it also pairs with an eight-speed automatic.

Interior

The Wrangler can accommodate up to five occupants, with decent if not abundant room front and rear. The cabin is on the narrow side and pretty basic in lower trims; upper trims have more luxurious appointments, but wind and road noise are noticeable regardless of what you buy.

Prices

Starting prices for all 2022 Wrangler trim levels are as follows and include a $1,595 destination, up $100 from 2021. Prices are increases unless otherwise noted. A diesel engine is available with four-door models for an additional $3,510.

Wrangler

Sport: $31,320 ($655)
Willys Sport: $33,380 ($655)
Sport S: $34,520 ($655)
Willys: $37,375 ($340 decrease)
Rubicon: $42,095 ($980)

Wrangler Unlimited

Sport: $34,820 ($655)
Willys Sport: $36,880 ($655)
Sport S: $38,020 ($655)
Willys: $40,875 ($340 decrease)
Sport Altitude: $40,015 ($655)
Sahara: $42,045 ($980)
Rubicon: $45,595 ($980)
Sahara Altitude: $45,640 ($980)
High Altitude: $52,770 ($200 decrease)
Rubicon 392: $76,395 ($405)

Wrangler Unlimited 4xe

Sahara: $54,125 ($1,305)
Rubicon: $57,825 ($1,305)
High Altitude: $59,700 ($1,405)