Some vehicle models have withstood the test of time to become iconic mainstays on American roads. The Jeep Wrangler is one of these, with a long history of functionality — and styling dating back to World War II. Nowadays it’s very common to see a Wrangler cruising around town with the top down when the weather is nice or heading out for an outdoor adventure on the weekend.
If you’ve ever seen a Jeep Wrangler drive by and felt a pang of jealousy, it’s enough to make you wonder: What makes a Jeep Wrangler so cool? Here’s more on why we think this SUV has remained so sought-after for decades.
Instantly Recognizable Design
Even those who proclaim they are “not car people” can usually recognize a Jeep Wrangler. Its boxy frame, open-air feel and rugged wheels are unmistakable. As Motor Trend notes in a review, the Wrangler is one of the most appealing-looking vehicles in existence today, noting how it harkens back to the original military design (but with lots of modern upgrades, of course).
When we step on the dealership lot, the first thing we tend to notice is how vehicles look. We ask ourselves questions like: Could I see myself driving this vehicle? Do I feel excited by the idea of seeing this car in my garage or driveway every day? Does this vehicle’s appearance match with my personality and sense of taste? The Wrangler tends to really deliver in this area, making it a fan favorite.
Unmatched Off-Road Capabilities
Whether someone chooses a Jeep Wrangler because they love the look and feel or because they want to traverse rugged territory, this SUV comes standard with a 4×4 drivetrain. Serious off-road aficionados are drawn to the Rubicon trim level because it comes with performance and safety features meant to support drivers as they crawl over rocks, ford streams and slog through mud.
Off-roading is such a beloved niche hobby there are local clubs full of Wrangler drivers who meet up to share this passion. Jeep as an automaker tends to be very responsive to what off-roaders want and need in a vehicle, even designing an Xtreme Recon package with 35-inch wheels and a 100:1 crawl ratio based on the types of modifications Wrangler drivers wanted.
Many Ways to Modify the Wrangler
Speaking of modifications, the sheer customizability of the Jeep Wrangler is certainly another part of the appeal. Most of us don’t want to feel like we’re driving any SUV; we want to feel like we’re driving our SUV. The ability to modify how the Wrangler looks, feels and performs is a strength.
The Jeep Wrangler has one of the largest aftermarket industries — if not the largest — full of parts and accessories that can help drivers make their SUVs one-of-a-kind. This means the SUV you buy at the dealership can either be the rough draft or the finished product, depending on how much interest you have in making upgrades according to your wants and needs.
There’s a wide world of parts and accessories out there to change your Wrangler: floor mats, seat covers, skid plates, camping gear, lift kits, soft/hard tops, light bars, wheel covers and many more. Drivers looking for new ideas on how to modify their SUVs can even find forums full of dedicated Wrangler owners discussing their own experiences and choices.
It’s hard to distill what makes a Jeep Wrangler so cool into just one brief answer, but at the end of the day we believe it’s a combination of standalone design, endless modification opportunities and off-road prowess.
