Is the Jeep Wrangler worth Rs 68-72 lakh in India?

I've always loved "Jeeps" and have owned one since 27 years. It's a very my-kind-of-car.

BHPian Ripcord09 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

What you'll like:

1. A timeless design with loads of character
2. One of the best offroaders on the planet
3. Good build quality and abuse-friendly nature
4. Highly customisable. You can go crazy with modifications
5. Punchy 268-BHP 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is refined and smooth
6. 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox is competent and does the job well on / off-road
7. Loads of off-road tech (locking differentials, sway bar disconnect, full-float rear axle, etc.)
8. Features list includes ADAS tech, front camera, new 12.3-inch touchscreen, 9-speaker Alpine sound system, heated steering wheel & front seats, 12-way powered front seats, and more

What you won't:

1. Lack of engine options. No diesel engine on offer, nor a larger petrol (available internationally)
2. Firm, busy ride in the city. Bumpy on bad roads
3. Backseat isn't comfortable over long distances. Also, best for 2 adults and not 3
4. A 1-star Euro-NCAP safety rating is a dealbreaker for most buyers
5. On-road dynamics are poor, more so with the stock MT tyres (Jeep should've given AT tyres). Best to stick to safe speeds
6. Driver footwell is cramped and will get uncomfortable over long drives
7. Missing features like auto wipers, auto folding mirrors, a dead pedal, a 360-degree camera and ventilated seats

Review Link

The Wrangler Unlimited at Rs 67.65 lakh, ex-showroom, and Rubicon at Rs 71.65 lakh, ex-showroom, are placed in quite an odd price bracket in India. Choosing an alternative, especially to the Rubicon will be quite tricky and you will have to make a few sacrifices.

Soft-roader Alternatives

For a similar price as the Rubicon, you’ll be forced to choose a couple of soft-roaders from European and Japanese brands. Here are price and performance comparisons:

Although you can find better performance in some of the SUVs listed above compared to the Rubicon, they simply aren’t as capable of taking it for hardcore off-road sessions. Mud and ruts are something these alternatives can handle. Anything more and then you will be better off in the Jeep Wrangler.

Off-roader Alternatives

If you are hell-bent on looking for a capable alternative to the Rubicon, the choices are between affordable Indian offroaders or the expensive Defender. Here is a breakdown of the price and performance of hardcore off-roader alternatives to the Wrangler Rubicon:

The above off-roaders are capable machines and can almost take any challenge that the terrain throws at them.

So, the question remains - Would you buy a Jeep Wrangler in 2024? If not, then which car would you buy instead?

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Really has no direct competition. I loved driving the recent update - unmatched character, enough pep, terrific capability and something "different". Change the tyres to AT and it'll be sweet on the road, as well as off it (don't know why Jeep gives it MT rubber).

Importantly, I would definitely buy it over some of its tamer, smaller competition.

Voted Yes. Looks hot as it comes from the factory and as you would guess, I'd modify it further in the initial 3 months itself. But like other offroaders, it is not everyone's cup of tea. Most people would be better served in one of the more user-friendly crossovers.

As for me, I've always loved "Jeeps" and have owned one since 27 years. It's a very my-kind-of-car.

Here's what BHPian Turbanator had to say on the matter:

It's a good buy, sort of unique at a price point but my single most reason for not buying or asking others to do a check is the tiny footwell space. It's pointed out in our review as well. I don't think there is a workaround so anyone with a strong build or a foot size of over 11 should spend some time in the car before buying one.

Also, with the eminent launch of 100% lookalike 4-door Thar, it will be fairly common on the roads. I will probably avoid this.

Here's what BHPian Cresterk had to say on the matter:

No.

It's better than the Thar in every way.

But it is not 50-60L better than the thar in any way.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:

Noted no.

The Grand Cherokee is now within touching distance of the Wrangler after discounts. That makes a lot more sense, the space, comfort and performance of an urban SUV along with serious off-road chops unmatched by the German soft roaders.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.